Universal Orlando Podcast by Orlando Informer

As the OI team focuses on making our YouTube channels then best they can be, the Orlando Informer Podcast will continue its hiatus. In the mean time, make sure you are subscribed to the Orlando Informer and Taylor Strickland YouTube channels for great content dropping weekly. YouTube.com/OrlandoInformer YouTube.com/TaylorStrickland

We've eaten and imbibed more than 45 culinary options at Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, and we're prepared to give you the straight scoop on which are superb and which are… not. We also take you on a virtual tour of the best-yet Tribute Store, discuss the parade and entertainment changes for this COVID year, and sample all the brand-new gastronomical offerings at CityWalk and the hotels.   See all the dishes and drinks in photographic form: https://oi.tips/37aU5Bz   See them in video form: https://oi.tips/3qguZJ9   Do a deep dive into the Tribute Store: https://oi.tips/3b20dx3

Over at Universal Studios Japan, the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World expansion has had its technical-rehearsal media embargo lifted, and we walk you through its three attractions. But before we can do that, we first have to discuss the two Universal Orlando Resort shows that have just gotten the axe: Blue Man Group and A Day in the Park with Barney.

Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval has been announced by Universal, and there's a ton to dig into and go over. Plus, Super Nintendo World has been delayed at Universal Studios Japan yet again.

Let's talk about our experiences at Universal Orlando's eighth hotel, Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. Then we'll quickly look back at what opened at the resort during 2020 and what's currently scheduled to debut in 2021.

Thanks to a video walkthrough from "Mario" creator Shigeru Miyamoto and getting our hands on a detailed map from Universal Studios Japan, we now have our best understanding yet of how Super Nintendo World will look, work, and feel. Come take a deep dive with us (and discuss the peculiarities of Japanese culture).   Let's-a go!

We've been away for a little while, so it's time to dive deep into what's been going on across Universal Orlando Resort: the latest on Jurassic World VelociCoaster's development; the opening of the eighth hotel, Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites; what guests can do for Christmas next week; and just-announced New Year's Eve festivities. (Oh, yeah – we also rank our favorite Universal hotels, just because.)

This week over in Japan, Universal and Nintendo had a big press event, showing off Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge's queue, ride vehicle, and augmented-reality glasses. We also got our first glimpse at a Key Challenge and at the backstory of Yoshi's Adventure, the family-focused ride.   We break it all down for you, using our own excitement as the navigational compass.

We take you on a tour of all the new experiences, share our thoughts on the new food and drinks, and run down some new details of Universal's Holidays celebration.

What's the same with Universal Orlando's Holidays event this year, and what's been modified or outright cancelled due to COVID-19? Here's the rundown on every special experience, show, and treat.