Universal Joint Episode 27: Fright Nights 1991 & Universal Orlando News

Universal Team Member Incident

• ⚠️ A Universal team member was fired for making the "White Power" symbol while dressed as Gru during a character breakfast at the Lowe's Royal Pacific Resort.
• 💡 The incident involved forming the "okay" symbol with fingers on the shoulder of a 7-year-old autistic biracial girl, which has racial connotations.
• 💬 Universal released a statement apologizing to the family and confirming the actor no longer works there.

Jurassic World Franchise Updates

• 🎬 NBC Universal is promoting the Jurassic World franchise with the short film "Battle at Big Rock" and upcoming "Jurassic World 3."
• 🦖 Original cast members like Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are returning for "Jurassic World 3."
• 🎢 A new "Jurassic World Live Tour" has premiered, featuring animatronic dinosaurs and projection mapping.
• 🎢 Construction is underway for the "VelociCoaster" at Islands of Adventure and "Nintendo" themed areas at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Epic Universe and Future Park Plans

• 🏗️ Universal Orlando's fourth theme park, Epic Universe, is slated for a likely 2024 opening.
• 🛣️ A significant road extension project is underway to support the new park and surrounding areas.
• 🐉 A "How to Train Your Dragon" land is rumored for Epic Universe, with a holiday special and potential park adaptations being discussed.

Halloween Horror Nights and Fright Nights 1991

• 🎃 A themed pop-up experience at Cabana Bay Resort brings elements of "Stranger Things" from Halloween Horror Nights.
• 🍽️ The Bayliner Diner at Cabana Bay offers late-night dining during Halloween Horror Nights events.
• 📜 Ron Schneider recounts the creation of Universal Studios Florida's very first Halloween event, "Fright Nights" in 1991.
• 🎬 The original "Fright Nights" show featured a graveyard with celebrity headstones, Beetlejuice, and a "Chainsaw Massacre" show in New York.
• 🎭 The "Bates Motel" show utilized existing movie set elements and incorporated characters like the Blues Brothers and a chainsaw-wielding maniac.
• 💡 The show's success was attributed to creative use of available resources and a focus on stylized, cartoony violence.
• 🎤 Ron Schneider will be speaking at the Retro Magic event on October 13th, discussing theme park history.

Universal Joint Podcast and Events

• 🎙️ The "Universal Joint" podcast hosts discuss theme park news and behind-the-scenes stories.
• 🎁 A contest is announced for a chance to win a stay at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort during the "Universal Joint Experience" event.
• 🌐 Listeners can find Dustin Fuhs at stepsstomagic.com and the "We Like Theme Parks" podcast.