ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando unveiled a new multi-day ticket option on Thursday morning, which gives guests access to all four of its theme parks.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando unveiled a new multi-day ticket option, which gives guests access to all four of its theme parks
The ticket offers access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the new Universal Epic Universe
Park officials also shared that, for a limited time, guests can purchase the new six- or seven-day ticket for the price of a five-day ticket
The new ticket, which park officials say is designed to “complement its evolution into a weeklong vacation destination,” offers six or seven days of park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the new Universal Epic Universe, Universal officials stated.
Park officials also announced that, for a limited time, guests can purchase the new six- or seven-day ticket for the price of a five-day ticket.
The new multi-day ticket, available to U.S. residents, can be paired with a “special, value-driven hotel offer” with a $300 hotel dining credit when booking a stay of five nights or longer at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
With their two-page correspondence and potential legal action to follow, Netflix have linked arms and attorney arsenals with Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount (their rivals to buy WBD), and the still Bob Iger-run Disney to stop the user created content that has been bastardizing their top shows, films and other moneymakers. While Amazon, Apple, Sony and Comcast-owned Universal have yet to join the party, it is clear now with the Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters-led Netflix in the C&D house, this is serious stuff.
How serious?
Well, Netflix litigation chief Mindy LeMoine isn’t making as personal as WBD’s Wayne M. Smith did earlier Tuesday with his predecessor and now ByteDance Global General Counsel John Rogovin. Then again, LeMoine does cut to the chase with very specific citations:
“Current forensic evidence indicates that Seedance is being used to generate unauthorized derivative works including, but not limited to:
● Bridgerton: Unauthorized depictions of Season 4 content, specifically featuring characters in a masquerade ball setting. These outputs mirror specific, narratively important costumes like Sophie Baek’s “Lady in Silver” gown. ByteDance has even promoted this content using #Bridgerton tags via its own official social media channels, such as @BytePlusGlobal.
● Stranger Things: High-fidelity reboots of the series finale, which feature detailed reproductions of the iconic cast as well as the monsters from the series, including Demogorgons and the Mindflayer.
● Squid Game: Seedance has generated recreations of the “Red Light, Green Light” sets and the iconic Young-hee doll. These include unauthorized crossovers, such as inserting real-world figures like Elon Musk into the Squid Game environment.
● KPop Demon Hunters: Seedance has reproduced the specific visual style and character designs from our animated musical feature, including the lead character Rumi.”
‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Netflix
The C&D letter goes on to state: “Netflix has never authorized ByteDance to use our content to generate these images or videos. ByteDance’s activities are willful, and constitute direct and secondary copyright infringement. The use of copyrighted works to create a competing commercial product, especially one that regurgitates the original, is not protected by fair use.”
“To avoid immediate litigation, Netflix demands that ByteDance:
1. Cease Generative Output: Immediately implement technological guardrails to prevent Seedance from generating any content that resembles Netflix’s protected characters, titles, or settings.
2. Remove Infringing Content: Remove all unlawfully obtained Netflix-owned content from training datasets, and also scrub all existing Seedance-generated videos featuring Netflix IP from all ByteDance-controlled platforms.
3. Identify All Infringements: Provide an accounting of all instances where Seedance has generated content based on prompts related to Netflix’s IP.
4. Revoke Third-Party Access: Revoke access for any commercial partners or API users currently utilizing Seedance to generate unauthorized Netflix derivative works.”
So, as Netflix awaits ByteDance’s response later this week, will it be Amazon, Apple, Sony or Universal sending the next letter? Stay tuned.
As audiences fly to see Wicked: For Goodthis weekend (and the next, and the one after that…), the world of Oz may have more to offer.
During the film’s New York premiere, the musical’s creator, Stephen Schwartz, told The Ankler “the right idea” may not exist for a proper sequel. That said, he did reveal he’s working with the films’ co-writer Winnie Holzman on ideas set in the world of Wicked. Dependent on how well For Good does at the box office, of course, but he considers Elphaba and Glinda’s stories complete, so that potential continuation would have to be something different: “Not a sequel, but an adjunct,” he told the outlet.
