Author: Brian Glenn

After a year off, the Holidays are back in full effect as we start nearing closer to a little bit of normalcy. All the Universal Holiday favorites are returning this year; including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show – as well as the return of the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. With many of the entertainment and shows being returning favorites, I thought it would be best to highlight all the new experiences featured at this year’s Holiday celebration. The Holiday Tribute Store is…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the return of EVE, the New Year’s Eve event party, on Friday, December 31 with extended hours at the park until 2:00 a.m. EVE is included in the price of theme park admission and is a special park-wide celebration that invites guests to spend the day and party by night while enjoying its popular and award-winning rides and attractions. Starting at 9:00 p.m., the theme park transitions into “party central” as multiple entertainment hubs will entertain guests with live music and DJs, playing everything from pop, rock, and hip-hop to EDM to Latin music. Plus,…

In another round of leadership changes at Universal Parks & Resorts, it was announced today that Bill Davis, President of Universal Orlando Resort, will retire. Karen Irwin, current President of Universal Studios Hollywood, will replace Davis as President. The company also announced that Tom Mehrmann, who most recently served as President of Universal Beijing Resort, will take on a newly created role as President, Pacific Rim, Universal Parks & Resorts, overseeing Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort. Reporting to Mr. Mehrmann as business leaders will be Scott Strobl, currently Senior Vice President of Operations at Universal…

Mark Woodbury, Vice Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts and President, Universal Creative, will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of current Chairman Tom Williams, the company announced today. Mr. Williams will retire effective March 16, 2022. Mr. Woodbury will step into his new role effective January 1, 2022. Tom Williams has worked in tourism for more than 50 years – moving to Orlando in 1988 to open Universal Studios Florida. After being named the park’s president in 1990, he transformed Orlando into a destination with multiple parks, hotels, and an entertainment complex. He was named Chairman…

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has announced the return of Velvet Unplugged this fall with performances by Seth Glier on November 19 and rock singer Carl Dixon, formerly of The Guess Who, on December 17. Velvet Unplugged is the hotel’s intimate, laid-back live performance series that takes place in the lobby and features a mix of well-known artists and up-and-coming musicians. Guests may purchase café style tables for two or four people or enjoy the show from the standing-room-only area. Tickets for Velvet Unpluggedwith Seth Glier are available here. For Carl Dixon, tickets can be purchased here.

Universal Orlando has announced a new offer for Florida residents with its “Buy A Day, Get a Second Day Free” ticket deal to experience Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as the festive Holidays celebration which begins on November 13. The tickets can only be purchased now through December 16, 2021 at UniversalOrlando.com by using a promo code from specially-marked cups of Coca-Cola at participating Wendy’s restaurants. Click Here for more information and to purchase tickets. The “Buy A Day, Get a Second Day Free” ticket can be used on any two days now through February 4,…

Knott’s Berry Farm has announced that beginning November 19 through January 2, guests can enjoy the Holidays at this year’s Knott’s Merry Farm – featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. This year, the park brings back all your holiday favorites with Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic seasonal tunes, outstanding performers, holiday lights, and magical dancing toys, and the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters in Merry Christmas,…

SeaWorld Orlando has announced details of their Christmas Celebration 2021 event, taking place from November 12 through January 2.  Guests can enjoy holiday entertainment, from the all-new Sounds of the Season to the fan-favorite Sesame Street Christmas Parade; grab a picture with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or head to Wild Arctic and visit Santa himself. ALL-NEW NOW NIGHTLY!  Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale  Each Christmas Celebration night, SeaWorld celebrates the season during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, featuring soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. Experience an amazing SeaWorld Christmas connection that…

Universal Orlando has announced more holiday offerings for the upcoming Holiday season, including the popular return of its “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates starting November 21. The Holidays at Universal Orlando start November 13 and continues through January 2. Here’s a sneak peek of what guests can experience aboard “Universal’s Holiday Tour”: Meet the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, in Seuss Landing while enjoying a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar Experience an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a spectacular…

Universal Orlando has confirmed that Fear Factor Live has permanently closed at Universal Studios Florida – with the official date being November 1. The closure is a bit unique as the show hasn’t been in operation since March 2020, but the stage is currently under use for the seasonal show, Halloween Nightmare Fuel, which is featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. No word on its replacement has been announced. The attraction was based on the NBC television series, Fear Factor, and featured guests becoming contestants in various stunts inspired by the show. Fear Factor Live originally opened in 2005,…