Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in theaters on April 15, Universal Orlando has rolled out some Fantastic Beasts merchandise at the Resort. There are 2 options for Fantastic Beasts shirts: A traditional heather cream tee and a sleeveless navy one. A Tervis Travel bottle is also available. The collection also features some new Hog’s Head Brewery apparel and drinkware, including a mug and coaster. And no Fantastic Beasts Collection is complete without a Niffler plush. We’ll keep an eye out to see if any additional merchandise arrives, or if it makes its way over to…

Read More

 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island are committed to elevating the guest experience with one of the parks’ largest investments focusing on park enhancements. The transformation includes refreshed looks at fan-favorite attractions, including Montu (which has already received its bright, new coat of paint), Cheetah Hunt, and Stanley Falls Flume, as well as park areas including Moroccan Village and Pantopia, home to more of the park’s world-class collection of thrills. The updates will continue later this year, with the debut of an exciting new park entrance. This summer, Busch Gardens’ world-class entertainment will expand even more with new offerings…

Read More

Universal Studios Hollywood has opened the Feature Presentation retail store featuring Super Nintendo World themeing and merchandise. Located in the Upper Lot, guests will have a chance to purchase Mario and Luigi-themed apparel, as well as their iconic character hats. A selection of plush characters, including Yoshi, Mario Bowser, and Luigi in a variety of sizes, will also be among the many fun items available for purchase. Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. Photos by Akane Okumura

Read More

Universal Orlando is now hiring more than 800 new Team Members for full-time, part-time, and professional career opportunities within the resort’s Food & Beverage team. New starting rates for Culinary Team Members range from $16.50 to $20 per hour based on the position. Universal Orlando has a wide variety of Culinary and Food & Beverage positions available including line cooks, senior cooks, chef assistants, dishwashers, quick service personnel, cashiers, full-service wait staff, and more. Interested applicants can sign up to attend Universal Orlando’s Virtual Culinary and Food & Beverage Job Fair on Wednesday, April 6 by visiting UniversalOrlandoJobs.com.

Read More

Chick Chick Chicken is coming to CityWalk Hollywood. Signage recently has gone up confirming the new restaurant. Chick Chick Chicken replaces Ludo Bird, which closed in Summer 2020. A temporary Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Sweets & Treats location also opened for seasonal operations. The menu features chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders where guests can choose between traditional, Asian-style, or Nashville hot n’ spicy. No other information is available at this time, including an opening date. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Read More

It’s been a long time! We’re back with March’s photo update around CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood! We take a look around inside the park for our first photo update in nearly a year, checking out Super Nintendo World and Halloween Horror Nights construction. Photos by Eli Weiss Let’s get started! Park Update Index » Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Construction » Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch Pop Up event » Super Nintendo World » Halloween Horror Nights 2022 Construction Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Construction Construction continues on the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. The restaurant was set to…

Read More

The countdown is on as Universal Orlando has announced dates for Halloween Horror Nights 31 – taking place 43 nights between September 2 through October 31, 2022. Tickets are also now on sale, with single-night tickets starting at $73.99 per night. Multi-night tickets, including the popular Frequent Fear Pass, are expected to go on sale later this year. Halloween Horror Nights upgrades are also available for purchase now, including the guided, nighttime R.I.P. Tour experience where guests receive priority V.I.P. access to the haunted houses; and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour that offers a glimpse into how…

Read More

After nearly 2 years of closure, the temple was finally unsealed as Poseidon’s Fury re-opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure today. During the closure, Universal started a massive refurbishment of the attraction, most notably repainting the entire facade. The attraction closed in August 2020 due to slower attendance during the early days of the pandemic. While other attractions eventually re-opened, Poseidon’s Fury remained closed, causing speculation as to whether or not the attraction would ever return. As for the show itself, Poseidon’s Fury remains largely unchanged. After our viewing, it appears the refurbishment was more of a “repaint, repair, and…

Read More

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Super Nintendo World will open in 2023! Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe. The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a groundbreaking ride and interactive areas, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Themed shopping and dining will enhance the entire experience. Super Nintendo World opened first at Universal Studios Japan to rave…

Read More

Yes, it’s March – but Halloween Horror Nights 2022 is officially under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood. As of now, construction is taking place in the Curious George Parking Lot and Revenge of the Mummy Queue. According to John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of Horror Nights, the reason for the early start is due to to “challenges” of the past few years, such as possible supply chain issues. Despite the early start, no information for this year’s event has been released – including event dates. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest…

Read More