Here’s the latest news around Universal, including Theme Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
Universal Orlando
Between horror and high temperatures, things are really heating up at Universal Orlando.
Halloween Horror Nights – New Houses Added
Several new houses have been added to the “terrorific” lineup for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Florida.
Hellraiser
For the first time at Halloween Horror Nights, guests will experience the nightmare of Hellraiser. The house will “celebrate” the first three films of the franchise. Guests will enter the iconic Lament Configuration puzzle box, unwittingly summoning the Cenobites and opening a gateway to a terrifying dimension where unspeakable horrors await. Visit Frank Cotton’s family home, the disturbing Channard Institute, and even the Labyrinth where Pinhead and the Cenobites lie in wait for new souls to torment. Actor Doug Bradley – the original Pinhead – will reprise his famous role and lend his voice to both haunted houses.
Stranger Things 5
The most popular horror franchise in years places guests in the ultimate, high-stakes battle to save Hawkins, Indiana from The Upside Down. Guests will navigate the Wheeler House, Hawkins Laboratory, MAC-Z Military Base, The Upside Down, and The Abyss. Align their terrifying travels, guests will face Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and possibly Vecna himself!
Cybergoria
This HHN classic haunted house features a dystopian world where rogue machines strip away humanity’s flesh to force them into perpetual cybernetic immortality. Guests walk through a freezing facility and out into an industrial, cold wasteland. Cyborgs inspired by classic films like Star Trek or Terminator intimidate guests, while wild lights and sounds send a feeling of terror.
INVASION: Alien Abduction
This terrifying original haunted house throws guests directly into a violent alien invasion. Merciless, large-eyed “Gray” aliens have swooped in on their spacecraft to invade a remote Southwestern homestead. Armed with sharp claws and unnerving tentacles, these baddies are in search of fresh test subjects and human livestock (especially new guests!).
MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
Another terrifying original haunted house explores a defunct, abandoned zoo. A mysterious maze drops guests directly into the territory of rival cannibal factions that have descended into savage, animalistic behavior. Feral, territorial clans will barrage guests with aggressive, non-stop scares.
H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Your favorite “maître d’macabre” returns to WKNB with a special Halloween scare-athon! Fifteen years after his gruesome arrest, Bloodengutz has broken out of prison and hijacked the derelict studio for one final, sinister showcase: a blood-soaked marathon of seven straight-to-TV B-horror movies. Each room of the house drops you onto a completely different, terrifying movie set, ranging from classic monsters to slasher films.
Halloween Horror Nights List
Here are the eight haunted houses revealed so far (out of ten total) for HHN Orlando:
- Hellraiser
- Stranger Things 5
- Sinners
- Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control
- Cybergoria
- INVASION: Alien Abduction
- MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
- H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Universal Studios Hollywood will host eight total haunted houses for their HHN, with the following three houses already announced:
- Hellraiser
- Stranger Things 5
- Sinners
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Terror Tram – only at Universal Studios Hollywood HHN. In this wild version of the Universal Backlot Tour, guests board an active studio tour tram and ride into the fog-shrouded backlot. Unlucky for guests, the tram gets “hijacked” by a horror-themed host, taking them deep into the Universal backlot and dropping them off into their worst nightmares. Guests are set loose to walk through massive scenes such as the War of the Worlds plane crash, the Psycho House, and the Bates Motel. Over 100 scare actors, monsters, and movie villains have invaded the backlot, spooking guests at every turn.
Volcano Bay Nights and Winter Refurbishment
Universal Volcano Bay Nights is running strong in its second year, bringing flashy evening vibes to the resort’s water theme park.
During this limited-capacity event, guests can experience popular water attractions with shorter lines, while enjoying live entertainment, exclusive menu items, and a variety of activities in a vibrant tropical setting.
For $99, guests can enjoy exclusive access to the park and all attractions from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. with all these added perks:
- Shorter wait times for favorite rides
- DreamWorks character meet and greets
- Beach Bash with live DJ, games and activities for the whole family
- Complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle® souvenir cup
- Specialty themed island treats
Volcano Bay Nights will continue to run on select nights in July and August (mostly Thursday and Friday nights):
- July 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31
- August 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21
Reminder: Volcano Bay will be closed from October 26, 2026 through March 24, 2027 for winter refurbishment.
Summer Fun in Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
The hotels at Universal Orlando is getting into the summer spirit, with brand-new, must-see sand sculptures on display in each hotel lobby. These memorable, photo-worthy installations are inspired by fan-favorite Universal characters and experiences. Here is the full lineup by hotel:
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel: How to Train Your Dragon
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Jaws
- Hard Rock Hotel: Ghostbusters
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Kung Fu Panda
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Jaws
- Universal Aventura Hotel: Back to the Future
- Universal Stella Nova Resort: E.T.
- Universal Terra Luna Resort: Dark Universe
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Shrek
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites: Trolls
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites: Shrek
Guests staying at the Loews resorts (Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort) can enjoy extra summer activities with special poolside experiences on Saturday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. that include a live DJ, poolside games, giveaways, and more.
This summer, guests of all Universal hotels can enjoy exclusive character meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida every Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – in addition to existing hotel benefits such as Early Park Admission and complimentary resort transportation.
Universal Celestial Goodnight
Beginning Tuesday, July 7, Universal Orlando will invite guests to cap off their day at Epic Universe with a new nighttime spectacular – Universal Celestial Goodnight.
The park’s first full nighttime spectacular will run nightly at Epic Universe, turning Celestial Park into a dazzling display of dancing fountains, gorgeous lighting effects, and a fireworks finale that will illuminate the night sky.
