Here’s the latest news around Universal, including Theme Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
Universal Orlando
A lot is happening in the heart of Florida.
Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida – Closing for Reimagining Beginning May 12, 2026
This riotous live show at Universal Studios Florida pairs make-up and special effects art with creepy characters from the big screen, featuring movie clips, props, and interactive demonstrations. Horror Make-Up Show is skipped by far too many guests, despite the fact that it offers fascinating (and funny!) insight into the moviemaking process.
Beginning May 12, 2026, Horror Make-Up Show will undergo a temporary closure to make way for a reimagined experience. According to Universal Orlando, an updated show will open later this year. It will “showcase a mix of classic and modern horror properties along with shockingly fun surprises – all while staying true to the comedic and irreverent spirit that guests know and love.”
Reimagining Lost Continent at Universal Islands of Adventure
In recent years, the Lost Continent area of Islands of Adventure has fallen from its former glory. The headliner attraction – Poseidon’s Fury – closed in 2023, and a portion of the land was ceded to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to create Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Universal has confirmed that in the coming months, remagining venues and experiences within the Lost Continent area will permanently close to make way for a new themed area. This will include the closure of the popular Mythos Restaurant in 2027. The award-winning, full-service restaurant offers exceptional modern cuisine in a mythical setting and features a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, and American fare.
Universal has not announced what will replace Lost Continent, but the rumor mill is leaning heavily toward either The Legend of Zelda or Pokémon. I personally think a Legend of Zelda area would fit much better connected to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (and there is space to expand in that area of Universal Epic Universe).
Thunder Falls Terrace at Universal Islands of Adventure – Closing Summer 2026
Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant in the Jurassic World area of Islands of Adventure offers a selection of rotisserie chicken, BBQ ribs, rice bowls, salads, and other options – all just across the way from those daring guests willing to get drenched on Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Universal confirmed that Thunder Falls will close this summer and transform into an all-new dining concept that will be a new signature full-service restaurant. The rethemed dining location will debut in 2027 – just in time for the closing of Mythos.
Coming Soon to Universal CityWalk
Several new dining and entertainment locations are coming soon to CityWalk.
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice
Goodbye Hot Dog Hall of Fame, hello Fat One’s. Founded by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is coming to CityWalk. According to Universal, this quick-service location will feature “a variety of creative, flavor-packed hot dogs, Italian ices and more for guests to enjoy.” Hot Dog Hall of Fame will close in July to make way for Fat One’s.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 – Opening Late 2027
Universal CityWalk is about to get a little bit (or maybe a lot) country! Luke Combs’ certified RIAA Diamond debut #1 hit, “Hurricane” has inspired Category 10 – an off-the-charts entertainment experience, bringing the best in live music, food, and spirits. The approximately 33,000 square-foot, three-story CityWalk location will include experiential areas influenced by Combs’ music and passions.
The CityWalk venue, planned to open in late 2027, will be the third location for the Category 10 brand, joining the flagship Category 10 in Nashville, Tennessee and the soon-to-open Las Vegas location (debuting fall 2026).
Five Guys – Coming 2026
The Whopper has gotten the boot, as Five Guys will be replacing the Burger King Whopper Bar, which closed on April 21.
Universal Legacy Store – New Open
The Universal Legacy Store has returned to CityWalk, featuring merchandise and photo opportunities inspired by iconic Universal films like E.T., Jaws, and Back to the Future, as well as classic Universal Monsters.
The store had originally opened in 2021, but closed in 2025 to temporarily feature the Universal Epic Universe preview center. With Epic now closing in on its first anniversary, the prime CityWalk location has returned to its roots as the Universal Legacy Store.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood (Opening Summer 2026) and Universal Studios Florida (Opening 2027)
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is sweeping the Universal Parks. The thrill coaster will open this summer in Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring 4,100 feet of track, sound reduction technology, and 360-degree rotation to create the sensation of drifting. Universal has now unveiled a first look at the ride vehicles, inspired by four iconic cars from the Fast & Furious film franchise. The designs include the 1970 Dodge Charger, the Mazda RX-7, the Nissan Skyline GT-R, and the Toyota Supra.
According to Universal Creative, “The ride will feature not only the high-octane rush you know and love from Universal coasters, but a commitment to film authenticity that Fast & Furious fans will love.”
Another version of Hollywood Drift is currently under construction in Universal Studios Florida – planned to open in 2027. It will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in August 2025.
Universal Entertainment News
Coming soon to a theater near you…
Disclosure Day (June 12, 2026)
Steven Spielberg is back in the director’s chair. His latest work – Disclosure Day – is a sci-fi thriller focused on the chaotic global fallout when proof of extraterrestrial life is finally revealed. The plot follows a whistleblower (Josh O’Connor) attempting to release top-secret UAP data, triggering a crisis against a shadowy corporation. Emily Blunt stars as a former journalist working as a Kansas City weather presenter who experiences a profound, potentially extraterrestrial-influenced awakening.
Minions & Monsters (July 1, 2026)
The latest in the multi-billion-dollar Minions Franchise, this Minions & Monsters prequel film follows a new tribe of Minions in the 1920s who stumble into Hollywood, become famous movie stars, and then lose it all with the advent of “talkies.” Desperate for a new purpose, the Minions attempt to make their own monster movie. But they accidentally unleash real monsters, forcing them to save the planet.
The Odyssey (July 17, 2026)
Christopher Nolan is no stranger to directing epic films, helming titles such as Interstellar (2014), multiple Batman films, and, more recently, Oppenheimer (2023). Nolan’s 2026 adaptation of The Odyssey is a grand-scale reimagining of Homer’s epic poem, blending Nolan’s signature visceral realism with Homer’s ancient mythology. The film follows Odysseus as he navigates a perilous decade-long voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, battling mythical threats and the wrath of the gods. While he faces trials like the Sirens and the sorceress Circe, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must defend their home from a relentless siege of suitors. The star-studded cast features Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya as Athena, and many other Hollywood stars in supporting roles.
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
This popular ticket perk is back! Get 2 Days Free when you purchase a 3-Day Base Ticket or Park-to-Park Ticket. Ticket prices and availability vary by day. Restrictions apply.
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.
Ticket Usage Window Update
Guests of Universal Orlando should note that tickets will now have a shorter usage window, with the usage window for each ticket type reduced by one valid day. Example: a five-day ticket will be valid for seven consecutive days instead of eight (as was previously the case).
Ask me how I can help you plan for a Universal trip in 2026 or 2027.
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