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Video: Insider’s look at new Super Nintendo Park at Universal Stuidos Japan

After several delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, “Super Nintendo World” at Universal Studios Japan is now open. The amusement park is a bigger-than-life-size replica of the company’s most famous games, featuring characters like Mario, Luigi and Yoshi. CNN’s Selina Wang got an insider’s look at the new park, showing how guests enter through the warp pipe. The opening comes as the global theme park industry is struggling and theme parks are reopening in a patchwork around the world. There are plans to open Super Nintendo World in other parts of the world, including Orlando, where the opening has reportedly been delayed until 2025.

Central Florida schools react to decision to stop publication of 6 Dr. Seuss books

The decision of Dr. Seuss Enterprises to stop publishing six of its books due to racist and insensitive imagery has school districts in Central Florida, as well as Universal Orlando, reevaluating their own uses of the Dr. Seuss titles. The book “If I Ran the Zoo” is among the Dr. Seuss titles featured at Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. AdSeveral Central Florida school districts issued statements about the publisher’s decision:“Books written by Dr. Seuss will remain in school libraries in Marion County Public Schools. Many of our schools take part in “Read Across America Day,” some tie the celebrations with Dr. Seuss more than others. Orange County Public SchoolsThe Orange County Library system also released a statement:

Universal Orlando building new flagship store in CityWalk

Universal confirms new flagship store is coming soonORLANDO, Fla – For months, guests visiting Universal Orlando have been wondering what construction crews were building in the heart of CityWalk. Universal confirmed Friday that it’s in the process of building an all-new store. [TRENDING: All Florida Publix locations now offer vaccine | John Morgan settles beef with Arby’s | Last chance to go to space]“Universal Orlando Resort will soon debut an all-new flagship Universal Studios Store in the heart of Universal CityWalk. PHOTOS: New Universal Studios Store Confirmed, Concept Art Releasedhttps://t.co/XVKNCstWSn pic.twitter.com/PanZ7Obnpm — Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) February 26, 2021Last year, Universal closed Island Clothing Co., Fossil and P!Q to make room for this new location. Universal has an official store right now next to Big Fire restaurant in CityWalk.

Universal Orlando goes international with upcoming Mardi Gras event

ORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando Resort is set to begin its upcoming Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval on Feb. 6. AdSome flavors include dishes from Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and other regions including the home of Mardi Gras, New Orleans. Members of Universal’s culinary team said they’re bringing the Mardi Gras savory delights to select menus at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando resort hotels. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 17 Mardi Gras Food and Beverage OfferingsClick here to see the menu of food options available. Passholders can also pick-up a free Mardi Gras themed magnet and button at the passholder lounge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during operating hours.

Universal’s Volcano Bay to reopen after months-long closure

ORLANDO, Fla. – If late February sounds like a good time to head to a water park you’re in luck, Universal’s Volcano Bay is set to reopen later this month after closing for three months. AdUniversal’s Volcano Bay will begin welcoming guests again on Feb. 27, hopefully in time for Florida to emerge from its recent cold snap. The water park, along with other Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic and began a phased reopening in early June. When Volcano Bay reopens health and safety measures will remain in place similar to the measures when it reopened last summer. Guests will be required to have their temperature checked and limited capacity at the park is still in place.

More dinosaur statues arrive at Universal’s Jurassic World Velocicoaster

ORLANDO, Fla – Universal continues to make progress on its new ride the Jurassic World: Velocicoaster. This past weekend, guests begin noticing construction crews installing additional statues of the prehistoric predators. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 14 Jurassic World: VelocicoasterGuests may remember that this is not the first sight of the iconic dinosaurs at the attraction. Aerial views now show those statues near the roller coaster tracks. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 2 Jurassic World: Velocicoaster night testingUntil that time comes, fans visiting Islands of Adventure are getting the opportunity to see the ride testing, which seems to be happening more often.

Universal Orlando offers families limited time Black Friday deal with up to 40% off

ORLANDO, Fla – Usually Black Friday is packed with deals on TVs, clothing and stocking stuffers, but now families can grab a discounted vacation package from Universal Orlando Resort. The theme park is set to offer its best vacation package ever on Friday. The entire deal is valued at $2,154 but Universal said families that book can save as much as $1,292, based on a family of four. The incredible deal is limited in quantities and Universal stresses it will sell out fast. Universal is also offering Florida residents a limited time offer, which includes savings up to $100 on select annual passes until Dec. 17.

