Universal may be grabbing headlines lately for Universal Kids Resort, its shiny new kid-focused theme park in Texas, but that doesn’t mean things have slowed down in Orlando… quite the opposite!
From thrill-ride construction to horrifying haunted houses to an adorable new resident of Celestial Park, we’ve got plenty of Universal Orlando news to share. Let’s begin with the headliner: a brand-new nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe.
Epic Universe
Universal Celestial Goodnight Debuts
From the moment we first stepped into Celestial Park last year, we knew its grand central lagoon was practically begging for a nighttime fountain show… and as of July 7, it finally has one. Universal Celestial Goodnight now sends guests off each evening with one last burst of Epic magic.
The show pays tribute to the characters and adventures found within the park’s portals, with dancing fountains, sweeping lighting effects, and a fireworks finale, all set to a high-energy musical score that weaves in themes from across the park.
Facts & Figures:
Nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures
Over 350 fountains
Seven million LED lights embedded throughout Celestial Park
For a taste of what the lagoon is capable of, take a look back at the park’s grand opening ceremony from last year. The new show is entirely different, but you’ll see why this venue was born for nighttime entertainment:
Captain Cacao Reports for Duty
Even before Epic Universe opened its gates, the park’s surprise breakout star was Captain Cacao, the chocolate bear and moonship navigator created by Universal Creative for Celestial Park’s whimsical sweet shop, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
As cute and cuddly as his merch may be, fans wanted more, and on May 22 (fittingly, the park’s first birthday) the Captain began meeting guests in person.
A post shared by Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)
The Captain Cacao plush was an immediate hot ticket (it sold out during team member previews before regular guests ever got a crack at it), and his plush backpack proved equally hard to find.
The Captain is also the star of the park’s first collection from bag maker Lug, which includes a Skeeter Mini Convertible Bag and a coin purse.
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Universal Studios Florida
Halloween Horror Nights 35
It’s hard to believe the horror is less than two months away. Halloween Horror Nights 35 arrives earlier than ever this year, with the separately ticketed after-hours event running select nights from August 28 through November 1. Expect all-new haunted houses themed to well-known horror franchises alongside original nightmares from the twisted minds of Universal’s creative team.
The biggest news for HHN35 is that past event icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow will return to “wreak havoc together,” including in an original haunted house called Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control.
As guests walk through the house, they’ll hear Jack’s origin story… or at least Oddfellow’s version of it. According to Oddfellow, Jack’s carnival killing spree is what “forced” him to seal Jack inside a box. But there’s a new twist: Oddfellow is a “time traveler” who can slip through portals to different dimensions… and the box is one of those portals.
Halloween Horror Nights is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
Read our most up-to-date Halloween Horror Nights coverage here:
https://www.micechat.com/433507-halfway-to-halloween-horror-nights-2026-at-universal-orlando/
Horror Make-Up Show Gets a Makeover
The fan-favorite Horror Make-Up Show closed May 12 to make way for a reimagined version of the experience, which will debut later this year. The irreverent live show is one of only two opening-day attractions still operating since Universal Studios Florida debuted in 1990 (the other being E.T. Adventure), so we’re relieved this is a refresh rather than a farewell. Universal says the updated show will feature a mix of classic and modern horror properties along with “shockingly fun surprises.”
Fast & Furious Speeds Ahead
To quote John Hurt’s eccentric billionaire in the 1997 film Contact, “Why build one when you can have two at twice the price?” Universal has taken that advice to heart: a second all-new, high-speed Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster is rising at Universal Studios Florida and joins the Orlando lineup in 2027, while its Hollywood counterpart opens this summer.
Islands of Adventure
A big change is underway at Islands of Adventure, where a large section of the park is being reimagined… though Universal is staying tight-lipped about what’s replacing it.
Lost Continent Disappears
Since the 2023 closure of the Poseidon’s Fury walk-through attraction, the Lost Continent, one of the park’s original lands from 1999, has sat largely empty, save for Mythos Restaurant. Now Universal has announced that all remaining venues and experiences in Lost Continent will permanently close in phases to make way for “a new themed area.” Mythos, repeatedly voted the world’s best theme park restaurant over the years, will serve its final meals in 2027.
No replacement has been announced, but many fans speculate that The Legend of Zelda could claim the space, a rumor fueled in part by a Zelda stained glass window hiding in plain sight at Epic Universe. Then again, Zelda could just as easily turn up in Super Nintendo World’s upcoming expansion.
On May 15, the land’s beloved Mystic Fountain bid a final farewell, and in honor of the sassy opening-day attraction, Universal team members scattered his water across the resort. Yes, we’re tearing up too.
A post shared by Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)
Also departing Islands of Adventure is Thunder Falls Terrace in the Jurassic Park area, which closes this summer and reopens in 2027 as an all-new dining concept that will “become the new signature full-service restaurant in Universal Islands of Adventure.” We’re thrilled to hear it, as table service will be in short supply at the park once Mythos becomes a legend of the past.
Universal CityWalk
Several new dining venues are joining the CityWalk lineup:
Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, founded by *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone (a hometown gig for the Orlando-raised boy bander), is replacing Hot Dog Hall of Fame, which closes in July. The quick-service spot will offer creative hot dogs, Italian ices, and more.
Meanwhile, Five Guys, known for its made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries, will take over the former Burger King Whopper Bar, which closed April 21. An official opening date hasn’t been announced.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 arrives at CityWalk in late 2027. The approximately 33,000-square-foot, three-story venue is expected to begin construction this summer and will feature live music and experiential areas inspired by Combs’ songs. Orlando will be the brand’s third location, following the flagship Category 10 in Nashville, which opened in 2024, and a recently announced Las Vegas outpost debuting fall 2026.
Universal Legacy Store Returns
The Universal Legacy Store has taken over the space previously occupied by the Epic Universe Preview Center, which closed on April 13.
The store features merchandise and photo ops inspired by Universal classics, including E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Universal Monsters.
Universal Orlando License Plate
Proceeds from a new Universal Orlando Resort specialty license plate will benefit Orlando-area nonprofit Give Kids The World, which provides week-long, cost-free “wish vacations” to critically ill children and their families.
Florida drivers can pre-order the new plate online.
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Let’s Hear From You!
What’s on your list for your next Universal Orlando vacation? Are you heading into the fog for Halloween Horror Nights, or is meeting cuddly Captain Cacao more your style? And who doesn’t have Universal Celestial Goodnight as a must-do? Let us know in the comments below!