Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando Resort has shared all-new images of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. The all-new Value category resort is being billed as Universal Orlando Resort’s most affordable hotel. Surfside Inn and Suites will open on June 27, 2019 and its sister property, Dockside Inn and Suites, will open in Spring 2020. The hotels will feature a combined 2,800 guest rooms, including 1,450 two-bedroom suites. Surfside Inn & Suites draws inspiration from the ocean, featuring vibrant surf and wave-like features everywhere – in addition to sand-colored flooring, sea glass-inspired couches, and light fixtures…

Universal Orlando has announced that Bigfire, their new, full-service restaurant, will open in CityWalk this Summer. According to the Universal press release, Bigfire will feature unique theming designed to make guests feel as though they have stepped into a grand lakeside lodge, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of summers spent by the water. The two-story venue will feature warm modern surroundings, from a cozy fireplace to cast iron and wood design elements mixed with nostalgic camp lanterns and oversized plaid blankets. As guests step onto the outside patio, they will be greeted with twinkling lights, comfortable seating and lawn games for the entire…

Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that it will officially open Tigris, a triple-launch steel roller coaster, on Friday, April 19, 2019. The new attraction is Florida’s tallest launch coaster and the ninth coaster in the park’s collection. Tigris will catapult riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, exhilarating drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris joins a top-rated list of favorites for coaster enthusiasts, including Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest coaster, SheiKra, a 200-foot tall floorless dive coaster,…

Universal Studios Singapore is set to expand, adding two new themed lands to the park – Minion Park and Super Nintendo World – marking its first expansion since opening in 2010. The two new areas, one inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster Despicable Me franchise, and the other by Nintendo’s globally popular games and characters, will feature new rides and attractions for all audiences. In Minion Park, the area’s main attraction will be Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. The motion-simulator thrill ride has become a staple of Universal Parks since opening in Universal Studios Florida in 2012. The ride has been added to…

Universal Studios Japan has announced Sing on Tour, the new musical attraction, is set to open April 18, 2019. They’ve also released a 30 second teaser giving us our first-look inside the new Illumination Theater. Inspired by the hit Illumination film, the story of the attraction finds theater manager, Buster Moon, bringing all the talent selected from his auditions to host a Japan Premiere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=aueHRaAI_4I The cast features Ash, the cheerful punk rock porcupine; Meena, a timid elephant with stunning voice; Rosita, a mother pig to 25 piglets; Johnny, an aspiring soulful singer; Gunter, the intensely dramatic performer, and Miss Crowly,…

Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular California Neighbor Pass is back, inviting guests to enjoy over 175 select days of fun for $149. The California Neighbor Pass enables guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for more than 175 days over nine months, including select weekends, for $149 when purchased online. Special discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” and special events are included in this season pass program. Additionally, pass members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating…

The world of Sesame Street comes to life as the new land has officially opened at SeaWorld Orlando. The land features the iconic Sesame Street neighborhood including Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, Mr. Hooper’s Store, and the famous 123 Stoop. SeaWorld was kind enough to invite us out during the Media Preview of the land, and we must say, hands down, is their best, and smartest addition in the history of SeaWorld Orlando. While there are definitely some issues, which we’ll get into later, the area brings something that SeaWorld has been severely lacking – a recognizable intellectual property.…

KareKare Curl, Aquatica Orlando’s anticipated new attraction will be making its grand debut to park guests on Friday, April 12. “KareKare” means “waves” in the Maori language and when combined with “Curl” meaning in a curved shape, this new ride could be described as a “curve-shaped wave” which riders will experience when climbing the vertical wave wall.  True to its name and holding two passengers, this new slide delivers a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure. With the addition of KareKare Curl™ Aquatica Orlando will become the thrill leader among Florida waterparks, with more high thrill rides than any other. The opening of…

Universal Parks has announced that Stranger Things will be returning to 2019’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. The maze announcement should come as a surprise to absolutely no one after last year’s success. Featured at Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore, the event entered into another realm of popularity – seeing long waits, large crowds, and even saw the house return for an unprecedented extra one-day run for Stranger Things Day. Based on the hit Netflix series, the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s; as the town deals with several paranormal…

The Simpsons are now part of the Disney Umbrella. With the recent completion of the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, there’s been a lot of talk about what is the status of the Springfield area at the Universal Parks. While there is a contract between Fox and Universal, the terms and conditions are not as public as the agreement between Marvel and Universal – so there are some grey areas that will go unanswered. So what do we know? First, a bit of a brief history catch-up: Announced in 2007, The Simpsons Ride opened at both Universal…