Author: Brian Glenn

The Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake, the quick-service location known for offering Japanese fusion food and sushi, has permanently closed at CityWalk Orlando. The restaurant was located in an oft-overlooked location on the 2nd floor, near the exit of the Universal Cineplex. The decreased foot traffic in the recent year around the location may have contributed to its closure but that’s just speculation on our part. Fusion Bistro originally opened in January 2010. The location will be replaced with another quick-service option, but it has not been announced by Universal at this time. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all…

After a brief 3-month refurbishment, Bruce the shark has returned home, bringing the popular JAWS photo op back to San Francisco at Universal Studios Florida. The photo-op has become a fan favorite, as it’s one of the last notable vestiges of the shark and the film at the Resort. It was originally located at the entrance of the beloved JAWS attraction, which closed in 2012 to make way for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Since then, it has made San Francisco its home. The shark’s nickname, Bruce, is in reference to what the JAWS film crew…

Universal Studios Japan has announced they will be temporarily closed from April 25th to May 11th following a “state of emergency declaration” to the Osaka Prefecture due to the recent increase in Coronavirus infections. Universal states the closure may be extended beyond May 11, if need be. Universal Studios Japan had been closed last year, from February 29 to June 7, in an effort to minimize the spread of infection in cooperation with the Japanese government. For more information on the closure or if you were planning a visit during these dates, please visit Universal Studios Japan’s official website: https://www.usj.co.jp/…

Universal Orlando is getting ready to let the first guests experience the Jurassic World VelociCoaster before it officially opens as Annual Passholder Previews were announced. The exclusive opportunity will be held from Sunday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 5, and registration is required.  Universal states that due to limited capacity, they cannot accommodate non-registered Passholders and there will not be a standby line. Universal Team Members are expected to begin their previews of the new attraction starting next Thursday. With Universal still limiting capacity due to the ongoing pandemic, we anticipate VelociCoaster previews and soft openings to be handled a…

SeaWorld Orlando is bringing Cinco de Mayo to SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival for one week, on April 30-May 2, May 5, and May 7-9 at select times from 12:30-6:00 p.m. The event is located outdoors with limited capacity and physical distancing, guests are in for a treat with festive menu items, family-friendly entertainment, and live performances throughout the day, including: FIESTA IN THE STREET – The Wild Arctic Plaza comes to life as entertainers, stilt walkers, and party starters get this full-blown fiesta going. DJ DANCE PARTY – Get your feet moving at this fun-filled party (with physical distancing) as we…

After being closed for more than a year, Universal Studios Hollywood has officially grand reopened. The reopening process kicked off yesterday for Annual and Season Pass Members who were allowed to enjoy a special park preview. While most rides will be operational, some rides and attractions will reopen at a later date as the theme park complies with government restrictions – such as The Simpsons Ride and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Guests will also be able to check out the brand-new The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride and new scenes at Jurassic World: The Ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VLlNtbRlJs “We…

Universal Orlando Resort has announced their Grad Bash and Gradventure events will return next Spring 2022. The events will take place across both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the following dates: Grad Bash: April 1, 2, 8, 29, 30 Gradventure: May 6, 13, 20 The event has become a tradition for students in the Springtime but hasn’t been held for the past 2 years due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Grad Bash is a celebration for high school seniors, while Gradventure is a celebration for middle school graduates. To learn more about Grad Bash, Gradventure, or other Universal…

The popular T-Rex and jeep photo op have returned to the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure. The original photo op was removed due to the construction of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The new location is located right between Thunder Falls Terrace and the splashdown of the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Parks & Resorts has announced they have selected a developer to design, build and manage an affordable housing community near the International Drive corridor. The area identified as a high priority by Orange County’s Housing for All Task Force. This is a first-ever approach that brings a theme park entertainment company and its pledge of land and creative resources together with an experienced affordable housing developer to find a unique solution to one of Central Florida’s most pressing issues. The scope and scale of this initiative are expected to reach near-record levels for affordable housing communities across the nation.…

Knott’s Berry Farm has announced they are officially reopening on May 21, 2021, after spending the past year closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The park will reopen to season passholders May 6, with plans for a grand reopening to the general public on May 21 for a summer-long, Knott’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. During the 100th anniversary celebration, guests can experience the brand-new Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, a 4-D interactive dark ride that pays tribute to the classic attraction from 35 years ago. Guests also will have the opportunity to meet Knott’s all-new lovable costumed characters and…