Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in Summer 2026. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new media campaign promoting the attraction. The new 30-second television spot features narration by Fast & Furious franchise producer and star Vin Diesel. The commercial is set to air during several major sporting broadcasts, including the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and the NBA All-Star Game, across NBC and Peacock platforms. Here’a sneak peek at the new ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW-SNFJGDRk This innovative roller coaster will be located in the Upper Lot, and will feature groundbreaking 360-degree rotation technology…

Read More

Universal Orlando has revealed their menu for Mardi Gras 2026, featuring all the food, drinks, sweets & treats guests can enjoy inside the event and around the Resort. Mexico Located at Café La Bamba Mazatlán Street CevicheShrimp ceviche served on top of Tostitos Salsa Verde chips with cucumber, carrot, and tomato salsa – $13.99 FlautasCrispy beef flautas with tomatillo salsa, sour cream, shaved lettuce, and radish – $9.99 Tres LechesSoaked three-milk chocolate cake with toasted almonds and meringue – $6.99 Beverages Cielo RosadoCuervo Tradicional Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Single Village Vida Clásico mezcal, grapefruit juice, peach purée, smoked paprika, smoked…

Read More

Universal Orlando has launched a new brand campaign, “This Changes Everything,” part of which will air during NBC & Peacock’s Super Bowl LX this Sunday. Developed with creative agency Lucky Generals, the campaign highlights the breadth of experiences available across Universal Orlando’s four theme parks – including the brand-new Epic Universe, 11 resort hotels, and entertainment offerings. The campaign features a series of short spots following four different guest groups during a visit to Universal Orlando; including a little brother who is tired of being reminded of his youth by his big brother (titled “Lil’ Bro”); a blended family taking…

Read More

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 2, 2026, to February 8, 2026. Universal Orlando Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval begins this Saturday, February 7, and runs daily through Saturday, April 4 – bringing the spirit of New Orleans and carnival celebrations around the globe to the heart of Universal Studios Florida. The popular event features a dazzling parade featuring vibrant floats, street performers, and tons of beads; live concerts on select nights from top names in music, and an expansive menu of international dishes inspired by New Orleans…

Read More

The Starbucks location in the Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure has temporarily closed for renovations. Walls have been set up around the location’s entrance advising guests of the closure. During the closure, guests looking for Starbucks will need to visit other locations on the property, including Starbucks at Universal CityWalk or inside Universal Studios Florida. The closure follows a pattern of refurbishments across Universal Orlando over the past year. Several food and beverage locations have undergone updates, including the CityWalk Starbucks, which recently reopened after an extended renovation. Universal Orlando has not announced a reopening date or provided…

Read More

Knott’s Berry Farm will debut a new eatery in the heart of Charleston Circle, directly across from the iconic fountain, this summer: Crafty’s Kitchen. The venue, currently home to Johnny Rockets, will undergo a complete transformation beginning April 15. The new restaurant will spotlight Knott’s classic flavors, reimagining chicken and boysenberry in creative new ways. “Knott’s Berry Farm guests have long enjoyed the unique and immersive experiences found throughout the park. So, when we looked to reimagine the food and beverage space from its current concept, it made sense to draw upon the legends and characters already here,” said Raffi…

Read More

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 26, 2026, to February 1, 2026. Universal Orlando Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholders, is now underway through January 31, 2026. UOAPs can enjoy a variety of exclusive, limited-time perks available only during the event. Universal has updated operating hours for Universal Studios Florida in January and February, with the park now set to open at 10 a.m. on most days and close later in the night. Volcano Bay is currently operating on a seasonal schedule and will only be…

Read More

Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing to start their Pass Member Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating its annual pass members, from February 1 to March 20, 2026. Annual Pass Members can experience Universal Studios Hollywood with extra benefits that are only available for a limited time. Here are some of the exclusive offerings during Pass Member Bonus Benefits: In-Park Bingo and Button Play our in-Park Bingo Game to earn a collectible Pass Member button! Stop by the Universal Studio Store inside the Theme Park. Once you’ve completed your Bingo card, return to the Universal Studio Store to collect your collectible button.…

Read More

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new project in collaboration with The Pokémon Company to develop an interactive Pokémon attraction experience. The new experience is described as highly interactive and designed to engage all five senses, aiming to bring the Pokémon world to life in a way not previously offered at the park. Additional details about the attraction will be announced at a later date. According to the announcement, the new Pokémon attraction will debut at Universal Studios Japan before being rolled out to additional parks operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Specific locations and timelines for the global…

Read More

With the announcement of the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, Universal Orlando has announced that Fast & Furious: Supercharged will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida in 2027. First opening in 2018, Fast & Furious: Supercharged brought the “high-octane” world of the Fast & Furious film franchise to life with a screen-based chase experience. Despite the franchise’s popularity, the attraction received lukewarm reception from guests and fans, with criticism for its reliance on large screens rather than on something “Fast” and “Furious”. The shift toward Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift suggests Universal is aiming to better align…

Read More