Author: Brian Glenn

The new UOAP Passholder Lounge has officially opened in Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure, just in time for Universal’s UOAP Bonus Benefits Month. The Lounge is exclusive to Universal’s Annual Passholders and allows them to manage their AP account, shop exclusive UOAP merch, or just relax. Most of the same features from the original Lounge can be found in the new location, but the Lounge is a bit smaller. During Bonus Benefits, guests can pick up an UOAP-exclusive Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary magnet. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and…

Universal Orlando has altered their donation pledge for their “Love is Universal” merchandise which will now have the company donate 100% of the collection’s profits from now til August to local LGBTQ+ organizations. The local organizations include Zebra Youth, The Center Orlando, and onePULSE Foundation. Universal originally donated 10% of the collection’s profits. Debuting in 2019, “Love is Universal” is a line of pride merchandise that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

Universal Orlando has announced that Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is set to undergo exterior renovations beginning June 2023. The repairs are expected to last until June 2025 as Universal will be working one section at a time. Per the website: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will be making repairs to the façade of the hotel from June 2023 – June 2025 to maintain the immersive experience of our Italian village. All work will be done during business hours 9am – 6pm. These repairs are being done one section at a time and may be visible to our guests. Guests can expect…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 1, 2023, to May 7, 2023. Universal Orlando This is the last week to enjoy Poseidon’s Fury before it permanently closes at the end of the day on May 9, 2023. This is also the last week to enjoy The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, the nightly show that takes place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, as the last showings will run on May 9, 2023. The show will have an extended closure for “future show enhancements”. Refurbishments Please keep…

A new Poseidon’s Fury farewell t-shirt has arrived at Islands of Adventure, touting the upcoming “Final Tour” as the attraction is set to close on May 9, 2023. The t-shirt is listed at $27 and is available at Treasures of Poseidon. The attraction will close for “exciting new entertainment” but no other information is available at this time. Located in the Lost Continent, Poseidon’s Fury is a walkthrough attraction where guests are caught in the middle of a battle between Poseidon and the evil Lord Darkenon while inside the Temple of Poseidon. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 24, 2023, to April 30, 2023. Universal Orlando Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. No refurbishments at this time. Universal Studios Hollywood Super Nintendo World is officially open! Reservations are not required, however, Universal will utilize a virtual queue system once the land reaches capacity. Make sure to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app! Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show will be returning on select dates, running from dusk til park close.…

SeaWorld Orlando has announced their new coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, will open May 2023. SeaWorld announced the opening in an update video posted to social media. https://twitter.com/SeaWorld/status/1648740880390533120?s=20 Riders will surf up to heights of 110-feet in the air and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950 feet of track. The coaster can reach max speeds of 60mph, with five different airtime moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds. The ride has a projected height requirement of 54”. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard,…

Universal Orlando has announced the return of Passholder Bonus Benefits, featuring a bunch of exclusive perks for Annual Passholders – including a special entrance, exclusive dining locations, special menu items, and more. Running from May 1 through May 26, Annual Passholders will be able to enjoy the following perks: Dedicated UOAP Entrance: Passholders can enter Universal’s Islands of Adventure through an exclusive entrance from 8am – 2pm. Exclusive Dining Locations: Passholders can enjoy exclusive upstairs dining spaces and exclusive menu items at Confisco Grille in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Lombard’s Seafood Grille in Universal Studios Florida. Passholder Hotel Rates:…

Universal Orlando has rolled out its Summer 2023 crepe for Central Park Crepes, and has added the Street Corn Crepe to the menu. Universal changes the food stand menu seasonally, and with Mardi Gras 2023 officially over, the Muffaletta Crepe was retired for the Street Corn Crepe. For $11.99, the crepe includes roasted corn, cojita cheese, jalapenos, ancho marinated chicken, with a cilantro line crema and blue corn tortilla strips. The Smoked Brisket remains our favorite, but the Street Corn was definitely delicious and should be a great snack during the hot, summer months of Orlando. Stay tuned to Inside…

Construction walls have been set up around the entrance of the E.T. Adventure attraction and its connecting gift shop, E.T.’s Toy Closet, as the area is now closed off. Despite the walls, the ride remains open, with no plans to close in the foreseeable future. The gift shop is closed, however. During the construction, the entrance has been rerouted through the exit. No details or timeframe have been shared, however, per Universal Orlando’s official Twitter, the closure is due to “scheduled maintenance and making enhancements to certain areas”. Universal Orlando is in the midst of parkwide refurbishments around the resort,…