Trees, treats and a squirrel named Earl: A detailed look inside Universal’s holiday tribute store

Outside façade of Universal's Holiday tribute store (WKMG-TV)The tribute store will take guests into four highly-immersive themed rooms to purchase merchandise including T-shirts, ornaments, stockings, drink ware and more. Entrance to Universal's Holiday tribute store (WKMG-TV)Hidden treasures plucked straight from the North Pole litter a workbench, sparking a first impression. Universal's Holiday tribute store (WKMG-TV)“What we’ve noticed just in the last few days, is some people are using it for Christmas cards. But a squirrel caused a power outage in our tree.”Earl's Tree Farm inside Universal Holiday Tribute Store (WKMG-TV)Just like that Earl the squirrel was born, and this year the holiday tribute store is celebrating the local legend with his own room. The holiday tribute store is part of Universal Orlando’s holiday celebrations which run through Jan. 3.

Universal theme park revenue down 80% as pandemic continues

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a quarterly earnings call, the CEO of Comcast called Universal’s theme parks the “single biggest drag” of the quarter. “While it will take some time for the parks to return to historical levels, we’ve made substantial progress,” CEO Brian Roberts said. “Universal Orlando and Osaka are operating at limited but growing attendance. I am very excited for next year’s launch of our frankly incredible new theme park in Beijing.”Comcast reported that Universal’s theme parks brought in $311 million during the third quarter, which runs from July through September. Dr. Duncan Dickson, a retired professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, sees the upcoming hurdles for Universal Orlando.

’Puppet Theater: Captive Audience’ house coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights

ORLANDO, Fla – The creative and twisted minds behind Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights announced Tuesday an all-new haunted house for 2021, “Puppet Theater: Captive Audience.”The original house will transport guests into the horrifying and gory scenes of San Francisco’s Grandeur Theater in the turn of the century in the 1900′s. “They all start losing their mind and the puppet troupe start taking the patrons, cutting them up, and turning them into puppets” Gray described. The house is one of several already being planned for the 2021 event by the team at Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando is currently offering fall and Halloween activities through Nov. 1, which include two haunted houses, scavenger hunts and a Halloween Horror Nights tribute store. Guests can start planning their fall 2021 visit to Halloween Horror Nights and enjoy other seasonal experiences across the destination by clicking here.

James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ pushed again, to 2021

The release of the James Bond film “No Time To Die” has been delayed again, this time to 2021, because of the effects of COVID-19 on the theatrical business. “No Time To Die” was originally supposed to open in April 2020 but was pushed back to Nov. 12 in the U.K. and Nov. 20 in the U.S. The Walt Disney Co. last week delayed the planned 2020 releases of a handful of major movies until 2021. They include Marvel’s “Black Widow” and Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” Universal delayed “Candyman” to next year. Some major releases are still planned for 2020.

Volcano Bay announces monthslong closure for maintenance

ORLANDO, Fla. – Months after reopening from its coronavirus closure, Universal’s Volcano Bay water park will once again close its gates. Only this time, it’s a planned closure. Volcano Bay will begin a seasonal closure on Nov. 2, with a current planned reopening timeframe of on or before March 1, the theme park said. “We will use the seasonal closure to conduct annual maintenance on several attractions and areas of the park at the same time,” the park said in a news release. “We are working with guests who have purchased tickets to visit Volcano Bay during this timeframe.”The theme park will also contact Universal Orlando Annual Passholders affected by this update.

Frankenstine, Bride scare-up frights in new Universal monster Halloween décor

Fans of Universal and the studio’s classic monster characters are getting a real treat this Halloween season. Universal Monsters characters like the Bride of Frankenstein, Invisible Man, The Mummy and Creature from the Black Lagoon come to life with short-circuit LightShow® Projection. (Gemmy Industries)Home decorations include horrifying monster light show projections, creepy mirrors, crawling mummy hands, pumpkin push pins and an incredible 9-foot Frankenstein air blown inflatable. Trick-or-treaters are sure to be frightened when they come in contact with monster Halloween greeters and an animated Frankenstein doorbell that zaps to life showcasing a grim-green eye. 9-foot Frankenstein Airblown® Inflatable (Gemmy Industries)“For the Universal monsters collection, our goal was to create a program centered around some of the most iconic characters in history,” said vice president of licensing at Gemmy Industries, Kim Richeson.