According to Universal, “Universal Celestial Goodnight pays tribute to the inspiring characters and adventures found within the portals of Epic Universe – from the playful fun of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and the soaring excitement of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, to the magical adventures of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and the legendary Universal Monsters of Dark Universe. With nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures, over 350 larger-than-life fountains, and seven million LED lights embedded throughout Celestial Park, guests will watch as every inch of the vibrant world from Luna to Apollo glistens with meticulous choreography set to a high-energy musical score – all culminating with jaw-dropping fireworks that will serve as an epic farewell after an action-packed day at the park.”
Universal Entertainment News
Comcast and NBCUniversal Split
Comcast, co-owner of NBCUniversal, announced on June 29 that it plans to spin off NBCUniversal into a separate publicly traded company. Rich Greenfield, a partner and analyst at LightShed Partners, believes Comcast and NBCUniversal’s core businesses are no longer compatible, telling CNBC “It’s time to split. They have better futures on their own.”
The independent NBCUniversal will include Universal Pictures film studio, the theme parks division, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, NBC News, the streaming service Peacock, the cable channel Bravo, and Sky – a British TV broadcaster Comcast acquired in 2018. Once the transaction is complete, current Comcast shareholders will own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal.
Mike Cavanagh, Comcast’s current co-CEO, will run the new NBCUniversal. Comcast will be led by the returning Michael Angelakis, a former chief financial officer. Comcast Chairman and co-CEO Brian Roberts will “continue to be actively involved in the leadership” of both Comcast and NBCUniversal, “working in partnership with the CEOs of both companies,” the company said in a statement.
Universal Parks and Experiences
Looking to travel to a Universal destination? Here is the latest news, sales, and promotions.
Universal Orlando 3 + 2 Promo Ticket
Universal Orlando’s most popular ticket promo is back! Get 2 Days Free when you purchase a 3-Day Base Ticket or Park-to-Park Ticket. Here’s a quick summary of options and starting pricing:
- 3-Day Base Ticket + 2 Days Free: Guests with this ticket can visit open park per day, for all five days of their ticket (does not include park hopping, which also means no riding the Hogwarts Express). Adult tickets start at $309.99, and child tickets start at 299.99.
- 3-Day Park-to-Park (without Volcano Bay) + 2 Days Free: Guests with this ticket can park hop between each of the three theme parks (not including Volcano Bay), for all five days of their ticket. Adult tickets start at $369.99, and child tickets start at $359.99.
- 3-Day Park-to-Park WITH Volcano Bay + 2 Days Free: Guests with this ticket can park hop between each of the three theme parks and Volcano Bay, for all five days of their ticket. Adult tickets start at $409.99, and child tickets start at $399.99.
The Fine Print
- Ticket is valid for any five (5) calendar days during a seven (7) consecutive calendar day period which commences on and includes the date selected.
- The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on ticket.
- Unused days will be forfeited.
Florida Resident 1+1 Promo Ticket
Florida Residents can enjoy a 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket plus a second day free. Valid for use over two days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Adult tickets start at $144.99, and child tickets start at $139.99. Pair this promo with a 1-Day ticket to Universal Epic Universe for a thrilling 3-Day adventure! Florida resident 1-Day tickets for Epic Universe start at $139.00 for adults and $134.00 for children.
The Fine Print
- The ticket gives guests admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida AND Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks for two (2) calendar days, which commences on and includes the date selected in the ticket order, through September 30, 2026.
- All ticket usage must be completed on or before September 30, 2026, when the ticket will expire in full.
- Unused days will be forfeited.
- Guest must present proof of Florida residency at time of purchase, ticket pick-up and redemption.
- Not available for purchase at the front gate.
Loews Hotel Package Savings – Save Up To 35% on Longer Stays
All summer through September 3, stay longer and save more at Loews hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. Enjoy up to 35%* off when you book a 7-night or longer stay at select Loews hotels:
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
The Fine Print
*Minimum of seven (7) night stay at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel required to qualify for up to 35% savings. Savings valid for travel through Sep. 3, 2026 for all room types at participating Universal Orlando hotels and range from 10% to 35% off the Flexible Rate at the time of booking. Savings included in the posted rate and subject to change until the reservation is booked. The Flexible Rate is the lowest published non-discounted double-occupancy room rate offered on a given night, before tax. Savings will be automatically applied at time of booking. Extra person fees apply when more than two (2) adults in a room. Rates and savings vary by hotel, length of stay, room type, travel dates, and season. Rates are higher on Friday/Saturday and holidays. Rates are per night plus tax and the number of rooms available are limited. No group rates or other discounts apply. Blockout dates may apply. Travel must be completed during promotional period(s). Separate theme park admission required for theme park entry and to enjoy park benefits. All prices, options and hotel amenities are subject to availability, capacity, and to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply.
Bundle and Save on Longer Stays
Bundle your hotel and theme park tickets for a 7-night stay to save up to $300 on select dates. Specialty packages are also available for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
For package arrivals through Dec. 31, 2026, save up to $300 when you bundle a 2-night or longer hotel stay with a Park-to-Park Ticket:
- Save $10 When you stay 2 nights
- Save $25 When you stay 3 nights
- Save $50 When you stay 4 nights
- Save $100 When you stay 5 nights
- Save $200 When you stay 6 nights
- Save $300 When you stay 7 or more nights
Ask me how I can help you plan for a Universal trip in 2026 or 2027.
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