Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood has walled off the extended queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in preparation for relocating the attraction’s rental lockers to a new area. Congestion has been an issue around the lockers, which are located at the attraction’s entrance – especially during the busier seasons. Orlando’s version had similar issues and relocated their lockers in 2020 which helped alleviate the bottlenecks. There is no timeframe for the project. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are celebrating the upcoming release of DreamWorks Animations’ new film, Trolls Band Together – in theaters on Friday, November 17 – with limited-time experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy. Beginning this week, guests across both coasts can “get happy” with these special offerings inspired by the new film and popular Trolls characters: Trolls-Themed Beverages: Guests can indulge in an assortment of all-new “fantastamazing” beverages themed to favorite Trolls characters at Mel’s Diner in Universal Studios Hollywood and Schwab’s Pharmacy at Universal Studios Florida, including: Tiny Diamond Shake (featured at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood) –…

During the holiday season, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights and miles of beautiful garland for Knott’s Merry Farm. New for guests this year, Knott’s melodrama company presents a reimagined Charles Dickens classic, A Calico Christmas Carol. The Bird Cage Theatre will also present the heartwarming Knott’s version of O. Henry’s classic tale of love and sacrifice, The Gift of the Magi, 1885. Christmas in Calico continues as the Snow and Glow experience fills the buildings and paths with thousands of lights dancing to the beat of Christmas music while “snow” gently falls throughout Ghost Town. The Wilderness…

Universal Orlando has closed Punga Racers at Volcano Bay for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from November 6, 2023, until November 26, 2023, for 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.

Universal Studios Hollywood has decided to make a store change, ditching the Transformers Supply Vault for the new home of Production Central. Located in the Lower Lot, the Supply Vault was the official store of Transformers: The Ride – 3D since the ride opened in 2012. Production Central was originally located in the Upper Lot before closing for Fast & Furious coaster construction earlier this year. With the change, the store carries an assortment of different merchandise – including Transformers, Fast & Furious, and general Universal Studios Hollywood logo merch. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news…

Universal Orlando has released a new souvenir ‘The Grinch’ Sipper as they get ready to celebrate the upcoming Holiday season. The new sipper features the head of the Mean One, himself, donning a Santa hat, and retails for $18+ tax. As of now, we found the sipper at the Universal Studios Store at Universal Studios Florida, but we expect more availability at other locations soon. The Holidays at Universal Orlando begin Friday, November 17, and will run daily through Sunday, December 31. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter –…

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its annual garage sale is returning. This year’s garage sale will take place from November 12th to 14th. Annual Passholders will get early access starting November 11 from 7 am – 7 pm. (Valid Annual or Seasonal Pass, and photo ID required.) The garage sale features merchandise from the parks that are available at an extremely discounted price. The entrance will be located on the ground floor of the Universal Orlando Team Member Parking Garage. As a special bonus, Passholders who make a purchase on Nov 11 will receive 2 FREE UOAP buttons from…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 6, 2023, to November 12, 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! Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure is closed for its annual refurbishment. The ride is expected to reopen on November 18, 2023. Punga Racers at Volcano Bay is closed for refurbishment. The ride is expected to reopen on…

Universal Orlando has announced dates for 2024’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, running daily from February 3 through April 7, 2024. The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world – plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. More details about…

Universal Orlando has officially started using Photo Validation Facial Recognition for ticket entry at Islands of Adventure. Universal is touting the new validation as a “faster way” to enter the parks. Guests approach the turnstile to get their tickets scanned and wait for the camera to scan their face. The first visit will require your photo to be taken, but subsequent visits will allow a quicker entry once the photo is in the system. Once the scan is validated, you enter the park. Guests can opt out of the process but will be required to present a valid photo ID…