Author: Brian Glenn

Several new wand experiences and effects may be coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Inside Universal has learned that these new added experiences may be similar to the effects found over in Universal Studios Japan’s Wizarding World. The wand experience allows guests to use specially-designed wands to interact with certain areas around the Wizarding World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEXWrQkyGow As of now, we cannot confirm which specific effects will be installed. Some of the wand experiences in the Wizarding World Japan include a fire effect, as well as a snow effect. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

Universal Studios Japan has announced the new night parade, Universal Spectacle Night Parade: Best of Hollywood, will debut on May 17, 2018. Billed as the world’s first next-generation parade, it will feature floats from Minions, Jurassic World, Transformers, and Harry Potter. As the floats move along the streets, the walls and buildings along the parade route will change one after another utilizing projection mapping. Universal Studios Japan has developed a new technology called “show orchestration”, which will synchronize the production of music, lighting, and visuals as the floats theme changes. Each float will feature larger-than-life scenes from the iconic properties come to life.…

UPDATE – 4/26/2018 Due to popular demand, Universal Studios Hollywood has extended the Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary event for an extra night. Sunday, May 13th is now available for purchase at $69. Saturday, May 12 has already sold out. The event will also feature special guest appearances by those who worked the films as well as an all-new Raptor Encounter exclusive. Original story below. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jurassic Park – the groundbreaking, blockbuster film – Universal has announced the Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Celebration, a specially ticketed, nighttime event. The event will be held on May 11 and 12. Guests…

Universal Orlando has revealed the name, along with more details on the new hotel complex coming to the former plot of Wet ‘n’ Wild. The new hotel complex will be known as Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. It will feature two hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites. It will also be Universal Orlando’s first Value properties, offering rates as low as $73. The hotels will also offer exclusive on-site benefits, such as Early Park Admission and free shuttle transportation to the main Resort. Of the 1,450 rooms, more than half of the rooms across both hotels will be 2 Bedroom Suites.…

Universal Parks is bringing the Upside Down to Halloween Horror Nights. Stranger Things will be featured as a haunted house at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at both Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore. 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 events, including “the Upside Down”, an alternate dimension filled with dangerous entities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHCHazK263A Working collaboratively with Netflix, along with the creators and executive producer of the blockbuster series—Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer and Shawn Levy, the mazes at Universal…

Offering incredible views and accessibility to all, Universal Orlando has revealed information on Aventura Hotel’s rooftop bar and grill, Bar 17 Bistro. Located on the top floor, the 17th to be exact, of the hotel; the new bistro will be open in the evening hours and will be accessible to everyone – including those not staying on-site at the hotel. To accommodate guests, there will be a dedicated elevator in the lobby that will take guests directly to the rooftop. Bar 17 Bistro will also feature “custom-crafted cocktails designed to pair with the urban international flavors featured on the menu.” The highlight…

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has gotten the hi-def treatment in Orlando. Universal Orlando has upgraded the popular attraction to 4K-HD at 120 frames-per-second, offering twice the frame rate of the attraction’s original 60 frames-per-second – resulting in a clearer and more vibrant image in the ride’s projection’s domes. The upgrade also features some slight tweaks to the ride’s animation, including the dragon “breathing fire” at riders. Universal has not officially confirmed the upgrade. Universal Parks has been upgrading several of their attractions’ projection systems in the past year. Recently, Universal Studios Hollywood converted the Simpsons Ride and Harry Potter…

Voodoo Doughnut opened its doors for guests for the first time on Saturday, officially soft opening in Universal CityWalk. Loved for its “delightfully weird” lineup, Voodoo Doughnut features signature originals and one-of-a-kind donuts such as the the Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape and more. When it officially opens, it will be the first location east of the Mississippi. Single doughnuts cost between $1.50 and $3.70. Guests can also choose 1 of 3 options for a box of a dozen doughnuts, ranging from $15 to $28. The “Classic dozen” features their standard, traditional selection. The “Fryer Flyer Dozen” features all of their…

We’re back with another photo update around Universal Orlando Resort. In this update, albeit brief, we’ll be taking a look at projects happening all around the Resort – including the final prep on Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Aventura Hotel, CityWalk/Voodoo Doughnut, and more! Park Update Index » CityWalk » Voodoo Doughnut » Fast & Furious: Supercharged » Central Park/New Night Show » Harry Potter Coaster » Aventura Hotel » Hard Rock Hotel Refurbishment CityWalk The Universal Cineplex is adorned with advertisements for Universal Pictures latest release, Pacific Rim: Uprising. The CityWalk Stage that was used by the waterfront has been…

Universal Orlando has officially announced the dates of this year’s Holiday Celebration around the Resort. This year’s event runs from November 17, 2018, until January 6, 2019. The event will see the return of the Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and the Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Mannheim Steamroller will be returning to perform live on the Music Plaza Stage. Their performances will take place on select night during the months of November and December. You can take a look at last year’s Holiday festivities here. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more regarding Universal Parks &…