Author: Brian Glenn

SeaWorld Orlando has revealed its first look at the Pipeline: The Surf Coaster ride vehicle at the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAAPA) in Orlando. Debuting in the spring of 2023, “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster” is the World’s first Surf Coaster, which is designed by Bolliger & Mabillard. The new attraction celebrates the iconic surfing cultures found around the world with a unique surfboard ride vehicle that will give riders an immersive experience when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave. Pipeline will be the seventh roller coaster at…

Last Thursday, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated its 17th annual “Day of Giving” philanthropic event, with hundreds of employee volunteers participating. Universal Studios Hollywood served as the home base for Operation School Bell, hosting approximately 300 homeless children for a day of theme park fun. The children received an assortment of new clothing and school supplies, from shoes to uniforms and backpacks to books before heading off into the theme park for an afternoon of fun. The “Day of Giving” event is an annual Universal Studios Hollywood tradition designed to inspire and connect employees with diverse community organizations, many of which…

As a thank you for their service to our country, Universal Orlando is honoring active duty and retired military with the 2023 Military Freedom Pass and additional special offers. Introduced in 2021, this exclusive offer gives military personnel and their families a chance to visit the award-winning theme park destination from November 10, 2022, through December 24, 2023, with limited blockout dates. Military Freedom Pass, vacation packages and hotel discount details are as follows: 2023 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS The 2-Park 2023 Military Freedom Pass can be purchased for $199.99 per adult and provides access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of…

Universal Orlando has announced plans to reopen the resort and be fully operational to all guests on Friday, November 11 after closing on Wednesday due to Hurricane Nicole. The announcement came after assessing the damage in the wake of the storm. The resort did reopen on Thursday in a limited capacity to guests staying on-site at their hotels. Guests who would like to contact Universal Orlando regarding an existing reservation are encouraged to reach out to the guest contact center at 800-711-0080 or email reservations@universalorlando.com. Please keep in mind that Universal is experiencing high call volumes so please be patient.…

Guests can enjoy the holidays at Knott’s Merry Farm beginning November 18 and extending through January 8. Every year during the joyous season, the park undergoes a complete transformation into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of beautiful garland and a variety of picturesque settings. A variety of new shows are in store this year to celebrate the merriest season of all. The beloved ice show is reimagined for the 40th anniversary of Snoopy on Ice. Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas will have all of the aspects that guests have come to love from the ice show, with special technological additions to…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Animal Actors, the Special Effects Show, and the Production Central store will be permanently closing on January 8, 2023. No details have been given other than the area is closing to make way for a “future attraction”. In a press release, Universal Studios Hollywood states they are “setting the stage for the next chapter in its development” and there will be “more to come in the months ahead.” Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Due to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Nicole, Universal Orlando has announced operational changes and closures for Wednesday and Thursday. The Resort, including CityWalk, will be closing at 5pm on Wednesday, November 9 and will assess the storm’s aftermath for Thursday, November 10, anticipating delayed or phased reopenings. Volcano Bay was already closed today due to the weather. Per Universal, on-site hotels will remain operational to focus on taking care of their on-site guests As much as we love theme parks – safety is always the priority. Whether or not Universal Orlando, or any theme park, remains open should…

Bone Chillin’, the refreshment stand that was located just outside the old Monsters Cafe building, has officially closed. The stand served standard snacks and soft drinks but was noted for featuring 3 large statues from Universal’s Classic Monster films – Gillman aka the Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s Monster. Universal has yet to announce the replacement other than it being “a new dining experience”. Of course, all rumors point to a Despicable Me-inspired restaurant as the construction walls are full of Minions. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Park & Resorts.

The Holidays at Universal Orlando are starting this Saturday, November 12, featuring an incredible collection of festivities inspired by pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and more. Today, Universal gave the first-look sneak peek at some of the holiday-inspired menu offerings that will be available, as well as some information on the all-new Holiday Tribute Store that will feature unique merchandise inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s very own Earl the Squirrel, and more. Some of the tasty treats…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 7, 2022, to November 13, 2022. Universal Orlando Subtropical Storm Nicole has formed in the Atlantic and is forecasted to impact Central Florida later this week. No announcement has been made by Universal Orlando at this time about any changes to their operating schedule. The Holidays at Universal Orlando begin this Saturday, November 12, and 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,…