Author: Brian Glenn

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.…

Universal Orlando has shared its first look at the ride vehicle for the upcoming attraction, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, set to open at Islands of Adventure in Summer 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwJIvCvLIJQ&feature=youtu.be 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 feet of track as they encounter near-misses, launches, 12 heart-pounding seconds of airtime, and more – with just a lap bar restraint holding them in place. The coaster will feature…

Universal Studios Japan has announced that it will hold its grand opening of Super Nintendo World on Thursday, February 4th, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Nc9au7FjY The multi-layered land, with familiar landmarks such as Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, Toad’s House, and the familiar look of a Super Mario Bros game level, will feature several attractions – headlined by Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge “Race your way to victory! Iconic Mario Kart courses have been brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Challenge enemies with shells! Aim for the finish line with Mario and Peach! The world’s first interactive Mario Kart theme park…

After many requests, we have finally released all previous entries of our “Real or Fake” segment from the podcast. “Real or Fake” is a segment that pokes fun at the names of menu items around the theme parks. Enjoy! Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs Fright Feast at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Holy Land Star Wars Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line Marvel Mania at Universal Studios Hollywood

SeaWorld Orlando has released a virtual POV of their upcoming roller coaster, Ice Breaker. You can check out the full ride-through down below: https://twitter.com/SeaWorld/status/1329832072102486017?s=20 Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will be SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, featuring four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle. The roller coaster will send guests along 2,750 feet of bright orange track. The coaster was originally supposed to open in 2020, but due to the pandemic, will now open in Spring 2021.

Universal Studios Hollywood has opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Sweets & Treats, a new seasonal walk-up location in CityWalk, offering Butterbeer favorites and other Wizarding World treats. The location will serve traditional cold, frozen and hot Butterbeer along with Butterbeer-flavoured hard pack ice-cream and Chocolate Frog confections that are found inside “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” The Butterbeer beverages will be available for purchase in a cup or souvenir stein.  Gilly Water and classic cinnamon Churros will also be on the menu. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Sweets & Treats” will be open on weekends from…

Universal Orlando is offering some savings for Black Friday on November 27. Guests can save up to 40% on a Universal Orlando 4-Day, 4-Night vacation package combining theme park tickets and hotel accommodations. Guests are encouraged to purchase early as this exclusive deal is expected to sell out. The offer is only extended to U.S. Residents. Available for travel beginning November 29, 2020 through April 30, 2021, the package includes: Four epic days of park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests who plan to visit after February 28, 2021, can add access to Universal’s Volcano…

Universal Orlando is offering a brand-new holiday event tour this year. Starting November 22, “Universal’s Holiday Tour” is a specially guided tour filled with exclusive access to holiday experiences across the theme parks. Available on select dates, the guided experience will give guests the opportunity to: Enjoy priority access to Universal’s Holiday Experience Featuring Macy’s Balloons, where they can get up-close with larger-than-life parade balloons and stunning floats inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples to characters from popular animated films – and enjoy a special appearance by Santa Claus Embark on a tour of the first-ever Holiday Tribute Store,…

Universal Orlando is gearing up for the 2020 Holiday season and has shared some of the food & drink you can enjoy at this year’s event. There’s a whole lot of options this year, but here are a few treats you can look forward to: Reindeer Brownie: Guests looking for a vegan sweet treat can enjoy this delicious chocolate vegan and candy cane holiday-themed brownie at Croissant Moon Bakery, located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and at the new Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. Hot Chocolate Bomb: The tastiest trend has come to Universal Orlando. Guests can enjoy…