Author: Brian Glenn

Today, Universal Orlando invited select members of the media to get an early experience of their newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Universal describes the ride as a first-of-its-kind blaster attraction, that blends immersive sets, interactive game-based technology, custom animation, and an original storyline to create a “one-of-a-kind” attraction. The story goes that guests are entering Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the notorious supervillain group, the Vicious 6. As guests make their way through…

Villain-Con Minion Blast has begun technical rehearsals with the general public, better known as “Soft Opening”. For those unfamiliar, a “Soft Opening” is essentially a technical rehearsal of a new attraction or a final release candidate test for the ride. All the major components are installed and operational but some tweaks, changes, and updates will occur prior to the grand opening. “Soft Openings” are never promised. There is no guarantee the ride will be opening. The ride might only open for a period of time, all day, or not at all, depending on any issues or changes. There is no…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Toad will finally be arriving to meet & greet guests. Starting July 15, guests will be able to meet Toad inside Super Nintendo World. Toad joins Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach as characters that you can meet inside the land. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

Universal Orlando has shared more information on their new upcoming, first-of-its-kind blaster game attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Per Universal, guests will enter the attraction and will immediately be transported to Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the notorious supervillain group, the Vicious 6, featured in the hit film, Minions: Rise of Gru. As guests make their way through the convention, they’ll venture through the trade show floor, stocked with the latest gadgets, vehicles, and…

Universal Parks has released special “Preview” merchandise for their latest house announcement – Stranger Things. Featuring Season 4’s main villain, Vecna – guests can pick up the red & black t-shirt and hat at the 5 & Dime in Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida, or at the All Hallows’ Boutique at Islands of Adventure. Hollywood fans can get their preview merchandise at Universal Studio Store inside the park. The t-shirt is available for $33+tax, while the trucker hat is listed for $30+tax. The Preview Merchandise is available for a limited time, while supplies last. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

It’s time to return to the Upside Down! Universal has announced that Netflix’s Stranger Things will be featured as a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on the hit Netflix series, the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s; as the town deals with several paranormal events, including “the Upside Down”, an alternate dimension filled with dangerous entities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC3Uz9sg130 This year, the maze will focus on Season 4’s events; where guests will come face-to-face with Vecna – who is hell-bent on obliterating the volatile barrier…

Universal Orlando has released information and prices for multi-night tickets, such as the Frequent Fear Pass, for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Studios Florida. In addition, Universal has announced that they have extended Halloween Horror Nights 32 run – adding Nov 1-4, 2023 to the event’s dates. Guests can purchase the Rush of Fear Pass, which allows them to visit the first 18 event nights, for $179.99+tax. Adding the Express option will increase the Rush of Fear price to $529.99+tax. The Frequent Fear Pass standard ticket costs $229.99+tax, which allows entry to 30 nights of the event…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that construction will soon begin on a new Fast & Furious roller coaster. Equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to bring guests within the Fast & Furious universe, Universal Studios Hollywood states the new coaster will feature “innovative and technological achievements never previously employed to this all-new thrill ride”. The coaster is set to take over the area in the Upper Lot where the Animal Actors Stage, the Special Effects Show, and the Production Central were once located. Demolition for those buildings began earlier in the year. Unfortunately, no other details have been…

Universal Destinations & Experiences today announced the appointment of Molly Murphy as President of Universal Creative effective August 14, 2023. Murphy joins Universal from Gensler, a global architecture, design and planning firm where she led global and technical teams and delivered award-winning brand and design strategies for clients in the travel & hospitality, leisure, and cruise line industries. Most recently, she was Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler New York, where she co-founded Gensler’s Digital Experience Design practice, which uses interactive and visualization technologies and specialized software to enhance physical spaces and create immersive experiences. “Molly has an energy and…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from July 10, 2023, to July 16, 2023. Universal Orlando Minion Cafe and Minion Land  – which includes Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – has officially soft opened! A soft opening is a technical rehearsal where all the major components are operational but some tweaks, changes, and updates will occur prior to the grand opening. Operating hours can vary, and an opening is not guaranteed until the area officially opens – which hasn’t been announced yet. Villain-Con Minion Blast…