Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 26, 2022, to January 1, 2023. Universal Orlando The Holidays at Universal Orlando are running daily through January 1, 2023. Guests can experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and Grinchmas. For more information on this year’s event, read here. Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida on New Year’s Eve can ring in the New Year in the Music Plaza area, featuring a high-energy band, live DJ, and special appearances by characters. The park will also be open until 1…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Kopiko Wai Winding River at Volcano Bay for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from January 3, 2023, until February 14, 2023, for its annual winter maintenance. 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. The Kopiko Wai Winding River is the slower of the two rivers at Volcano Bay, akin to a lazy river attraction. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Orlando has extended the attraction’s closure through February 12, 2023. Original story below. Universal Orlando has scheduled Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from January 9, 2023, until February 3, 2023, for its annual winter 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. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges should be the next attraction to close for winter maintenance but those dates have not been announced. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls recently re-opened…

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new daytime parade, NO LIMIT!, which will feature Mario and Pokemon characters and debut on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Koopa, Yoshi, and Princess Peach will all be riding in their go-karts on a float inspired by the beloved Rainbow Road race track. According to the press release, there will be 7 Bowser dancers and Pac-n-Flowers (aka Piranha Plants) that are about to “bite you”. Pokemon will also mark their debut in Universal Parks, on a “magnificent float” that will feature a large collection of various Pokemon, such as Charizard, Pikachu, Bulbasaur,…

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls has reopened at Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure after a lengthy, unplanned closure. The attraction has been closed since the park’s reopening after Hurricane Ian. While Universal never confirmed the reason for the closure, it’s believed the Ripsaw Falls sustained some damage due to Hurricane Ian – and Universal bumped up its seasonal Winter maintenance schedule to fix the issues and refurbish the attraction sooner. With the weather being cool and cloudy, the wait time was much shorter than usual. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

With the Holiday Season in full swing, travelers are about to descend upon Orlando for their Holiday vacation; and if you’re staying at Universal Orlando – you’ll be able to enjoy Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s activities across its eight awesome hotels as part of the destination’s Holidays celebration – running now through January 1, 2023. From holiday meals and special ceremonies to parties, entertainment and so much more, guests can partake in memorable holiday festivities while surrounded by dazzling décor that perfectly complements each hotel’s individual theme. Here is a look at what guests can enjoy throughout the remainder…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced Pass Member Preview details for Super Nintendo World before the official grand opening. The Pass Member Preview dates are January 29, 30, and 31; February 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11. An advance online reservation is required. Reservations are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations will open here starting Jan 5, 2023, at 1:30 pm PT. Check-in will be located at the Globe Gardens, located outside the Park on the pathway between Frankenstein Parking and the Security entrance. Universal is recommending Pass Members check in one hour before their allotted reservation…

Universal Orlando has replaced the old on-ride photo pick-up desk with an arcade area inside Men in Black: Alien Attack’s exit shop, MIB Gear Shop. The move comes as Universal is now encouraging guests to use self-service kiosks to order their on-ride photos from MIB: Alien Attack. The arcade area is small but does have a few marquee games – including a MIB shooter game front and center. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

The Prop Shop is back! A new limited-time Prop Shop has opened in the recently-refurbished Brown Derby Hat Shop in Universal Studios Florida. The shop features a lot of items for sale that were used at Universal Orlando during the last couple of years, especially Halloween Horror Nights. Some of the big ticket items included the Monsters Cafe banners, which were already sold by the time we visited this morning. Each banner was going for $1,500. There has been no timeframe given as to how long the shop will remain open, but we’d recommend if you were interested in any…

Universal Orlando has opened Shakes Malt Shoppe, a new ice cream shop, at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – serving milkshakes, smoothies, sundaes, baked goods, and more. Shakes Malt Shoppe is located right next to the Bayliner Diner seating area. Smoothies are $7.50, with the option to add either Whey or Pea Protein for $3. Milkshakes vary in price, but for $1 extra you can make it a Malt. You can check out the menu below: There is also the option of just ordering a good ol’ scoop (or two, or three) of Ice Cream. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…