Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Beijing has released a new concept art image of their upcoming Jurassic World: Isla Nublar land. The concept art comes courtesy of China State Construction Engineering Co. Jurassic World: Isla Nublar is one of 7 themed lands slated to open at Universal Studios Beijing, tentatively scheduled for May 2021. Details are limited, but the land is expected to feature several attractions, including a 3D ride similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. Other lands include Hollywood Blvd., Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: Metrobase, Minion Land, and WaterWorld. Stay tuned to…

Midnight Syndicate has teamed up with Universal Orlando to release a limited-edition “Music of Halloween Horror Nights” album on red vinyl featuring favorite songs from the event, as well as some unreleased material. The album is being sold in the Horror Nights Tribute Store. The limited-edition run of 500 copies are hand-numbered and pressed on red vinyl for $30+tax. For more than twenty years, the music of Midnight Syndicate has been a part of Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights. In the liner notes of the album, T.J. Mannarino, Vice President of Entertainment Art & Design at Universal Orlando says,…

The Inside Universal team discusses the latest on Universal, including the continuing effects of the pandemic on the Universal Parks & Resorts; including operational changes and impacts on current and future projects. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition, you can also follow us on Spotify to listen to podcast episodes on their app.

Universal Orlando has announced they are making a seasonal operational adjustment for their water park, Universal’s Volcano Bay. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, the park will now be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Universal states the change is “based on our operational needs and fall travel trends”. This is another operational adjustment made as Universal tries to steer through the troubles of the pandemic. Universal recently announced they were suspending operations at 2 of their hotels – Sapphire Falls and Aventura. Guests are encouraged to check UniversalOrlando.com for additional park hours and updates.

Universal Orlando has opened the remaining 2 rooms inside the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute store – themed to a spooky attic and the “Ghost with the Most”, Beetlejuice. The new rooms have been teased since the store opened, with a sign in the walkway saying “Coming Soon”. Guests first walk through a hallway full of photos of each year of Halloween Horror Nights before entering the new sections. The new Beetlejuice area pays homage to one of the original faces of Halloween Horror Nights, with décor inspired by iconic scenes from the film. Fans will notice many hidden references throughout…

Despite the event’s cancellation, Halloween Horror Nights lives on in 2020 with the Horror Nights Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. The store, which opened 3 weeks ago, features many easter eggs and hidden references to past Horror Night elements, specifically Icons. Here are some of the Easter Eggs we’ve found around the store. Jack the Clown The Clown Prince of Pain is prominently featured in the Tribute Store, especially in the Carnival Room; but there are little nods found elsewhere in the room. First off, right behind the registers is a wagon advertising “Oddfellow’s Dark Carnival and Emporium”. Oddfellow…

Universal Orlando is rolling out a new pricing model, switching to date-based pricing for theme park tickets, as prices will vary depending on the date of your visit. Prices will be higher during peak periods, which is a popular but busy time to visit the parks. In contrast, prices will be lower during the off-peak season, which is less crowded. For example, a standard Florida Resident 2-Park, 1-Day ticket starts at $164+tax but climbs to $194+tax during the Holiday season. The screenshots below give an example of the fluctuations of a 1-Park, 1-Day ticket for Florida Residents. For Multi-Day ticket…

Despite the event’s cancellation, Universal Orlando continues to release more Halloween Horror Nights merchandise. Today, Universal released a set of 4 collectible glasses, featuring the original 4 Horror Night icons: Jack the Clown, The Caretaker, The Director, and The Storyteller. Each glass features an icon along with a short backstory blurb. Retails for $12+tax. In addition, a new Beetlejuice face mask was released in both medium and large sizes. The mask’s release also confirms the rumor that Beetlejuice was to be featured as a house this year. The mask is available for $6+tax, or you can purchase 4 for $20+tax.…

Here’s a look at the progress on the unannounced Jurassic Park coaster at Islands of Adventure. As per our last photo update, much of the track has been installed, with just the last bank back into the load station left to install; with most of the attention continuing to focus on rock work and themeing. Scrims have been set up around certain frames, hiding the rock work for now. The biggest news of the coaster this week is that an osprey has made the very top of the top hat element its new home. Funnily enough, an osprey is a…

For a limited time, Florida residents can take advantage of incredible limited-time ticket offer from Universal Orlando Resort as guests who purchase a 1-Day, Park-to-Park ticket can access the parks every day now through December 24, 2020, for absolutely free. Starting at $164 per adult, plus tax, Florida residents can enjoy Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, with an option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal’s Volcano Bay for only $29 more with no blackout dates. This offer is valid for purchase through Sept. 30, 2020, and is not available for purchase at the front gate – meaning…