Author: Brian Glenn

We’re back with a photo update around the Universal Orlando Resort! This month, we take a look around the Resort; specifically, progress on the Jurassic Park coaster construction as well as other small projects and happenings around the 2 parks. Park Update Index » CityWalk » Central Park Crepes » Temporary Attraction Closures » Jurassic Park Coaster » Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey Locker Expansion » Socially Distanced Meet & Greets » A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that CityWalk The former homes of P!Q, Fossil, Fresh Produce, and Island Clothing Co have been completely gutted…

Knott’s Berry Farm has confirmed that their Halloween event, Knott’s Scary Farm, is cancelled for the 2020 season due to “continued operating restrictions related to the pandemic”. Jon Storbeck, Vice President & General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm, released a message on their official website confirming the cancellation: The unique features of Scary Farm will not allow us to operate within the constraints recommended by the CDC and public health experts.  We know that this news is disappointing, but we look forward with great enthusiasm to making 2021 Knott’s Scary Farm our best year ever.  Knott’s Berry Farm remains closed…

From August 10 to September 30, 2020, Universal Orlando is showing its annual passholders a whole lotta love with exclusive menus, discounts, and benefits with the return of Passholder Appreciation Days. Passholder benefits during Passholder Days include: The return of the VIP entrance with UOAP dedicated turnstiles at both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Premier Passholder Dedicated Parking Lane. Premier and Preferred Passholders will be able to take advantage of an extra hour with Early Park Admission through Sept 30. Early Park Admission for Power and Seasonal Passholders is valid on weekdays only through Sept 30. Passholders…

Universal Orlando has confirmed that several of their attractions will close temporarily beginning August 9th. The attractions are: Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl Poseidon’s Fury Fast & Furious – Supercharged Storm Force Accelatron Fear Factor Live A Day in the Park with Barney Universal states the decision was made to shift focus on their marquee attractions. Team members will be moved to new roles throughout the resort. Fear Factor Live and A Day in the Park with Barney have been closed since reopening, with the Fear Factor Live stage serving as a U-Rest Area for guests – a socially-distanced…

The Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store has opened at Universal Studios Florida despite the event’s cancellation this year. The popular store has become a staple of recent Horror Nights, with several themed rooms featuring event merchandise. Celebrating “30 Years of Fear”, this year’s rooms are based on Frankenstein’s Castle/Lab and Jack’s Carnival of Carnage, featuring throwbacks and nods to icons and events of year’s past. A 3rd room is expected to open later.  Keep a sharp eye for the hidden easter eggs throughout the Carnival room. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byI6OsVoe0o&lc=UgxC-tAMbEvp3WiF4_V4AaABAg Much of the merchandise found in the store was released online several weeks…

Universal Parks and Resorts has announced that 2020’s Halloween Horror Nights event has been canceled at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, with hopes to bring back the event in 2021. Here’s the official statement: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort have made the difficult decision to not hold Halloween Horror Nights events this year. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to face ongoing business restrictions and uncertainty around its opening timeframe.  Universal Orlando Resort will be focusing exclusively on operating its theme parks for daytime guests, using the enhanced health and safety procedures already in place.  We know this decision…

Punga Racers has reopened at Volcano Bay after a lengthy refurbishment, converting the water slide from a mat slide to a traditional body slide. The removal of the mats was the biggest change. Much of the slide has remained the same but now features an extended run-off compared to the previous version. You can check out the original version below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2KWwA83rY The slide was included in a lawsuit last year. After the lawsuit was filed, the slide’s max load was decreased to 150lbs, restricting the number of riders able to experience Punga Racers. With the conversion, the max load has…

Universal Orlando has released throwback Halloween Horror Nights merchandise on their online store, celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary with “30 Years, 30 Fears”. The merchandise released features artwork from several prominent years of Horror Nights past, including the event’s first year, “Fright Nights”. Items include t-shirts, shot glasses, pins, and socks. As of now, the event is still scheduled to be held with expected new safety guidelines; however, no information has been released other than event dates and a BOGO ticket deal. You can see what’s available here: shop.universalorlando.com/ Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Halloween…

Construction continues on the Jurassic Park coaster, as track was installed at the highest point, “topping off” the top hat element of the coaster. A Jurassic Park/World flag was hung up on the track to celebrate the moment, as is the tradition in coaster construction. The height of the top hat element is rumored to be around 160-170ft tall. Most of the track circuit is now complete, with just a few pieces remaining to be installed near the loading platform. While Universal hasn’t announced the project, it is believed to be based on the Velociraptor, with heavy ties to the…

Universal Studios Japan has officially confirmed that Super Nintendo World has been delayed. In the released statement, which accompanies the park’s efforts to enforce safety guidelines against the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal plans on releasing an opening timeframe around this Fall. The delay should come to no surprise as the effects of the pandemic are being felt far and wide, especially in the travel industry. From the release: Regarding “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,” which aims to open before the Tokyo Olympics, we are considering introducing it in line with the future increase in the number of customers and will announce the opening…