Author: Brian Glenn

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced that Serengeti Flyer will officially open on February 27, 2023. Serengeti Flyer will be the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing, upon opening. Pass Members will be among the first to experience Serengeti Flyer with exclusive ride time on February 24. Serengeti Flyer will feature twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak, overlooking the 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Some seats will be even able to see as far as Downtown Tampa. The attraction takes…

Universal Studios Japan is letting guests come up close to the magical creatures from the Wizarding World as they are set to debut several new encounters. For a limited time, starting March 17, 2023, guests visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be able to encounter a Hippogriff, a Niffler, and other magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film franchises. Just like a Hogwarts Student, guests will be able to partake in a “Hippogriff Magical Lesson”. The new show will teach guests how to politely approach and interact with the “proud creature”, with the head of…

Universal Orlando has announced they are now hiring more than 2,500 new Team Members for full-time, part-time, seasonal hourly, and professional career opportunities across the entire resort. Positions are available in areas including Custodial, Parking & Transportation, Security, Paramedics, Entrance Operations, Call Center, and more. Universal Orlando is also hiring for opportunities within the resort’s Food & Beverage team, with positions available in all areas, including full-service wait staff, cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, quick service personnel, Food & Beverage Management roles, and more. In addition, available culinary positions offer competitive wages and the training and opportunity to build a great culinary…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 6, 2023, to February 12, 2023. Universal Orlando Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval continues this week. On February 10, JVKE will be performing live at the Music Plaza Stage after Saturday’s parade. On February 11, the Goo Goo Dolls will be performing live. Taking place from February 4 through April 16, 2023, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations, and, on select nights, live concerts. For more information, visit here.…

Universal Orlando has closed Me Ship, The Olive at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 3, 2023, until March 10, 2023. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water attractions during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will also be closed from February 13, 2023, until March 10, 2023, for its annual winter maintenance. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

The newest Tribute Store has opened up as Universal Orlando gears up for 2023’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Now located in Hollywood, guests can stock up on the latest Mardi Gras merchandise and goodies. The highly immersive retail location is themed to represent an international jazz celebration which eventually leads into a New Orleans speakeasy. Guests first enter the Ambassador Ballroom, where the jazz celebration takes place. If you look up to the “2nd Floor”, you can find all the countries – along with the “Carnaval” they celebrate – that will be featured on menus at this year’s…

Demolition is well underway at the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in Universal Studios Florida. From ground level, it’s easy to notice the large, red water pump from Fievel’s Playland is now gone. Recent aerial photos posted by bioreconstruct on Twitter show a lot more demolition has taken place – with Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playland nearly gone. https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/1621573359493324800?s=20&t=gSf3K0lWB6-ognRmosO4sQ Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone officially closed at Universal Studios Florida on Monday, January 16, with DreamWorks Destination, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, and the new Shrek Meet & Greet all part its closure.…

Universal Orlando is offering U.S. and Canadian residents a new “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day, 2-Park Ticket” deal. Starting as low as $234.99 per adult, plus tax, the new offer allows guests to enjoy five days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the price of a 3-Day ticket. For just $35 more, guests can upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Guests can also use this incredible offer to check out the upcoming summer debut of the all-new Minion Land and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, or…

Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a new Early Access Ticket option that gives guests an extra hour inside the upcoming Super Nintendo World. The ticket price can either be $20 or $25 depending on the day of your visit, and allows early access admission to Super Nintendo World one hour prior to the scheduled Park opening. The ticket also comes with one-time express access to the Studio Tour (valid until 11 a.m. and valid on the selected date only. Universal warns that availability is limited for the Early Access Ticket, and is not valid for theme park admission, which must…

Rock the Universe returned to Universal Orlando, celebrating its 25th year. The event, which began in 1998, brings “faith, fun, and fellowship” to Universal Studios Florida. Rock the Universe allows fans and youth groups to come together to enjoy performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences, and of course, Universal’s theme park attractions. Experiencing the attractions is probably the best aspect of the event, as a lot of the rides are minimal waits with most of the guests attending the live performances throughout the park. Now in its 4th year as a wintertime event, Rock the…