Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the theme park and CityWalk will remain closed through January 9, 2025, due to the dangerous wildfires and wind conditions. Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, January 9 as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions. pic.twitter.com/1nYCi4iqDU — Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) January 9, 2025 Universal will continue to reassess the situation and ensure it is safe for guests and Team Members before reopening to the public. Locals are encouraged to follow the LA County emergency website for possible evacuations and…

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Several stores have officially closed at CityWalk Hollywood, with other popular locations getting ready to close by month’s end. iFly and Crepe Cafe are now officially closed. IFly’s closure is rumored to be associated with security checkpoint overhauls coming around the property. iFly employees signed their goodbyes on the wind tunnel to commemorate their last day. Other locations confirmed to close later this month are Abercrombie & Fitch and Sparky’s Donuts. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC…

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Universal Studios Hollywood has closed the WaterWorld stunt show for refurbishment. While a specific reopening date has not been announced, the attraction is expected to reopen sometime in February. Please note that these dates are subject to change. WaterWorld typically undergoes general refurbishment during the winter months when temperatures are generally lower. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip to Universal Orlando or…

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Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the theme park and CityWalk will be closed today, January 8, 2025, due to the dangerous wildfires and wind conditions. https://x.com/UniStudios/status/1876995419240030363 Universal expects to reopen tomorrow, but will reassess the situation later. Per the LA Times, “extraordinarily powerful winds and gusts — of up to 99 mph — have been reported”, with “extreme fire conditions expecting to continue through the middle of Wednesday afternoon.”. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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Universal Orlando has announced more information on this year’s Mardi Gras event, including the concert line-up, parade details, and more! 2025’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run daily from February 1 through March 30, 2025. This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme will celebrate 30 years of the event, with six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads, and the bayou and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers, and more.…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 6, 2025, to January 12, 2025. Universal Orlando UOAP Bonus Benefits are back from now until January 31, 2025. Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Universal Orlando with extra benefits that are only available for a limited time – including exclusive menu items, merch, and discounts. Guests can celebrate the release of Universal Pictures’ Wicked at Universal Orlando! Enjoy exclusive merchandise, limited-time food and beverages, and more – including the new Wicked: The Experience! Volcano Bay is currently operating on…

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Universal Orlando has added one of the most requested perks to its UOAP Benefits – a year-round, UOAP-Exlcusive Entrance for its Passholders. The Passholder-exclusive entrance will only be available at Universal Islands of Adventure from 8 am–12 pm. The perk usually was featured during their Passholder Bonus Benefits, or Passholder Appreciation Days. Other new benefits include: Save 15% with an increased Seasonal Passholder discount on multi-day tickets Discounted multi-day tickets can now be purchased online Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to…

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In 2024, Universal Orlando set the stage for excitement by starting the marketing campaign for Epic Universe, the eagerly awaited new theme park. Yet, beyond the Epic hype train, various other noteworthy events unfolded at the Resort throughout the year, making it a year to remember for guests. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Orlando during 2024. 10. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closure Announcement Last Thursday, this would’ve been the removal of 3D from Skull Island: Reign of Kong, but Universal dropped a news nugget right late Friday afternoon on a random Twitter (we…

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We’re about to turn another page on another year of covering the Universal theme parks.  Highlighted by the milestone 60th celebration of the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood was filled with notable moments in the past year. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Studios Hollywood during 2024. 10. Escapology Announced for CityWalk In August, we discovered that Escapology was replacing Samba Brazilian Steakhouse and heading to CityWalk Hollywood. Still not officially announced, we know that Escapology is an escape room franchise where a team of up to 8 players will complete a specific mission…

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Happy New Year! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Orlando will host a variety of New Year’s Eve festivities that invite guests to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 at the Resort. Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will be open through 1am on New Year’s Eve, with the celebration beginning at 6:30pm. In CityWalk, DJs and live entertainment will start at 6pm. All 3 areas will have a New Year’s Celebration at Midnight. Tuesday, December 31, is…

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