Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Super Nintendo World will officially open on February 17, 2023. Super Nintendo World will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe and shopping at the 1-UP Factory retail store, Super Nintendo World will be an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2K4JzHVxpM Per Universal, “from the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery, and play awaits that is entirely unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Their journey begins as…

To celebrate its longtime partnership with the Central Florida community, the Universal Orlando Foundation this week awarded more than $1 million in grants to 30 charitable organizations. The grants will help provide everything from school supplies to innovative, after-school programming – and more. The grants were announced as the Universal Orlando Foundation enters its 25th year of serving the community. The Foundation gathered 30 community partners at a first-ever, “Celebration of Giving,” event. The event will return in 2023 and become an annual celebration of giving. Since its inception in 1998, the Universal Orlando Foundation has delivered more than $30 million in grants…

Universal’s Great Movie Escape is now officially open at Universal CityWalk – bringing an entirely new level of escape room experience to Universal Orlando. Universal’s Great Movie Escape is comprised of two distinct, cinematic escape adventures inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic Jurassic World and Back to the Future films – each boasting eight immersive environments that feature state-of-the-art challenges, detailed sets and captivating storylines that allow guests to step into blockbuster films like never before. Universal’s award-winning entertainment team partnered closely with escape room industry experts and Jurassic World and Back to the Future filmmakers to create this innovative experience that goes beyond the…

Universal Orlando has announced a new Minion Land is coming to Universal Studios Florida, which will include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, a new Minion Café, and the just-announced Villain-Con Minion Blast. Per Universal, the new “Minion Land on Illumination Ave” will also feature other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises. Minion Café will replace Monsters Café, which closed in late 2022. No other details have been announced other than the new area will open when Villain-Con Minion Blast opens in Summer 2023; including the extent of the change and how that impacts Production Central going forward. More…

Universal Orlando has announced their newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, will open in Universal Studios Florida in Summer 2023. Developed in partnership between the Universal creative team and Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their “villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.” Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity, and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, villains, and, of course, Minions. The attraction replaces Shrek 4D,…

Universal Orlando has announced the current UOAP Lounge, located in Universal Studios Florida, will close on December 31, 2022, as they plan to relocate the popular AP hangout over to the Toon Lagoon area in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The Lounge was exclusive to Universal’s Annual Passholders and allowed them to manage their AP account, shop exclusive UOAP merch, or just relax. While the exact location in Toon Lagoon hasn’t been revealed, Universal has teased that it may replace the Betty Boop shop. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

A brand-new collection of authentic, interactive Ollivanders wands has arrived at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the globe, bringing 12 all-new wands – plus an additional one that is exclusive to each destination – to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. Each original wand within the new assortment pairs a wood type with one of the three powerful cores preferred by master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the Harry Potter film series – unicorn hair, dragon heartstring, and phoenix feather – and comes with a first-ever “wand lore” insert…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 5, 2022, to December 11, 2022. 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. Refurbishments Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is still in Technical Rehearsal and may operate on a limited, unscheduled basis. There is no word as to when the ride will “officially” reopen. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at…

Universal Orlando has announced Universal’s Great Movie Escape will be opening on December 9 at Universal CityWalk and tickets are now on sale. Guests can now book epic escape adventures inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic Jurassic World and Back to the Future films. Universal’s Great Movie Escape invites guests of all ages to solve their way through a pair of first-of-its-kind escape rooms based on two of the biggest film franchises in history. Universal’s entertainment team partnered closely with filmmakers and escape room industry experts around the country to create innovative experiences that go beyond the typical escape room – blending…

UPDATE 12/5: Good news; Bad News: So it seems Hello Kitty’s time isn’t up just yet. The section reopened with a new floor. From what we understand, this section is still planning to close in due time. With that said, we jumped the gun and wanted to make sure we updated the article. The Hello Kitty Store has officially closed. Located between Production Central and Hollywood, the Hello Kitty Store was part of an amalgamated store that included Betty Boop, Funko, and Universal Studios general merchandise. Universal has been slowly removing the Hello Kitty/Sanrio theme and decor in the store…