Author: Brian Glenn

After almost 2 months of the attraction’s closure, Universal has finally removed the Shrek 4D entrance signage and murals on the show building. The sign for Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe was also removed. Shrek 4D officially closed its doors on Sunday, January 9th, 2022. Universal has not provided any details or information as to what will replace Shrek 4D, but it’s clear we’re getting something with the Minions.

Universal Orlando has released 6 new Mardi Gras-inspired candles so you can bring a little bit of Mardi Gras home with you. Made in partnership with the Magic Candle Co, the limited-edition candles have been well-received by fans and have been a welcomed addition to the merch lineup. The 6 new candles are: Planet Mardi Gras: Party Out of this World (Cool/Fresh/Air) Fleur-de-Lis (Strawberry) Voodoo (Spice/Vanilla) King Cake (like a King Cake) King Gator (Fresh and Floral) Hurricane Cocktail (Fruity like the drink) The candles can be found at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store and the main Studios Store at…

The Boysenberry Festival is back and Knott’s is touting that it is bigger than ever as the event returns, starting March 18 and running through April 24, 2022. The annual event celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the boysenberry. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a lineup of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that you can only find at Knott’s Berry Farm. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows, and…

After a 2-year absence, Rock the Universe returned to Universal Orlando, holding its weekend event at 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. The event has found a home in the middle of winter since changing from its usual September timeframe…

Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the Year of the Tiger as they have announced that Hollywood & Dine will temporarily become the specially-themed Noodle House for the Lunar New Year. Guests will be able to enjoy Asian cuisine at the restaurant during February. Take a look at the menu items below: Secret Ingredient Noodle Soup Long Life Noodle Soup with Shrimp Tempura Pork Ramen Asian Salad Shrimp and Vegetable Shumai with Chili Dipping Sauce Vegetable Eggrolls with Sweet & Sour Sauce Chicken Eggroll with Sweet & Sour Sauce Cinnamon Tiger Tail Donut Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies, Year of the Tiger…

Universal Orlando has opened an all-new, limited-time Tribute Store – Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night – replacing Sahara Traders, the gift shop at the exit of Revenge of the Mummy. https://youtu.be/YrWPXTI3A0o The change is temporary while Revenge of the Mummy undergoes its lengthy refurbishment. The store features environments inspired by Dracula, Wolfman, Mummy, Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein’s Monster, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Guests can check out a variety of Universal Monsters-dedicated merchandise, pose with life-sized photo ops, and even “monster-ize” themselves as caricature artists “stitch” them together with the likeness of their favorite…

It’s “full steam ahead” for Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. During a Comcast Earnings Call this morning, Jeff Shell, NBCUniversal CEO, discussed the opening time frame of the highly-anticipated theme park, stating that it will be open by summer 2025. “We expect that park to open 2025, and certainly in time for the summer of 2025. We will get back to you when we get more granular on the date,” said Shell. Universal Orlando’s Twitter account also celebrated the announced timeframe with a brief tweet: https://twitter.com/UniversalORL/status/1486716357919997959?s=20 Epic Universe will feature a new theme park, an entertainment center,…

Sahara Traders, the gift shop at the exit of Revenge of the Mummy, has closed as Universal begins to transition the location into a Universal Monsters Tribute Store. Unfortunately, not much is known – including an opening timeframe other than “Coming Soon”. The change is temporary while Revenge of the Mummy undergoes its lengthy refurbishment. It is expected that Sahara Traders will be back with a makeover once Revenge of the Mummy is ready to open. In the meantime, Universal released a line of new Monster-themed scented candles from the Magic Candle Co. that is available for purchase for $20.…

SeaWorld is kicking off 2022 with the Seven Seas Food Festival – Orlando’s largest theme park food festival. The event happens every Thursday through Sunday, February 4 through May 8. Guests can enjoy over 200 chef-and mixologist-curated tastes inspired by cultures from across the Seven Seas. Guest can embark on an international flavor journey with all-new markets inspired by the tastes and smells of Ireland and Sicily, joining the ever-popular Caribbean, Italy, Brazil, Asia, and beyond. With more than 50 fresh global cuisine tastings from around the globe, there is something to tempt every guest. In addition to the amazing…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, on March 11, 2022! Pass Members get first dibs on exclusive rides on select dates starting February 11. After presenting their Annual Pass, eligible riders will be among the first to conquer the record-breaking thrills of Iron Gwazi. Guests can go online to get more information on exclusive Pass Member previews. Being North America’s tallest hybrid coaster, this ride takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206-foot-tall peak down a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. Iron Gwazi…