Universal Studios

BREAKING: Undisclosed Number of Layoffs Reported at Universal Orlando Resort

Author

by
Jessica Figueroa

Jessica lives in South Florida with her 15-pound cat Gordo and a small army of Tsum Tsums. You can contact her, ideally with photos of your cats, at jessica@wdwnt.com.

View all posts

PhotoReport Universal Orlando 7 27 20 3 scaled

Devastating news continues to come from the theme park industry as even more layoffs have been reported at Universal Orlando Resort. An undisclosed number of employees have been laid off across the property. These layoffs do not include hourly workers. Universal Orlando issued a statement on the layoffs to reporter Ashley Carter of Spectrum News … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 10/6/20 (Face Covering Prices Raised, Halloween in the UOAP Navigators Club, Free Game Coupons in Springfield, and More)

Author

by
Annie Wilson

Annie can be contacted at annie@wdwnt.com

View all posts

universal-orlando-photo-report-10-6-20-6-1157270

Welcome to a beautiful, sunny day here at the Universal Orlando Resort. It’s been pretty overcast and cool the last few days, so it was a nice change to see bright blue skies and high temperatures. We arrived at Universal Studios Florida and began to browse the face masks in hopes of finding a “Jaws” … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW “Whose Cap?” Merchandise Coming to the Mario Store on October 16 at Universal Studios Japan

Author

by
Spencer Lloyd

Spencer Lloyd is a college student/parks addict living in Tokyo. He runs TDRPlans.com, a comprehensive source for information and travel planning related to Tokyo Disney Resort. And fun fact, he is the only person in history to have been in the same ride vehicle as Tom Corless.

View all posts

mario-merch-cover

The opening of the Mario Store at Universal Studios Japan is nigh, with the announced date of October 16th not even that far away! And to celebrate, the park has revealed some of the original goods that will populate this exciting new shop. This is only a taste of the many items that will be … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW Super Mario-Themed Drinks & Treats Coming October 16th to Mario Cafe at Universal Studios Japan

Author

by
Spencer Lloyd

Spencer Lloyd is a college student/parks addict living in Tokyo. He runs TDRPlans.com, a comprehensive source for information and travel planning related to Tokyo Disney Resort. And fun fact, he is the only person in history to have been in the same ride vehicle as Tom Corless.

View all posts

mario-food-cover

With the opening of the nostalgic Mario Cafe at Universal Studios Japan also comes several creative Mario-themed treats and snacks that will populate its menu starting October 16th! So grab some coins, because you’ll want to try everything on this Super Mario menu! Mario Strawberry Cream Soda Luigi Green Apple Cream Soda Princess Peach Cream … Read more

BREAKING: Super Nintendo World Opening Spring 2021, Mario Store & Cafe Opening October 16th at Universal Studios Japan

Author

by
Spencer Lloyd

Spencer Lloyd is a college student/parks addict living in Tokyo. He runs TDRPlans.com, a comprehensive source for information and travel planning related to Tokyo Disney Resort. And fun fact, he is the only person in history to have been in the same ride vehicle as Tom Corless.

View all posts

mario_cafestore%e3%80%91%e5%a4%96%e8%a6%b3image-5510281

The Super Nintendo World expansion at Universal Studios Japan has been highly anticipated for years, and has faced a number of setbacks in its journey, so we’re excited to see that the expansion now has an opening window set: Spring 2021! Not only that, but Universal Studios Japan released more concept art for the Mario … Read more

PHOTOS: Face Covering Prices Raised at Universal Orlando Resort

Author

by
Annie Wilson

Annie can be contacted at annie@wdwnt.com

View all posts

face-coverings-price-increase-universal-orlando-1-4372572

If you’re planning on shopping for some stylish new face coverings at the Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll be paying a little more now. There has been no shortage of designs, from E.T. to Hogwarts Houses, there’s something for everyone. Prices have been $6 each or 4 for $20, but now you’ll be paying a whopping … Read more

California’s Secretary of Health and Human Services Says There’s “No Promise of a Specific Date” for Theme Park Reopening Guidelines

Author

by
Matthew Soberman

Matthew has been a writer for WDWNT since June 2018. He probably should have realized he was a Disney Parks fan when he tried to make a model of the Horizons building in middle school shop class. (It didn't go well.) He is also a huge Muppet fan, and can also be found on ToughPigs.com. You can email Matthew at matthew@wdwnt.com.

View all posts

sleeping beauty castle disneyland 2020 18 scaled

It seems that the fight to reopen California’s theme and amusement parks has no deadline for a conclusion. In a press conference earlier today, the state’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Ghaly, stated that there’s “no promise of a specific date” for new reopening guidelines. The conference also mentioned that a new … Read more

PHOTOS: New “Jaws” and “Back to the Future” Baseball Caps Arrive at Universal Studios Florida

Author

by
Shannen Michaelsen

Shannen has been a Disney Parks fan and lover of dogs since childhood, despite Pluto's attempt to eat Shannen's Minnie Mouse doll the first time they met. They've made up now. You can email Shannen at shannen@mail.hkdrnt.com.

