Universal Orlando Resort brings back the destination-wide Holidays celebration next month. It kicks off November 17 and runs daily through December 31. Perennial favorites are on show, from ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Grinchmas. Not to be missed are the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a holiday wonderland. The nighttime spectacle, ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure with a vibrant projection show highlighting Christmas moments inspired by the characters and stories of the Harry Potter films. The Frog Choir also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance, plus guests can dance along to Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.   Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida Watch pop culture-inspired stories from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. They come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of performers. It leads up to a stunning finale with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the 80-feet Christmas tree.   Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure The spirit of Grinchmas is back at Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular." The whimsical atmosphere features oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, tinsel ornaments and more. Catch an appearance from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo op with the Grinch himself.   Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller will return to Universal Studios Florida to put guests in the holiday mood with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.   Universal's Holiday Tour Guests can enjoy a guided tour with special access to all the holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the destination, including: A chance to meet the Grinch, and his dog, Max, while enjoying light bites, desserts and drinks Reserved seating at the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" in Universal Islands of Adventure A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida An exclusive, after-hours showing of "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal's Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked om www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.   The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure This popular dining experience allows guests to start their day with breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other Dr. Seuss characters. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates November 17 through December 27 www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders  receive a 20% for select dates.   The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando's Hotels Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and offer holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels also offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. More at: www.universalorlando.com.

  Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave. – an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal's award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.   As soon as guests enter the land, they'll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast to savouring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavoured popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favourite characters along the way, here are details about the exciting new experiences that await in Minion Land:   ILLUMINATION'S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST   Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that's so much fun, it's a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.   ILLUMINATION'S MINION CAFE   It's Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination's Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe's menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions' break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colourful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.   Just as eye-catching as Minion Cafe's incredibly-themed surroundings is its delicious menu – the latest example of how Universal Orlando's award-winning culinary team continues to raise the bar when it comes to theme park dining. Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive, family-friendly fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including eclectic “despica-bowls” such as Otto's Noodle Bowl, Agnes's Honeymoon Soup and Carl's Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering); delectable handhelds such as the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich; adorable desserts such as Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff; a kids' menu for the “mini Minions” in the family that includes items like the Mini Boss' Mega Melt; and so much more.   The Minion Cafe will also feature an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem in Minion Land.   BAKE MY DAY   Topped with a massive pink cupcake that's visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s'mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.   POP-A-NANA   Banana-flavoured popcorn, anyone? This walk-up location features sweet and savoury popcorn inspired by the Minions' love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.   FREEZE RAY POPS   Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colourful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.   ILLUMINATION THEATER   Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theatre facade.   Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.   Minion Land is yet another example of how Universal Destinations & Experiences is raising the bar on immersive storytelling for the entire family using beloved stories and franchises often seen in films.  This follows exciting news earlier in the year where the company announced plans to build a one-of-kind, original theme park for families with young children in Frisco, Texas.   About Universal Orlando Resort – Where It's More Than Magic, It's Real   Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.   The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget –  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel and Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.

  Next summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.   Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests who are up for the challenge will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. They’ll wind and glide through various scenes where they earn points by blasting a variety of items and causing as much mayhem and destruction as possible. It’s a unique, mischief-filled experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime.   Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises.   More details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

  Universal Orlando Resort reveals more gruesome details about the impending terror that awaits guests brave enough to face Halloween Horror Nights 2022 – including the six horrifying original concepts that complete this year’s lineup of 10 haunted houses, five sinister scare zones and two live shows. The event kicks off Friday, September 2 and runs select nights through October 31.   As the world’s premier Halloween event turns 31 this fall, a haunting conglomerate of unfathomable experiences inspired by traditional Halloween elements and some of guests’ worst fears come to life in this year’s collection of original haunted houses and scare zones – unleashing everything from vengeance-seeking pumpkins and witches to twisted trick-or-treaters and grotesque bugs to prey upon guests. When guests need a break from the scares, they can watch two outrageous live shows, satiate their appetite with sinfully delicious food and beverage, shop the latest merchandise in an all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and enjoy Universal Studios’ most exciting rides and attractions.   Here’s an overview of the remaining experiences coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2022:   SIX NEW ORIGINAL HAUNTED HOUSES Six spine-chilling and unnerving stories will envelop guests in original haunted houses where they will:  

