Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced their newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, will open in Universal Studios Florida in Summer 2023. Developed in partnership between the Universal creative team and Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their “villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.” Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity, and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, villains, and, of course, Minions. The attraction replaces Shrek 4D,…

Universal Orlando has announced the current UOAP Lounge, located in Universal Studios Florida, will close 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. The Lounge was exclusive to Universal’s Annual Passholders and allowed them to manage their AP account, shop exclusive UOAP merch, or just relax. While the exact location in Toon Lagoon hasn’t been revealed, Universal has teased that it may replace the Betty Boop shop. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

A brand-new collection of authentic, interactive Ollivanders wands has arrived at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the globe, bringing 12 all-new wands – plus an additional one that is exclusive to each destination – to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. Each original wand within the new assortment pairs a wood type with one of the three powerful cores preferred by master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the Harry Potter film series – unicorn hair, dragon heartstring, and phoenix feather – and comes with a first-ever “wand lore” insert…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 5, 2022, to December 11, 2022. 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. 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. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at…

Universal Orlando has announced Universal’s Great Movie Escape will be opening on December 9 at Universal CityWalk and tickets are now on sale. Guests can now book epic escape adventures inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic Jurassic World and Back to the Future films. Universal’s Great Movie Escape invites guests of all ages to solve their way through a pair of first-of-its-kind escape rooms based on two of the biggest film franchises in history. Universal’s entertainment team partnered closely with filmmakers and escape room industry experts around the country to create innovative experiences that go beyond the typical escape room – blending…

UPDATE 12/5: Good news; Bad News: So it seems Hello Kitty’s time isn’t up just yet. The section reopened with a new floor. From what we understand, this section is still planning to close in due time. With that said, we jumped the gun and wanted to make sure we updated the article. The Hello Kitty Store has officially closed. Located between Production Central and Hollywood, the Hello Kitty Store was part of an amalgamated store that included Betty Boop, Funko, and Universal Studios general merchandise. Universal has been slowly removing the Hello Kitty/Sanrio theme and decor in the store…

Universal Studios Hollywood is ringing in 2023 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music entertainment, a brilliant fireworks display, and access to select rides and attractions, on Saturday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m. Included in the price of theme park admission, EVE begins at 9:00 p.m. as an energetic party kicks off with multiple entertainment hubs featuring DJs spinning an eclectic array of music for guests to dance into the new year with their choice of pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM and Latin music. Iconic photo ops are located around the theme park as well.…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 28, 2022, to December 4, 2022. 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. 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. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at…

Knott’s Berry Farm continues its traditions for the holiday season with its festive rebranding as Knott’s Merry Farm.  The Knott’s crew was gracious enough to offer Inside Universal a closer look into the events, attractions, food, and merchandise that are available for a limited time through the end of the 2022 season. Being a local to the LA/Orange County community, Knott’s Berry Farm offers a tremendous product at a fraction of the cost of other major theme parks.  Families of all ages can experience entertainment in a variety of ways with roller coasters, shows, play areas, personalized shopping, and educational…

Universal Studios Hollywood 2022’s Holiday festivities are set to begin Friday, November 25, 2022, and have shared a sneak peek of the food & drink that will be featured this year around the park. The 2022 Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood runs daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023, with the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas”. All holiday festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.