Whatever this idea is, it’s separate from adapting post-Wicked novels that were written by Gregory Maguire, as well as the later Oz books written by Frank L. Baum and other writers of the original Oz canon. The only stipulation Schwartz has right now is that such a project exists “beyond simply making money. As far as right now, no one has yet presented an idea that I’ve heard that would justify such a thing.” He thinks such a follow-up could exist, but even if it doesn’t, Wicked and Wicked: For Good have succeeded in renewing interest in movie musicals.
“In success, everybody wins,” added the film’s executive music producer, Stephen Oremus. “If the Wicked movies get people excited about telling musical stories and more movies get made or start development, it just goes to show you that’s incredible.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando unveiled new details on Thursday for the return of its annual event, Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando unveiled new details for the return of Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
The 2026 festivities will take place from Feb. 7 through April 4
The popular celebration features a nightly parade with sparkling floats, street performers and colorful beads
The 2026 festivities will take place from Feb. 7 through April 4. The popular celebration features a nightly parade with sparkling floats, street performers and colorful beads.
Guests can also view live performances on select nights, as well as enjoy “a diverse array of international cuisine along with mouthwatering dishes inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.”
The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience will be available for a separate purchase, according to park officials, which includes a three-course meal on the day of visit that features one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage from one of five participating restaurants: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Universal CityWalk), NBC Sports Grill & Brew (Universal CityWalk), Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida), Confisco Grille (Universal Islands of Adventure; 2-Park ticket required) and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Restaurant (Universal CityWalk; available for dinner only). Guests can then take a reserved spot on the Mardi Gras parade float and toss colorful beads to other park-goers as part of the festivities.
After only a few months in existence, Universal Orlando’s newest park Epic Universe may already be looking toward making some changes, according to permits hinting an expansion.
Universal Orlando filed a permit on Nov. 7 detailing plans for utility and foundation work on a 150,000-square-foot building. The address listed is 1001 Epic Blvd., the official address for Epic Universe. But it is unclear whether the building is located within the park or just on Universal Boulevard property.
Bryce Ramsay, an architect with Baker Barrios, submitted the application, according to reporting by the Orlando Sentinel. But no public comments have been made by the park about the permits.
However, during the Bank of America Securities Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference on Sept. 3, Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury discussed future expansions planned for all three Universal parks. With the building size detailed in the permit, it has sparked excitement and speculation of a new attraction.
Epic Universe’s opening in May 2025 marked the first all-new theme park debut in 25 years in Orlando. It brought with it five immersive themed worlds (Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk). It’s garnered a widely positive reception from fans, and the park has already nabbed industry awards.
Universal has landed the Baby Monster, a spec from writer Alexis Jolly.
Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov is set to produce the project, having last worked with the studio’s specialty label, Focus, on Robert Eggers-directed horror film, Nosferatu. Plot details for the spec, described as an “all-audience adventure”, are being kept under wraps.
EVP of production and development Matt Reilly will oversee the project for Universal.
Jolly, who is repped by CAA, Writ Large, and Lichter Grossman, wrote The Belly of the Beast, which has Andrew Haigh attached to direct and Ben Stiller and Colin Farrell attached to star. The true-crime movie stars stiller as novelist Norman Mailer, who befriended convict Jack Henry Abbott (Farrell).
Robinov most recently released the Apple TV movie The Instigators, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck and Egger’s Nosferatu, which earned over $180 million at the box office.
Black Phone 2 reviews are beginning to arrive, with the film looking to promise a worthy sequel to the 2021 horror movie of the same name.
What are the Black Phone 2 reviews saying?
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, Black Phone 2 is currently sitting at an 80-81% rating, which matches the 2021’s original score. Black Phone 2 has 25 reviews as of now, most of which are positive and praising of the film’s style and general step up from the original.
Rogert Ebert’s Brian Tallerico said the film is a “tick too long,” but is “at its best when it leans into surreal nightmare logic, but this weird movie works its fear factor in unexpected, creative ways.” Slant Magazine’s Rocco T. Thompson praised director Scott Derrickson, saying he “collapses dreams, reality, past, and present sidelong into a singular cinematic haunted space.”
