Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

Knott’s Berry Farm announced its plans for this Summer, including the opening of the recently-transformed Fiesta Village on May 26, 2023. The reimagined Fiesta Village features enhanced theming, beautiful décor, authentic food, immersive entertainment, thrilling rides, and more. Fiesta Village comes alive both day and night to celebrate the Hispanic influences in Southern California. Guests can enjoy the sounds of Mariachi music, encounter a storyteller spinning whimsical tales of the alebrijes, experience performances of the traditional dance Folklorico and be entertained by interactive puppets and their playful antics. Those who venture through the newly landscaped alebrije gardens can meet Fiesta…

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Universal Orlando has introduced a new “Get 3 Days Free with a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket” offer that allows guests to save on five days of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Volcano Bay. The special ticket offer comes as Universal Orlando gets ready for the summer season with the upcoming debut of the all-new Minion Land and the interactive blaster game experience, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.                OFFER                                                                             DETAILS   Buy a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket and get THREE EXTRA DAYS FREE (pricing varies depending on…

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Universal Studios Hollywood is now selling dinnerware from Super Nintendo World’s Toadstool Cafe. Guests can now purchase the “Mushroom” bowl used to serve Tomato Soup & Super Mushroom Soup for $19.99 (or from Bowser’s Fireball Challenge for $29.99) when ordering at Toadstool Cafe. If you just want the Collectible Plateware Set without ordering, it is available for purchase at the register for $20. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 8, 2023, to May 14, 2023. Universal Orlando Poseidon’s Fury is set to permanently close at the end of the day on May 9, 2023. The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, the nightly show that takes place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, will have its last showings on May 9, 2023, before its extended closure for “future show enhancements”. Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. No refurbishments at this time. Universal Studios Hollywood Super Nintendo World is…

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SeaWorld Orlando has announced that Pipeline: The Surf Coaster will officially open on May 27th. Passholders will get the first crack at the new roller coaster, with passholder previews beginning May 12th. https://twitter.com/SeaWorld/status/1652734974225702912?s=20 Riders will surf up to heights of 110-feet in the air and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950 feet of track. The coaster can reach max speeds of 60mph, with five different airtime moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds. The ride has a projected height requirement of 54”.…

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Universal Orlando is now accepting submissions for Halloween Horror Nights, looking for Haunted House and Street Performers to perform as Scareactors, Stilt Walkers, and Puppeteers. Interested candidates must provide availability for all rehearsal dates during the month of August and all Halloween Horror Nights performance dates: 9/1-3, 9/6-10, 9/13-17, 9/20-24, 9/27-10/1, 10/4-8, 10/11-15, 10/18-22, 10/25-31. The submission Deadline is May 31, 2023, Midnight EST. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age and able to provide proof of eligibility to work within the United States. For more information and to apply, visit Universal Orlando’s official Casting Call page. Halloween…

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The new UOAP Passholder Lounge has officially opened in Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure, just in time for Universal’s UOAP Bonus Benefits Month. The Lounge is exclusive to Universal’s Annual Passholders and allows them to manage their AP account, shop exclusive UOAP merch, or just relax. Most of the same features from the original Lounge can be found in the new location, but the Lounge is a bit smaller. During Bonus Benefits, guests can pick up an UOAP-exclusive Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary magnet. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and…

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Universal Orlando has altered their donation pledge for their “Love is Universal” merchandise which will now have the company donate 100% of the collection’s profits from now til August to local LGBTQ+ organizations. The local organizations include Zebra Youth, The Center Orlando, and onePULSE Foundation. Universal originally donated 10% of the collection’s profits. Debuting in 2019, “Love is Universal” is a line of pride merchandise that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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Universal Orlando has announced that Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is set to undergo exterior renovations beginning June 2023. The repairs are expected to last until June 2025 as Universal will be working one section at a time. Per the website: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will be making repairs to the façade of the hotel from June 2023 – June 2025 to maintain the immersive experience of our Italian village. All work will be done during business hours 9am – 6pm. These repairs are being done one section at a time and may be visible to our guests. Guests can expect…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 1, 2023, to May 7, 2023. Universal Orlando This is the last week to enjoy Poseidon’s Fury before it permanently closes at the end of the day on May 9, 2023. This is also the last week to enjoy The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, the nightly show that takes place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, as the last showings will run on May 9, 2023. The show will have an extended closure for “future show enhancements”. Refurbishments Please keep…

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