View all posts

bttf-jaws-hats-collage

Whether you’re a fan of classic Universal films or classic Universal attractions, you’ll be interested in these Jaws and Back to the Future baseball caps. Jaws Baseball Cap – $25 You’re gonna need a bigger boat with this hat featuring the titular jaws of the film’s shark. “Universal Studios” is on the back of the … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal CityWalk Hollywood 10/6/20

Author

by
Charly Shelton

Charly writes about theme parks. Contact him at Charly@WDWNT.com

View all posts

uni_citywalk_10-3-20_feat

Welcome to Hollywood! We’re back at Universal CityWalk Hollywood for a look at what’s new, what’s good, and what’s happening. Temperatures are cooling off, and guests are flocking back to CityWalk. That’s both a good and a bad thing — good for the businesses to recover and start offering more, but bad for the wait … Read more

PHOTOS: A Dozen New Custom On-Demand Horror Ink Tees Now Available in Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store

Author

by
Shannen Michaelsen

Shannen has been a Disney Parks fan and lover of dogs since childhood, despite Pluto's attempt to eat Shannen's Minnie Mouse doll the first time they met. They've made up now. You can email Shannen at shannen@mail.hkdrnt.com.

View all posts

horror-ink-collage

New custom Horror Ink on-demand tees have been added to the U-Design kiosk in the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. These tees feature classic Universal Monsters and many are customizable with your own name. Horror Ink On-demand Tees – $34 This shirt is great for encouraging social distancing. You can add … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 10/4/20 (A Glimpse of Blue and Gray Detailing on Velocicoaster Vehicles, New Menu Items, Low Wait Times for Haunted Houses, and More)

Author

by
Annie Wilson

Annie can be contacted at annie@wdwnt.com

View all posts

universal-studios-orlando-photo-report-10-5-20-21-9430790

Greetings from a very gray, overcast day at the Universal Orlando Resort. The sky might be keeping away some of the crowds this afternoon, but we’re ready to explore the parks and see what’s new. Let’s get started at Universal Studios Florida first. The crowds aren’t too bad today, so no Virtual Line was being … Read more

Orange County to Reopen CARES Act Assistance Beginning October 12th in Light of Walt Disney World Layoffs

Author

by
Matthew Soberman

Matthew has been a writer for WDWNT since June 2018. He probably should have realized he was a Disney Parks fan when he tried to make a model of the Horizons building in middle school shop class. (It didn't go well.) He is also a huge Muppet fan, and can also be found on ToughPigs.com. You can email Matthew at matthew@wdwnt.com.

View all posts

cinderella-castle-lit-up-night-20-7500445-1200x900

In light of The Walt Disney Company announcing massive layoffs at Walt Disney World, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced the reopening of the CARES Act for financial assistance. The first round application portal opens on Monday, October 12th at 8 AM ET, followed by a second round application portal on Saturday, October 24th … Read more

REVIEW: Annual Passholder Exclusive Chocolate Banana Cream Pie Crêpe is an Irresistible New Offering from Central Park Crêpes at Universal Studios Florida

Author

by
Annie Wilson

Annie can be contacted at annie@wdwnt.com

View all posts

universal-studios-florida-central-park-crepes-passholder-banana-cream-pie-6-6546132

The Universal Orlando Resort recently announced an extension to the Annual Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes perks such as exclusive menu items around the parks. Central Park Crêpes has been a huge success, judging by the daily lines and our own review of the entire menu, so it’s no surprise they’ve gotten in on showing … Read more

PHOTOS: Water Blasters Return to Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Author

by
David Noonan

Dave was bitten by the Disney bug when his three little kids begged him to take them to Walt Disney World. Now they're all grown up, but Dave is not. You can contact him at dave@wdwnt.com

View all posts

water-blasters-toon-lagoon-3-3564994

Remember waiting around while the kids enjoyed blasting passengers on water rides at Toon Lagoon? Or perhaps you got a kick out of dousing park guests yourself as they floated by. Unfortunately, the water blasters stationed at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls have been shut off since the reopening of … Read more

UPNT Weekly Recap: Universal Orlando Resort Returning to Fingerprint Scanners, Heavy Crowds for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida , VelociCoaster Previews, and More

Author

by
David Noonan

Dave was bitten by the Disney bug when his three little kids begged him to take them to Walt Disney World. Now they're all grown up, but Dave is not. You can contact him at dave@wdwnt.com

View all posts

universal-recap-photos

Every week is a busy week when it comes to Universal Parks news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Universal Orlando Resort and other Universal resorts around the world, here’s our Universal Parks News Today weekly recap from September 27 to October 4, 2020. Universal Orlando Resort See our photos and a … Read more

PHOTOS: Universal Studios Florida Adds Express and Stand-By Queues at Haunted Houses

Author

by
Mike Baker

Mike caught the Disney bug after his first on-property stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In the intervening years, Mike is either planning the next trip, writing about a trip, or helping his friends plan a special trip to Walt Disney World. Mike lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife. He has two adult children, both attending college. A teacher and lifelong learner, Mike serves on his local school board. He also works as the percussion instructor for the local high school. You can contact Mike at mike@wdwnt.com.

View all posts

image-from-ios-59-3285879

Another day, another queue setup at Universal Studios Florida. Recently, we noticed new indoor queues for the popular houses. A few days later, Universal added Universal Express and stand-by line options. The additional options likely serve to help manage growing crowds. Signs at Revenge of the Tooth Fairy clearly direct guests to the correct line. … Read more

→←