Based on characters created by Joe Hill, the script for Black Phone 2 comes from Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill. The cast further includes Demián Bichir, Arianna Rivas, Miguel Mora, Jeremy Davies, Maev Beaty, and Graham Abbey. Derrickson, Cargill, and Jason Blum produce the movie, while Ryan Turek, Adam Hendricks, Daniel Bekerman, and Jason Blumenfeld serve as executive producers.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando on Wednesday announced dates and details for its annual Holidays celebration.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando on Wednesday announced dates and details for its annual Holidays celebration
This year’s festivities will kick off on Nov. 21 and run through Jan. 4
Guests can enjoy returning experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure such as Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Festive decor will fill the parks, including select worlds at Universal Epic Universe
This year’s festivities will kick off on Nov. 21 and run through Jan. 4.
Guests can enjoy iconic returning seasonal experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure such as Grinchmas at Seuss Landing, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with some new offerings, all while being surrounded by festive decor — which can even be seen in select worlds at Universal Epic Universe. Holiday-themed menu items, merchandise and add-on experiences will be available as well.
Here are details on this year’s in-park experiences at this year’s Holidays celebration, according to Universal Orlando officials:
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Fans can look forward to holiday cheer at three wizarding world locations this season, as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic joins Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida in their themed offerings. As guests stroll through areas filled with festive garlands and luminous lights and sip hot Butterbeer, experiences await such as performances and seasonal melodies by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley, and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” night show. Seasonal wizarding merchandise will also be available for purchase.
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure: The popular holiday experience returns to Seuss Landing this year, as park goers can immerse themselves in Who-ville and enjoy the iconic stage show, “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” which retells Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Meet-and-greet opportunities are available with The Grinch at Honk Honkers as well, along with sightings of Whos throughout the area. There will also be a new Who-ville Tree Lot this year, filled with trees themed to Dr. Seuss characters.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: The fan-favorite parade is back at Universal Studios Florida, featuring large balloons and holiday floats. Guests can look out for appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me, characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar and more. Santa Claus will also make an appearance, as the lighting of the park’s 80-foot Christmas tree takes place.
Holiday Décor within Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe: Along with seasonal decor in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Universal Epic Universe guests can also take part in holiday cheer at Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe. Themed lighting and decorations fill the area as visitors enjoy dining, entertainment and attractions while being surrounded by Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando (Courtesy of Universal Orlando)
There will also be seasonal cheer throughout Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, such as themed food and beverages, decorations, special menus and buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lightings. New Year celebrations will take place as well at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels, which officials will reveal additional details for at a later date.
ORLANDO, Fla. — On Monday afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe will speak out.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family and attorney Ben Crump will address their concerns at noon at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Orlando, according to a press release from Crump’s website.
Zavala’s family said they are “horrified” that Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers this past weekend, stated the press release.
Crump will condemn Universal’s decision to reopen the Stardust Racers. He is demanding that Universal pause the reopening to preserve evidence.
He said he wants his experts to inspect the ride and that if that’s not done, he will take his fight to court.
In the days after Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando Resort sent a letter to employees that said the roller coaster functioned properly and employees followed proper procedures the night of Zavala’s death.
The medical examiner said the 32-year-old died from multiple blunt impact injuries.
An incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.
Last week, Crump spoke out, saying an employee at the park helped Zavala get on the roller coaster.
Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment Monday morning and are awaiting a response.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Communications Director Aaron Keller sent the following message to Spectrum News via email:
“Following the incident, Universal contacted the department as required by Florida Law and voluntarily invited the department to observe all testing and inspections, which exceeded state requirements. Today, Universal informed the department that they intend to reopen Stardust Racers on Saturday afternoon, October 4.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — On Monday afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe will speak out.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family and attorney Ben Crump will address their concerns at noon at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Orlando, according to a press release from Crump’s website.
Zavala’s family said they are “horrified” that Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers this past weekend, stated the press release.
Crump will condemn Universal’s decision to reopen the Stardust Racers. He is demanding that Universal pause the reopening to preserve evidence.
He said he wants his experts to inspect the ride and that if that’s not done, he will take his fight to court.
