What's New at Universal Orlando Resort for Summer 2026

Shane Walton
1 hour ago
5 min read

Get ready for a fun-filled summer of fun at Universal Orlando Resort with a blockbuster lineup of limited-time experiences designed to celebrate iconic films at the place where beloved movies and stories come to life.

What's New at Universal Orlando Resort for Summer 2026

This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will premiere a blockbuster lineup of limited-time experiences designed to celebrate iconic films at the place where beloved movies and stories come to life. Guests can enjoy a variety of cinematic-inspired experiences that include character meet-and-greets, can’t-miss photo ops, interactive activations, an assortment of new menu items and more.

So, are you ready to find out everything that's new and coming to Universal Orlando Resort in summer 2026? Read on for all the exciting details!

Visitors to Universal Orlando Resort in summer 2026 will discover a jam-packed lineup of limited-time festivals, events, and activities

Universal Orlando Resort premiers Limited-Time Summer Experiences inspired by Blockbuster Films

From May 23 through August 10, guests can enjoy a variety of cinematic-inspired experiences that include character meet-and-greets, can’t-miss photo ops, interactive activations, an assortment of new menu items and exclusive merchandise collections. These limited-time experiences – coupled with the destination’s collection of next-level attractions and seasonal entertainment.

Here is an overview of all the excitement that awaits guests across Universal Orlando this summer, as well as special offers guests can take advantage of to plan their visit:

All-New Limited-Time, Movie-Inspired Experiences

From an exhibit celebrating one of the most legendary filmmakers in history to snap-worthy photo ops inspired by everyone’s favorite town of Amity, guests can enjoy a fun collection of new movie-themed experiences that are only available for the summer season, including:

Spielberg Summer Blockbusters featuring “Disclosure Day” Limited-Time Exhibit (Universal Studios Florida):

Guests can explore a collection of props and behind-the-scenes stories commemorating some of the most iconic movies from legendary filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, including the upcoming Universal Pictures release, “Disclosure Day,” in theaters June 12.

New “Jaws”-Inspired Experiences (Universal Studios Florida)

Guests can celebrate their fandom for Universal Pictures’ blockbuster classic “Jaws” with interactive experiences that include a series of photo ops highlighting iconic elements and settings from the film along with specialty “bites” and drinks. Guests can also shop a new parks-exclusive merchandise collection that includes limited release apparel, accessories and more.

Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters” Experiences (Universal Studios Florida)

Fans can get a glimpse of the highly-anticipated film, Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters,” with interactive photo ops featuring two new Minions that will be introduced in the film, Henry and James, special menu items at the Minion Cafe inspired by the film and its characters, including Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Fold Over and Monster Marshmallow Lemonade, and parks-exclusive merchandise such as Minions & Monsters blind box collectible figures and a shoulder pal of Goomi, one of the adorable new characters from the film.

Summer Movie Series (Universal CityWalk)

On select dates from June 20 through August 26, guests can go back in time and revisit some of their favorite films with screenings of beloved movies at Universal Cinemark in CityWalk, including “Back to the Future,” “Jaws,” “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial” and more (movie ticket required).

Popular Seasonal Entertainment

Fan-favorite seasonal experiences will make their return this summer on select nights, giving guests additional opportunities to celebrate the films they love, including:

Universal Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida, which combines iconic movies like E.T., Back to the Future, JAWS, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda with more than a dozen floats, nearly 100 performers and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience that allows guests to relive classic film moments in a whole new way.

CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida, which takes guests on a cinematic adventure through sentimental soundtracks and memorable moments from blockbuster films – all brought to life in a riveting nighttime lagoon show.

Hogwarts Always in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, an awe-inspiring projection show that takes guests on a journey through the iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts, all set against the majestic Hogwarts castle, returning on May 30.

Summer Activities at the Universal Orlando Hotels

With magnificent theming and amenities, exclusive benefits and convenient proximity to the thrills, staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to experience all the destination has to offer this summer. This season, hotel guests can enjoy larger-than-life sand sculptures across all 11 hotels inspired by popular characters and stories, as well as summer-inspired themed beverages available for purchase across the entire portfolio.

Plus, hotel guests can access exclusive character meet-and-greets this summer in Universal Studios Florida every Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional CityWalk Summer Activities

Enjoy the World’s Biggest Soccer Games: Guests can watch the highly anticipated soccer games at Universal CityWalk from June 11 through July 19 at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, which will also feature specialty food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and more.

Re(d)tro Nights at Red Coconut Club

On select nights from May 8 through July 18, Red Coconut Club will host Re(d)tro Nights, an 80s and 90s inspired overlay with arcade games, photo opportunities, and a DJ spinning throwback hits.

Summer Music Series at Universal CityWalk

Guests can enjoy live band performances every Saturday night from June 20 through August 15 throughout CityWalk, featuring themed genre experiences like Broadway, Legends of Rock, EDM, and more.

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

No matter what time of year you visit Universal Orlando in 2026, you’ll find exciting events, and yes it might still be summer, but HHN returns for its 35th anniversary on select nights, August 28 through November 1, celebrating a legacy of horror and unleashing terrifying, immersive experiences that continue to redefine Halloween entertainment.

This year's theme for HHN is the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” transforming Universal Studios Florida into a decrepit, fear‑fueled carnival featuring a sinister new slate of haunted houses, scare zones and outrageous entertainment inspired by elements from Halloween Horror Nights’ history plus some of the biggest names in horror.

And the ringmasters of this year’s event will be none other than Jack the Clown – arguably the most notorious Halloween Horror Nights icon in history – and his legendary rival, Dr. Oddfellow. Halloween Horror Nights 35 will mark the first time that these nemeses join forces to wreak havoc amongst guests…after all – a fear divided is a fear diluted…

Universal Volcano Bay Nights

May 3 - August 21, Select Dates

Universal Volcano Bay is a whole different water theme park at night! At this family-friendly event, all your favorite rides and slides will be available along with a live DJ, games and DreamWorks character meet and greets on select nights. This is a ticketed after-hours event.