Universal Archives - WDW News Today

Universal Reveals First Look at Exclusive ‘Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Merchandise Collection Coming to Orlando, Hollywood

March 17, 2025 Lauren Shahan

Nautical themed display with rope, wooden crates labeled "fragile," a plush shark, and nautical toys. Misty water and greenery in the background.

Universal recently revealed a new “Jaws” 50th anniversary merchandise collection that will be released in May 2025 at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. “Jaws” 50th Anniversary Merchandise Collection The collection will feature different items themed to “Jaws,” which has been a monumental part of Universal’s history. Some of the merchandise includes a … Read more

FIRST LOOK at Epic Universe Harry Potter Chocolate Frog Tin With NEW Newt Scamander Wizard Card

March 15, 2025 Jamie Rowland

Two photos capture someone holding a Harry Potter chocolate frog box. The front displays a card featuring "Severus Snape," while shelves stocked with more boxes and chocolate frog tins are visible in the background.

A new Chocolate Frog tin, which comes with a collection of cards including a Newt Scamander collectible trading card, is now available ahead of the grand opening of Epic Universe. Chocolate Frog Tin – $30.00 For now, the new Chocolate Frog tin is only available at Universal Stella Nova Resort (or Epic Universe if you … Read more

Leadership Changes Announced for Universal Studios Japan

March 14, 2025 Jamie Rowland

Two men in business attire, representing Leadership Changes at Universal Studios Japan, smile confidently at the camera against separate neutral backgrounds.

Upcoming leadership changes have been announced for Universal Studios Japan and will be effective starting on June 1, 2025. JL Bonnier JL Bonner is being promoted from his current position of Universal Studios Japan as President, CEO to the position of President, COO, Pacific Rim where he will oversee the teams and overall operations of … Read more

New Actors in Talks for McGonagall and Snape Roles in Upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series

March 7, 2025 Jamie Rowland

A person with short wavy hair in a black turtleneck reminiscent of Snape, and an individual with short hair in a gray shirt.

According to Deadline, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu are in talks to play Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape, respectively, in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. Janet McTeer in Talks for Minerva McGonagall Casting Janet McTeer is an Oscar and Emmy nominated actress known for her roles in “Ozark” and other HBO projects like “Into … Read more

General Parking After 6 P.M. Now Included for Platinum and Gold Passes at Universal Studios Hollywood

March 7, 2025 Jamie Rowland

Universal Studios Hollywood Globe and Arch April 2021

As of March 3, 2025, General Parking after 6 p.m. is now included for Platinum and Gold Annual Passholder at Universal Studios Hollywood. General Parking Now Included for Platinum and Gold Passes According to the Universal Studios Hollywood website, parking after 6 p.m. for Platinum and Gold level passes is now included. Exceptions are blockout … Read more

Audition Opportunities Posted for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas

March 7, 2025 Jamie Rowland

Text reading "Universal Horror Unleashed" in gradient colors with a dark background, inviting you to explore eerie audition opportunities in Las Vegas.

Universal Destinations & Experiences has now posted audition opportunities for Universal Horror Unleashed, a new year-round horror experience coming to Las Vegas later this year. While the current application does not guarantee an audition, potential performers now have the ability to create a Universal Horror Unleashed Audition Profile to be the first to receive audition … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando 2/26/2025 (Characters Everywhere, Fun Details, and More)

February 26, 2025 Bryce B.

A large globe emblazoned with "Universal" stands amid mist and palm trees, enclosed by a fence under the clear blue sky. Fun details like iconic characters everywhere make Universal Orlando an enchanting spectacle.

Howdy! Today Universal Orlando was not crowded whatsoever, in fact, I would say it was relatively empty. In CityWalk I found new Hello Kitty merchandise, in Universal Studios Florida, I saw tons of characters and even spotted a commercial being filmed. Good Morning from Universal Orlando Good morning from an empty Universal Orlando. I am … Read more

RUMOR: Universal Studios Japan’s Hami-Kuma Coming to Halloween Horror Nights in the United States

February 22, 2025 Jamie Rowland

A large, stylized bear costume with textured fur, mismatched eyes, sharp teeth, and claws. It resembles Hamikuma from Universal Japan's Halloween Horror Nights with a plaid collar and vibrant, colorful patterns on its stomach area.

