Here’s the latest news around Universal, including Theme Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
Universal Orlando
A lot is happening in the heart of Florida.
Sinners Heading to Halloween Horror Nights
Ryan Coogler‘s Academy Award-winning film Sinners is headed to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights as a haunted house experience. The supernatural horror film set in 1930s Jim Crow-era Mississippi follows twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown to escape their criminal past and open a juke joint, only to be besieged by terrifying vampires drawn to a young musician’s talent.
This Halloween at Universal Studios Florida, a Sinners haunted house will transport guests back in time to the Smokestack Twins’ juke joint, where they will encounter Remmick’s troop of bloodthirsty vampires (including Bert and Joan) trying to crash the party. In addition to the vampires, guests will see some of their favorite characters from the film, including Sammie, Mary, Annie, Pearline, and Cornbread.
Sinners is the second haunted house announced so far for this year’s HHN, along with Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control. For folks unfamiliar with the history of HHN, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow are the ultimate mastermind icons of Universal Orlando’s annual frightfest. They share a twisted history spanning decades of HHN lore, evolving from a master and servant into bitter rivals before joining forces to build a terrifying fear-fueled carnival.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is Leaving Express Pass July 1
Universal Orlando is dropping Express Pass for its most popular attraction in Universal Islands of Adventure – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The last day to ride Hagrid’s using Express Pass will be June 30.
Hagrid’s debuted in 2019 in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade to huge fanfare and immense crowds, immortalizing the legendary “ten-hour-wait.” Because of its popularity, Hagrid’s was not offered as an option for Express Pass until March 2025.
Ever since then, the standby wait time for Hagrid’s has been agonizingly long, with many guests using Express Pass multiple times a day, therefore slowing down the standby line for guests without Express Pass.
This news was certainly not on our list of Things to Know for Visiting Universal Orlando in 2026. The decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass is tough for Express users to swallow, but will ultimately improve the experience for those without it (aka the majority of guests). My recommendation is to stay in a Universal hotel and take advantage of Early Park Admission to ride Hagrid’s before the crowds swell.
Welcome Captain Cacao
How sweet it is to be loved by…a teddy bear!
Captain Cacao is the adorable “moonship navigator” who travels the cosmos (aka Celestial Park) searching for treats to sell to hungry guests at Universal Epic Universe. The unofficial mascot of Epic Universe has stepped out of the candy box and into a cute little corner of Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can learn about the adventurous teddy bear’s whimsical backstory, traveling across the universe in search of the finest sweets.
Captain Cacao has become a fan-favorite character since Epic Universe opened last year, not unlike a certain pink and purple dragon at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.
Universal Kids Resort – Opening July 1
Universal Kids Resort – an all-new theme park destination inspiring creativity in kids through play, discovery, and imagination – will open on July 1 in Frisco, Texas. This resort, specifically designed and developed for families with young children, will feature seven themed lands:
- DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
- Jurassic World Adventure Camp
- Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
- Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
- DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
- DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
- Isle of Curiosity (featuring Gabby’s Dollhouse)
In addition to the theme park, families can stay at the adjacent Universal Kids Resort Hotel, featuring 300 rooms and family suites, dining options, an outdoor pool, and other family-friendly amenities.
Tickets, packages, and an annual pass option for Universal Kids Resort are on sale now, offering the following options:
- 1-Day and 2-Day General Admission tickets
- The Universal Kids Resort Silver Annual Pass (providing 12 months of access to the park – minus blockout dates).
- A “Create Your Own” Package that allows guests to customize their experience and includes multiple ticket options – including a specialty “1.5-Day” admission ticket – hotel accommodations, flights and access to exclusive benefits (Early Park Admission, resort-wide charging privileges, free delivery of purchased merchandise, and more).
- Rooms at Universal Kids Resort Hotel are available for stays beginning June 30. Room types include the Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen, and Signature Queen rooms, which can sleep up to five guests, and Family Suites, which can sleep up to six guests.
Universal Entertainment News
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment have proven to be a match made in box office heaven. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now closing in on the billion-dollar mark. The galactic blockbuster film starring Mario and company currently sits at $991 million, and will almost certainly reach $1 billion by next weekend. This will make Mario the first film of 2026 to hit that mark, despite being underwhelming to critics and receiving mixed reviews in the fan community.
While the film is still in theaters, those who prefer to watch it at home can do so on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
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.
Ask me how I can help you plan for a Universal trip in 2026 or 2027.
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