Tourism Resort previews latest hotels

Universal Orlando Resort gave a sneak peek of what its latest hotels — and the pool — will look like in recently released renderings.

Surfside Inn and Suites will debut June 27, while Dockside Inn Suites is scheduled for a spring 2020 opening.

The two hotels make up Univeral’s Endless Summer Resort that has been redeveloped over the former home of the Wet ‘n Wild water park.

The vibe of the sister hotels are “free-spirited” and “beachthemed,” Universal said in a news release Wednesday that showed off renderings of the lobbies and dining rooms as well.

Universal has been expanding its hotel room footprint.

In 2018, Universal opened Aventura, a hotel with 600 rooms that can be seen off Interstate 4.

“Clearly [Universal is] bullish on Orlando and on Orlando tourism,” said Deborah Breiter Terry, a professor at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality, told the Orlando Sentinel at the time. “Universal has really been giving Disney a run for their money.”

Gore & gladiators coming at HHN

Universal Orlando Resort announced the Roman gladiator games-themed Nightingales: Blood Pit as its first original haunted house that will appear in this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.

“Guests will be transported to ancient Rome where they must escape the gladiator arena as the bloodthirsty nightingales begin to feed on the dead and dying. But with nothing to protect them, will they make it out alive or become part of history?” Universal said in a news release Friday.

The nightingales, the namesake of the house, are described as “a grisly race of creatures,” according to Universal.

HHN, which features 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and live entertainment, runs on select nights from Sept. 6 to Nov. 2. Tickets are already on sale.

Last month, Universal announced the “Stranger Things” haunted house will return again this year.

ITEC hires COO

ITEC Entertainment has named Carl Partridge as its new chief operating officer.

“Carl has over 25 years of experience leading operations for established private and public companies,” ITEC said in a news release.

ITEC, which has its headquarters in Orlando, does planning, creative design, entertainment technology and more services for theme parks, mixed-use spaces, retail and other projects.

In the past, ITEC has worked with companies including Universal Studios and Six Flags.

“Carl will drive ITEC’s corporate strategy to foster higher profitability and growth in