We’re in the middle of scary season with Halloween Horror Nights and it’s not too late to visit! Pick up one of the new 3-day ticket deals, eat at Fat One’s, and go check out all the new construction! All that and more in this Around the Universe.

Admission Deals

Universal debuted a new ticket deal for all guests that includes Epic Universe! This new three-day ticket includes admission to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe starting at $297 per ticket plus tax; only $99 per day! Want to use the Hogwarts Express and park hop? That’ll be an additional $20 per day, or $357 per ticket plus tax. The ticket offer is available till April 2027, making it a great option for a Mardi Gras trip! Block-out restrictions do apply, see Universal’s site for details.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Testing Begins

Universal Orlando crews are starting the first tests of the ride vehicle on Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida. Right now a train is being winched through the ride track slowly while the ride vehicle has a wire frame around it. Universal is testing the ride envelope, the area that guests can reach outside of the vehicle using their arms and legs. This test confirms that no guest can hit a support, building, or other track piece. The slow dragging through the ride path also acts as a confirmation the track is properly aligned and installed, often called a pull test. These tests will continue for a while as final work is being completed on wiring and programming before proper ride testing begins.

Dark Universe Expansion Construction Begins

The first attraction expansion (speculation, rumored, don’t quote me) at Epic Universe has begun! The Dark Universe expansion pad is cleared and now being worked on for a foundation and leveling for a new show building (speculation, rumored, don’t quote me).

 

Watch Alicia at Orlando Parkstop’s video on the new expansion with her rumors on what could be coming. Feel free to quote her. 😉

Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice Opens

Geeeeeet your hot dogs here! Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s has opened at CityWalk Orlando and is now slinging up hot dogs, fries, and Italian shaved ice (think more flavorful snow cones).

The two people I know who visited Fat One’s said it was very good and an upgrade over Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

Loved the Dirty K-Pop dog. Inhaled it. The T0-NY dog my husband said tasted better than it looked. He loved the onion sauce and said it could use a little more mustard. [The fries] are big steak fries served hot with crispy edges and creamy centers. Excellent.

Fat Ones opens at 11:00am and closes with CityWalk.

CityWalk Construction & Pathway Changes

The walkway under the Hollywood Drift spike is now open, offering some amazing views of the coaster (and a quicker way to get to Hard Rock Cafe and Toothsome from USF).

Across the lagoon, Universal has closed the path between Bigfire and the lagoon for construction. A new temporary path has been created to the left of Bigfire, towards Antojitos, and around to Margaritaville.

The construction is for Luke Comb’s Category 10 restaurant and bar opening in late 2027.

Skull Island Reign of Kong

Wow, if I had a nickel every time a Kong figure caught fire I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happens twice.

Ok, all kidding aside, Reign of Kong closed in late August for unannounced downtime that lasted nearly a month. The ride recently reopened after this downtime with a “modified ride experience” that lacks the Kong AA at the end of the ride. We hope Kong gets better soon.

Refurbishments

Universal Studios Florida

• Finnegan’s Bar & Grill: January 12, 2026 – Winter 2026
• Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show: May 12th, 2026 – Winter 2026

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Jurassic Park River Adventure: January 5, 2026 – November 19, 2026
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: January 4, 2027 – February 2, 2027
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: February 8, 2027 – February 19, 2027

Universal Epic Universe

• Fyre Drill: January 25th, 2027 – February 4th, 2027

REMINDER: Volcano Bay closes October 26, 2026 through at least April 1, 2027 for a park refurbishment.