Author: Brian Glenn

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced Tigris, a new triple-launch steel coaster, set to open in Spring 2019. Once opened, Tigris will be Florida’s tallest launch coaster. The new coaster, manufactured by Premier, will catapult riders forward and backward motion along 1,800 feet of coaster track, through several drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll; at 60 miles per hour. Unlike other coasters, Tigris will launch within the station each time. “Tigris will be a strong addition to our family of world-class thrill rides. With three intensely exciting launch points, this ride is unlike anything we have…

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Orlando and Hollywood is going all-in with Stranger Things and will feature specialty food & drink inspired by the hit TV show. The specialized foods were created by the executive chef and culinary teams at each park to further enhance the already immersive “Halloween Horror Nights” experience. Over at Universal Studios Hollywood, here’s what guests can expect to try during Horror Nights: Benny’s Burgers: This classic, aptly named after the show’s family-owned diner, features a juicy beef burger served on a potato roll and a side of Tater Tots®. The Upside Down Burger: served “upside down,”…

It is official! Antojitos Mexican Restaurant will be replacing Camacho’s Cantina at CityWalk Hollywood. No opening date has been announced. Camacho’s recently closed on Sept 4th after being a part of CityWalk since its inception. Antojitos is an original restaurant from Universal that opened in CityWalk Orlando in 2014 as part of CityWalk’s re-imagining. The restaurant is known for its tableside guacamole, as well as tequila menu. Hollywood continues to rework CityWalk with all-new dining options. This is the 2nd original restaurant to come from Orlando, as Vivo Italian Kitchen recently opened earlier this month. Stay Tuned to Inside Universal…

Universal has announced that the popular Rock the Universe event will be moving dates in 2019; moving from September to February 1 & 2. The event will feature the same great content – just with new dates. Next year’s event will feature: Friday, Feb. 1 Lecrae Matthew West Colton Dixon Saturday, Feb. 2 Skillet Bethel Music Crowder The full talent lineup will be revealed soon. The move was announced after Universal that A Celebration of Harry Potter will not be taking place in 2019; allowing Rock the Universe to occupy the dates. Universal believes the new dates will be favorable for…

Universal Orlando has sent out a press release announcing that they will not be hosting A Celebration of Harry Potter event in 2019. Per the announcement, “Universal Orlando Resort is working on exciting new experiences for guests to continue to celebrate The Wizarding World next year. These include the all-new thrill ride coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and additional fan experiences that have yet to be announced. While our focus on these fan experiences means we will not be hosting A Celebration of Harry Potter in 2019, we and other Universal theme parks will always…

Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe 2018 – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – kicks off this weekend at Universal Studios Florida, featuring live performances by the genre’s most compelling talent, along with worship experiences and theme park thrills. Billboard chart-topping band Casting Crowns, the musicians of Jesus Culture and six-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist TobyMac are among the musical talent performing live each evening. Fans will also enjoy autograph sessions with their favorite artists and live performances by up-and-coming talent in the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola. Rock the Universe guests will also have access to a Saturday candle-lighting ceremony, Sunday morning service, and Universal Studios’ attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood is offering an all-new R.I.P. Tour for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. The premium experience will feature a private guided tour with trolley access, a gourmet buffet dinner, unlimited Universal Express line privileges and exclusive access to a specially-themed “Stranger Things” lounge. Tickets are available for purchase at Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com. Each R.I.P. Tour accommodates groups of 12, making it ideal for large parties or smaller mix-in groups. Highlights include: Exclusive “Stranger Things” experience featuring themed photo ops, props from the popular Netflix series and scare-actor make-up demonstrations Unlimited line privileges via Universal Express access to all mazes, Terror Tram and available…

Camacho’s Cantina has closed its doors at CityWalk Hollywood as of September 4th. The restaurant announced the closure on its website and social media channels: After over 20 years in business, Camacho’s Cantina at Universal CityWalk will be closed permanently beginning Tuesday September 4th, 2018. Thank you for being so integral to our longevity over the years, beginning when Universal CityWalk first opened to the public.  It’s another closure as Hollywood continues to rework CityWalk with all-new dining options. Universal has yet to announce what will be replacing Camacho’s. Camacho’s sister restaurants in Mariasol at the Santa Monica Pier and El Paseo…

Universal has revealed a first look at the upcoming Stranger Things maze that will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Singapore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbJt9NqN2Wg&feature=youtu.be Each park will feature its very own maze that will give guests the chance to brave the Upside Down and encounter iconic scenes, characters and environments from season one – such as the Byers’ living room adorned with an erratic display of flashing Christmas lights, and Hawkins National Laboratory in the Upside Down. “Halloween Horror Nights” begins Friday, September 14 in Hollywood and Orlando, and on Thursday, September 27 in Singapore. Tickets and…

Chris Lord, Chris Glass, and Sydney discuss the final maze announcements for Halloween Horror Nights 2018 – including Halloween 4, Horrors of Blumhouse, and Universal Monsters. In addition, we reflect on the upcoming closure of Jurassic Park: The Ride before its transition to Jurassic World. 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.