• Enter an unsettling 1920s speakeasy only to discover that they are the main ingredient of witch’s brew in “Spirits of the Coven”
• Face a putrid, skin-crawling infestation of spiders, roaches, flies, bees and more in “Bugs: Eaten Alive”
• Escape or become prey to a no-longer mythical, fanged creature in “Fiesta de Chupacabras”
• Attempt to survive visiting hours for horrifying monsters serving time in “Hellblock Horror”
• Endure a petrifying winter thunderstorm in a seaside village ruled by an undead fisherman in “Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake”
• Encounter bloodthirsty mutants living in a post-apocalyptic subway system in “Descendants of Destruction”

  These original experiences complete the lineup of 10 terrifying haunted houses coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2022, which also include “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” “Halloween,” “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide­” and “The Horrors of Blumhouse.”   FIVE SCARE ZONES There’s nowhere to hide in the streets of Universal Studios Florida as hordes of menacing creatures from Halloween’s past infiltrate five all-new scare zones, where guests will:  

• Encounter The Pumpkin Lord and all his devious subjects in “Horrors of Halloween”
• Reap the wrath of scarecrows who will stop at nothing to harvest their souls in “Scarecrow: Cursed Soil”
• Experience a terrifying 1950s Halloween parade-gone-wrong alongside bloodthirsty trick-or-treaters in “Sweet Revenge”
• Venture through an ominous Halloween thunderstorm within a ghastly cemetery in “Graveyard: Deadly Unrest”
• Escape an evil sorceress bringing forth an army of ravenous monstrosities in “Conjure the Dark”

  TWO LIVE SHOWS When guests need a break from the scares, they can enjoy two brand-new, outrageously entertaining shows:  

• Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire – the sequel to last year’s fan-favorite “Halloween Nightmare Fuel” show featuring the world-famous performance group, The Fuel Girls – highlighting a new Dreamer in the depths of a new nightmare set to a heart-pounding metal, rock and electronica score.
• Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale, an all-new show taking place in the Universal Studios lagoon that follows the Grim Reaper on the undertaking of what happens beyond the grave – all set to eerily-remixed music by some of today’s most iconic artists.

  THE HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS TRIBUTE STORE For the first time ever, the scares taking root in the streets of Universal Studios Florida will bleed into the theme of the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store with a collection of incredibly detailed environments inspired by the iconic Halloween haunts featured throughout the event. Guests will shop the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise and treats as they venture through a Pumpkin Patch, Cemetery and Witch’s Cottage – eventually making their way to the final room – an elaborate Halloween festival set in the same town as the store’s neighboring scare zone, “Sweet Revenge.”   LIMITED-TIME HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCES AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS Guests can maximize the fear by staying near the screams at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels, where they can enjoy exclusive benefits like access to a dedicated entry gate for the event (with valid event admission) and complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Hotel guests also get exclusive access to limited-time Halloween Horror Nights experiences taking place at select Universal hotels, including “Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends” at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – featuring a collection of immersive photo opportunities inspired by the terrifying trio of Universal’s classic Monsters that guests will face at the event – The Mummy, The Wolf Man and Dracula   Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort are available via a number of travel partners including AttractionTickets.com, Floridatix, Orlando Attraction Tickets, Travel Republic and Ocean Florida. For more information visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.   Both events will run select nights through Monday, October 31, and more details and haunted houses will be revealed soon. For more information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Universal Orlando Resort is set to debut a cinematic escape room experience. Universal’s Great Movie Escape – features two escape rooms with storytelling and theming inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future. Universal’s Great Movie Escape brings two escape adventures to the heart of Universal CityWalk. Guests will be step into the dinosaur adventures of Jurassic World or Back to the Future’s time-traveling mayhem to solve their way through a multi-sensory experience. Universal’s Great Movie Escape will open later this year with tickets going on sale in the coming months.  