Universal announces another round of layoffs as coronavirus limits theme park attendance

ORLANDO, Fla. Another round of Universal employees are now without work as the company announces a second set of layoffs amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Company officials confirmed the second round of layoffs in a statement on Friday, just weeks after announcing its first set of job cuts due to financial hardships brought on by the virus. Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure and Universals Volcano Bay all closed in mid-March to stop the spread of COVID-19. In addition to the layoffs, Universal has also had to temporarily halt construction on its fourth Central Florida theme park: Epic Universe. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Universal canceling Halloween Horror Nights because of virus

ORLANDO, Fla. It's hard to scare the bejesus out of someone in a haunted house while socially distancing, which may explain the decision by Universal to cancel its Halloween Horror Nights this year at its U.S. theme parks. The company said Friday it wouldn't be hosting the celebration of all things scary at its Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood so that it could focus on operating its theme parks for daytime guests under pandemic restrictions. Halloween Horror Nights typically lasts more than a month starting in September, but its planned for more than a year. Last month, Walt Disney World canceled its annual after-hours Halloween party at Magic Kingdom that typically begins in mid-August. Universal Orlando reopened last month, and Disney World started welcoming back visitors two weeks ago.

CANCELED: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando will not be happening this year

Following the theme of 2020 and numerous canceled events, Universal announced Friday that its major tourist attractor Halloween Horror Nights will not be happening this year. According to a news release, Universal Orlando Resort will be focusing exclusively on operating its theme parks for daytime guests. Scareactors prowl through the streets of Universal Studios preying on those who are unsuspecting of a quick fright. Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure and Universals Volcano Bay all closed in mid-March to stop the spread of COVID-19. Photo: Universal Orlando ResortTo keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Movie theaters implore studios: Release the blockbusters

FILE - Posters for upcoming movies are displayed in an empty corridor at the currently closed AMC Burbank Town Center 8 movie theaters complex on April 29, 2020, in Burbank, Calif. After several false starts, the film industry is hoping to bring new releases back into movie theaters in late August. While the beleaguered restaurant industry still has takeout and airlines continue to operate with masked flyers, the vast majority of U.S. movie theaters havent punched a single ticket since March. The largest studios the Walt Disney Co., Warner Bros., Universal now all have streaming services of their own now, along with television operations. Theaters in China, the worlds second largest movie market, this week reopened with theaters limited to 30% capacity. If they dont do something, if they just keeping holding the films back, the theaters are going to die.

Boy, 9, injured on thrill ride at Universal Orlandos Volcano Bay: report

ORLANDO, Fla. Authorities found a 9-year-old boy unresponsive on a thrill ride at Universal Orlandos Volcano Bay a couple of weeks after the theme park reopened after a shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment and was released the following day, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder told the Orlando Sentinel. The report covers the period from April through June, when most of the state's theme parks were closed. Passengers on the ride, which is atop the iconic volcano, go through drop doors into enclosed tubes before splashing into a pool. They only include the persons sex and age, along with the name of the ride, date of the incident and limited details.

Universal Orlando reopens to some guests; Wheel at ICON Park spins again

Universal Orlando theme parks will open to the general public on Friday. Meanwhile, the Wheel at ICON Park is also reopening guests on Wednesday. “We’re excited guests can once again enjoy the best view of the City Beautiful from the Wheel,” ICON Park president and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz said. Restaurants and other attractions at ICON Park have been open for a couple of weeks with new restrictions in place. The Wheel at Icon Park will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.John Goodman, vice president of sales and marketing at ICON Park, said there are new safety measures in place.

Fun Spot America, Gatorland push to reopen during phase 2

ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s been almost two months since Gatorland Orlando closed its doors due to the pandemic. Now with the news of Universal's CityWalk and Disney Springs partially reopening, workers say they are ready to reopen whenever they get the green light. Gatorland Orlando, along with other local attractions like Fun Spot America and Icon Park submitted letters to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings asking to be included in phase two of the governor's reopening plan. Employees at Gatorland Orlando have safety measures already set up throughout the park-like 6 feet place holders on the ground and signs with new restrictions for guests. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Universal Orlando to check temperatures of all employees to prevent spread of COVID-19

Effective Friday, the resort will take temperatures of all employees, contractors, vendors and other business visitors before they enter the property, according to a letter sent to employees by Bill Davis, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. Employees were directed to the company’s COVID-19 and Resort Closure Team Member information page for further instruction. “Regardless of your temperature, if you are not feeling well or have any symptoms, including mild cold symptoms, you should not come to property! To read the letter issued to team members, click here. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

Comfort foods take over menu at Universal’s Endless Summer: Dockside Inn and Suites

ORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando Resort this week showed off its food and drink menus inside the new Dockside Inn and Suites. The new resort will be Universal’s eighth hotel and will open across the street from its sister hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites. The resort will serve food and drinks at the Pier 8 market, Sunset lounge and the Oasis beach bar when the resort opens Dec. 15. Full Screen 1 / 12 Sunset Lounge Disco H2OUniversal officials said the Pier 8 market will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites Pier 8 Market (Universal Orlando)Universal said beach-inspired drinks will be offered at the pool’s oasis beach bar.

