Here’s the latest news around Universal, including Theme Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
Halloween Horror Nights – New Houses and Experiences Added
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood continues to add more gore. Here are the latest additions.
Evil Dead Burn
The Book of the Dead has been reopened, and now an infernal force consumes a family home!
Inspired by the latest installment in the Evil Dead franchise, the Evil Dead Burn haunted house will take guests on a terrifying firsthand journey through the film’s most frightening moments, beginning at the Price family’s secluded vacation home in the woods. The nightmare grows more and more fierce when venturing through the haunted house, encountering ferocious Deadites around every turn before succumbing to the evil forces themselves.
“Fortnitemares” Scare Zone
This spooky season, Fortnite fans will have the chance to “drop in” to the world of Fortnitemares, with an all-new scare zone, featuring ever-evolving and high-stakes environments. Guests will enter Freaky Fields, a Halloween-inspired living battleground overcome with a threatening force. Throughout the scare zone, fans will encounter the Battle Bus along with familiar Fortnitemares characters – plus a few new additions exclusive to Halloween Horror Nights – as they work to escape and claim victory.
Universal Orlando Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Other Experiences
Here are the nine haunted houses revealed so far (out of ten total) for HHN Orlando:
- Evil Dead Burn
- Hellraiser
- Stranger Things 5
- Sinners
- Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control
- Cybergoria
- INVASION: Alien Abduction
- MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
- H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Scare Zones:
- Fortnitemares
- Sideshow of Decay
- Infernal Carnival of Nightmares
Street Experiences:
- Mel’s Die-In: Zombies
- Club Horror
Shows:
- Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins (Lagoon Show)
- Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir
Universal Studios Hollywood – Haunted Houses and Other Experiences
Here are the four haunted houses revealed so far (out of eight total) for HHN Hollywood:
- Evil Dead Burn
- 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.
Resident Evil Takeover at Universal Horror Unleashed
In case Halloween Horror Nights isn’t enough, the frightening world of Resident Evil has overtaken Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas this summer. From July 9 through August 30, guests will be immersed in fan-favorite moments, solve interactive puzzles, meet legendary characters, and witness epic battles against the undead.
As guests enter Universal Horror Unleashed, they’ll be welcomed into the alternate world of Resident Evil and venture through six zones to help contain the outbreak that has taken over. Guests who survive the first five zones will enter Zone 6: Aftermath, where they can step inside Umbrella Corporation and dine on limited-time themed food and cocktails for purchase inspired by the T-Virus and its mutations.
Universal Orlando
Temps are really hot this summer and fall at Universal Orlando.
Universal Nights at Epic Universe
A new limited-capacity after-hours event is coming to Universal Epic Universe. Enjoy the thrills of all five amazing worlds during Universal Nights at Epic Universe. This unique experience is only offered on two nights – October 3 and October 17.
Here are a few highlights:
- Special Access and Hours: Enter Epic Universe starting at 7 pm, with exclusive access to all attractions and experiences from 9 pm–midnight.
- Character Meet and Greets: Make fun memories with character appearances throughout the park.
- Unlimited Snacks: Dig into berry-flavored Celestial Popcorn and crispy Kimchi Bao at Celestial Park.
- Beverages: Enjoy refills* in a provided cup from any Coca-Cola® Freestyle location.
Tickets go on sale August 13, with prices starting at $179.99 (plus tax). Reach out here if you wanna go!
Pro Tip: Universal Passholders can save 10% on Universal Nights, and Premier Passholders can save 15%.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged Closing August 17, 2026
Since 2018, guests at Universal Orlando have boarded a “Party Bus,” to experience a race through the streets of San Francisco with key characters (and wild vehicles) from The Fast and the Furious films. The attraction has been met with mixed reviews since it opened, and now its days are numbered. August 16 will be the last day to ride the Party Bus, as this not-so-beloved experience will close forever on August 17.
But out of the ashes of Fast & Furious – Supercharged (or more accurately – out of the ashes of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit) will rise Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – a new roller coaster coming to Universal Orlando in 2027 and Universal Studios Hollywood in “Summer 2026” (Universal has not yet given an exact date, even though we are halfway through summer). This new coaster will send guests shooting around the park in cars that spin and rotate 360 degrees to feel the rush of high-speed auto drifting seen in the films.
Entertainment and Box Office News
The Odyssey Conquers the Worldwide Box Office
Christopher Nolan’s telling of Homer’s epic tale The Odyssey has proven as magical as the creatures and gods who inhabit the film. After less than two weeks in theaters, the film has grossed almost $640 million – including $286.4 million domestic and $353.3 million international – at a pace which will shatter the $1 billion mark within another couple weeks. When The Odyssey hits the mark, it will be Nolan’s third billion-dollar film, along with The Dark Knight Rises (2012 – $1.08 billion) and The Dark Knight (2008 – $1.006 billion).
Speaking of billion-dollar Universal films: The Odyssey will soon mark the third Universal film to cross $1 billion in 2026, along with Michael ($1.015 billion – co-distributed by Lionsgate Films domestically and Universal internationally) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($1.011 billion).
With a price tag of $250 million, The Odyssey joins with The Martian, Interstellar, and Saving Private Ryan in spending close to $600 million to bring Matt Damon home!
Universal’s Minions and Monsters took in a little over $28 million over its fourth weekend to bring its box office total to $411.8 million worldwide ($155.3 million domestic and $256.4 million overseas).
Universal Parks and Experiences Promotions
Looking to travel to a Universal destination? Here is the latest news, sales, and promotions.
Florida Residents! New Ticket Offers Unlimited Theme Park Access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando Resort invites Florida residents to visit Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure an unlimited number of times through December 16 with the new “2-Park Unlimited Days Florida Resident Ticket.”
This is a fantastic deal for Florida residents, allowing them unlimited access to both theme parks (not including Epic Universe) now through December 16. This ticket is available for purchase now for $199 plus tax.
Pro Tip: Guests can use this ticket for access to fan-favorite seasonal events and offerings that are included in regular park admission, like Universal’s destination-wide Holidays celebration, which kicks off on November 14 and features Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and more.
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.
- Ticket is available for purchase through December 10, with December 16 being the last day to use the ticket for admission to a theme park.
- 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
Image: Jim Smith – Facts and Figment
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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