Author: Brian Glenn

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

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 18, 2023, to December 24, 2023. Universal Orlando The Holidays at Universal Orlando will run daily through Sunday, December 31. 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. Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates…

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Universal Orlando will host a variety of New Year’s Eve festivities that invite guests to bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 with special experiences across the resort. THEME PARK FESTIVITIES This year’s in-park celebrations are expanding to include festivities in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure – allowing guests to ring in the new year by enjoying unparalleled theme park thrills and exciting entertainment. In addition to experiencing popular attractions across both parks, guests can revel in festive décor, dance along to music by a live DJ, and enjoy special appearances by beloved characters. And as…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 11, 2023, to December 17, 2023. Universal Orlando The Holidays at Universal Orlando will run daily through Sunday, December 31. 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. Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates…

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A new Meet & Greet to promote Illumination’s upcoming animated feature, Migration, debuted in Universal Studios Hollywood – featuring Gwen, the youngest duckling of the Mallard family. The Meet & Greet is located in the Upper Lot at Pets Place, right in front of the Theatre Marquee. Illumination’s Migration is set to open on December 22, 2023, and features the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. The story follows a family of mallards who try to convince their overprotective father to go on a vacation of a lifetime and attempt to migrate from New England, through New York City,…

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Universal Studios Japan has announced the all-new Donkey Kong Country expansion to Super Nintendo World will open in Spring 2024. Based on the globally beloved and popular Nintendo franchise, Donkey Kong, the new expansion will feature the headlining attraction – Mine-Cart Madness, a first-of-its-kind thrilling family coaster, that will seemingly jump across gaps in the track and perform other stunts from the Donkey Kong Country games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY_v1w9ALC8 Universal Studios Japan’s President and CEO, J.L. Bonnier spoke at the kick-off event saying, “Thanks to the strong partnership with Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and the many talented people at Nintendo, we are confident…

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Universal Orlando Resort announced the addition of two new hotel properties to the Universal Orlando hotels portfolio – Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. The hotels, which are co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., will each feature 750 guest rooms in the resort’s Prime Value category – bringing the total number of guest rooms across the destination to 10,500 – and are slated to open in early 2025. Universal Stella Nova Resort is set to welcome its first guests in January 2025, with Universal Terra Luna Resort set for February 2025. More information about the…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 4, 2023, to December 10, 2023. Universal Orlando The Holidays at Universal Orlando will run daily through Sunday, December 31. 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. Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates…

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Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially introduced Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that “celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun” for younger theme park goers.  The new theme park will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food, and beverage venues, and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay…

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Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to ring in 2024 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration featuring multiple dance locations, a captivating fireworks display and access to select rides and attractions, on Sunday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m. Included in the price of theme park admission, EVE is the ultimate way to usher in the new year, where guests can enjoy award-winning rides and attractions, before transitioning to a park-wide celebration and special midnight countdown to 2024. The New Year’s fun begins at 9 PM with celebration activities including designated dance party zones with DJs and unique photo opportunities…

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Accio Christmas! It’s the holiday season and The Holidays are back at Universal Orlando! The tradition continues as all the Universal Holiday favorites are returning this year; including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show – as well as the return of the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Universal invited us out to check out this year’s event. We were welcomed by Lora Sauls, Senior Manager of Creative Development and Show Direction for Entertainment Art & Design, and Matt Flood, Senior Show Director at Universal…

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