Universal Theme Parks See 25% Revenue Increase in First Quarter of 2023

Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, released their earnings report for quarter 1 of 2023, which ended on March 31. The earnings include a significant revenue increase for Universal theme parks. Comcast Q1 2023 Earnings “We delivered strong first quarter results as our team executed exceptionally well,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Meeting a Baby Dragon, Niffler, and a Pygmy Puff in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

Starting last month, Universal Studios Japan introduced a slate of new Magical Creatures greetings around Hogsmeade within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests can enjoy a short skit by a magical creature expert followed by lots of photos and even the chance to pet the creatures all day long with a Niffler, a Pygmy … Read more

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Has Biggest Global Opening Weekend in Animated Film History

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” from Illumination Entertainment had its wide release on April 5, and is already shattering records. The Mario brand’s first major cinematic outing in decades passed “Frozen 2” to hold the record for highest-grossing global opening weekend of any animated film in history. This makes the Super Mario opening the overall … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Hippogriff Magical Encounter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan

For the first time at any Universal park worldwide, guests are able to meet and interact with some of the magical creatures of the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” franchise. These atmospheric encounters debuted exclusively at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan last month and will continue through the end of … Read more

Shark Animatronics Still Broken, Sound Out-of-Sync on JAWS Ride Following Refurbishment

In its time at Universal Studios Florida, JAWS was always notorious for being difficult and expensive to keep properly maintained. This was one of the many factors which lead to its closure in 2012. Now it seems many of those same issues have come to the clone at Universal Studios Japan, with several animatronics still … Read more

Universal Cup Trophy Chocolates, Mario Kart Cup Pin Set, Character Bucket Hats, & More Arrive in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

With the second anniversary of Super Nintendo World already upon us, Universal Studios Japan has released plenty of new merchandise at 1-Up Factory and Mario Motors just in time for the spring break crowds! So join us as we swing through both shops to check out everything new. Mario Kart Sponsor Stickers – Â¥700 ($5.31) … Read more

Limited Edition Gold Power-Up Band Coming to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

Last year, Super Nintendo World celebrated its first anniversary since opening on March 18, 2021 with a new Fire Flower sipper and plenty of other new merchandise in the land. Now for its second anniversary, Universal Studios Japan is stepping up its game with a new limited edition Gold Power-Up Band inspired by the Golden … Read more

BREAKING: Universal Parks & Resorts Changes to Universal Destinations & Experiences

While addressing Universal Team Members in an internal video, Mark Woodbury, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts, announced that the division will change its name to Universal Destinations & Experiences. “When I started with the company, our division was called Universal Recreation Services Group,” stated Woodbury. “We had Hollywood Studio Tour and … Read more

First HHN 2023 Speculation Map for Universal Studios Hollywood, ‘NO LIMIT! Parade’ Featuring Pokémon & Mario Debuts in Japan, Crime Plagues Hotels Near Epic Universe, & More: UPNT Weekly Recap (2/27/23-3/5/23)

We bring you a lot of stories. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Weekly Recap for February 27, 2023 – March 5, 2023. Universal Parks & … Read more

REVIEW: Sesame Street Orange Cupcake & Hello Kitty Cheese Pork Bun Dance into Universal Studios Japan

We’re dance-dance-dancing at Universal Studios Japan to the new “NO LIMIT! Parade” which kicked off earlier this week. And if you feel snacky after joining in the NO LIMIT Time show stop, you can swing by the food cart opposite “Playing with Curious George” to try two new snacks — a Sesame Street orange cupcake … Read more

REVIEW: Smiling Snoopy Donut for ‘NO LIMIT! Parade’ at Universal Studios Japan

If you need a nibble after getting groovy with Snoopy and the Peanuts during the “NO LIMIT! Parade” show stop, look no further than the Snoopy’s Treats stand in Hollywood, where you can get the new Smiling Snoopy Donut. Smiling Snoopy Donut – Â¥500 ($3.67) The new donut is available at the nicely-themed stand located … Read more

REVIEW: Fire Flower & Super Star Mario Kart Cookies for ‘NO LIMIT!’ Parade at Universal Studios Japan

It’s-a-me, Mario! Well not really, but you can imagine you’re jumping through the Mushroom Kingdom with these two adorable new Fire Flower & Super Star Mario Kart Cookies available now for the new “NO LIMIT! Parade” at Universal Studios Japan. The cookies are served at this dressed-up booth near the entrance of Universal Studios Japan, … Read more

Masks to Become Optional Starting Mid-March at Universal Studios Japan

As Japan moves to shed the last of its COVID-19 protocols ahead of the May 8 reclassification of the virus to a level of least concern, Universal Studios Japan has announced that guests may take off their masks while visiting the Osaka theme park starting later this month! Starting March 13, in line with the … Read more

REVIEW: Squirtle Vanilla Churro, Pikachu Butt Pizza Bun, and Bulbasaur Sipper Herald Pokémon’s Arrival at Universal Studios Japan

For the first time at any major theme park, Pokémon is hitting the streets here at Universal Studios Japan in the new “NO LIMIT! Parade,” and as with any major event at a Japanese theme park, there’s new food to tie in. Fortunately, we were able to grab a time ticket for the new Pokémon … Read more

Japanese Theme Parks Agree to End Mask Requirements from March 13, Abolish COVID-19 Measures Entirely from May

Since mid-2020, Japanese theme parks and amusement parks have been guided by a set of guidelines created by an industry coalition to cooperate with the government’s recommendations in preventing the spread of COVID-19 while allowing for safe operations. It seems now these guidelines will finally be coming to an end just under three years after … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: First Pokémon Theme Park Merchandise, New Mario Kart Line, & More for ‘NO LIMIT! Parade’ at Universal Studios Japan

By now you’ve probably heard all about the exciting new “NO LIMIT! Parade” at Universal Studios Japan, which marks the first appearance of Pokémon characters in a major theme park. Super Mario, Minions, Peanuts, and even more franchises are also part of the new celebration, and there’s plenty of merchandise to match. So, let’s take … Read more