{"id":333757,"date":"2026-07-08T23:45:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T23:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/333757\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T23:45:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T23:45:18","slug":"epic-universe-debuts-nighttime-spectacular-plus-loads-more-universal-orlando-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/333757\/","title":{"rendered":"Epic Universe Debuts Nighttime Spectacular, Plus Loads More Universal Orlando News!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Universal may be grabbing headlines lately for Universal Kids Resort<\/a>, its shiny new kid-focused theme park in Texas, but that doesn\u2019t mean things have slowed down in Orlando\u2026 quite the opposite!
\"UniversalFrom thrill-ride construction to horrifying haunted houses to an adorable new resident of Celestial Park, we\u2019ve got plenty of Universal Orlando news to share. Let\u2019s begin with the headliner: a brand-new nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe.<\/p>\n

Epic Universe
\nUniversal Celestial Goodnight Debuts<\/p>\n

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\u2026 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.
\"Fountains
The show pays tribute to the characters and adventures found within the park\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n

Nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures
\nOver 350 fountains
\nSeven million LED lights embedded throughout Celestial Park<\/p>\n

\"Fireworks
For a taste of what the lagoon is capable of, take a look back at the park\u2019s grand opening ceremony from last year. The new show is entirely different, but you\u2019ll see why this venue was born for nighttime entertainment:<\/p>\n

Captain Cacao Reports for Duty<\/p>\n

Even before Epic Universe opened its gates, the park\u2019s surprise breakout star was Captain Cacao, the chocolate bear and moonship navigator created by Universal Creative for Celestial Park\u2019s whimsical sweet shop, Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets.
\"Captain
As cute and cuddly as his merch may be, fans wanted more, and on May 22 (fittingly, the park\u2019s first birthday) the Captain began meeting guests in person.
\"Captain<\/p>\n

A post shared by Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)<\/a><\/p>\n

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.
\"Captain
\"Captain
The Captain is also the star of the park\u2019s first collection from bag maker Lug, which includes a Skeeter Mini Convertible Bag and a coin purse.
\"Captain<\/p>\n

RELATED READING:<\/p>\n

Universal Studios Florida
\nHalloween Horror Nights 35<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019s creative team.
\"Halloween
The biggest news for HHN35 is that past event icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow will return to \u201cwreak havoc together,\u201d including in an original haunted house called Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control.
\"Jack
As guests walk through the house, they\u2019ll hear Jack\u2019s origin story\u2026 or at least Oddfellow\u2019s version of it. According to Oddfellow, Jack\u2019s carnival killing spree is what \u201cforced\u201d him to seal Jack inside a box. But there\u2019s a new twist: Oddfellow is a \u201ctime traveler\u201d who can slip through portals to different dimensions\u2026 and the box is one of those portals.<\/p>\n

Halloween Horror Nights is not recommended for children under the age of 13.<\/p>\n

Read our most up-to-date Halloween Horror Nights coverage here:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.micechat.com\/433507-halfway-to-halloween-horror-nights-2026-at-universal-orlando\/<\/p>\n

Horror Make-Up Show Gets a Makeover<\/p>\n

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\u2019re 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 \u201cshockingly fun surprises.\u201d
\"Universal
\"A<\/p>\n

Fast & Furious Speeds Ahead<\/p>\n

To quote John Hurt\u2019s eccentric billionaire in the 1997 film Contact, \u201cWhy build one when you can have two at twice the price?\u201d 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.
\"Fast<\/p>\n

\"Universal \"Universal<\/p>\n

Islands of Adventure<\/p>\n

A big change is underway at Islands of Adventure, where a large section of the park is being reimagined\u2026 though Universal is staying tight-lipped about what\u2019s replacing it.<\/p>\n

Lost Continent Disappears<\/p>\n

Since the 2023 closure of the Poseidon\u2019s Fury walk-through attraction, the Lost Continent, one of the park\u2019s 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 \u201ca new themed area.\u201d Mythos, repeatedly voted the world\u2019s best theme park restaurant over the years, will serve its final meals in 2027.
\"Mythos
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\u2019s upcoming expansion.
\"Legend
On May 15, the land\u2019s 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\u2019re tearing up too.
\"The<\/p>\n

A post shared by Universal Orlando Resort (@universalorlando)<\/a><\/p>\n

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 \u201cbecome the new signature full-service restaurant in Universal Islands of Adventure.\u201d We\u2019re thrilled to hear it, as table service will be in short supply at the park once Mythos becomes a legend of the past.
\"Thunder<\/p>\n

Universal CityWalk<\/p>\n

Several new dining venues are joining the CityWalk lineup:<\/p>\n

Fat One\u2019s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, founded by *NSYNC\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t been announced.
\"Universal
Luke Combs\u2019 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\u2019 songs. Orlando will be the brand\u2019s third location, following the flagship Category 10 in Nashville, which opened in 2024, and a recently announced Las Vegas outpost debuting fall 2026.<\/p>\n

Universal Legacy Store Returns<\/p>\n

The Universal Legacy Store has taken over the space previously occupied by the Epic Universe Preview Center, which closed on April 13.
\"Former
The store features merchandise and photo ops inspired by Universal classics, including E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Universal Monsters.<\/p>\n

\"Universal \"Universal \"Universal \"Universal \"Universal<\/p>\n

Universal Orlando License Plate<\/p>\n

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 \u201cwish vacations\u201d to critically ill children and their families.<\/p>\n

Florida drivers can pre-order the new plate online<\/a>.
\"Universal<\/p>\n

Follow MiceChat on social: MiceChat Facebook Page<\/a>, MiceChat Facebook Group<\/a>, MiceChat Instagram<\/a>, MiceChat Threads<\/a>, MiceChat X<\/a>, MiceChat YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

Discount Disney Tickets and Travel
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(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals. When you purchase from our travel partner, you not only get great rates and service, you also help support MiceChat. We sincerely thank you for your support!)<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Hear From You!<\/p>\n

What\u2019s 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\u2019t have Universal Celestial Goodnight as a must-do? Let us know in the comments below!
\"Universal<\/p>\n