Author: Brian Glenn

To celebrate the release of Jurassic World: Dominion, a special edition Jurassic World Dominion Doughnut has been released at Voodoo Doughnut at CityWalk Hollywood and Orlando. The doughnut ($3.75) is a yeast shell filled with blueberry filling, topped with vanilla frosting, and features an edible Jurassic World logo on top. As far as our thoughts, it’s a good doughnut (I mean, it is a doughnut after all). The blueberry wasn’t overpowering, so non-fruit-filled doughnut fans who are timid to try it may want to give it a go. With that said, it doesn’t come close to topping last summer’s Jurassic…

As is tradition, Universal Parks has released special “Preview” merchandise for their latest house announcement – Halloween. Guests can pick up the black light reactive t-shirt and ornament at the 5 & Dime in Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida, or at the All Hallows’ Hula Boutique at Islands of Adventure. Hollywood fans can get their preview merchandise at Production Central in the park and at Universal CityWalk. The Preview Merchandise is available for a limited time, while supplies last. The photos below are from the 5 & Dime at Universal Studios Florida.

UPDATE: Since publishing the article, Universal has added Minion cutouts around the construction walls, teasing what is likely coming to the location. The final nail in the coffin has been struck as construction walls have been set up around the Monsters Cafe building, which also includes the former AMEX Lounge and the Shrek and Donkey Meet & Greet location. Located in Production Central in Universal Studios Florida, the restaurant closed on Friday, May 13, 2022, to make way for a “new dining experience”.  The Monsters Cafe snack kiosk remains open at this time. The Shrek and Donkey Meet & Greet…

Michael Myers is back! Universal Parks has announced that Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood will feature a haunted house based on the 1978 slasher film – Halloween. Halloween is one of the most popular horror films of all time and to many fans, spawned the most-feared antagonist in horror movie history – Michael Myers. As the franchise’s latest trilogy concludes with Universal Pictures’ release of Halloween Ends on October 14, guests will venture back to where it all began in “Halloween” – eerily authentic haunted houses that depict the most chilling moments from the critically-acclaimed original film. On both coasts, this year’s…

SeaWorld Orlando began teasing its new roller coaster today, sharing its first look along with the hashtag, #HighSurfAdvisory. The “surf coaster” is set to open in 2023. Per SeaWorld, guests are invited “to feel the power of the pacific right here in Florida, letting the waves propel them into a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure”. https://twitter.com/SeaWorld/status/1532816004484673537?s=20&t=vHn43BgqcunoR2VMQpnFqg SeaWorld will announce more ride details over the coming months as we get closer to the coaster’s opening date.

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared its first details on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, the new signature ride that will be opening with Super Nintendo World in early 2023. Per Universal, guests and fans will find themselves immersed in one of the world’s largest, most interactive rides they have ever experienced – fusing augmented reality with projection mapping technology and set pieces along a moving ride track to debut a ride that’s unparalleled anywhere within the theme park industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAy_j0U9ATg This innovative achievement will propel guests into a multi-dimensional experience that recreates iconic environments from the Mario Kart games and where…

To kick off the summer travel season, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort are celebrating with an all-new selection of limited-time cocktails, a new brand partnership and refreshing, handcrafted mocktails. Summerfest Cocktails with SelvaRey Rum In partnership with Bruno Mars’ award-winning SelvaRey Rum, the hotels are offering a destination-specific spin on summer featuring the Royal Sunrise at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Dessert in Italy at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Funky Monkey at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Destination-Driven Craft Mocktails For those looking to embrace a healthier option, the mixology teams have…

Universal Orlando has opened this year’s Summer Tribute Store; featuring rooms based on some of Universal Pictures’ iconic films – “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “JAWS” and “Back to the Future”. The limited-time retail store, located in Universal Studios Florida, transports guests to a 1980s movie theater where favorite scenes from retro summer blockbusters come to life within four incredibly-themed rooms stocked with décor and dedicated merchandise that pay homage to each film: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Step inside Elliott’s childhood bedroom complete with toys, games and other heartfelt belongings and browse an assortment of apparel – including the famous red hoodie –…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced they are holding auditions for Halloween Horror Nights 2022. Auditions will be held on Friday, June 17 & Saturday, June 18 at the Hilton Universal City. Performers will be asked to do some improvisation and demonstrate scare-abilities. Please come dressed to move. Performance spaces may include one or more of the following: tight spaces, darkness, strobe lighting, and fog effects. Costumes may include one or more of the following: latex/silicone masks, blood effects, oversized costume pieces, and full body creature suits. Some roles may require lifting up to 50 lbs. Current headshot and resume preferred. Those interested can…

Volcano Bay turns 5 today! Universal Orlando’s “water theme park” opened on May 25th, 2017, marking a big milestone for Universal Orlando’s continued growth in the Resort we love today. Spanning 25 acres and featuring 30 attractions, Volcano Bay is a world-class water park. During its first year, the landscaping around the park, while prevalent, hadn’t matured yet; leaving a lot of barren spots. As 5 years have passed, the landscaping around the park has grown, creating a lush environment – so we thought it would be a good idea to compare locations with photos taken in May 2017 to…