Universal Archive
Last year’s attendance report that covers Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando has been released by the Themed Entertainment Association. This post takes a look at the winners and losers in the first almost entirely normal year post-reopening, with commentary about changes and trends for both Central Florida theme park heavyweights. For starters, the Global
Universal Studios Florida has released details and concept art for the new Minion Land that’ll feature rides, retail, restaurants, meet & greets, placemaking, and more. This post covers what we know about the upcoming Orlando addition, when it’ll open, and everything else we know so far. Let’s start with basic background. Rather than being a
Express Pass at Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure offers the ability to skip standby lines for lower wait times, but with different tradeoffs than Genie+ at Walt Disney World. This article covers Lighting Lane v. Express Pass: benefits & downsides, pros & cons, so you can determine if either or both “paid FastPass”
Toadstool Cafe is the restaurant inside Super Nintendo World, the Mario-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood. This dining review features food photos from our meals here, a look around the interior of Toad’s House, thoughts on lunch & dinner, whether it’s worth your time & money, and how it compares to other options in USH.
During the Walt Disney Company’s first quarter fiscal year 2023 earnings call, Bob Iger shared more details about restructuring and spending reductions, announcing workforce reductions. This post details where layoffs will and won’t occur, including new details from Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro and how Walt Disney World and Disneyland will likely be impacted. One of
Universal Parks & Resorts announced a new year-round entertainment experience in Las Vegas that will basically be a permanent Halloween Horror Nights. This post shares details about the new HHN-like concept, plus our commentary about moving from temporary haunts during spook season to a permanent attraction. Obviously, the big thing here is that Universal is
Super Nintendo World is Universal’s first theme park land dedicated to Mario and Luigi, with a Mario Kart ride, restaurant, snack spots, character meet & greets, interactive mini-games, and much more. This review features what we love and loathe about the area, with photos, info, recommendations, and thoughts on the good, bad, and ugly of
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an attraction in Super Nintendo World coming to Universal Studios Hollywood and Epic Universe in Orlando, and now open as Koopa’s Challenge in Japan. This spoiler-free ride review offers our assessment, how it compares to other video game shooters and racers, and other thoughts & commentary. Universal describes Mario Kart:
Universal has announced the grand opening date and details for the second Super Nintendo World, a blockbuster expansion that will bring Mario Kart attractions to life in Hollywood. In this post, we’ll share everything we know about these iconic characters coming to life in theme park form. Super Nintendo World will open on February 17,
Magical Dining is back for 2022, and several restaurants at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are participating in this popular promo offering a month-plus of deals on 3-course meals. This post covers dates, details, and our recommendations for where to eat during this dining discount. Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is celebrating its 17th anniversary
File this under least surprising news ever: Walt Disney World has cancelled plans for a Brightline high-speed rail station at Disney Springs. This post shares details about the derailment, why this was never intended to be the replacement for Disney’s Magical Express, and why none of this is the least bit surprising. (Updated June 28, 2022.) Brightline
