Author: Brian Glenn

Busch Gardens Tampa has announced the return of Howl-O-Scream for the 2021 Halloween season starting Sept 10, sharing tickets, dates, and offering brief hints as to what will be featured at this year’s event. The separately ticketed nighttime event runs on select dates from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 31. Per Busch Gardens; “Guests are invited back inside iconic haunted houses, including two ALL-NEW horror-filled houses. They will find nowhere to hide as zombies, deranged clowns, werewolves, and more stalk their prey throughout eight scare zones while unpredictable roaming hordes lurk in the darkness. Beyond the haunts, killer entertainment…

Universal Studios Hollywood is looking to fill more than 2,000 jobs at the park this summer for full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions to professional career opportunities. A highlight of available jobs includes those in Attractions, Entertainment, including Production Assistants and Show Controllers, Guest Relations, Park Services, Wardrobe, Retail, Parking and Food, including posts as Bartenders, Baristas, Cooks, Bakers, Food Stand Attendants and Runners. To apply, please visit www.USHjobs.com. An array of professional jobs is also available from Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Engineering to Environmental Health & Safety. To apply, please visit www.NBCunicareers.com. More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and…

SeaWorld has announced that The Coaster Coffee Co., a new bakery and cafe serving Starbucks, has opened. The new cafe is located near the park entrance and near Manta and includes amazing working scale roller-coaster models and historical depictions of SeaWorld coaster history. Exclusive Coaster Coffee Company merchandise will be available like Coaster Coffee Company branded souvenir mugs, cups, and t-shirts. The café will also offer exclusive items from your favorite SeaWorld Orlando coasters.

The Summer Tribute Store featuring Jurassic World has officially opened, celebrating the iconic franchise, as well as the upcoming Grand Opening of Universal’s newest attraction, VelociCoaster – opening June 10 at Islands of Adventure. This is the first tribute store dedicated to an attraction, as previous stores were centered around events – such as the Holidays, Mardi Gras, and most famously, Halloween Horror Nights. Guests will be able to explore 4 themed rooms full of Jurassic Park/World gear, such as apparel, collectible items, themed food and beverage, and more. Guests can also browse new collections based on Mr. DNA, the…

DreamWorks Destination is officially now open at Universal Studios Florida. The all-new interactive character experience is set in KidZone, replacing A Day in the Park with Barney which closed earlier this year. Guests will be able to meet, greet, and dance with some of their favorite DreamWorks characters; including Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, Madagascar, and Shrek. The experience takes place for over an hour, with 3 different character sets of 20 minutes. The characters rotate between the 3 sections to allow everyone an opportunity for a photo. Guests do have the option to stay for its entirety or leave whenever…

Universal Studios Japan has announced they will resume business in a limited capacity starting on weekdays, June 1, 2021. The park will continue to be temporarily closed on weekends. The change was announced in consultation with Osaka Prefecture who is lifting certain restrictions at the theme parks. Universal Studios Japan has been closed since April 25 following a “state of emergency declaration” due to the recent increase in Coronavirus infections. The park capacity will be significantly reduced during this limited opening. They will also be mandating employees can continue to work from home except for the work that is essential…

Universal Orlando has updated their safety guidelines; now allowing vaccinated guests the option to wear a face mask while visiting the resort, no longer requiring mandatory use. Non-vaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to continue wearing face masks at all indoor locations – including attractions, shops, and restaurants. Universal has also changed its social distancing guidelines and will not be mandating a minimum distance, but will now be encouraging all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties. Hand sanitization stations will still be available for use before boarding ride vehicles, but will now be optional. Per the Universal Orlando website:…

Universal Orlando Resort has announced it is increasing its starting base rate to $15 per hour – up from $13 – and giving more than 18,000 current team members a raise based on the new rates and their time with the company. Universal states it is the single-largest wage increase in the Orlando resort’s history. The new rates will become effective June 27 and will impact full-time and part-time hourly positions as well as entry-level salaried roles. Universal is the first major Orlando theme park to increase its employee base rate. “We are excited about our future and we want…

Good news for Hot Butterbeer fans! Universal has announced that the popular drink will now be available throughout the year. In years past, the drink was released and only available during Florida’s Fall/Winter Season (being Florida, we are using “Winter” very loosely here). Hot Butterbeer is a smooth, hot beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch, served hot with a whipped topping. The beverage will be available at most food & drink locations around the Wizarding World – including the Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot, and Hog’s Head Pub. Since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in…

Knott’s Berry Farm reopened its gates today as the theme park safely resumes regular operations with limited capacity and new reservation requirements. The park’s opening also kicks off their 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 enjoy special evening entertainment as Knott’s Summer Nights returns with live music, DJs, and one-of-a-kind food and drink specialties.…