In the days after Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando Resort sent a letter to employees that said the roller coaster functioned properly and employees followed proper procedures the night of Zavala’s death.
The medical examiner said the 32-year-old died from multiple blunt impact injuries.
An incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.
Last week, Crump spoke out, saying an employee at the park helped Zavala get on the roller coaster.
Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment Monday morning and are awaiting a response.
At the end of June, Vin Diesel revealed Fast & Furious 11 would be arriving April 2027. Turns out, he may have spoken too soon. Way too soon, in fact.
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal reveals Fast 11 lacks not only a hard date or approved script, it may leave some characters’ fates up in the air. Executives at Universal aren’t willing to make the movie unless there’s a way to produce it “far more economically” than its predecessor, which apparently “barely” turned a profit. Budget-wise, the studio is aiming for $200 million, which is typical for tentpole blockbusters, but Fast X cost about $340 million to make. As such, everyone involved with the movie is “scrambling” to fit within that constraint, with longtime producer Neal Mortiz affirming they’re striving to “make this a satisfying finale both creatively and financially.”
The team’s budget-related ideas apparently range from less globetrotting to giving “some” cast members smaller roles or not having them show up at all. Fast & Furious movies have become more expensive thanks to its stunts, stars, and locations; while returning stars have earned between $2-10 million depending on their importance to the franchise, leading man and producer Diesel makes over $25 million for each. (He’s had a producer credit since 2009’s Fast Four.) Meanwhile, Diesel’s other big declaration of bringing back the late Paul Walker as Brian O’Connor is still up in the air as far as how they’ll do it. Depending on the route taken, that may add onto the film’s limited budget.
WSJ’s reporting puts Diesel’s statements from this past summer, and his previous assurances of a less bombastic eleventh entry focused on cars and LA again, in a new light. The current draft of Fast 11’s script would cost around $250 million to make, and the team’s working out how to cut that remaining $50 million. Both this film’s budget and how much it makes will affect the franchise’s larger future, as Universal wants to revive interest via “less expensive” continuations like a TV show or movie spinoff for specific characters. We’ll find out how the future fares for Fast in the weeks to come.
Update: On Friday, September 26 a notice of settlement and a notice of voluntary dismissal with prejudice as to the defendant, Universal City Development Partners, Ltd., were both filed in the woman’s lawsuit alleging that she sustained an injury from riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster.The case is still pending as of Saturday, September 27 according to the Orange County Clerk of Courts. A lawyer for the plaintiff says they are unable to make further comment other than confirm a settlement has been. WESH 2 also reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment on the settlement and dismissal notices.Original story below:A lawsuit has been filed by a Central Florida woman who claims she was injured on the same ride as a man who was found unresponsive and later died. The man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster earlier this month. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office determined he died from multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the death accidental. The woman’s attorney has asked that her name not be released at this time. >> Video above: Incident report details unresponsive man on Epic Universe ride who later diedHer complaint says Stardust Racers caused her head to shake violently and slam against her seat’s headrest. It goes on to say she had a reasonable expectation that the rides inside Epic Universe would be reasonably safe.One of the allegations is that Universal failed to properly restrain her head while riding Stardust Racers. Before the grand opening of Epic Universe in May, she got to check out the new immersive worlds and attractions during the preview period on April 30.The Spetsas-Buist law firm filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, asking for a jury trial to decide how much Universal should compensate their client for her head injuries.Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin said the ride was functioning properly when Rodriguez Zavala was on it. The Ben Crump Law Firm has started its own investigation on behalf of Rodriguez Zavala’s family in search of answers about how he died from what the medical examiner described as blunt impact injuries. What happened to the woman is not included in state records through July 15, which show a 63-year-old man with a pre-existing condition experienced dizziness, and a 47-year-old woman with a pre-existing condition had visual disturbance and numbness after riding Stardust Racers. Universal did not respond to requests from WESH 2 for comment about this new lawsuit. >> This is a developing story and will be updated
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Update:
On Friday, September 26 a notice of settlement and a notice of voluntary dismissal with prejudice as to the defendant, Universal City Development Partners, Ltd., were both filed in the woman’s lawsuit alleging that she sustained an injury from riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
The case is still pending as of Saturday, September 27 according to the Orange County Clerk of Courts. A lawyer for the plaintiff says they are unable to make further comment other than confirm a settlement has been. WESH 2 also reached out to Universal Orlando Resort for comment on the settlement and dismissal notices.
