Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced that Five Guys, the popular fast-casual burger chain, is set to open at Universal CityWalk. The new location will take over the current home of the Burger King Whopper Bar, which is scheduled to close effective April 21. Originally opening in 2009, the Burger King Whopper Bar was positioned as a more “premium” take on the traditional Burger King experience, complete with customizable Whoppers. The concept was introduced as a response to the rising popularity of fast-casual burger chains like Five Guys – making its replacement here a fittingly ironic full-circle moment. An opening date for Five…

Universal Orlando has introduced three brand-new second-generation interactive wands inspired by fan-favorite characters: Voldemort, Sirius Black, and Luna Lovegood. The new wands expand Universal’s updated line of second-generation interactive wands, which feature enhanced technology designed to create a more responsive and immersive spell-casting experience throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – including light effects and haptic feedback. Guests can use the wands at designated spell locations in all 3 Wizarding World locations. The new second-generation interactive wands retail for approximately $85 plus tax and are available for purchase at select merchandise locations throughout the resort, including the Universal Studios…

Universal Orlando has announced Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating their annual passholders with extra perks, will return May 1-21, 2026. Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Universal Orlando with extra benefits only available for a limited time. Here are some of the exclusive offerings that Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Bonus Benefits: UOAP Exclusive Menu will be available for Passholders at select locations from May 1 to 21, 2026. The menu includes: CityWalk Viking Bee Sting at Voodoo Doughnut Vanilla cake, decorated with boysenberry velvet top, candy bees, and Honeycomb cereal ($5.25 +…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 6, 2026, to April 12, 2026. Universal Orlando Butterbeer Season has returned to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The annual tradition, which will take place through May 31, allows fans to celebrate their love for Butterbeer by enjoying a selection of confections that includes all-new variations of the classic favorite, as well as shopping for exclusive Butterbeer-themed merchandise. Universal Orlando is celebrating the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie with a limited-time experience in Super Nintendo World and Universal CityWalk from March 10 (MAR10…

Universal Studios Hollywood will be opening a Pop Mart location at CityWalk Hollywood. Walls have gone up around the former Take 2 location, a discount merchandise store that closed earlier this week. Pop Mart is a global collectible toy brand known for its figures sold in “blind boxes,” where buyers don’t know which item they’ll receive until opened. The brand recently surged in popularity thanks to the growing craze surrounding its Labubu character. No further details or timeframe have been announced regarding the store’s opening. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts.…

Construction walls have officially gone up in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, signaling that long-anticipated changes to the land are now imminent. While Universal has yet to make a formal announcement regarding specific details, the company previously confirmed in late 2025 that plans were underway, stating they were preparing The Lost Continent “for any future developments.” Currently, construction walls block access to the former courtyard of The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad show. The walls feature graphics of random Lost Continent iconography, with Universal not tipping their hand as to what the future holds for the area. Additional walls…

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared new details on Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, an original interactive experience coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026. Guests will step into the Forbidden Forest for an immersive walk-through adventure led by a Hogwarts professor specializing in Magical Creatures. Along the way, they’ll encounter a variety of familiar and fantastical beings, including pixies, owls, spiders, and even the infamous Monster Book of Monsters, as they take on a daring nighttime mission. Throughout the journey, a series of obstacles will test their courage and magical abilities as…

Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas has announced it will bring “Feaster Grievings” to life in an all-new, original experience running from April 1 through May 2, 2026. “Feaster Grievings” tells the tale of an unfinished horror film that has resurfaced, leaving its sinister protagonist, Feaster Bunny, eager to complete what he started. As guests enter Universal Horror Unleashed, they’ll receive a call sheet and become a part of the production, beginning their journey on a rotten egg hunt. As they embark on their twisted search, they’ll come face-to-face with eerie characters like Grace, the young, spoiled girl who torments…

HAPPY EASTER! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from March 30, 2026, to April 5, 2026. Universal Orlando It’s the final week of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 2026, which wraps up on Saturday, April 4. The event brings the spirit of New Orleans and Carnaval celebrations from around the globe to the heart of Universal Studios Florida. The popular event features a dazzling parade with vibrant floats, street performers, and tons of beads; live concerts on select nights by top names in music; and an expansive menu of international…

Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a new Dining Pass, offering guests a new way to plan and enjoy multiple food and beverage options throughout the park. The Dining Pass allows visitors to purchase a set number of meals and snacks at a fixed price of $64.75 per person ($59 plus tax). Guests can redeem the pass at designated participating venues throughout the park. The offering includes two (2) eligible entrée items and four (4) eligible sides, snacks, desserts, or beverages. The pass excludes menu items priced at $25 or higher, alcoholic beverages, Starbucks locations, Coca-Cola Freestyle products, retail stores, merchandise,…