Author: Brian Glenn

UCF’s Themed Experience program and Universal Creative are announcing a unique and immersive learning experience available beginning in the Spring 2023 semester. Called the ‘UCF/Universal Creative Lab,’ the offering provides students with specially designed coursework and on-site sessions at Universal Orlando. Class members will also have opportunities to interact with Universal show producers, engineers, creative directors, executives, and other industry professionals with the goal of providing students with an in-depth look at the design and development process. “People love the energy and thrill of experiencing epic stories and exhilarating adventures and Universal is an incredible place to build a career,”…

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is going pink this October in an effort to support breast cancer awareness with PINKTOBER. Hard Rock International’s 23rd annual PINKTOBER campaign supports the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. To raise awareness for PINKTOBER, the Hard Rock Hotel will light the front of the hotel in pink. In addition, select guest rooms will be outfitted in pink sheets. Every night these rooms are occupied during October, the hotel will donate a portion of the room rate to the American Cancer Society. Pink co-branded…

SeaWorld Orlando announced more details on their new coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is set to open in the Spring of 2023. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, SeaWorld bills the new coaster as the world’s first “Surf Coaster”. https://youtu.be/SlyavD6_jIY Riders will “feel the power of the ocean”. The innovative design elements that make this a first-of-its-kind roller coaster are the surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions that riders will experience. The unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle will give riders an immersive experience from the moment it starts. They will be secured on the roller coaster in a surfing position and…

Universal Orlando has announced the return of its fan-favorite Mardi Gras celebration. Guests will let the good times roll when Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off next Spring, running daily from February 4 through April 16, 2023. The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with mouthwatering cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond – plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen will be opening at Universal CityWalk in early 2023. In addition, Universal is now hiring for the dining establishment and is seeking to employ approximately 250 candidates to fill a variety of newly-created positions. A sampling of the full and part-time positions available include: Restaurant Managers and Sous Chefs, Servers, Bussers, Runners, Hosts, Bartenders, Dessert Cashiers, Retail Associates, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Bakers, Dishwashers, Receivers and Wardrobe attendants. Featuring an extensive menu of eclectic brunch, lunch, and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts, and delectable confectionary treats,…

Busch Gardens Tampa has announced, Serengeti Flyer, the park’s all-new attraction set to open in Spring 2023. Once open, Serengeti Flyer will be the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing, upon opening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCUqMQlspGw Serengeti Flyer will feature twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak, overlooking the 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Some seats will be even able to see as far as Downtown Tampa. Guests will be seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, allowing for 40 guests to…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced this year’s 2022 Holiday festivities with the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” beginning Friday, November 25, 2022 and running daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023. All holiday festivities are included in the price of theme park admission. “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade. Guests can enjoy a delicious Hot Butterbeer while enjoying a special holiday a capella performance from the Hogwarts Frog Choir. Activities also include holiday shopping for exclusive items within…

Universal Orlando has announced the return of Universal’s Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast for this year’s Holiday celebration. Running select dates from November 12 through January 1, 2023 – guests can book either or both of the 2 additional festive experiences. Plus, guests can enjoy a spectacular slate of holiday festivities that include special dining, décor, and entertainment across all eight Universal Orlando hotels. Universal’s Holiday Tour On select dates, guests can enjoy a guided tour filled with unique experiences and special access to the beloved holiday entertainment taking place across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of…

Universal UNIVRS – a new, first-of-its-kind retail destination is now open at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. This brick-and-mortar store brings favorite brands from across NBCUniversal to life in a unique shopping destination that leans into the “get it before it’s gone” drop culture shopping mentality. Open in time for Halloween Horror Nights and seasonal holiday celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood, UNIVRS is open 7 days a week. Tapping into entertainment and fashion tastemakers through their style-driven offerings, merchandise at UNIVRS marries popular brand designs with current fashion silhouettes and trending styles, driven by favorite characters and iconic on-screen moments – such…

To make up for the closure of the Resort due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Universal Orlando Resort has added two new Halloween Horror Nights event dates – Tuesday, October 11 and Monday, October 24. Tickets for the additional event dates will go on sale tomorrow and can be purchased at www.universalorlando.com/halloween. The new dates are also valid for Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus, and Ultimate Frequent Fear Passholders. Plus, Universal Orlando is adding extra nights for Premier Passholders to use their Halloween Horror Nights free-admission benefit – Wednesday, October 5, Tuesday, October 11, or Monday, October 24. Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights runs select…