Original story below:
A lawsuit has been filed by a Central Florida woman who claims she was injured on the same ride as a man who was found unresponsive and later died.
The man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster earlier this month. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office determined he died from multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the death accidental.
The woman’s attorney has asked that her name not be released at this time.
>> Video above: Incident report details unresponsive man on Epic Universe ride who later died
Her complaint says Stardust Racers caused her head to shake violently and slam against her seat’s headrest. It goes on to say she had a reasonable expectation that the rides inside Epic Universe would be reasonably safe.
One of the allegations is that Universal failed to properly restrain her head while riding Stardust Racers.
Before the grand opening of Epic Universe in May, she got to check out the new immersive worlds and attractions during the preview period on April 30.
The Spetsas-Buist law firm filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, asking for a jury trial to decide how much Universal should compensate their client for her head injuries.
Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin said the ride was functioning properly when Rodriguez Zavala was on it.
The Ben Crump Law Firm has started its own investigation on behalf of Rodriguez Zavala’s family in search of answers about how he died from what the medical examiner described as blunt impact injuries.
What happened to the woman is not included in state records through July 15, which show a 63-year-old man with a pre-existing condition experienced dizziness, and a 47-year-old woman with a pre-existing condition had visual disturbance and numbness after riding Stardust Racers.
Universal did not respond to requests from WESH 2 for comment about this new lawsuit.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The attorney for the family of the man who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe on Sept. 17 held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss his death.
Attorney Ben Crump began by emphasizing how Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was loved by his family, friends and others in his life.
He noted previous reporting that said Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition, one he said the 32-year-old had been living with since birth.
Members of Crump’s legal team pointed out that Universal employees were at least partially aware of Zavala’s disability, because they made accommodations for it so he could experience the ride.
Crump also addressed a letter that Universal sent to employees following the incident. In that letter Universal Orlando’s president said the ride operated as intended.
“It’s very important that it’s transparent, not only to Kevin’s family, but to your families, too,” Crump said, adding that he believed “everybody needs to know what were the safety deviations that caused this.”
Thus far, investigators for Universal Orlando and the state have not reported finding any such deviations.
Members of Zavala’s family also shared their thoughts at the news conference.
“Like I told you, I don’t know what else to do in order for this guy here to help me out, that nothing else happens to somebody else in that attraction,” said Carlos Rodriguez Zavala, Kevin’s father. “I don’t want anybody else to feel how I feel right now.”
Memorial services for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala will be held Friday, his family announced.
Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal for comments on statements by Crump and Zavala’s family. No response has been received yet.
Officials with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that they did not have any updates to share about the investigation into Zavala’s death.
ORLANDO, Fla. — In a letter obtained by Spectrum News, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death of guest Kevin Zavala on Stardust Racers.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death on Stardust Racers in a letter
Irwin states internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and “equipment was intact”
The attraction will remain closed for the time being
In the letter, Irwin says that internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout the duration of the ride.
“Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,” he wrote.
Iwrin added that the attraction will remain closed as the company continues to “work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates theme park rides, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had investigators on scene Friday amid an ongoing investigation over the incident.
The agency said that, “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.”
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties stated that an autopsy was performed on Thursday morning and the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
The cause of death was determined to be an accident.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report, investigators were told at the scene that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.
This week marks four months since Universal’s Epic Universe opened to the public.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Monday that state investigators came to the same conclusion as Universal Orlando concerning the death of 32-year-old Kevin Zavala, who died on Sept. 17 after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe.
In a letter obtained by Spectrum News, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin told employees that internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout the duration of the ride.
The FDOA, which regulates theme park rides, confirmed those findings in an announcement Monday, saying in a statement: “The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information.”
“The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” the statement added.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death on Stardust Racers in a letter
Irwin states internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and “equipment was intact”
On Monday, the Florida Department of Agriculture issued a statement that said its findings mirrored Universal’s
Park officials say the attraction will remain closed for the time being
In the letter to employees, Irwin said that it appears there were no problems with the ride itself, and that operators did their job ahead of Zavala’s ride.
“Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,” he wrote.
Irwin added that the attraction will remain closed as the company continues to “work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had investigators on scene Friday amid the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Agency officials said that, “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.”
Joshua Stephany, M.D., the chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, said that an autopsy was performed on Thursday morning and Zavala’s death was caused by “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
The cause of death was determined to be an accident.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report, investigators were told at the scene that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury.
Attorney Ben Crump announced Monday in a statement that he will be representing Zavala’s family, and will be seeking additional information about the Stardust Racers roller coaster — including maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data and video footage — “to understand the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s death.”
“This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency,” Crump said in the statement. “A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure Kevin’s family receives the answers and justice they deserve.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — In a letter obtained by Spectrum News, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death of guest Kevin Zavala on Stardust Racers.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death on Stardust Racers in a letter
Irwin states internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and “equipment was intact”
The attraction will remain closed for the time being
In the letter, Irwin says that internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout the duration of the ride.
Iwrin added that the attraction will remain closed as the company continues to “work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates theme park rides, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had investigators on scene Friday amid an ongoing investigation over the incident.
The agency said that, “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.”
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties stated that an autopsy was performed on Thursday morning and the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
The cause of death was determined to be an accident.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report, investigators were told at the scene that Zavala had a preexisting spinal injury.
This week marks four months since Universal’s Epic Universe opened to the public.
A new Fast X: Part 2 update has been teased by Vin Diesel, potentially confirming that the series is ready to return to its roots.
What is the latest Fast X: Part 2 update?
In a new Instagram post, Diesel shared a photograph of himself as Dom Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise. In the accompanying caption, Diesel said that he appreciated everyone who “helped to bring the next chapter back home.”
Fans were quick to speculate on what Diesel could mean. However, it seems most likely that Diesel is confirming the finale in the Fast & Furious will be returning home to Los Angeles, California. Earlier this year, Diesel said that the movie would have three conditions: first, to return to LA, second to bring street racing back into the franchise, and third, to reunite his character with Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner.
While the exact details of the movie remain unclear, it seems that Diesel is hinting that at least one of his criteria was met for the film. Currently, Fast X: Part 2 has a tentative release date window of sometime in April 2027.
Fast X: Part 2 is being directed by Louis Leterrier, who also directed Fast X. The new film was originally intended to be released in 2025; however, it was delayed because of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Diesel confirmed in February 2024 that Fast X: Part 2 will be the “grande finale” for the franchise. Plot details remain under wraps at this time.
Additionally, Diesel also recently teased a new Fast & Furious short film, Los Bandoleros 2. The actor directed a 2009 short titled Los Bandoleros that stars himself, Rodriguez, Sung Kang as Han Lue, Tego Calderón as Tego Leo, and Don Omar as Rico Santos. There’s been no word as of yet when Los Bandoleros 2 might be released, though Diesel also included a Los Bandoleros hashtag in his most recent post.
Fast X is currently streaming on Starz and Philo. The cast of the movie further includes Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges as Tej Parker, John Cena as Jakob Toretto, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto, Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey, Brie Larson as Tess, Jason Statham as Dante Reyes, and Charlize Theron as Cipher.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Sunday was the last day to ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando.
Fans wore their “Farewell Tour 2025” T-shirts, sharing memories of the iconic vertical tilt start to the ride — a fan favorite.
Riders also got a free commemorative guitar pic on the way out.
The ride opened in 2009, but is closing forever on Aug. 18 to make way for a new attraction. Universal Orlando has not yet revealed any details on the project.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal on Tuesday revealed two new haunted houses joining its Halloween Horror Nights lineup this year: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks.”
What You Need To Know
Universal revealed two new houses joining Halloween Horror Nights: “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks”
The houses, both based on popular franchises, are set to debut at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood
Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at Universal Orlando on Aug. 29 and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sept. 4
The houses, both based on popular franchises, are set to debut at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at Universal Orlando on Aug. 29 and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sept. 4, and will both run on select nights.