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Reveals Details of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s Signature Ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” Opening in Early 2023 as Guests and Fans Eagerly Await the Arrival of the Theme Park’s All-New Immersive Land

 

Inspired by the Popular MARIO KART™ Video Game Series and Featuring Cutting-Edge Augmented Reality, this All-New Technologically-Advanced Ride Raises the Bar on Interactive Theme Park Attractions

    When “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” opens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Studios Hollywood in early 2023, guests and fans will find themselves immersed in one of the world’s largest, most interactive rides they have ever experienced. It seamlessly fuses augmented reality with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track to debut a ride that’s unparalleled anywhere within the theme park industry.   The highly-anticipated opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood represents the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to debut in the United States, designed to transport theme park guests and Nintendo® fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to be part of the Mushroom Kingdom.   Guests will access SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the iconic Warp Pipe to enter the land where they will find the “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride located within Bowser’s Castle.   This innovative achievement will propel guests into a multi-dimensional experience that recreates iconic environments from the Mario Kart games and where no two races are alike. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is also one of the most complex rides ever built within the entertainment industry.   The sophisticated ride is a multi-sensory cornucopia of color, sound and movement that invites guests to navigate familiar environs through the creative use and integration of head mounted augmented reality (AR) goggles—a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.   From the depths of the dungeon within Bowser’s Castle, guests will climb aboard stadium-style, four-seat Mario Kart vehicles inspired by the video game, put on their AR goggles …and then with a 3-2-1 GO! signal from Lakitu, they will be off to the races.   The premise is simple but equally inspiring and challenging and will appeal to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through courses underwater and in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win.   “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.   SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.   The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood that will feature the groundbreaking ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” and interactive areas, to be enjoyed by the whole family, along with themed shopping and dining to enhance the entire experience.   Universal Studios Hollywood and guests continue the countdown to the land’s early 2023 opening with the Feature Presentation retail store, well stocked with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merchandise such as Mario and Luigi themed apparel and iconic character hats and a selection of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser.   More information and details will be shared soon. In the meantime, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for theme park updates. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

  Universal Studios Hollywood debuts the first four electric trams in its fleet of 21 Studio Tour trams. Weather and feature anchor of NBC’s TODAY and Co-host, 3rd Hour of TODAY, Al Roker is featured in a video introduction aboard the trams as part of the guest experience.   “I am extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and our commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.”   The world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour is a hallmark Universal Studios Hollywood attraction that, for over 55 years, has taken millions of guests from around the world through authentic movie and television production studios, featuring iconic sets made famous in blockbuster movies such as “Back to the Future” and dynamic rides such as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3-D.”   “The Universal Studio Tour has always been a groundbreaking attraction with lots of thrills, excitement and scary moments. I’m honored to be part of an experience for adults and children to learn about these best-in-class electric trams that will transport them around this iconic studio lot and help the environment,” said Al Roker.   The conversion to electric trams was spearheaded in 2017 by visionaries within the Universal Studios Hollywood technical services department and represents some of the first-ever and largest battery-powered, off-road, high-torque and low speed mass people movers in the U.S.   Full conversion of the 21 trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric will help reduce carbon emissions as well as improve the guest experience by reducing noise associated with the diesel-hydraulic engine.   Installation of inductive charging technology from WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification) by Ideanomics was a critical factor in the conversion designed to meet the trams’ rigorous daily demands of navigating the Studio’s varying topography. Trams will routinely charge during the normal operation at the start and end of the attraction route. Coupled with a regenerative braking feature, the trams will continue to build up charge when they travel downhill, providing added energy efficiency.   The elaborate clean air conversion design process evolved from a collaboration between Universal Studios Hollywood and L.A.-based Complete Coach Works to reimagine the trams from diesel-hydraulic engines to electric.   The project continues to be made possible by a grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District — the local regulatory agency that works to reduce air pollution in the region — which provides funding to replace older equipment with cleaner ones that are cost-effective while reducing air pollution.  It was also supported by a significant investment from Comcast NBCUniversal and Southern California Edison through its Charge Ready Transport Program.   “It is truly so exciting to see initiatives like Universal Studios Hollywood’s new fleet of electric Studio Tour trams come to fruition — initiatives that show our public and private entities working together to do our part to combat air quality and climate change,” said L.A. Councilmember Nithya Raman. “As a new member of the South Coast Air Quality Management Board, I am looking to broaden these types of collaborations and accelerate the positive impacts they will have for our region and world. Our climate crisis demands we do this.”   More information about Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Instagram @UniStudios, Twitter @UniStudios and Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood.   For more information on Comcast NBCUniversal’s environmental efforts, visit the environment page at Comcast.com. 

