Summer is inching ever closer, and that means it’s high season at Universal Studios Orlando. Visitors from around the globe will congregate, enjoying the thrills of Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe (watch Epic Ride streaming on Peacock).
As always, there will be plenty of new things to look forward to in the near future at the parks. Per the resort’s latest news, at Universal Studios Florida this month the Horror Make-Up Show will close for renovation and open later this year with “an updated show that will showcase a mix of classic and modern horror properties along with shockingly fun surprises.”
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Meanwhile, just around the corner at Universal Islands of Adventure this year, the massive Lost Continent area will permanently close in phases to make way for a new themed area, including the closure of Mythos Restaurant in 2027. Guests have been excitedly speculating about what may come into that space. Last but not least, the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant will close this summer and transform into an all-new dining concept opening in 2027.
Whether you’re visiting for a week, or will just visit one theme park, the resort offers all visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves into the films, worlds, and characters of some incredible fandoms. Wander into sections of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three parks, jump into Super Nintendo World, which is brimming with video game-inspired rides. Plus, there are two Minion-centric dark rides within the parks, as well as classic experiences like the E.T. Adventure and Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Whether you want to prep before you head to Florida, or if you want to re-live your visit once you’re back home, a fun way to enhance your experience is to dive into the movies that inspired so many of the lands and rides within the resort. Peacock is your streaming source to catch up on your movie franchise mythology so you don’t miss a detail as you walk the theme parks.
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Stream the movies that inspired these Universal Orlando attractions! Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Located inside Universal Studios Florida theme park, there’s nothing quite like the indoor coaster Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Built inside the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, guests get ushered into the secretive vaults and then board a special cart which gets attacked by Voldemort’s best lieutenant Bellatrix Lestrange. Aside from the thrilling swoops and drops, another perk is getting to see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Warwick Davis reprise their characters from the films for the ride.
As for what movies you should see to understand the ride storyline, definitely watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. However watching, or re-watching all of the films will set you up to understand every corner of The Wizard World of Harry Potter in all three parks.
Where to stream the movies: All seven Harry Potter films — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 — on Peacock.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Located inside the portal for Universal Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, this showstopper ride is situated across from Princess Peach’s castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. Equal parts video game and immersive thrill ride into all things Nintendo, this motion-based ride also requires guests to wear an augmented reality visor so they can see targets along the track and gain points to win against other competitors.
The ride doesn’t need any prior knowledge of the video games or Nintendo to still enjoy it. And if you’re not a Nintendo gamer or haven’t played in some time, a great primer is watching 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie and this year’s hit The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. You’ll learn the major players, good and bad guys, and the supporting cast of creatures who might earn you extra points!
Where to stream the movie: Stream the Super Mario Bros. Movie on Peacock.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
This dark room simulator ride is the first big attraction you’ll see after you pass through the main gates of Universal Studios Florida. Inside Soundstage 42 on Illumination Ave, this family-friendly attraction turns guests into Minions and put you through several comical tests before everyone gets “restored” to their human selves.
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Story-wise, the ride is set after the events of the very first Despicable Me movie (2010) and features the vocal talent of the whole film cast, including Steve Carell as Gru.
Where to stream the movies: Stream Minions and Despicable Me 2 on Peacock.
Trolls Trollercoaster
Inside Universal Studios Florida, after you enter, head to the right through Hollywood and then make another right into DreamWorks Land. Right in the center you’ll find the family-friendly Trolls Trollercoaster. Opened in 2024, kids and their companions join Poppy, Tiny, and the twins, Satin and Chenille, inside a speedy caterpillar Caterbus as they try to outrun some spiders.
There’s no canon to know to enjoy this breezy ride. Catch any of the Trolls movies to get acquainted with the characters, and you’re ready to go!
Where to stream the titles: Stream Trolls: The Beat Goes On and Trolls: TrollsTopia on Peacock.