Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 9, 2023, to January 15, 2023. Universal Orlando You have one week left to enjoy DreamWorks Destination, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, and the Shrek Meet & Greet before they all close on Jan 15, 2023. Refurbishments Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is still in Technical Rehearsal and may operate on a limited, unscheduled basis. There is no word as to when the ride will “officially” reopen. Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure…

UPDATE: Pass Member Reservations will open on Jan 9, 2023, at 11 am PST. Original story below. Universal Studios Hollywood has postponed registration for Pass Member Previews for Super Nintendo World until “early new week”. Reservations were originally supposed to open today, Jan 5, 2023, at 1:30 pm PT but Universal states they were experiencing a “temporary network outage”. https://twitter.com/UniStudios/status/1611161847096381440?s=20&t=h1hmx-9PYOI2czpPfK-Ftg Pass Members are encouraged to visit http://UniversalPassMember.com or Universal’s Twitter at @UniStudios on Friday, January 6 at Noon PT for updated information. Per Universal; “All reservations will begin early next week and previously announced AP preview dates will remain the…

Orlando’s Right Rail coalition and Universal Orlando Resort today announced significant progress toward realizing the vision of commuter rail connectivity throughout Central Florida – one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation – with the creation of the Shingle Creek Transit Utility Community Development District. This limited-purpose public entity will plan, finance, construct, operate, own and maintain a new Orange County Convention Center SunRail station, which advances a key priority for SunRail – the Sunshine Corridor Program. The Program creates a commuter rail line between the Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center – expanding SunRail and connecting…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 2, 2023, to January 8, 2023. Universal Orlando The Universal Studios AP Lounge officially closed on December 31, 2022, as they plan to relocate the popular AP hangout over to the Toon Lagoon area in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Refurbishments Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is still in Technical Rehearsal and may operate on a limited, unscheduled basis. There is no word as to when the ride will “officially” reopen. The last day to ride Jurassic Park River Adventure before its…

After reopening in 2021, 2022 started to resemble something normal for Universal Studios Hollywood. This year saw the park get ready for the future, with the hype surrounding the opening of Super Nintendo World in full swing. While there were notable happenings around Hollywood, it also saw the park get ready for the future elsewhere. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Studios Hollywood during 2022. 10. Barham Gate Universal Studios added eight new soundstage buildings to the far side of the backlot, off of the Barham Blvd. entrance. The expansion should see some major…

After a weird few years, 2022 started to resemble something normal. Universal Orlando’s eyesight shifted more toward getting the Resort ready for Epic Universe’s opening in a couple of years. While the park’s changes weren’t as be as big as last year’s VelociCoaster, there were a lot of newsworthy announcements that made for an eventful 2022; so much so that some notable happenings – such as Vegan Butterbeer, the Prop Shop’s Closure, and the CityWalk 18+ curfew – didn’t make the list. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Orlando during 2022. 10. Poseidon’s Fury…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 26, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Universal Orlando The Holidays at Universal Orlando are running daily through January 1, 2023. Guests can experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and Grinchmas. For more information on this year’s event, read here. Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida on New Year’s Eve can ring in the New Year in the Music Plaza area, featuring a high-energy band, live DJ, and special appearances by characters. The park will also be open until 1…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Kopiko Wai Winding River at Volcano Bay for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from January 3, 2023, until February 14, 2023, for its annual winter maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water attractions during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. The Kopiko Wai Winding River is the slower of the two rivers at Volcano Bay, akin to a lazy river attraction. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Orlando has extended the attraction’s closure through February 12, 2023. Original story below. Universal Orlando has scheduled Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from January 9, 2023, until February 3, 2023, for its annual winter 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. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges should be the next attraction to close for winter maintenance but those dates have not been announced. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls recently re-opened…

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new daytime parade, NO LIMIT!, which will feature Mario and Pokemon characters and debut on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Koopa, Yoshi, and Princess Peach will all be riding in their go-karts on a float inspired by the beloved Rainbow Road race track. According to the press release, there will be 7 Bowser dancers and Pac-n-Flowers (aka Piranha Plants) that are about to “bite you”. Pokemon will also mark their debut in Universal Parks, on a “magnificent float” that will feature a large collection of various Pokemon, such as Charizard, Pikachu, Bulbasaur,…