Universal Studios Florida is ramping up the fear factor for the 2022 edition of Halloween Horror Nights. Tickets are now on sale for the event which lasts a record 43 nights from September 2 through October 31. Halloween Horror Nights 2022 will have 10 new, cinematic-quality haunted houses inspired by everything from movie favorites to original monsters, five special scare zones and two live shows with spine-chilling performers. Tickets cost from $73.99 to $104.99, when purchased in advance at UniversalOrlando.com HalloweenHorror Night bundled hotel packages are available including five night at a Universal hotel, and a 3-Park, 3-Day pass and more. There is a host of Halloween-inspired food and beverages, as well as frightfully authentic merchandise at the scare-themed retail locations in the park. Additional details about Halloween Horror Night at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be revealed soon, with tickets available through selected partners.

  I’m beyond excited to introduce Universal Park and Resorts’ official Discover Universal Podcast. In this show, our goal is to help you plan the best vacation possible — or, if you’re already a fan, get more of what you already love about the theme parks. I myself am a huge fan of the parks and, with a background in media, I am so excited to be the executive producer of our first podcast.   Our expert hosts will give you vacation tips and thoughtful recommendations, and take you behind the scenes of the three parks at Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay), as well as our park in California, Universal Studios Hollywood. We have so much planned for this show — interviews with VIP guests, sending our hosts into the parks to experience some of the most exciting and thrilling attractions, and there might even be a few games in store.

The first season will be all about helping you plan your vacation with a series of in-depth overviews of our theme parks, hotels, and immersive lands. Our hosts will be your guides, sharing their love for and extensive knowledge of the Orlando and Hollywood destinations.   We can’t wait to show you all the amazing things we have to offer to help you plan your dream vacation.

Meet the Hosts

  I’m very excited to welcome two huge fans of Universal Parks and Resorts, and our hosts of the Discover Universal podcast, Kari and David.   Kari    Kari started at Universal Orlando more than six years ago as the Bride of Frankenstein at Universal Studios Florida. She’s worked a number of roles around the destination including some beloved characters at Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Holidays, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and more.  

• Favorite Park: Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Favorite Ride:  Revenge of the Mummy in Universal Studios Florida
• Favorite Hotel: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort 
• Favorite Food: JackFruit Sandwich at Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe

David   David started at Universal Orlando more than nine years ago as a host at Disaster! – A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring YOU! at Universal Studios Florida. He’s also worked a number of roles around the destination at Halloween Horror Nights, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and more.  

• Favorite Park: Universal’s Volcano Bay
• Favorite Ride: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Favorite Hotel: Loews Royal Pacific Resort 
• Favorite Food: Central Park Crepes

    You can subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   We also want to hear from you! Let us know what you want to hear about in the comments below or leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.   We can’t wait to Discover Universal with you!

