I cannot believe 2025 is nearly over. It’s been a busy and important year, with a new THEME PARK and even more to do at theme parks in Orlando. Today we’ll look at the latest news around the Universal Orlando Resort, including a popular show update, a year-long restaurant refurbishment, new menus around the resort, seasonal experiences on sale, and way more.

Header image courtesy of Inside Universal.

Wicked for Good the Experience

Fans have anxiously waited a year for the second half of the Wicked duology. Well… It’s finally here, and Universal updated their Wicked Experience walkthrough with additions from the new film! Guests can see movie-worn costumes, film props, photo opportunities, merchandise, and even some themed snacks and drinks. Wicked For Good Experience has no set closing date, so make sure to swing by soon!

New Year’s Eve Hotel Parties

Ring in the New Year at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels with special ticketed events! Universal is offering opportunities to ring in the NYE at all the Signature Collection hotels, plus Aventura Hotel with exclusive food, drinks, and live entertainment. To find out more about the parties and book your night out, visit the Universal Orlando Hotels Events site.

Mardi Gras Dine & Ride Float Experience Now on Sale

The insanely popular Mardi Gras float-riding dining packages are now on sale. These dinner packages combine a three-course meal at a Universal Orlando restaurant and a spot on a float for that night’s performance of the Mardi Gras parade. While on the float, guests will don a Mardi Gras outfit (usually a festive smock) and throw beads and wave at other guests. Prices range from $95 to $110 per person, plus tax, and does not include theme park admission.

Attraction Refurbishments

Universal is performing several large refurbishments next year on classic attractions:

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Jurassic Park River Adventure: January 5, 2026 – November 19, 2026
• Hogwarts™ Express: February 9 – 23, 2026

Universal Studios Florida

• Universal Horror Make-Up Show: January 5, 2026 – later in 2026
• Revenge of the Mummy: January 15 – 21, 2026
• Hogwarts™ Express: February 9 – 23, 2026

Yes, that’s right, the popular Horror Make-Up Show is closing starting January 5, 2026, as Universal Creative installs a new updated show. When the new show opens, expect to find the same informative special effects show with irreverent humor and hilarious guest interactions. The last day to see the current version of the Horror Make-Up Show is January 4, 2026.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill 2026 Refurbishment

This one stings (or chicken stingers). Fan favorite Finnegan’s Bar and Grill in Universal Studios Florida is closing for a large refurbishment that’ll last from January 12, 2026, till the end of 2026. Universal hasn’t officially said what sort of work they’re performing at this iconic restaurant, but rumor on the street says Universal is expanding the kitchen, adding a walk-up window for the bar, and improving the interior space.

New Blondie’s Menu

Over in Islands of Adventure, one of the lowest rated restaurants on property, Blondie’s, received a massive menu refresh with new good options. Gone are the premade cold cut sandwiches and in are new fresh options like BBQ pork sandwiches, grilled Reubens, a garden fresh vegetarian sandwich, and mac & cheese bowls. Our foodie gave the new options good marks, and we’re excited to send our dedicated delicatessens to review it for us.

New Pre-Paid Self Parking

Wanna save $3 on Universal Orlando theme park parking? Pre-book parking online on the Universal Orlando site and save $3 on parking compared to paying at the toll plaza. Book online and show the provided QR code from your purchase to the toll attendant for admission. Prepaid parking is valid for parking at the North Campus parking garages for CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, and at the South Campus for Epic Universe.

Epic Universe New Attraction Space Permits

Lets look beyond 2026 and into 2027 and beyond….

Small update, but the first NoC for this project was filed yesterday and has an expiration date of Dec 31st, 2028, meaning we can likely expect an opening date sometime in 2028. https://t.co/h2mSuMU7fl pic.twitter.com/vq0EWa9zQ7

— Behind the Thrills (@BehindThrills) November 18, 2025

We have anxiously been waiting for information on the first Epic Universe expansion, as the park can barely handle the guests who want to visit normally. After much speculation and anticipation, the first rumors and rumbles are suggesting the new addition will come to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in the form of a new 150,000 square foot show building built on the opposite side of the Battle at the Ministry, near Bar Moonshine. This new attraction’s interior space is roughly the same as for the Battle attraction, but instead of a large queue space, we are anticipating an indoor broom flying attraction. It is unclear at this time if it will be a rollercoaster-like experience, such as on Escape from Gringotts, or a moving motion simulator like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

Excited for the changes and updates coming to the parks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!