Author: Brian Glenn

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has officially closed at Universal Studios Florida after 16 years. Fans and guests came out to be some of the last riders of the roller coaster, where they were handed a souvenir guitar pick of the “Farewell Tour”. Universal Orlando even debuted Meet & Greet characters inspired by the queue video to interact with guests near the entrance. Wristbands were handed out to 36 lucky guests to be a part of the final three trains for one last ride. The coaster, which opened in 2009, was designed by the German manufacturer Maurer Söhne and was known…

CityWalk Pop has opened in CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood, offering guests the popular snack alongside Universal’s collectible popcorn buckets. Guests can choose from 3 flavors: Kettle Corn, Buttered, or White Cheddar. CityWalk Pop replaces Popcornopolis, which closed earlier this year. CityWalk is undergoing a significant overhaul, with many locations being updated, along with preparing for the planned security checkpoint changes. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip…

The new NBA Store has opened in CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. Per Universal Studios Hollywood’s official website description: “The NBA, in partnership with Lids is opening its first flagship store on the West Coast at Universal CityWalk! With the largest in-store collection of official NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League merchandise and memorabilia, plus the Custom Lab for personalized jerseys and headwear.” The store replaces Abercrombie & Fitch, which closed earlier in the year. CityWalk is undergoing a significant overhaul, with many locations being updated, along with preparing for the planned security checkpoint changes. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…

Hard Rock International is giving a lucky family or friend group the ultimate Orlando getaway to experience Universal Orlando’s four amazing theme parks, including the new theme park, Epic Universe. Hard Rock is offering members of the Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program the chance to win a 4-night trip for four at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, including: Round-trip airfare Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel 4-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando VIP meal at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and 4 classic Hard Rock t-shirts Admission tickets to Universal Orlando Resort’s four theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands…

Universal Orlando has shared more details of the just-announced return of Volcano Bay Nights – including all-new fun with Scooby-Doo and the Gang as they confront villains within the park. Running Friday nights from September 5 to October 31, guests will enjoy after-dark access to the water theme park, with access beginning at 4pm. The exclusive, limited-capacity event officially takes place from 7pm to 11pm. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy: Lower wait times at their favorite attractions, including TeAwa the Fearless River – where guests take a thrilling whitewater ride along a roaring river of rapids; Ko’okiri Body Plunge – where guests…

Universal has officially opened Universal Horror Unleashed, a permanent, year-round horror attraction that immerses guests in the brand’s most chilling horror properties. Located within the AREA15 Immersive District, the 110,000-square-foot venue marks Universal’s first standalone horror experience outside of its theme parks; but unlike Halloween Horror Nights, Horror Unleashed is open year-round, allowing horror fans to step into horror at any time. Universal recently invited Inside Universal for a preview of the new venue on Monday, where we were able to take in a significant amount of the experience. Guests enter Warehouse 25, a production warehouse full of haunted props,…

Universal Horror Unleashed, the first-ever year-round horror experience created by Universal Destinations and Experiences, is now open in the AREA15 District in Las Vegas. Set in an abandoned production warehouse filled with haunting stories and characters, the new experience will take guests on a terrifying journey through four haunted houses, four themed areas with live entertainment, and a selection of food and cocktails. “Today marks an exciting step in our expansion into new markets as we officially welcome guests to Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas,” said Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Destinations and Experiences. “Horror Unleashed will provide unique…

Universal Orlando has announced Volcano Bay Nights will return this Fall, taking place on select nights in September and October. This limited-capacity, separately-ticketed event will allow guests to enjoy some of their favorite water attractions, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, complimentary island treats, and more. Volcano Bay Nights will occur on the following dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Tickets will be on sale soon. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal…

Universal Orlando has announced details on 2025’s Passholder Appreciation Days, including discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders from August 15 to September 30. Some of the awesome offerings Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Appreciation Days include: Access to Passholder Nights, a fan-favorite event returning for two nights, August 15 and 16, at Universal Studios Florida. Passholders can enjoy select attractions and venues throughout the park during this free, after-hours party, as well as special event offerings, character meet and greets, and a Passholder Nights magnet giveaway. Those in attendance will receive a complimentary Frank the Pug UOAP button…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from August 11, 2025, to August 17, 2025. In Las Vegas, NV, Universal Horror Unleashed will officially open this Thursday, August 14! Guests will be immersed in the horror and get the chance to enter the evils of four terrifying haunted houses: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer – in addition to four fully themed entertainment areas, view live entertainment, and dine on food and drinks. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! This is the last week…