Hami-Kuma, a fan favorite icon of Japan’s version of Halloween Horror Nights may be coming to Hollywood and Orlando for HHN34 in 2025. According to Hallowed Out Horror (@hallowed_horror on X), Universal has filed trademarks for the bear to appear in the North American parks. Both Hollywood and Orlando are included in the filings. The … Read more

Universal Studios Japan Announces ‘Wicked’ Celebration with Film’s Japanese Release

February 22, 2025 Jamie Rowland

A witch in black and a woman in white reach out to each other amidst cherry blossoms, with a castle looming behind. Text reads "Wicked" alongside the Japanese release date. Witness the magic at Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Studios Japan has announced a “Wicked” celebration coming to the park in honor of the country’s theatrical release of the film. “Wicked” was released in the United States on November 22, 2024. However, its official Japanese release date is March 7, 2025. Universal Studios Japan plans to celebrate this release with meet and greets, … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando 2/19/2025 (EPIC Universe Merchandise, Big Sales, and Fun Moments and Finds)

February 19, 2025 Bryce B.

Visitors stroll beneath a welcoming sign that reads "Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort," surrounded by shops and restaurants buzzing with activity. Big sales are everywhere, offering irresistible deals on exclusive EPIC Universe merchandise for a limited time.

Howdy! It’s Universal Orlando Day! The weather is a bit dreary but the overcast sky is nice sometimes. I spent my day milling about the Universal Orlando parks and even snuck over to the new Stella Nova Resort to find some more EPIC Universe merchandise. Good Morning from Universal Orlando I started my day with … Read more

Universal Announces Volcano Bay Closures Due to Inclement Weather

February 19, 2025 Gretchen McDermid

universal-orlando-volcano-bay-reopening-2-27-21-15-6081443

As another cold weather wave sweeps through Central Florida, Universal has announced a closure of Volcano Bay water park for two days in February. Universal Volcano Bay Closure for Inclement Weather Universal Orlando Resort has announced through their social media channels that Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21. … Read more

BREAKING: Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Date Announced, Tickets Now on Sale

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 Lauren Shahan

Universal announced an opening date for Universal Horror Unleashed, a new year-round horror experience coming to Las Vegas later this year. Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Date According to a post on its official Twitter account, the experience will open its doors on August 14, 2025. Tickets are now on sale. A hype video was also … Read more

Entrance Portal Inscriptions, Violinists, Signs, and More Epic Universe Construction Updates

February 5, 2025February 4, 2025 Dean Fenton

The Universal Orlando Resort continues construction on Epic Universe as the new theme park’s May 22, 2025 opening date approaches.

Epic Universe Starbucks Opens For Employees

February 4, 2025 Dean Fenton

The Epic Universe Starbucks in the Celestial Park area of the new theme park has opened for employees according to the uotmlife Instagram account.

AMC Theatres Releases ‘Dog Man’ Limited Edition Exclusive Dog Bowl Popcorn Bucket

February 3, 2025 Lauren Shahan

With the recent premiere of the new “Dog Man” film, AMC Theatres has released a limited edition exclusive dog bowl-themed popcorn bucket. Dog Man: Dog Bowl Popcorn Bucket – $22.95 The Universal and DreamWorks film “Dog Man” is based on the popular graphic novel series of the same name by Dav Pilkey. The main character, … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando 1/29/2024 (Mardis Gras Decor and Merchandise, Dog Food for Lunch, and More)

January 29, 2025 Bryce B.

Giant blue globe with "Universal" text, surrounded by palm trees and buildings, in front of a water feature at Universal Orlando, showcasing vibrant Mardi Gras decor.

Howdy! Today was a beautiful day at Universal Orlando Resort. There were tons of Mardi Gras decorations up throughout Universal property, new Mardi Gras merchandise, and other fun finds through Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Good Morning from Universal Orlando Resort Today the weather continues to be perfect and the crowds are still … Read more