Author: Brian Glenn

Comcast has announced that construction on their new theme park at Universal Orlando, Universal’s Epic Universe, has officially been delayed. The new theme park was originally set for 2023. The delay was announced during a Q1 earnings call. While no timeframe was given by Comcast, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings stated during a news conference that he was informed by Universal officials the park would be “delayed by a year”. https://twitter.com/AshleyLCarter1/status/1255884749308137475?s=20 As the parks closed in March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Universal officials initially stated that all construction projects were continuing as scheduled. Impacts of the pandemic have obviously…

The Inside Universal team discusses the latest of Universal park closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic and our best guesses at the look ahead. We also discuss our favorite first memories of visiting the Universal parks. (Editor’s Note: This was recorded before Universal Parks pushed back their closures to the end of May) 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 Orlando invited members of the media to tour around and get a first look inside  Endless Summer Resort as Dockside Inn & Suites before it opens to the public. During our visit, workers were still adding the final touches around the resort, so we were not able to experience Dockside in its totality; however, it’s very clear that Dockside is all set to open. “It’s all about process refinement at this point. The hotel is ready to go,”  said George Cronk – Managing Director, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. “We’re making sure our team members…

EDITOR’S NOTE: Inside Universal remains dedicated to presenting a fact-based, non-sensationalist driven perspective aimed at educating and informing our readers. As Editor-in-Chief, I was hesitant to broach the topic of Coronavirus (COVID-19), as I did not want to come across as “adding to the hysteria” or sensationalizing current events. Admittedly, as much as we love the theme parks – safety is always the priority. Whether or not Universal Parks, or any theme park, remains open should be the last thing to worry about; however, we understand many vacations will be affected by this pandemic. As impacts of this virus are…

Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival has been postponed at Universal Studios Hollywood due to “uncertainties with the event’s programming elements”. Bravo is evaluating dates to reschedule at a later time. The two-day, separately-ticketed event was set to take place on March 19 & 20, and feature dozens of food, wine, craft beer, and spirit stations; along with watching various “Top Chef” veterans battle it out in a series of live cooking competitions and enjoy panels with fan favorites from the series. This is the 2nd event postponed this week at Universal Studios Hollywood, with Peacock Live also getting…

Universal Orlando is bringing back the BOGO ticket deal for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights with its “Buy an Event Night, Get a Second Night Free” offer. The event, which will be celebrating its 30th year, runs select nights September 10 through November 1. Available for purchase online only through June 3, the “Buy an Event Night, Get a Second Night Free” offer gives guests the flexibility to choose two nights from 36 set dates, including select Saturdays, to attend the world’s premier Halloween event. The chosen dates do not have to be consecutive. Guests can also stay at Universal…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at the Universal Parks around the world, from March 9, 2020 to March 15, 2020. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras continues at Universal Studios Florida. This weekend will feature 3 concerts at the event, with Luis Fonsi performing Friday, March 13, The All-American Rejects performing Saturday, March 14, and Diana Ross performing Sunday, March 15. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s Rum Dinner will be held Saturday, March 14. Held in the hotel’s Amatista’s private dining room, guests can enjoy for a special five-course dinner, paired with unique cask-aged Diplomático rums. Tickets are $85+tax. Refurbishments The…

Universal Studios Hollywood has released our first look inside their new attraction, Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!, will opens March 27, 2020. Credit: Hamilton Pytluk / Universal Studios Hollywood The innovative ride will blend live, dimensional and animated characters with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping to fully immerse guests in a bustling New York City landscape. The attraction will feature 64 technologically-advanced animated figures, with Universal touting the figures’ “depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride.” Seated within ride vehicles that resemble cardboard boxes—reminiscent…

Universal has decided to postpone Peacock Live!, its first-ever two-day fan festival, which was scheduled to take place March 28-29, 2020 at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event’s postponement is due to “uncertainty surrounding some of the event’s programming elements.” Obviously, the elephant in the room is the possible precaution due to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Universal intends to reschedule the event, but the date will be determined at a later time. Guests can request a full refund for their Peacock Live! tickets, or exchange them for 1-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests must contact the Universal Studios…

Universal Orlando Resort has provided a sneak peek of the food and drink options that will be offered at its newest and eighth hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, opening this month on March 17. The all-American Pier 8 Market offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu will offer extra-affordable options for everyone from comfort foods, fresh salads and sandwiches, desserts, and a variety of convenient grab-and-go options; with all dishes priced under $12. Some of the items that can be found on the menu include the Dockside Wrap, pastrami with swiss cheese,…