Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Beijing Resort has officially released features and details on its upcoming Universal CityWalk Beijing, the resort’s entertainment center featuring a diverse range of entertainment, food, and shopping. CityWalk is set to open in 2021, together with the Universal Studios Beijing theme park, the Universal Studios Grand Hotel, and the NUO Resort Hotel, forming the Universal Beijing Resort. It will be located at the main entrance of Universal Studios Beijing and connects the theme park, parking facilities, and subway entrances. The complex will feature exotic elements and modern, bright and celebratory motifs, including several buildings in a Chinese style, as…

The Raptor Encounter has a new home as the popular meet & greet was moved to a new location in Islands of Adventure. During the park’s closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Universal continued to construct the new meet & greet spot, which took over the unused extended queue of the Jurassic Park River Adventure. The “paddock” now features a much more prominent influence of the Jurassic World franchise – notably the blue aesthetic and even mentioning Jurassic World by name. There is no indication as to if this is the beginning of a transition of Jurassic Park to the…

It’s been 3 months since we’ve been able to get an up-close look at the progress of Jurassic Park’s yet-to-be-announced roller coaster, with the only updates coming from the friendly skies. Today during Universal Orlando’s passholder preview reopening, we were able to get a good look at the coaster’s construction as the track begins to be installed. Work continued on the coaster during Universal Orlando’s closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic in March. The coaster stretches across the coast of Jurassic Park, from Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges in Toon Lagoon running all the way near the outside area…

The Inside Universal team discusses the latest on Universal parks, including Universal Orlando’s reopening after its closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic and what we can expect for Hollywood’s eventual reopening plans. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition, you can also follow us on Spotify to listen to podcast episodes on their app.

Universal Studios Japan has announced they will be re-opening on June 19 after a 3-month closure to aid in Japan’s efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Recently, Japan lifted its state of emergency allowing for large-scale facilities to begin the reopening process. Park admission will be limited to the following guests until further notice. This is based on a request by the Japanese government. There will be a soft opening for annual passholders who reside in Osaka Prefecture beginning on Monday, June 8, and will require advanced registration. Special Studio Passes are also available for residents of Osaka…

Universal Orlando has announced that select hotels will reopen to guests beginning June 2, 2020. The phased reopening of the hotels will include Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites. The reopening of the hotels will be carefully managed and phased – and includes a wide range of new and enhanced best-practice health, safety, and hygiene procedures. Plans for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites will be announced at a later time. Guests who have booked reservations…

A day after submitting phased reopening plans to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force group, Universal Parks & Resorts today officially announced plans to begin a phased reopening of Universal Orlando Resort beginning June 5th. The reopening will include Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Universal Orlando will move toward its phased reopening while continuing to monitor local conditions and work with health officials. It will conduct a team-member-preview on June 1 and June 2 so the new procedures can be practiced and refined.  A limited number of guests will be invited to visit on June 3 and June 4 as Universal continues to…

Universal Orlando has submitted its phased reopening plans to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force group, which have been approved and will now be sent for approval by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Governor Ron DeSantis. The Resort has been closed since March 16 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The reopening plans include a team member only opening on June 1 and 2, passholders and invited guests can visit on June 3 and 4, and then finally opening in a limited capacity to the public on June 5. During today’s presentation, John Sprouls, Universal Orlando chief executive officer,…

With Universal Studios Florida’s 30th Anniversary around the corner, Universal has released a new line-up of vintage merchandise – featuring the iconic neon logo and retired attractions. The retired attractions are represented in a set of glasses – featuring Back to the Future: The Ride, Jaws, and Kongfrontation. The E.T. Adventure, the park’s lone Opening Day attraction still in operation, is also available. The glassware features artwork and descriptions of the attraction, along with the year it opened. Each glass retails for $10. The neon logo is featured on other merchandise, which includes a pink tank top ($30), a shot…

Universal Orlando has taken its first steps of reopening during the Coronavirus pandemic, as they have announced CityWalk will be opening in a limited capacity beginning May 14. Select venues will be opening for guests from 4–10 pm daily (and is subject to change). The following venues are: Full-service restaurants and quick-service food locations: Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (outside & Lone Palm) Red Oven Pizza Bakery mobile ordering available Voodoo Doughnut mobile ordering available Shopping venues: Airbrush Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company (retail only) Universal Studios Store and select merchandise carts Entertainment venue: Hollywood Drive-In Golf…