The house, based on the 2023 Blumhouse film and video game series, will give guests a chance to follow in Mike’s footsteps, who was fired and is looking for work to keep custody of his little sister, after he accepts a position as a night security guard in Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, an abandoned themed entertainment center.
“The terror will start as guests navigate the corridors and learn that nothing at Freddy’s is what it seems when they encounter the supernatural and become lured into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare,” stated Universal.
Fans of the franchise will walk through scenes from the film and spot familiar characters including Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy and Mr. Cupcake, according to Universal, adding that the life-size characters for the houses were created in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, who also produced the animatronics and costumes for the movie.
View a sneak peek of the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights:
“WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks”
“WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks,” features The Wyatt Sicks and honors the legacy of Bray Wyatt.
“The group derives from the creative mind of Bray Wyatt and was resurrected in 2024 by his brother Bo Dallas, also known as Uncle Howdy — the fearless leader of The Wyatt Sicks,” stated Universal Orlando. “The chilling crew of five has quickly emerged as one of the most disturbing and disruptive groups in WWE history with its ominous presence and portrayal of dark and twisted characters — all of which will come to life at Halloween Horror Nights this fall.”
In this fully immersive experience, WWE fans will encounter familiar characters such as Ramblin Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch and Huskus the Pig. They will also be stalked along the way by the presence of The Fiend, Bray’s sadistic alter ego, according to Universal.
View a sneak peek of the “WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks” haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights:
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando officials released the dates of its annual Passholder Appreciation Days on Thursday.
Annual and seasonal passholders will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive benefits from Aug. 15 – Sept. 30.
What You Need To Know
Universal Orlando officials will host the park’s annual Passholder Appreciation Days from Aug. 15 – Sept. 30
Universal Orlando’s Seasonal, Power, Preferred and Premier Passholders can enjoy exclusive benefits, such as receiving complimentary 10-year anniversary UOAP magnets, special discounts on Universal Express passes, and more
Officials also announced the return of Passholder Nights on Aug. 15 and 16, but due to the event’s popularity, reservations are full for both nights
For more information on this year’s Passholder Appreciation Days and additional passholder benefits, visit Universal Orlando’s website
Some offerings that Universal Orlando’s Seasonal, Power, Preferred and Premier Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Appreciation Days include:
Complimentary 10-year anniversary UOAP magnets available in August, followed by a second exclusive magnet giveaway in September.
Special discounts on Universal Express passes, mobile food and drink orders, Universal’s Great Movie Escape, Universal Volcano Bay Cabanas, premium seating, food and beverage, merchandise and more.
The UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon will offer extended hours, remaining open from park open to park close.
Passholder exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase at the UOAP Lounge and The Tonight Shop, including adult t-shirts, adult jackets, drinkware and more.
An exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup available for purchase at the UOAP lounge in Islands of Adventure, Coca-Cola Refresh Lounge in Universal Studios Florida, and Coca-Cola Icon in Universal CityWalk, along with other locations across the theme park.
Limited-time menu offerings throughout the park, including:
Universal Islands of Adventure: Storm Chaser and Cucumber Collins at Backwater Bar and Smoked Brisket Burger at Captain America Diner
Universal Studios Florida: Florida Tea and Fried Pickles at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Universal CityWalk: Cookie Butter Donut at Voodoo Doughnut, Tlayuda at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Cowboy Candy Chicken Sandwich at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Pasta al Limone at Vivo Italian Kitchen, and Peach for the Stars at Rising Star
Passholders can also receive an upstairs dining space and menu items at Lombard’s Seafood Grille in Universal Studios Florida and an exclusive beverage menu item at Universal’s Great Movie Escape in Universal CityWalk.
Officials also announced the return of Passholder Nights on Aug. 15 and 16. Passholders can enjoy select attractions and venues throughout the park during this free, after-hours party, as well as special event offerings like Bandeira Pizza at Louie’s Italian Restaurant, character meet-and-greets, and a Passholder Nights button giveaway.
Officials said that due to the event’s popularity, reservations are full for both nights.
For more information on this year’s Passholder Appreciation Days and additional passholder benefits, visit Universal Orlando’s website.
