Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at the Universal Parks around the world, from March 2nd, 2020 to March 8, 2020. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras continues at Universal Studios Florida. This week, the Carnival Around The Universe Tasting Tent will feature a menu inspired by the Brazilian Carnival – including Pao de Quejo and Sugared Sweet Plantains. This weekend will feature 2 concerts at the event, with REO Speedwagon performing Saturday, March 7, and Dustin Lynch performing Sunday, March 8. Refurbishments The following attractions are closed for refurbishment. At Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show will be…

UPDATE 3/11/2020 Universal Studios Japan has extended the closure of the park to Sunday, March 22, 2020. Original story below. Universal Studios Japan is taking measures in order to combat the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus and will be temporarily closing the park for a couple of weeks – from Saturday, February 29th, 2020 to Sunday, March 15th, 2020. From Universal Studios Japan’s official site: Universal Studios Japan announces the temporary closure of our park in order to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus within the nation. We will carefully monitor the situation. The period that we are closed may…

We are joined by Joe from Parkscope and Touring Plans to discuss all the happenings at Universal Orlando from the past month – specifically Mardi Gras 2020, where we interview Blake Braswell, Creative Development Group – Show Director for Mardi Gras, about this year’s event. We also discuss Running Universal’s inaugural Epic Character Race, The Bourne Shoptacular (aka gift shop) opening, and more – including the recent announcement of Bob Chapek becoming Disney’s new CEO as Robert Iger steps down. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal…

Universal Orlando Resort revealed the first look at its newest addition, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – which will be grand opening on March 17, 2020. The first look photos of Dockside Inn and Suites guest areas include its casual dining food court – Pier 8 Market, the hotel lobby, resort-style pool and 2-Bedroom Suites. This first look gives guests a preview of the inspiration for Dockside Inn and Suites, designed to evoke the feeling of being surrounded by the sea from the shore and catching the sunset from beneath a pier. Dockside Inn and Suites…

Universal Studios Florida has remodeled the old Terminator 2:3D gift shop, Cyber Image, to coincide with the theme of the upcoming attraction – The Bourne Stuntacular, set to open this Spring – and now features merchandise of the stunt show. The store is located in Hollywood between the Bourne Stuntacular and the Horror Make-Up show, serving as an exit for both. A majority of the store features Bourne merchandise, but the beloved Classic Monsters merchandise that debuted last year is located closer to the exit of the Horror Make-Up Show. In addition to the Classic Monsters, merchandise from other properties…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! will be opening March 27, 2020. The innovative ride will blend live, dimensional and animated characters with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping to fully immerse guests in a bustling New York City landscape. The attraction will feature 64 technologically-advanced animated figures, with Universal touting the figures’ “depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride.” Seated within ride vehicles that resemble cardboard boxes—reminiscent of where Katie first finds her beloved Max as a puppy—guests will…

Jurassic World: The Ride has closed at Universal Studios Hollywood for another round of additional maintenance. While no timeframe has been given to the extent or length of the refurbishment, it is believed that the finale – featuring the Indominus Rex and the T-Rex – will be enhanced, bringing to life a more thrilling battle before the drop. It is unknown at this time if there will be alterations to other portions of the ride. In short, the recent downtimes haven’t been due to any issues with the ride, but tweaking some aspects of the attraction to better guests’ enjoyment.…

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have launched a brand new Brand Campaign, “Let Yourself Woah,” featuring comedians Kenan Thompson and Arturo Castro. “Let Yourself Woah” is a reminder for families and friends to let go and live in the moment. Across the Universal parks on both coasts, guests will scream together, laugh until they cry and enjoy outrageously-awesome experiences with those they care most about. You can check out each version below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Sd9cNETzk&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiwfxpOn_xw&feature=emb_title According to the Universal Press Release: Because it’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily responsibilities of work, school, family or the ongoing…

Mardi Gras returns to Universal Orlando, celebrating 25 years of parades and partying at Universal Studios Florida. The event has become one of the most popular events at Universal, and even around Central Florida (trailing behind the behemoth that is Horror Nights) and has become a great time to visit Universal. We continue to echo our thoughts of previous reviews: Mardi Gras is a must-do, especially if one of your favorite musical acts comes to town. To celebrate 25 years, a lot of love and focus was spent on the parade. The floats this year look better than ever. This…

NBCUniversal has announced the slate of new show panels, celebrity appearances, and interactive activations at Peacock Live!, its first-ever two-day fan festival taking place March 28-29, 2020 at Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition to 2-Day tickets currently available, fans can now purchase 1-Day General Admission adult tickets starting at $99 at www.PeacockLive.com. Plus, fans who purchase their tickets before Sunday, February 16 are eligible for pre-mailed custom credentials, offering an expedited arrival experience at the event. Peacock Live! ticketholders will receive general admission entry to Universal Studios Hollywood, including exclusive after-hours park after dark access, offering a great value for the ultimate NBCUniversal insider…