It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre – will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.   Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.       WELCOME TO DARKMOOR   The journey to Dark Universe begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal, which harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. As guests step foot inside, that same energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor – the towering focal point of Dark Universe. Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.   Here's more information about the thrilling yet unsettling attractions and entertainment experiences that await visitors to Dark Universe:  

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters. Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.

 

• Curse of the Werewolf – Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.

   

• Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – Guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.

 

• Meet the Monsters – There’s always someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe – including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.

    Guests can also sink their teeth into delicious fare and shop all-new merchandise and apparel during their visit to Dark Universe at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:  

• Das Stakehaus – Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, this establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. Surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night, guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.

 

• The Burning Blade Tavern – Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages, guests will hear stories of the infamous “Hounds” – boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor – all while surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their “trophies.”

   

• De Lacey’s Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.

 

• Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.

  To prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Dark Universe, guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land – including apparel, accessories and more. The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on shop.universalorlando.com.   Stay tuned – more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/epicuniverse.

 

Guests Can Step Into the Worlds of Beloved Nintendo Characters as They Explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD featuring Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong 

  Next year, guests can jump into the action of their favourite video games when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD makes its much-anticipated debut at Universal Orlando Resort as one of five imaginative worlds at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Developed in partnership between the visionaries of Universal Creative and Nintendo, the vibrant land combines iconic Nintendo characters with Universal’s renowned craft of creating innovative theme park experiences to deliver a multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way.   Today, Universal Orlando reveals official details about all the excitement that awaits in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe – featuring attractions plus dining, shopping and interactive experiences inspired by the Super Mario franchise and – for the first time in the U.S. – Donkey Kong Country.  

ENTER THE ICONIC GREEN PIPE

  It all begins the moment guests enter the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will transport them through the iconic green pipe into the immersive land. As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, ? Blocks and more.  Inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, guests will be able to explore Super Mario Land – where they’ll enjoy adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country – where they’ll encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and other members of the Kong family.    

SUPER MARIO LAND

  The colorful landscapes of the Mushroom Kingdom come to life in Super Mario Land, where guests can experience:  

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Guests are invited to join Team Mario and battle Team Bowser for the Golden Cup in this groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life in a compelling ride-through experience.

  Guests up for the challenge will enter through Bowser’s Castle – where they’ll wind its corridors and get a glimpse of Bowser’s deceptive plans to stack the odds in his favor – before boarding their kart and heading to the starting line. Then, guests steer through a variety of Mario Kart courses – collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and more – as they join their favorite characters and compete to help Team Mario win the race.  

• Yoshi’s Adventure: The delightful Yoshi’s Adventure attraction will make its U.S. debut when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Universal Epic Universe. On this family-friendly ride, guests of all ages will enjoy breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way.

   

• Toadstool Cafe:At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and so much more. Guests will also get glimpses of several Toads cooking up culinary creations through various virtual windows as they dine inside the restaurant.

 

• Yoshi’s Snack Islandand Turbo Boost Treats: Guests can also pick up delicious treats, snacks and beverages at these walk-up dining locations.

 

• 1-UP Factory andMario Motors: Guests can shop for souvenirs, apparel, toys and more inspired by their favourite Super Mario characters and adventures within these retail locations.

 

• Meet and Greets: Guests can meet, greet and interact with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad throughout various areas in Super Mario Land.

   

DONKEY KONG COUNTRY

  At the edge of Super Mario Land, guests will discover an entrance that leads them to Donkey Kong Country, where they’ll explore the lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls, landmarks such as The Golden Temple and more. Here, guests can enjoy:    

• Mine-Cart Madness: Guests will hop into a mine cart and careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana on this first-of-its-kind family coaster. Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games – including getting blasted out of a barrel, seemingly jumping over gaps as they speed along a rickety track, and so much more.

   

• A selection of tropical menu and merchandise offerings in the middle of the jungle – all inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video game franchise and its characters. More details will be shared in the coming months.

And that’s not all - guests will find even more exciting experiences and adventures while exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.   POWER-UP BANDS   Guests can level up their fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with the purchase of a Power-Up Band, a wearable for their wrist that allows them to enhance their play throughout Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching ? Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises. Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.     SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe will be Universal Destinations and Experiences’ third instalment of the immersive land. Right now, guests can enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan.

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.

