Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced that the Death Eaters will appear for the first time ever in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley on select dates from September 1 through November 4. Once inside Diagon Alley, guests will encounter the villainous Death Eaters – devoted followers of Lord Voldemort and practitioners of the Dark Arts. The interactive experience puts guests face-to-face with the Death Eaters as they roam through the streets of London, Diagon, and Knockturn Alley. A variety of Death Eater-themed merchandise will also be available for purchase. The Death Eaters first arrived at Universal Orlando in 2019, appearing as…

Universal Orlando has announced the theme for 2023’s Dead Coconut Club, the seasonal overlay for the Red Coconut Club in CityWalk, with this year being called “Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club in 3D”. Per Universal – “The frightful fiends of Monstergram Pictures have completed their latest B-movie epic: Target Planet Coconut, and they are premiering it at the one and only Dead Coconut Club.” If you visited the All Hallows’ Eve Boutique at Islands of Adventure during the Summer, you’d recognize that this continues the story of the Universal Monsters filming their B-movie. Universal Passholders will be amongst the…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 5, 2024, until March 8, 2024, for its annual winter maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water rides during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from Aug 21, 2023, to Aug 27, 2023. Universal Orlando Minion Land – which includes Villain-Con Minion Blast, Minion Cafe, Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – is officially open! 2023’s Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders, begins August 15 and continues through September 30. The Taste of Terror experience is available for guests who want to get a “taste” of what’s to come for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can…

Universal Orlando gave an “Early Sneak Peek” for their Halloween Horror Nights 32 merchandise by releasing several items in the newly-rethemed All Hallows’ Eve Boutique – which now predominantly features Dr. Oddfellow – in Islands of Adventure. Amongst Dr. Oddfellow’s “Traveling Oddities”, fans can find posters featuring characters from the different houses and zones that will be featured at this year’s event. As of now, the merchandise features 5 different design lines – Lil Boo’s Scary Halloween, Creepy Curiosities, Universal Monsters: Unmasked, Studios Screamers, and Chucky. It’s worth noting that the “Sneak Peek” is very much a sneak peek, as…

The iconic Universal City sign on the Upper Lot hillside has been demolished as site preparation continues for the new Fast & Furious Coaster. Demolition has been ongoing for the past few months around the Upper Lot; with the Animal Actors Stage, the Castle Theatre, and the Production Central store completely demolished now. In recent weeks, the hillside has seen additional site preparation with tree removal. There is no word as to whether Universal Studios will install a new sign once construction completes – but we’re crossing our fingers! Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on…

Universal Orlando invited us out to get a preview of their new “Taste of Terror” experience, a separately ticketed event that will offer guests an exclusive preview of select items that will be featured at the event. The new “sneak peek” gives fans a chance to see what they can expect at this year’s event, especially as Universal has increased focus and efforts on their food & beverage options in recent years. With some heavy hitter franchises being featured at Halloween Horror Nights 32, it also gave Universal Parks chefs an opportunity to get really creative with their offerings, especially…

Hello Kitty is getting spooky just in time for Halloween Horror Nights as Hello Kitty x Chucky merchandise has arrived at Universal Studios Florida. The collaboration features Hello Kitty dressed as Chucky, the infamous murderous doll from the Child’s Play film series. The merchandise can be found at the Hello Kitty Store in Universal Studios Florida. The merch line features a t-shirt ($33), a spirit jersey ($80), and a pin ($18). More items are expected to arrive soon. Chucky will be featured at Halloween Horror Nights 32 in the haunted house, Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from Aug 14, 2023, to Aug 20, 2023. Universal Orlando Minion Land – which includes Villain-Con Minion Blast, Minion Cafe, Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – is officially open! 2023’s Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders, begins August 15 and continues through September 30. The Taste of Terror experience is available for guests who want to get a “taste” of what’s to come for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can…

Universal Orlando has announced the Hogwarts Express, the train attraction that allows guests to travel between both Wizarding Worlds, will temporarily close for a brief refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from December 10 through December 16, 2023. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. The brief closure is most likely maintenance related. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.