There is a new kids play area in Universal Studios Florida, new nighttime shows in the parks, and an Epic Universe Preivew Center coming this month to CityWalk. We have all the details in this month’s Around the Universe.

DreamWorks Land Previews

Roll into the new DreamWorks Land, officially opening June 14 but now open for technical rehearsals. DreamWorks Land replaces Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, the former home to Fievel, Woody, Curious George, and Barney. Now guests find Shrek’s swamp, with a lifesize Shrek hut, Trolls with the Trollercoaster, Kung Fu Panda play area with Po Live! character encounter, and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration stage show featuring dancing characters.

All that playing and dancing can build up an appetite and DreamWorks Land has two snack stands. Trolls Treats serves soft serve in fun flavors like cotton candy and Swamp Snacks in Shrek’s Swamp features warm snacks like stuffed waffles and a pretzel shaped like Shrek’s head (the “Shrekzel”). DreamWorks Land opens on June 14, 2024.

Halloween Horror Nights 2024 House Announcements

Universal surprised horror fans with several major announcements in May. First, six of the ten haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights 2024 were announced such as Slaughter Sinema 2 where guests walk into a B-movie marathon brought to life. Universal followed up by announcing a special premium event night on August 29, 2024, with a limited guest count, free food, and staggered entry into the houses. Our last HHN article has more information on the announced haunted houses and premium event. Halloween Horror Nights 2024 runs on select nights from August 30 through November 3, 2024.

New Nighttime Shows

DreamWorks Land isn’t the only thing opening on June 14 as CineSational – A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Forever debut. CineSational is the new nighttime at Universal Studios Florida that celebrates iconic music from hit films and Universal Orlando attractions. Hundreds of fountains dance to the music as crisp projections are displayed on large water screens. Fireworks and projection mapping accent the show, but we’re betting the drones will be the much-talked-about hit of the show.

Hogwarts Forever is a new show at Islands of Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade that features projection mapping and pyrotechnics. Hogwarts Forever celebrates your school year at Hogwarts; from classes to social life, daily life to the fantastical, all culminating with a random ending where one house “wins” the House Cup. Hogwarts Forever and CineSational open June 14, 2024.

Revenge of the Mummy Refurbishment

Revenge of the Mummy will close June 17 through 22, 2024 for refurbishment and upgrades. There are no substantial rumors about changes to the attraction so don’t worry about your favorite lines leaving; this refurbishment is just for preventative maintenance, upgrades, and repairs.

Epic Universe Preview Center

Something Epic is coming to CityWalk this June! Universal Orlando is placing the finishing touches on the Epic Universe Preview Center which brings an in-person peek into the worlds of Epic Universe. Inside pose with themed photo-ops, view the large Epic Universe model, and buy Epic Universe branded souvenirs (of course). Universal said the preview center will open by the end of June.

Bioreconstruct snapped some ground-level photos of Epic Universel’s tallest structures (we assume on his way to the helipad). The Epic Universe Chronons is the park’s icon located at the front of the park, the rumored Celestial Park “lore” is this device that powers the portals to the worlds in the parks. Upon entering the park through the portal under the Chronos guests see the 12-story Helios Grand Hotel as the focal backdrop of the park. The massive stone head of an ancient Kong is spotted above the trees in Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Island. Water comes out of the monkey’s mouth, providing a cool illusion to the Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness coaster.

Our frequently updated preview article has more information on Universal’s Epic Universe. Epic Universe is scheduled to open in 2025.

Discounts

Universal Orlando frequently offers discounts on multi-day tickets and hotel stays. These are the latest discounts available to guests:

Tickets

• All Guests – Four Day Ticket Starting at $74 per day ($296 total)
• FL Residents – Buy Tw0 Days, Get Two Days Free on park-to-park admission

Hotel

• All Guests – Save up to $668 on a 4-night stay or longer at Loews Portofino Bay Resort

For more deals, including discounts on vacation packages, visit the Universal Orlando website.

Refurbishments

The following Universal Orlando attractions are closed for refurbishment on the following dates:

• Revenge of the Mummy: June 17 – June 22, 2024
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged: August 19 – November 3, 2024
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: October 1, 2024 – January 2, 2025
• Men in Black Alien Attack: November 4 – December 10, 2024