Summer is almost here! Universal is ramping up for a big summer full of entertainment, construction projects, and classic show updates. Read more inside.

Universal Mega Movie Summer

It’s a mega summer full of huge blockbuster releases, entertainment, and more at Universal Orlando. The popular Universal Mega Movie Parade returns with floats inspired by Universal’s biggest summer blockbusters like JAWS, Back to the Future, and more. The parade performs on select dates between May 22 and August 23. At night the Cinesational A Symphonic Spectacular takes over the USF lagoon to bring the scores of your favorite movies to life with choreographed fountains, lights, drones, and fireworks. Cinesational performs on select nights between April 5 and August 23. Hogwarts Always also returns to Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure from April 14 through August 24.

Universal is also celebrating all things Stephen Spielberg this summer with special events, food, and merchandise inspired by the 50th anniversary of JAWS and his upcoming new release Disclosure Day.

Meanwhile in CityWalk the Red Coconut Club turns into the Redtro Coconut Club with a family friendly party atmosphere with a live DJ spinning hits from the 80s and 90s. In the CityWalk amphitheater is weekly music nights focusing on different genres and inspirations:

• Women in Music: June 20
• Broadway Night: June 27
• Legends of Rock Night: July 4
• Boy Band Night: July 11
• Throwback Night: July 18
• Latin Night: July 25
• EDM Night: August 1
• Motown Night: August 8
• Country Night: August 15

Universal Horror Make-Up Show Refurbishment

Universal announced on May 3 the fan favorite Universal Horror Make-Up Show in Universal Studios Florida is closing for a refresh and refurbishment and will reopen later this year. We first heard of this possible refurbishment in early January, but Universal delayed the work till now. The current version of the Universal Horror Make-Up Show will end May 11 and will be closed starting May 12 till later this year. Universal has not stated a return time, but we hope it’s open again for Halloween Horror Nights in late Summer.

In memory of the current show here is a performance with two of my favorite performers: Summer and Robyn! Love you girls!

Lost Continent Demolition

As stated last news roundup, the Lost Continent land in Islands of Adventure is now in active demolition of the remaining attraction space. Land clearing has started in front of the Seven Voyages of Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury. Demolition inside the Sinbad theater appears to have commenced and we expect the interior of Poseidon is also being demolished. Universal has only said the land is being worked on for future developments, but we think there might be some big plans for this area.

Thunder Falls Terrace Refurbishment

Universal has filed a permit for a massive and extensive interior refurbishment of Thunder Falls Terrace sometime in 2026. Thunder Falls Terrace is one of the best quick service restaurants in the park, but this refurbishment seems to be going a bit beyond the normal refreshing with a $6 million dollar overhaul. Rumors suggest Thunder Falls could close to become a new full service dining location to replace Mythos, but of course nothing is official to Universal announces it. Stay tuned to TouringPlans Blog for more updates on the Thunder Falls refurbishment.

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Construction

The first segments of track are now installed around the load station for the upcoming Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida. Work is quickly progressing on adding concrete footers on which the supports and coaster track will be installed. Out in front of CityWalk a large building has appeared for the new coaster and footer work on a switch track is taking place. The new coaster is expected to open in 2027.

Universal’s Legacy Store Returns to CityWalk

Out with the old in with the old? The Universal Legacy Store returns to CityWalk after the closure of the Epic Universe Preview Center. Much of the existing Preview Center remains but with new merchandise pulled from Universal’s classic movies, attractions, and properties.

Five Guys to Replace BK Whopper Bar

The CityWalk upgrades are not complete as Universal announced the closure of the BK Whopper Bar in the food court section of CityWalk on the second floor. The Whopper Bar opened in 2009 as a higher end counter service concept where folks could order a burger and a beer. CityWalk’s Whopper Bar was the last location and it closed in late April to make way for a new Five Guys Burger & Fries location.

Fast Food Boulevard Downsizes Menus. RIP Curly Fries.

When Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield in USF open din 2013 it had a unique take on the typical theme park fast food. The Clogger Burger? Tater tots and curly fries? A chicken and waffle sandwich with maple mayo? Wow! Well 13 years later the famous venue has seen quality lag and now the menu has seen a refresh, removing many fan favorites. Now you’ll get the Standard Theme Park Fries and be happy about it, and not waffle sandwich! We’re a bit disappointed and hope Universal refocuses their attention on the menu here to bring it back to its prior standards.