Author: Brian Glenn

Business is picking up around the Jurassic  World VelociCoaster, as the ride’s marquee signage was recently installed. Featuring the iconic Jurassic font, the sign is pretty straight forward – with 2 velociraptors perched over it on the entrance’s roof. Recently, the coaster has been testing frequently, with even some people being able to ride while Universal filmed promotional material. The coaster will catapult guests up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air. The vehicle was designed for speed and engineered “for the hunt”, the coaster’s revolutionary ride vehicle will send riders twisting and soaring across 4,700…

Universal Orlando Resort is introducing a new Military Freedom Pass for military members and their families. The special offer allows active duty, retired military members, and their families to enjoy the theme parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay (when it reopens), plus discounts and options to upgrade into exclusive military vacation packages. The 2-Park 2021 Military Freedom Pass will run $199.99 per adult, and the 3-Park pass for $234.99 per adult. Both 2021 Military Freedom Pass options are available for purchase now through December 27, 2021, and can be used daily now through…

Universal Studios Japan has delayed the opening of Super Nintendo World that was set for February 4th, 2021, as a new state of emergency was issued to the Osaka Prefecture due to the ongoing pandemic. The opening date will be decided and announced after the state of emergency is lifted. This is the 2nd time Super Nintendo World has been delayed due to the pandemic, as the land was originally supposed to open in Summer 2020. In addition to Super Nintendo World’s delay, the park will significantly limit the number of visitors during the state of emergency and will cooperate…

Universal Orlando has announced Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, an adjusted Mardi Gras event that will expand on the authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities across the globe. The event will take place daily at Universal Studios Florida from Saturday, February 6, and continue through Sunday, March 28. More than 70 dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe will be featured this year. Mardi Gras will be celebrated throughout Universal Studios Florida, as the park will be vibrantly decorated and feature costumed dancers and stilt performers just like years prior (just at a…

Universal Orlando is offering several special offers for vacations and tickets as 2021 gets underway. With so much to see and do in 2021, guests can look forward to the upcoming summer debut of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, plus the recently-opened and highly-rated The Bourne Stuntacular stunt show and the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites hotel. Here are the epic offers guests can book beginning today: GET 3 MONTHS FREE ON ANY 2-PARK ANNUAL OR SEASONAL PASS Any guest who purchases a 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass will receive three extra months free to enjoy…

Today, Nintendo held a Direct presentation centered around Universal Studios Japan’s upcoming Super Nintendo World, giving us an up-close look at some of the elements that will be featured in the highly-anticipated new land. The 15-minute presentation was hosted by Shigeru Miyamoto, famed game designer and game director at Nintendo, and creator of Mario. Miyamoto showcased most of the land, while still keeping some of the more anticipated attractions and features under wraps. First up, Miyamoto showed how we’ll transition into the Mushroom Kingdom by way of the iconic Warp Pipe. He explained that they tossed around many ideas, but…

Universal Orlando has finally opened Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites on December 15, 9 months after its original opening scheduled in March. We were able to tour the hotel back a week before opening and came away impressed, anticipating our opening night stay on March 17. “The hotel is ready to go,”  said George Cronk – Managing Director, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – back during our tour. And then “2020” happened. As Universal tried to navigate on how to operate the Resort during an extraordinary situation, Dockside Inn & Suites remained closed…

Universal Orlando continues to make adjustments in 2020, altering their traditional events and offering new, unique experiences. Since EVE will not be held this year, Universal is allowing guests to celebrate the New Year with all-new, exclusive menus across select Universal CityWalk restaurants and at Universal Orlando hotels only available on December 31, 2020. Hard Rock Cafe will be hosting the only NYE event on-property at Hard Rock Live, with live entertainment – featuring Classic Albums Live: The Beatles Abbey Road – along with a countdown to midnight. The VIP Ticket ticket ($75) includes access to the John Lennon Room…

Universal Orlando has finally addressed the lockers at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey by relocating the lockers into a brand-new area. The lockers are now located to the left of the attraction entrance, offering a much wider pathway. The new lockers also have been converted to the new ticket-scanning, aka “Locker Link” technology – which uses the barcode on the back of guests’ park ticket. Since the attraction opened in 2010, congestion was an issue at the old lockers, which were located at the attraction’s entrance. Several entry points would converge into one small area – with guests entering…

We’re back with a photo update around the Universal Orlando Resort! This month, we take a look as the Holidays continue throughout the Resort, including the addition of Earl the Squirrel merchandise; and construction continues on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Let’s take a look! Park Update Index » CityWalk » The Holidays at Universal » Jurassic World VelociCoaster » Harry Potter Locker Expansion » Portofino Bay Hotel » A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that CityWalk Progress continues on the unannounced store at CityWalk. The exterior framework is starting to form the general look of the facade.…