Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida in September 2025 to make way for a new experience. More details about the new experience will be announced at a later date. https://x.com/UniversalORL/status/1872765976933974289 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which opened in 2008, was designed by the German manufacturer Maurer Söhne and is known for its vertical lift and allowing guests to choose their music while riding. Rumors suggest a new coaster will be replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, but nothing has been confirmed by Universal at this time. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

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. At Universal Studios Florida, guests can celebrate at the Music Plaza Stage, which will feature a DJ, live music, entertainment, and special character encounters. The New Year’s Celebration will culminate at midnight. Guests can also enjoy a viewing of Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacluar at 10pm. Over at Islands of Adventure, guests can…

Earl the Squirrel has become a popular character at Universal Orlando during the Holidays and is considered the Resort’s official mascot for the Christmas season. What started as a lighting mishap and turned into an inside joke within the entertainment team now has become a core part of the Holiday event. Recently, Universal has shared the official story of how Earl the Squirrel came to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O06jiRMmP4 The inside joke started after the Christmas tree lights wouldn’t turn on. One of the techs climbed up the tree and discovered not only that a squirrel had made his home inside the…

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 23, 2024, to December 29, 2024. Universal Orlando Running daily through Tuesday, December 31, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season. Guests…

Universal Orlando is bringing Cinnabon back to a new home in CityWalk. Walls have been set up in CityWalk across from Bigfire teasing the return. While not officially confirmed, it is anticipated that a new small kiosk, similar to others in the area, will be constructed. The original CityWalk location closed in April to make way for the expansion of the Universal Studios Store, which is set to open in 2025. Despite this closure, small mobile carts have continued to serve the popular treat. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and…

The first Universal Orlando signage has been added to the Epic Universe resort area. The new entryway sign is located at the Epic Blvd and Destination Parkway entrance. Universal is installing new signage around their Resort as they get ready to welcome Epic Universe into their Resort line-up in May 2025. The new signs will be digital and placed at the resort’s entryways, featuring displays for Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Trolls, and more. 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…

Universal Orlando has begun construction on adding new entry signs around the Resort’s property. The new signs will be digital and placed at the resort’s entryways, featuring displays for Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Trolls, and more. Turkey Lake Road and Hollywood Way Universal Boulevard and Hollywood Way South Kirkman Road and Major Boulevard (aka Tom Williams Way) Vineland Road and Universal Boulevard The permits and images for the new signs were obtained by News 6 a couple of months ago. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our…

Universal Orlando has announced Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating their annual passholders, will return January 6 – 31, 2025. Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Universal Orlando with extra benefits only available for a limited time. Here are some of the exclusive offerings that Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Bonus Benefits: Food and beverage featuring limited-time menu offerings throughout the destination, plus Passholder exclusive dining locations at Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure and Lombard’s Seafood Grille in Universal Studios Florida. Grand Slam Burger at NBC Sports Grill & Brew ($23.95 +…

Universal Orlando has announced that Team Members will be getting new nametags in early 2025 to celebrate the expansion of the Orlando Resort. The new “Stargazer” nametag design features the Universal Orlando logo surrounded by the icons of each park – the Volcano (Volcano Bay), the Arches (Universal Studios Florida), the Lighthouse (Islands of Adventure) and the Chronos (Epic Universe). Universal states the updated design “represents the range of experiences available for guests at Universal Orlando Resort, which will transform into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 16, 2024, to December 22, 2024. Universal Orlando Running daily through Tuesday, December 31, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season. Guests can celebrate…