Author: Brian Glenn

Happy 2019, everyone! In the first episode of the New Year, we discuss the recently announced Mardi Gras 2019 lineup and details, as well as the rumors around the new attraction coming to Jurassic Park – and circle back to the Park vs World debate. We also touch upon Horror Nights 29, Endless Summer Resort, and the recent closure of the Beverly Hill Boulangerie. As always, we close out the show by answering your questions. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition,…

Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual Grad Bash celebration rolls out the red carpet for graduating seniors, inviting the Class of 2019 to party Hollywood-style on select nights during this year’s event. Select dates and performances are as follows: Friday, May 17 – Marshmello Thursday, May 23 – Marshmello Thursday, May 30 – Kaskade Friday, May 31 – Kaskade Thursday, June 6 – Jason Derulo Friday, June 7 – Kaskade Highlights of Grad Bash also include dance parties hosted by radio station DJs, a silent disco, fun photo ops and access to Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill rides and attractions. Grad Bash begins…

Reservations are now open for guests wanting to stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, set to open May 2020. The coastal-themed hotel, inspired by breathtaking sunsets will join its sister property, Surfside Inn and Suites, in the destination’s all-new Value hotel category – with rates starting at $76 per night. Dockside Inn and Suites will offer 2,050 relaxed and casual guest rooms and suites. Families needing a bit more space will find it easy to spread out and unwind in the 2-Bedroom Suites, which start at $115 per night for a 7-night stay. These suites sleep six…

For the sake of clarity, this article discusses rumors and possible changes to the park. This is not a confirmation. Although we do our best to vet information based on our sources and our knowledge of the park’s operations, false information will undoubtedly fall through. Construction walls have been set-up around certain areas of Jurassic Park inside Islands of Adventure, as initial preparations for a new project heading to the area are underway. Universal has quietly been preparing for this new project within the past month; specifically with the closures and relocations of a few kiosks along the pathway and the closure…

The Hollywood team is back for 2019 to discuss all the latest around Universal Studios Hollywood! In this episode, we wrap up our thoughts on Grinchmas, eVe, and the rest of the Holidays offerings. We also discuss the upcoming Lunar New Year event, Universal Studios Hollywood ticket & pricing going into 2019, and the ever-changing CityWalk landscape. 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.

To celebrate the birthday of cultural icon and music legend Bob Marley at “Bob Marley’s Birthday Jam” – taking place at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom on February 9 in Universal CityWalk. The restaurant, a replica of Bob’s home on 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica – features artifacts, photos, and video clips from his storied career surround you in the open-air veranda and courtyard. The 20th anniversary of the celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. and guests will enjoy a live Reggae band, DJ, steel drummers, authentic Jamaican food, specialty drinks, birthday cake and more. From 3 p.m.…

Universal Studios Hollywood ushers in the “Year of the Pig” to celebrate the 2019 Lunar New Year, from Saturday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 17th. The celebration will take place within Universal Plaza. Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes. The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities will feature DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiOuNKhQGdA&t=…

Universal Orlando has announced the headlining acts for this year’s 2019 Mardi Gras celebration, which runs from February 9th through April 4th. On select nights of Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras, guests can enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, R&B and more at the Music Plaza stage. This year’s line-up includes: Feb. 9  BUSH Feb. 16 Gavin DeGraw Feb. 17 Dan + Shay Feb. 23 Macklemore March 2 Sabrina Carpenter March 9 Becky G March 10 Sean Paul March 16 Steve Miller Band March 17 Ziggy Marley March 23 NF March 24 Pitbull March 30 Bazzi…

Universal Studios Florida has announced the Beverly Hills Boulangerie has permanently closed. A replacement has not been announced but Universal stated in a tweet that they are “working on an exciting, new dining concept” that will be revealed at a later date. https://twitter.com/UniversalORL/status/1082302462726422529 The bakery, located near the entrance of the park in the Hollywood area, offered small bites – including sandwiches, pastries, and other baked goods. With its closure, construction walls have now gone around the restaurant. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010, Universal Orlando, and the rest of the Universal parks for that matter, have undergone a renaissance. Each year since, things come and go, attractions are opened and closed, and changes are continuously made as the Resort continues to evolve. After a monumental 2017 for the Resort, highlighted by the opening of Volcano Bay, the goodbyes of Bill & Ted and Dragons, and a complete retooling of their Holiday offerings – the past year had its own set of memorable moments that certainly will echo in Universal’s history books…