Author: Brian Glenn

In the last episode for 2019, Brian and Drew discuss the Holiday season at Universal Orlando as well as the reopening of the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe. We also interview Lora Sauls, Manager of Entertainment Creative Development and Show Direction for Universal Orlando, about this year’s offerings. 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 Studios Hollywood has announced that Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, an original concept restaurant, will be opening at Universal CityWalk in 2021. 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. Originally opening in CityWalk Orlando in 2016, the restaurant has been an extremely popular choice among guests. Known for its steampunk decor, and over-the-top desserts, menu items will feature palate pleasing twists on classic steaks, seafood and pasta entrees to gourmet burgers and…

Universal Orlando has re-opened the often-closed Green Eggs and Ham Cafe inside Seuss Landing, revamping its offerings and featuring a brand-new menu. Originally serving sandwiches and chicken fingers – including a Green Eggs and Ham sandwich platter; the new menu boasts a variety of different tater tot plates. During our visit, we tried the two most traditional “Seuss” dishes – Who-Hash and the Green Eggs and Ham tots platter. The Green Eggs and Ham platter is solid, with the “green” coming from pesto sauce, giving the eggs a nice tang. The tots themselves are crispy, the cheese sauce is savory,…

Universal’s Christmas traditions continues at Universal Orlando as the Holidays return for the 2019 season. From November 16, 2019 to January 5, 2020, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, with returning favorites, such as Grinchmas, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. After retooling the Holiday offerings a couple of years back, a lot of what’s new this year was “fine-tuning” and expanding on their current offerings as Universal continues their efforts to establish the Holidays as a new tradition for families. Grinchmas returns for…

Universal Orlando has shared more details on their upcoming Running Universal’s inaugural Epic Character Race 5K and 10K weekend, held at the Resort on February 1 & 2, 2020. The first-ever Epic Character Races will give participants ages five and up the unique opportunity to run surrounded by some of the most beloved characters from Universal – including the mischievous Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions franchises, Blue, the Velociraptor from the Jurassic World franchise, Shrek and friends from the DreamWorks Animation films, the heroic Autobots and villainous Decepticons from Transformers, and more. Many of these characters will be…

Early this morning, Busch Gardens Tampa debuted the ride vehicle for their upcoming attraction, Iron Gwazi at the 2019 IAAPA Attractions Expo IAAPA Attractions Expo is the attractions industry’s premier trade show and conference,  hosting more than 38,000 industry professionals from around the world in Orlando this week. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world; reaching 206 feet tall, and will feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include 3 inversions and 12 airtime…

Universal Studios Japan has released a new keyart visual for the upcoming Super Nintendo World, slated to open next year in 2020. The new visual shows off the multi-layered land, with familiar landmarks such as Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, Toad’s House, and the familiar look of a Super Mario Bros game level. We also get a better look at the planned Yoshi omnimover attraction. The expansion is expected to cost 50 billion yen – or 432,882,000 million US dollars. Super Nintendo World is set to open in 2020, right before the opening of the Olympic Games which will be held…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced its next “Running Universal” race will feature DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls franchise on Sunday, April 26 with a 5K, a Kids’ 1K and a 10K run. Guests will run through the Theme Park and part of the Universal Backlot, passing iconic film sets, and finally crossing the finish line at 5 Towers on Universal CityWalk while being entertained by their favorite characters from the 2016 animated blockbuster and the upcoming sequel, Trolls World Tour, in theaters April 17, 2020 – such as Branch, Poppy, and Guy Diamond. Other DreamWorks Animation characters will also be on hand, such…

Yesterday morning at the IAAPA Conference, SeaWorld Orlando unveiled the ride car for their new 2020 roller coaster, Ice Breaker. Opening next Spring 2020, the family-friendly ride will be SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle. Located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, the ride’s theme is reflective of this area with a nod to Ice Breaker’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Primarily dedicated to marine…

For the sake of clarity, this article discusses rumors and possible changes to the park. This is not a confirmation. CityWalk Hollywood is getting ready for another change, as the popular Hard Rock Cafe is set to close next year. Inside Universal has learned that Hard Rock Cafe’s last day of operation is scheduled for January 8, 2020. Rumors indicate that Universal will be replacing Hard Rock Cafe with Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Opening in CityWalk Orlando in 2016, the popular restaurant is a 19th Century Steampunk-themed, full-service restaurant – complete with two-level dining, a gift shop, and dessert bar; features a menu that features a…