Inside Universal has learned that Magnet Max, a souvenir magnet shop, is set to close at the end of the month at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. The store is currently clearing out its entire inventory by offering a clearance sale. This marks the 3rd store that has closed at CityWalk within the past month. Upstart Crow and The Coffee Bean closed at the end of August. A replacement has not been announced. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for continuing coverage on Universal Parks & Resorts.
Author: Brian Glenn
Brian Glenn
Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief
Universal Orlando has announced that Terminator 2: 3-D at Universal Studios Florida will run its last shows on Sunday, Oct. 8. A replacement has not yet been announced, but Universal states the closure will “make way for an all-new live action experience based on a high-energy Universal franchise.” The new experience will open in 2019.
Today is the day where fans will say their final goodbyes to Dragon Challenge. Some, however, will be bidding their farewells to the attraction formerly known as Dueling Dragons. While the coasters may have been running since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, many fans feel the former-dueling coasters ceased to exist once they opened as part of the Wizarding World. For years, the corner of the Lost Continent stood the 2 iconic giants dragon statues, and welcomed those who chose to “battle bravely”. Originally located in “Merlinwood”, Dueling Dragons was one of the marquee attractions that Universal marketed leading…
Inside Universal has learned that the Hogwarts Express upcharge cabin photo op will have its last day of operation today at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood. It will undergo construction through the end of October to become a new retail concept. The retail concept is unknown at this time. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more coverage on Universal Parks & Resorts.
Universal Orlando has revealed the last 4 original houses, announcing the last of the haunted houses that will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 27. USA Today shared the first look earlier today. The 4 houses announced are: Scarecrow: The Reaping, The Fallen, Hive, and Dead Waters. Scarecrow: The Reaping takes inspiration from the dust bowl era. Centered around an abandoned, drought-ravaged farm haunted by evil scarecrows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq1iOTp8jTI The Fallen features the classic battle of good vs evil, with winged creatures waging battle against mortals in a cathedral. The house is expected to feature a lot of stunt…
Universal Orlando is getting ready to ring in the holidays. Starting Nov. 18, the holidays will take over Universal Orlando Resort for its destination-wide Holidays celebration, including new offerings this year. Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays celebration will run daily from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6. Here’s a round-up of what guests can expect this year during the Holiday season: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter For the first time at Universal Orlando Resort, Christmas is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests will be surrounded by uniquely themed Christmas decorations, garlands and lights as they walk…
Universal Orlando has revealed a look at some of the merchandise that will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Inspired by the “Festival of the Deadliest”, much of the merchandise features candles, skulls, bones, bright colors and different ambiances inspired by the overall thematic for the event. Luis Orazi, Senior Designer, is responsible for the main key art and overall look of the artwork. In addition, the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute store will return, located next to Revenge of the Mummy in the New York Area. Also taking inspiration from this year’s theme, the store will be a “crypt”, with lots of skulls…
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, as well as the novelty shop Upstart Crow, will be closing by the end of month at Universal CityWalk. Both shops share the same space, and are tentatively set to close on August 31st but may close sooner. Upstart Crow is currently clearing out its entire inventory by offering a clearance sale. A replacement has not been announced. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for continuing coverage on Universal Parks & Resorts.
Universal Parks has released a sneak peek and a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights commercial entitled “The Mourning After.” Directed by Eli Roth – of Hostel and Cabin Fever fame – “The Mourning After” spot follows a group of friends as they attend an unusual Halloween costume party and unfolds with “a series of suspenseful twists and turns that begs for more.” . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0XQxLcitIM&feature=youtu.be Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, September 15. The commercial begins airing after the Labor Day weekend. Viewers will see a lot of hidden references throughout the…
Universal Studios Hollywood continues to add onto the impressive food line-up at CityWalk Hollywood. Already open, Mini Monster is recognized as one of the most Instagrammed restaurants in Southern California and features a menu of small-batch flavorfully brewed teas and lemonades, served in California glass jars and specially-designed signature light bulbs. The specialty drinks come made to order with warm boba (black tapioca pearls) and whimsical clouds of spun-to-order cotton candy. We originally reported that the former Flame Broiler will now be home to Poke Bar. Universal has confirmed the food venue is set to officially open in late-August. The restaurant will serve…