Blizzard Beach and Volcano Bay close as cold temps move through Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – Two popular Central Florida water parks will be closed on Friday as cold temps continue to move through the area. [RELATED: Cold shelters open in Brevard County as temps set to drop into the 30s]Blizzard Beach will be closed on Friday and Saturday, according to the Disney World app. [RELATED: Blast of cold settles in across Central Florida Thursday night]Temps will drop into the 30s and 40s in Central Florida on Thursday night. The high in Central Florida will be in the low 60s on Friday. Park guests won’t see temps in the 70s until Sunday and temps in the 80s until Tuesday.

Woman sues Universal, says she was injured by electric shock

ORLANDO, Fla. – A guest who says she was injured last summer after suffering an electric shock at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park last year is suing the company for damages, according to court records. The incident at the park sent multiple people to the hospital and forced the attraction to close several hours early. Carlino’s attorneys with the Orlando-based law firm Morgan & Morgan filed a lawsuit in November against the park and its parent company, Universal Studios and Universal City Development. According to the lawsuit, April Carlino suffered injuries as a result of the shock. Volcano Bay’s parent company, Universal City Development Partners, responded to the lawsuit on Dec. 11 denying the allegations.

Lawsuit: Volcano Bay slide left tourist paralyzed

ORLANDO, Fla. – A New York man claims in lawsuit that his neck snapped while he was riding the Punga Racers water slide at Universal's Volcano Bay, causing a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Documents show the man decided to race his 15-year-old daughter, 13-year-old daughter and 7-year-old daughter on the Punga Racers, which has four lanes to accommodate multiple riders. Attorneys allege the man followed employees' instructions to lie with his stomach on a mat they provided, then slide down headfirst. The impact caused a compression injury to the man's spine that left him paralyzed, facedown in the water, attorneys said. The suit claims Universal was negligent by failing to maintain and inspect the ride, failing to supervise riders and failing to warn visitors about the potential dangers.

Power restored after outage at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials say

ORLANDO, Fla. – Power has been restored after an outage was reported Saturday at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials said. Universal officials said the Orlando Fire Department was there as a precaution, but they were able to assist guests off Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. "We had a power outage earlier across portions of CityWalk and all of Islands of Adventure," a Universal spokesperson said. "As a result, we had to assist guests off a handful of attractions. [SIGN UP: Subscribe to ClickOrlando.com newsletters]Officials said power is 100 percent restored and all guests were safely off rides.

Proposal for world's tallest roller coaster hits snag

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday voted down a request for the complex that would house what would be the tallest roller coaster in the world. [MORE: Local 6 Theme World | VOTE: Would you ride world's tallest coaster? The project is supposed to go up on an empty plot of land by 2018, but this snag could derail the coaster entirely. "Skyplex is an unbelievable project that's going to do nothing but bring thousands of jobs and millions of people to I-Drive," developer Joshua Wallack said. "It has to be the world's tallest roller coaster," Wallack said.

Halloween Horror Nights to feature 'The Walking Dead' themed maze

ORLANDO, Fla. – Guests running in fear at 2012 Halloween Horror Nights will be able to experience the "walkers" from the popular television show "The Walking Dead." Universal announced Wednesday the Emmy Award-winning AMC series will be the theme of elaborately themed, haunted mazes during the annual event at Universal Studios. It marks the first-time Universal Studios has featured a television series at Halloween Horror Nights on both coasts. This will be the first time the park has ever brought a video game franchise to Halloween Horror Nights. The park says it's now working with the video game creators and film makers to create the experience at Universal.

Mother, child end up in Universal Orlando lagoon

ORLANDO, Fla. – A woman jumped into a lagoon at Universal Orlando on Tuesday after her child apparently fell into the water. Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said there was a railing between the theme park guest area and the water. It's not known if the child, whose age was not released, intentionally jumped into the lagoon. Orlando firefighters and Universal's health services team responded to the incident, Schroder said. The mother and child were offered showers and "all is well," Schroder said.