Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has closed Punga Racers at Volcano Bay for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from November 6, 2023, until November 26, 2023, for maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water rides during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

Universal Studios Hollywood has decided to make a store change, ditching the Transformers Supply Vault for the new home of Production Central. Located in the Lower Lot, the Supply Vault was the official store of Transformers: The Ride – 3D since the ride opened in 2012. Production Central was originally located in the Upper Lot before closing for Fast & Furious coaster construction earlier this year. With the change, the store carries an assortment of different merchandise – including Transformers, Fast & Furious, and general Universal Studios Hollywood logo merch. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news…

Universal Orlando has released a new souvenir ‘The Grinch’ Sipper as they get ready to celebrate the upcoming Holiday season. The new sipper features the head of the Mean One, himself, donning a Santa hat, and retails for $18+ tax. As of now, we found the sipper at the Universal Studios Store at Universal Studios Florida, but we expect more availability at other locations soon. The Holidays at Universal Orlando begin Friday, November 17, and 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 –…

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its annual garage sale is returning. This year’s garage sale will take place from November 12th to 14th. Annual Passholders will get early access starting November 11 from 7 am – 7 pm. (Valid Annual or Seasonal Pass, and photo ID required.) The garage sale features merchandise from the parks that are available at an extremely discounted price. The entrance will be located on the ground floor of the Universal Orlando Team Member Parking Garage. As a special bonus, Passholders who make a purchase on Nov 11 will receive 2 FREE UOAP buttons from…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 6, 2023, to November 12, 2023. Universal Orlando Minion Land – which includes Villain-Con Minion Blast, Minion Cafe, Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – is officially open! Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure is closed for its annual refurbishment. The ride is expected to reopen on November 18, 2023. Punga Racers at Volcano Bay is closed for refurbishment. The ride is expected to reopen on…

Universal Orlando has announced dates for 2024’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, running daily from February 3 through April 7, 2024. The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world – plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. More details about…

Universal Orlando has officially started using Photo Validation Facial Recognition for ticket entry at Islands of Adventure. Universal is touting the new validation as a “faster way” to enter the parks. Guests approach the turnstile to get their tickets scanned and wait for the camera to scan their face. The first visit will require your photo to be taken, but subsequent visits will allow a quicker entry once the photo is in the system. Once the scan is validated, you enter the park. Guests can opt out of the process but will be required to present a valid photo ID…

Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating “soup season” by rolling out a new seasonal Fall menu at Hollywood & Dine. Guests will be able to enjoy the limited-time menu at the restaurant during November. Take a look at the menu items below: Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Fries Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Fries Clam Chowder, Chili, or Butternut Squash Soup served in a Bread Bowl Apple Pie Funnel Cake Other menu items include: Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with Fries 22” All Beef Chili Cheese Dog Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from Oct 30, 2023, to Nov 5, 2023. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 32 enters the last week of the event’s run. Featuring a line-up of haunted houses that include Stranger Things, The Last of Us, Universal Monsters, Chucky, and more, the event concludes November 4, 2023. Minion Land – which includes Villain-Con Minion Blast, Minion Cafe, Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – is officially open! Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from Oct 23, 2023, to Oct 29, 2023. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 32, featuring a line-up of haunted houses that include Stranger Things, The Last of Us, Universal Monsters, Chucky, and more, continues on select dates through November 4, 2023. Minion Land – which includes Villain-Con Minion Blast, Minion Cafe, Bake My Day, Illumination Theater Meet & Greet, and Freeze Ray Pops – is officially open! Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure is…