Author: Brian Glenn

Jurassic World VelociCoaster has begun technical rehearsals with the general public, better known as “Soft Opening”. For those unfamiliar, a “Soft Opening” is essentially a technical rehearsal of a new attraction or a final release candidate test for the ride. All the major components are installed and operational but some tweaks, changes, and updates will occur prior to the grand opening. “Soft Openings” are never promised. There is no guarantee the ride will be opening. The ride might only open for a period of time, all day, or not at all depending on any issues or changes. There is no…

Universal Orlando has announced that they will discontinue temperature checks and switch to 3-foot distancing markers beginning May 6. Dubbed “Getting Closer to Normal”, the adjustments come after the CDC has announced their recent changes to their guidelines and procedures, as well Universal consulting with local health and government officials. Other safety guidelines, including requiring face coverings, are still in effect. Those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are also still required to follow Universal’s guidelines. Temperature checks have been in use since the resort reopened last May after its shutdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. These adjustments do not…

After months of waiting, Universal Orlando finally gave guests their first previews of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The new attraction lets guests go on a “Raptor Run”, a high-speed chase alongside a pack of Velociraptors on the hunt. Construction began on the coaster back in 2019 and has been followed pretty heavily by fans waiting to see what Universal had to offer next in their line-up. Universal was kind enough to invite us out Monday morning to experience the VelociCoaster as many times as we wanted, and we made sure to take advantage of that. So what did we think?…

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has announced that starting today, they will be offering free admission for U.S. military veterans and their families to its SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. U.S. military veterans and retirees must register their complimentary single-day ticket(s) for themselves and up to three dependents online at WavesofHonor.com before May 16. All tickets must be redeemed by June 27. As an added thank you, veterans and active military service members can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off. Service members and their direct dependents must have a valid active military ID to participate. Waves of…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced they have changed their policy on who can visit their parks during their park’s reopening from the pandemic, now allowing non-California residents who have received full vaccination from the COVID-19 coronavirus. The change comes as California officials recently adjusted guidelines allowing adults that have been fully vaccinated to enter the state. Per the Universal Studios Hollywood website, guests from out-of-state who are fully vaccinated are now permitted to visit. Those guests must purchase their tickets at the Front Gate of the park with proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID. In addition, out-of-state visitors…

Universal Beijing Resort has revealed the full list of the 24 dining, retail, and entertainment venues that will be featured at Universal CityWalk Beijing. Universal state-side staples, such as The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Red Oven Pizza Bakery, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will be featured at CityWalk. CityWalk will also feature Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which offers guests the chance to savor over-the-top milkshakes, including a Beijing-exclusive Too Chocolate Stout milkshake. Other restaurants include Wubei Craft Food and Beer, Neon Street Hawkers, Phoenix House Superior Shop, and Jumbo Seafood Restaurant. Wubei Craft Food and Beer offers the WUBEI…

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…