Mention Disney, Universal or Sea World to any tourist and their thoughts will almost certainly turn to Orlando, Florida. With more theme parks and entertainment locations than any other destination in the world it is hardly surprising. In 2018 seventy-five million people visited the city which is roughly the same as every citizen of the United Kingdom and Ireland combined. This massive expansion began in 1971 with the completion of Disney World followed twenty years later by Universal.  Miami and Tampa were considered by Disney for the location of his first non-Californian base but concerns over coastal hurricanes moved the decision to inland Orlando. These massive parks are the main attraction for what is now USA's 29^th largest city. The vast majority of visitors will not stray very far away from the epicentre of entertainment and the International Drive area, but it is a destination that has much more to offer. On a recent visit I spent some time in the downtown area some 15 minutes from theme park central and found much to occupy me. First up was lunch at the Mills 50 District which has a collection of independent bars, restaurants and bakeries with all sorts of culinary delights to tempt you. Much of the area has an Asian influence and I chose a Vietnamese two course lunch which was delicious, nutritious and all the other health benefits I could convince myself it included. The area has a much more developed and natural feel from a cultural perspective than other areas in Orlando which is born out of its commitment to community development and preservation. Strolling around one feels safe, engaged and a million miles from what one would expect. The lunch set me up for a stroll around the Harry Leu Gardens which are just over a mile away. Fifty acres of lush gardens with many species native to the central Florida eco system supplemented by some more exotic plants from around the world. You can stroll around for hours, inspect the butterfly garden, smell the roses and inspect one of the original Orlando Houses from the 1880's.  I on the other hand had to preserve some energy for the main event of the evening - a light heavyweight contest between me and my first experience of paddle boarding. A mile away, back past Mills 50, lay the HQ of Epic Paddle Adventures on Lake Ivanhoe (there are lakes everywhere in Orlando) and my meeting with Rich the main man who was there to seal my fate. The experience from beginning to end was one of feigned confidence leading to a sense of fulfilment. Looking like Bambi on Ice I tried, I really did, and with lots of patience and encouragement I succeeded in standing on a paddleboard on my own and traversing at least some of the lake. If you have never done it, do it and the fact that you can, just a few minutes away from where the main park action is going on, is even better. Full marks to Rich and his team who make the whole thing simple and safe plus the boards have very cool lights that make them glow in the Floridian dusk. Great fun. Next day more nature in the form of the Great Florida Birding Wildlife Trail located in Orlando at the magnificent Tibet-Butler preserve. Here amongst the trees and hiking trails you can observe both resident and migratory birds, some very large reptiles in the form of Alligators plus tortoises, snakes and bobcats. Whilst this a regional authority park run primarily for locals it is an ideal place for tourists to visit. Abel Tovar-Torres my park guide said that the onslaught of urban development was making it ever more difficult to ensure an environment whereby wildlife as a whole can thrive in the area. I for one hope they succeed in that task. If you are in Orlando, then it is likely that you will encounter the Disney Corporation at some point and my first occasion was when entering the new Swan Reserve Hotel which is located near to the Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I use the word encounter because I had not spoken to anybody, I was just taking my luggage to the third-floor reception to check in when a young man entered the elevator and after no more than 30 seconds said, 'you must be Mr McKenzie welcome to Disney'. Fame at last! However, it was achieved I was more than impressed as I was with the rest of the hotel and service. I could not fault it and from my room I even had a nightly view of the fireworks that bring the Disney day to a conclusion. Disney were also the hosts for my regular fix of golf as I played the PGA Championship Course, Magnolia. Once host to a regular tour event the fairways and greens are in tip top condition and, depending on what tee you play from, offers a stiff challenge or from the back tees impossible. The Magnolia/Palm complex is also home to the Oak Trail Footgolf course which will be hosting massive national and international competitions later in 2022. The rapidly growing sport is not as easy as it looks but offers an opportunity for virtually all to compete - as long as you can kick you can play. If you're thinking of going or selling a trip to Orlando, then bear in mind that there are lots and lots of things to occupy you outside of the main theme parks.   Graham's visit was organised by www.VisitOrlando.com For further information go to www.orlandotravelacademy.com Swan Reserve rates start around $300 per night

Guests at Universal Orlando no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors within the parks if fully vaccinated. Universal updated protocols at the weekend. It comes nearly two months after Universal Orlando brought back mask requirements during the height of the Omicron wave. Unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear face masks while indoor within the parks. In addition, Universal Orlando employees fully vaccinated will no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors.   Read full story

Universal Orlando Resort has strengthened its Covid safety policies to once again require the wearing of masks indoors. It is for all guests and employees, and is regardless of vaccination status. It comes as Universal expects large holiday crowds, while Covid cases in Florida have quadrupled in the past week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.   Read full story