Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Florida is getting ready to let the good times roll as setup is underway for this year’s Mardi Gras 2023 event. Most of the preparation has been adding lighting trusses as well as the food & drink booths around the park. The New York booths are themed to the famous French Quarter area of New Orleans. Other booths have been added to San Francisco and World Expo, but have not been themed yet. Taking place from February 4 through April 16, 2023, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by…

It’s been a while, but CityWalk Orlando has a Welcome sign again. A new “Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort” sign has been installed on the bridge at the entrance to Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. The sign now features the bold Universal typeface, with the familiar Universal dark blue – much like the look of the new Universal Studios Store located inside CityWalk. The sign began work in March 2022 but remained practically untouched until this week. https://twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/1507343344711651331?s=20&t=ZjRDl6kAOpMRLrnOILiqCQ What say you of the new sign? Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news and follow along on our forums.

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared a closer look at Super Nintendo World’s Power-Up Band, the wearable component that guests can use to “level up” their experience with interactive play. These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of. Don’t worry, though; the band isn’t a required purchase for guests to enjoy…

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen has officially soft opened at CityWalk Hollywood. The unique eatery will bring an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts, and delectable confectionary treats to L.A. residents and guests visiting from around the globe. A Soft Opening means that hours can vary, and an opening is not guaranteed until the restaurant officially opens on January 27, 2023. As of now, the restaurant is operating under limited hours and alcoholic drink options are limited – but is expected to change as we near the opening date. Originally opening in…

Universal Orlando has announced more information on this year’s Mardi Gras, including the concert line-up. Taking place from February 4 through April 16, 2023, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations, and, on select nights, live concerts. Here is this year’s concert lineup: UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2023 CONCERT LINEUP Date Headliner February 4 Patti LaBelle February 10 JVKE February 11 Goo Goo Dolls February 18 Maren Morris February 19 WILLOW February 25 3 Doors Down March 4 Sean Paul March 5 Lauren Daigle This year’s Mardi…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 13, 2023, until March 10, 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. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Orlando has scheduled Poseidon’s Fury at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 2, 2023, until February 10, 2023, for general upkeep and maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 16, 2023, to January 22, 2023. Universal Orlando Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, which includes DreamWorks Destination, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, and the new Shrek Meet & Greet, are now officially closed. The E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, Spongebob StorePants, and KidZone Pizza Company will remain operational. 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…

Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone has permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida. DreamWorks Destination, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, and the new Shrek Meet & Greet had one final round of goodbyes on Sunday, January 15; with team members getting the official last ride on the Nuthouse Coaster shortly after the park closed at 9 pm. By Monday morning, construction walls were already set up, with a lone pathway leading to the E.T. Adventure, which will remain open. The huge KidZone sign that welcomed guests into the land was covered in black tarp. Animal Actors on…

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is set to open on January 27, 2023 at CityWalk Hollywood per Universal Studios Hollywood’s official website. While no other information has been released, including the menu, Universal states it will feature “eclectic brunch, lunch, and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts, and delectable confectionary treats”. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen replaces Hard Rock Cafe, which closed in 2020.