'Sup, Tad here! Universal Orlando Resort just opened a brand-new theme park ... but that doesn't mean things are stagnating. In fact, quite the opposite! Some epic new experiences are coming to the resort in 2026 and beyond. Here's our full list of all the attractions, lands, restaurants, updates and upgrades making their way to Universal Orlando Resort that you'll want to keep your eye on.
What's Coming to Universal Orlando in 2026 and Beyond
So many fun experiences are making their way to Universal Orlando Resort. If you're curious about what lies beyond those mysterious walls, you've come to the right place. Bookmark this page because I'll be updating it as more attractions, restaurants and other various hoppenings are announced.
Universal Orlando Closures & Openings
With so many more reasons to hop to Universal Orlando, you'll want to start thinking about the best times to visit the resort. Check out our blog to help you avoid elevated crowds and have a stress-free day at the parks. You can also stay up-to-date on closures around the resort by hopping over to our Universal Orlando Refurbishments blog.
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Celestial Goodnight — July 7, 2026 — Luna and Apollo have conjured the ultimate nighttime spectacular that's about to light up the skies above Universal Epic Universe. Featuring nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures, over 250 larger-than-life fountains, seven million LED lights embedded throughout Celestial Park and a jaw-dropping fireworks finale, "Universal Celestial Goodnight" will serve as an epic farewell to a day of action-packed adventures. This dazzling experience, meticulously choreographed to a high-energy musical score, will run nightly at park close.
Universal Studios Florida
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
Reimagined Horror Make-Up Show — Winter 2026 — A whole new era of screams is coming to Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show is no stranger to updates and revamps — having opened as "The Phantom of the Opera Horror Make-Up Show" in 1990 and then later transforming into "The Gory, Gruesome and Grotesque Horror-Make Up Show." As new generations of monsters command the silver screen, so do new ways of conjuring cinematic magic. Hence, Universal Studios will debut a reimagined version of the Horror Make-Up Show this winter. When the new show opens, prepare to witness a showcase of classic and modern horror properties, along with shockingly fun surprises — all while staying true to the comedic and irreverent spirits fans have come to know and love. The current iteration of the Horror Make-Up Show will undergo a temporary closure beginning May 12, 2026.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — 2027 — Start your engines, racers. Coming in 2027, a brand-new, high-octane outdoor roller coaster will join the Universal Studios Florida skyline. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will put guests in the driver's seat as they experience high-speed thrills and the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree drifting. Prepare to speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers, including a 170-foot vertical "spike" that will send you nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk. Are you ready to live life a quarter-mile at a time? To make way for this new experience, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027.
Universal Islands of Adventure
New Signature Full-Service Restaurant — 2027 — Thunder Falls Terrace will close this summer to undergo a transformation of prehistoric proportions. When the rethemed dining location opens in 2027, it will house an all-new dining concept that will become the new signature full-service restaurant in Universal Islands of Adventure. While additional details are still to be announced, it is located in the Jurassic Park area. Herbivores, omnivores and carnivores alike, rejoice!
New Themed Area — TBD — When Universal Islands of Adventure opened, with it came a land of gods and monsters. The Lost Continent was well-loved by fans for its epic tales, fantastical eats and mythical mysteries. However, in the coming months, venues and experiences within the land will permanently close in phases to make way for a new themed area — the first to come to Islands of Adventure since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in 2010. Make your reservations now to enjoy a final helping of Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese, as Mythos Restaurant will close in 2027.
Universal CityWalk
Five Guys — Summer 2026 — The popular burger joint, Five Guys, will pop up in Universal CityWalk this summer in the former Burger King Whopper Bar location. I don't know about you, but made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries already sound delicious post-Halloween Horror Nights!
Category 10 — Late 2027 — Universal CityWalk's goin' country. In late 2027, the third location of award-winning artist Luke Combs' Category 10 will open in the shopping, dining and entertainment district. Prepare for first-class service and awesome tunes in this 33,000-square-foot, three-story venue featuring experiential areas inspired by Combs' music and passions. This off-the-charts entertainment experience is set to bring the best in live music, food and spirits. It will break ground in summer 2026.
Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice — TBD — Well known for playing the role of Wolfie in the former "Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue" at Universal Studios Florida ... oh, and being in a little known band called *NSYNC ... singer, dancer, actor and restauranteur Joey Fatone, will bring his hot dog joint, Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice to Universal CityWalk. Get ready to indulge in a variety of creative, flavor-packed creations when this location opens. To make way for this frogciting new venue, Hot Dog Hall of Fame will close in July 2026.
What's Already Opened in 2026
Captain Cacao Meet and Greet — began May 22, 2026 — Captain Cacao, the lovable mascot behind Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, began meeting guests in Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe on the park's one year anniversary! You can find him in between Pizza Moon and The Oak & Star Tavern.
What are you most excited to experience in 2026 and beyond at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando
Stay cool!