  This year’s iconic “Terror Tram” expands to include a cinematic twist on Jordan Peele’s blockbuster films in a crossover experience that reimagines Us, featuring The Tethered, a revolutionary army of vengeful doppelgangers, whose uprising invades the all-new Jupiter’s Claim set from the filmmaker’s latest pop nightmare, Nope, as part of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicks off on Thursday, September 8.   The “Terror Tram” is unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, inviting guests to explore by foot parts of the famous movie studio backlot, home to some of the most notorious movie sets. Once guests disembark the Tram, the terror is unleashed. This year, the villainous Hollywood Harry unravels “Hollywood Harry’s Halloween,” a nightmarish spectacle with a demented cast of characters that winds past the iconic Psycho House then through Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds set.  As guests make their way through a choreographed massacre at the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope, they will encounter The Tethered from Us in a frightening finale of epic proportions. After the success of the 2019 “Us” house, this experience will feature all-new choreography by conceptual artist and choreographer Madeline Hollander.   The madness continues with thrilling haunted house experiences. The full line-up follows:  

• “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” takes guests into the twisted mind of multi award-winning artist The Weeknd as they step into a surreal living nightmare filled with grotesque characters and themes inspired by his music and short films.
• “Halloween” ventures back to where it all began in an eerily authentic haunted house that depicts the most chilling moments from the critically-acclaimed original film.
• “The Horrors of Blumhouse” brings to life Blumhouse’s supernatural thriller The Black Phone and horror-comedy Freaky.
• “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” expands on the thrilling legacy from Universal Pictures as the most notorious horror icons, The Wolf Man, Dracula and The Mummy, come together for the first time ever in an epic battle.
• MGM’s “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” traps guests in a frightening funhouse of murderous clown-like creatures.
• “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” features the legend of La Llorona who comes to life to terrorize the living as she mourns the children she murdered.
• “Scarecrow: The Reaping” finds that Mother Nature’s retribution against the homesteaders for their sins of the past will be carried out by the farmland’s scarecrows who have remained mute witnesses – and are now guardians of destruction for anyone who crosses their path.
• “Universal Horror Hotel” lives ups to its reputation as the original owner, who was executed years ago for his dastardly deeds, continues to haunt the place today – and guests must escape his vengeful spirit or risk becoming a permanent resident.

• Award-winning hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez brings an all-new, high-energy show nightly to this year’s event, featuring their gravity-defying dance moves, special effects and pulse-pounding music.

  All-new scare zones will taunt and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one terrifying house to the next:  

• “El Pueblo del Terror” is an extension of “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” as the horror continues once guests exit the haunted house and discover there is no escaping the frightening legend along with other supernatural characters from Latin America’s most frightening myths.
• “Sideshow Slaughterhouse” turns New York Street into a battle zone as the performers and workers from a seedy carnival sideshow are on a murderous rampage.
• “Clownsawz” features a demonic troop of clowns who band together to terrorize guests with chainsaws as they enter the park.

  Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties. The event begins on Thursday, September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood with eight frightening haunted houses, and on Friday, September 2 at Universal Orlando Resort with 10 terrifying haunted houses. Both events will run select nights through Monday, October 31. For more information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.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 invites guests to unwrap the awesome and let loose this holiday season during its Holidays celebration, beginning November 12 and running daily through January 1, 2023. Throughout the entire destination, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an incredible collection of epic festivities featuring some of pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters – all brought to life in experiences that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics that can’t be experienced anywhere else.   This holiday season, theme park guests can witness a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle during “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, meet “the mean, green one himself,” the Grinch, during Grinchmas, watch larger-than-life balloons and floats take the streets during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and so much more.   See below for an overview of some of the unforgettable experiences coming to life this holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort – all included in admission to the theme parks:   Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure   The spectacularly themed lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transform into wizarding wonderlands for the Holidays, complete with festive décor throughout the iconic streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley that includes themed decorations, garlands and lights. Guests can also enjoy special holiday-themed performances from the Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, in Hogsmeade and the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.   And once night falls in Hogsmeade, guests can revel in a spectacular projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories in “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.   Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida   Fan-favorite characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar – along with larger-than-life balloons, dozens of colorful holiday floats and hundreds of festive performers – fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Santa Claus also makes an appearance during the awe-inspiring parade – leading a picturesque finale that culminates with the lighting of the park’s dazzling 80-foot Christmas Tree.   Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure   The spirit of Grinchmas comes to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic starring the maven of mischief himself, the Grinch.   The celebration continues in Seuss Landing, which will be adorned in whimsical yuletide décor, including oversized candy canes, twisting Christmas trees, wreaths and beautiful tinsel ornaments. While strolling the land, guests can enjoy special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville as they prepare for their favorite holiday throughout Seuss Landing – and even meet the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, for a special photo opportunity.   Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida   The best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Studios Florida to fill the air with the iconic sounds of the season with live performances on December 3, 4, 10 and 11.   Additional Holiday Festivities Across the Resort   And there’s even more fun to be had this holiday season at Universal Orlando with holiday-themed merchandise, food and beverage offerings, character encounters, seasonal décor and celebratory activities at Universal’s hotels, and more. Additional details about Holiday offerings at Universal Orlando Resort will be revealed soon.

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.