Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced that their AMC Theatre will be closing to make way for their new partnership with Cinemark Theaters. To begin the process of the transformation, the AMC Theater will be closed all-day on September 14th. Beginning the next day, on September 15th, the theaters will re-open under the new partnership and will begin their transformation; taking several months to upgrade and remodel the auditoriums. New, reclining, Cinemark Luxury Loungers with extendable footrests, cup holders, and plush seating will be installed in each of the 20 auditoriums. In addition, a new Cinemark XD auditorium will be added. XD auditoriums…

Universal Orlando invited members of the media to tour around and get a first look inside the new Aventura Hotel. Once it officially opens on Thursday, Aug 16th, Aventura will be Universal’s 6th on-site hotel and be priced in the “prime value” category. Universal Orlando initially approached the design of Aventura knowing that the hotel would occupy a tight footprint and need to be very tall. Liking the form of the new Towers at Cabana Bay, Universal wanted to replicate the success of that and create a “gateway” as guests enter through Adventure Way. When designing past resorts, the goal…

It was announced today that an all-new maze based on “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” will be coming to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Based on the fourth installment in the classic slasher series created by John Carpenter, the mazes will transport guests to the suburban town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night where Myers has escaped Smith’s Grove Sanitarium and is hungry for revenge. This time, he relentlessly stalks his niece Jamie as his next victim, stopping at nothing to kill her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc1b2wf354g&feature=youtu.be Guests will follow Myers as he escapes…

Universal Orlando has announced the dates for next year’s Mardi Gras 2019 event. The event will be taking place nightly from February 9 to April 4. Mardi Gras has become a popular staple at Universal Orlando, featuring a nightly parade and concerts featuring the biggest acts. For 2019, the French Quarter Courtyard will be returning to offer Cajun cuisine favorites, and Universal is teasing all-new parade floats that will be featured in the parade. The concert lineup will be released in the coming months. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on Mardi Gras and the Universal Parks & Resorts.

Get ready to go “into the light” as the supernatural horror film, Poltergeist, has been announced as a haunted house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist premiered in 1982 and was a commercial and critical success. Characterized as one of the scariest films of all time, the film focuses on the Freeling family whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits that abduct the family’s youngest daughter. The film stars Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, and Zelda Rubinstein. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHZJwSLA8lE The mazes will take guests…

Busch Gardens has released house and scarezone information for this year’s Howl-O-Scream event, as well as additional ticket and vacation package information. Howl-O-Scream 2018 runs select nights from Sept. 21 through Oct. 28. For 19 menacing nights, guests will be able to experience new terrifying scare zones, creepers on coasters, and all-new 17 and older extreme experience. New houses this year include: Insomnia Every door in this haunted asylum leads to your worst nightmare and the doctor is accepting new patients. Have your fears turn into fate as this reality comes to life.  Patients will be forced to stay awake…

SeaWorld Orlando has announced a two-week promotion “Thrill Fest” culminating on August 17 “Thrill Fest Ride Night” with extended park hours.  Included in admission, guests can take the coaster challenge and ride all of their favorite thrills at SeaWorld Orlando: Manta, Mako, Kraken and Journey to Atlantis will stay open until midnight for coaster enthusiasts to enjoy. Go Behind-the-Scenes and experience an exclusive “Tech Talk” with our operations and maintenance leadership teams to see the Manta “coaster house.” This free program will be limited to 50 guests per tour and available on a first-come, first-serve basis at 1 pm and 2 pm…

Universal Orlando Resort revealed the next terrifying, original haunted house coming to Halloween Horror Nights 28 – Seeds of Extinction. Seeds of Extinction places guests on Earth moments after a meteor has hit, causing immediate mass destruction along with the human race wiped from existence. Now a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the planet has become overgrown with invasive vegetation. What appears to be a lush and green graveyard hides the most terrifying and hungry meat eaters. Guests will come face-to-face with horrific, humanoid plants, strangling vines, deadly blooms and more. Halloween Horror Nights 28 will take place at Universal Studios Florida, spanning 34 nights from…

Tickets and multi-night passes are now on sale for Halloween Horror Nights 2018 as Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed more information on what to expect at this year’s event; including scare zones and this year’s Terror Tram theme. General one-night admission prices range between $67-$97, depending on your event date. Passmember discounts are available, with savings up to $36. Platinum Annual Pass Members are entitled to one free night. Check the official site for more information on which dates the free ticket is valid. This year’s Frequent Fear Pass features 3 options; 2 Nights of Fear, Frequent Fear, and Ultimate Fear. The…

SeaWorld Orlando has announced a brand-new festival – the SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival The first-ever festival will feature 100+ brews on draft from breweries across the state of Florida, and take place on weekends Nov. 3 – 11. The festival will also feature 20+ unique food items designed to perfectly pair with the event brew selection. Sampling packages will be made available for purchase. In the meantime, park guests can enjoy free beer and a daily happy hour through Labor Day Weekend. The free brews will be available all summer long through Sept. 2, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before…