Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed a look at the Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails that will be served at Jurassic Café and the all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar as part of the new area surrounding the “Jurassic World—The Ride,” set to open this Summer. Borrowing its name from the fictitious Central American island in the Jurassic Park movies, the stand-alone, open-air Isla Nu-bar, complete with a thatched roof, serves up tropical-themed Tiki cocktails in three collectible cups:  Etched Tiki, Bamboo-styled Tiki, and Tiki God. Beverages include Tropical Margarita, Piña Colada, and Painkiller, along with island cocktails such as Tiki…

Bigfire is set to open up soon at CityWalk at Universal Orlando and the resort invited us out to tour around and sample the menu of the newest restaurant. Bigfire serves up American fare inside a building designed to look and feel like a lakeside retreat. The two-story venue will feature natural design elements of mix and matched fabrics and seating, cast iron, twinkling lights, camp lanterns – and even a canoe suspended from the overhead rafters – to complete the outdoor ambiance inside the restaurant. The eatery is designed to have a home feel. According to Ric Florell, Executive…

Universal has completed work on the new Bypass Bridge, finally reconnecting the Lost Continent and Jurassic Park again, and allowing guest to bypass the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The bridge is used to help assist with traffic flow, especially during special events and the nighttime activities in the Wizarding World. The bridge will also come in handy with crowd-control as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now open. Walls are currently set up along the side paths of the bridge, blocking views of the new project under construction in Jurassic Park. With the bridge opening, it is alleged that…

The wait is finally over, as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now officially open at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure joins the lineup of award-winning entertainment experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and bring an all-new adventure inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life on an epic new “story coaster.” The attraction combines a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with rich environments and sets – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees. It will also give guests the unique opportunity to join Hagrid…

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is set to open this week at Islands of Adventure. A new addition to the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, the attraction has been subjected to a lot of pre-opening hype. Officially designated as a “family thrill story coaster”, Universal promised an epic adventure featuring one of the most beloved characters in the Potterverse. With previous Potter attractions considered some of the industry’s best; does Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure follow suit? It does. It does, so hard. In fact, I feel it’s the best Potter ride Universal has done; better than…

Universal Orlando has released ticket and vacation information for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 29 at Universal Studios Florida. Tickets prices have increased this year. A single-day ticket to the event is $119.99 + tax, up $5 from last year; however, you can purchase online ahead of time for a huge discount of $66.99 + tax for certain nights of the event. The Rush of Fear pass returns, which allows guests to experience the first 17 nights of the events, is now $109.99 + tax. Frequent Fear Passes, which allows guests multiple visits throughout to the event, start at $119.99…

Celebrating its 28th year, “Christmas in Spring” has touched the lives of over 18,000 family members living in poverty in the San Fernando Valley, providing them with holiday cheer during a time of year when their needs are often overlooked. As part of its annual “Christmas in Spring” community outreach event, hundreds of Universal Studios Hollywood team member volunteers came together in partnership with MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) to bring goodwill to 1,000 guests and families in need. Families supported by MEND will enjoy an afternoon of custom-prepared food and interactive festivities, from carnival games and face painters…

The construction walls around Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure have been taken down, meaning we’re one step closer to finally being able to experience the attraction, with a “Soft Opening” possibly happening before its June 13 Grand Opening at Islands of Adventure. Fans will now look to websites, blogs, and social media using the term #PotterWatch to see when the ride finally opens up. For those unfamiliar, a “Soft Opening” is essentially a technical rehearsal of a new attraction, or a final release candidate test for the ride. All the major components are installed and operational but some tweaks, changes,…

The Universal Monsters Cafe at Universal Studios Florida has updated its menu, focusing on more BBQ-centric dishes and themed dishes. Guests can order platters or combos of 2 or 3 meats, including brisket, chicken, ribs, and sausage. Each platter comes with 2 sides and cornbread. Combos include your choice of watermelon or Peach Cobbler. Combos range from $14-22, depending on the entree and the number of meats chosen. Besides the BBQ meats, guests can order the Black Lagoon Salad, which is a salad served with beef brisket, tomato, eggs, grains, kale, spinach, mixed greens, and buttermilk ranch. Wood oven pizza…

Both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood have announced their Independence Day plans and are celebrating the 4th of July with festivities and fireworks. Included with park admission to Universal Studios Florida, guests can enjoy a character dance party with some of Universal Orlando’s most popular characters in the Music Plaza, with live music performances by the band Raydio and DJ M Squared. New this year, guests can order barbecue favorites for delivery from the new Monsters Cafe menu to the Music Plaza, directly through the official Universal Orlando Resort app. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at the…