Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has filed permits for the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World additions that are coming to the resort. WFTV reports permits have been filed for demolition of KidZone at Universal Studios Florida – which starts early 2018 – and the eventual construction for Super Nintendo World, which is expected to open 2021. Plans show Super Mario Land would include Donkey Kong and Mario Kart. The 8.8 acre Super Mario Land expansion, called Project 487, will see much of the existing KidZone and the area behind Simpsons used for the new land. The E.T. Adventure will remain safe, as we reported a few months…

Universal Orlando has turned the empty space of Honk Honkers into a new specialty cotton candy store inside Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. Guests can choose one of 6 flavors – Pink Vanilla, Birthday Cake, Apple, Strawberry, Grape, and Blue Raspberry – and decide whether to add mix-ins or to have the cotton candy wrapped around a lollipop stick, dubbed “Unicorn Pops”. Standard cones are $5.95, with the Unicorn Pop running $6.95. Each cotton candy mix-in is additional $.95. Mix-ins include marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, M&Ms, rock candy, Oreos, and chocolate.

Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. have announced Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) will attend this year’s A Celebration of Harry Potter. The three-day fan event features exciting experiences and exhibits in relation to the Wizarding World on January 26-28, 2018. Wright will be joining previously announced film talent Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum) and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley). This year, the panels will feature new creative talent including the award-winning costume designer behind the last six Harry Potter films Jany Tamime and the Special Effects Supervisor for all eight Harry Potter films John Richardson. Guests will also…

This year, Universal Studios Hollywood will be bringing back New Year’s Eve fireworks for the first time in a few years, Inside Universal has learned. In the past, CityWalk Hollywood offered a New Year’s Eve firework display, with the last one being held in 2014. The last version housed three different displays within the theme park itself – WaterWorld, Universal Plaza and Springfield. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXQR6YStEY&t=5s As of now, it’s not known where the firework display will take place – whether it will be held within the theme park, or CityWalk. Over at Universal Orlando, they celebrate the New Year with EVE…

Drew and Brian get together to share their final thoughts on Halloween Horror Nights 27 and the final Bill & Ted… (again.) Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

Walls have gone up around the former home of Upstart Crow confirming that Sephora – the popular cosmetic retail chain – will open in 2018. Upstart Crow, along with The Coffee Bean, closed at the end of August. This marks another change in a long line of Universal’s recent moves to transform CityWalk’s restaurant and retail offerings. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for continuing coverage on Universal Parks & Resorts.

The Holidays at Universal Orlando kicks off this weekend, and guests will be able to experience the all-new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The parade will feature some of guests’ favorite characters from some of the world’s most iconic franchises, including 15 intricately-detailed floats themed to popular characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions and DreamWorks Madagascar and Shrek. 16 larger-than-life balloons, with 13 of them created exclusively for Universal by Macy’s, will be featured – including Bob from Minions; the Dronkeys and Gingy from Shrek; and “a special gift that DreamWorks’ King Julien from Madagascar has gifted to…himself!” In addition, more than 100 colorful, choreographed holiday performers and characters will dance…

SeaWorld Orlando revealed the first-look at Infinity Falls rapids attraction’s new rafts at the IAAPA Expo 2017. The 8-passenger raft – designed by Intamin – features custom themeing and decor resembling supplies found on real white-water rafting expeditions. Aboard the raft, riders will embark on an adventure through a lush rainforest environment inspired by some of the world’s most incredible freshwater ecosystems. The new attraction will feature the world’s tallest drop on a river raft ride and allow visitors to experience the feel of exhilarating rapids. The ride will also feature an innovative elevator lift designed to transport the rafts…

This holiday season, Gaylord Palms Resort will introduce ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World for the first time in Orlando, showcasing different cultures and their wintertime festivities. In addition to this new ICE! attraction theme, other celebrations of the holidays will join to create the resort’s “Everything Christmas in One Extraordinary Place” event, Christmas at Gaylord Palms presented by FUJIFILM INSTAX. Celebrating the 15th season in Orlando, ICE! presented by Pepsi returns to Gaylord Palms to deliver frozen fun to everyone! This year’s ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World celebrates the world’s diverse holiday traditions, representing United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and…

Blue Man Group at Universal CityWalk and Autism Speaks have teamed up to announce their third annual collaborative Blue Man Group performance on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Slight modifications will be made to the show including reducing sound and light levels at various moments during the performance and making headphones available upon request. The Blue Men will limit the amount of direct audience interaction and keep their approach to the audience more subdued. Blue Man Group will also create calming environments in the theater’s lobby for families seeking a break from the excitement. Tickets for children and adults are priced…