The pool is open, the grill is seasoned, and we’re already looking forward to Halloween and 2027! In this month’s Around the Universe we look at the latest HHN news, hot dogs, JAWS, coaster construction, lights, and more!

Header photo courtsey of Inside Universal.

Quick Hits

Quick round of some news from this month.

Sinners Comes to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando

Joey Fatone’s Fat Ones Hot Dogs & Italian Ice Coming to Universal Orlando CityWalk

Mega Movie Summer 2026

Jaws has even taken over Richter’s, adding a new “underwater” seating area, an “Orca” booth, photos from the film and other props. #UniversalOrlando

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal.net) 2026-05-23T14:39:40.854Z

Universal Studios Florida’s Mega Movie Summer returns in 2026 with seasonal overlays, a Tribute Store, unique food options, and more. This year’s theme is all things Steven Spielberg with JAWS photo ops and a Tribute Store dedicated to his new movie Disclosure Day coming out this summer.

Some of the summer season Jaws theming in Universal Studios Florida.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T01:35:49.962Z

The Mega Movie Parade runs daily during the Mega Movie Summer and weekend parties in CityWalk are held at the water front stage and the Redtro Club (fka Red Coconut Club).

Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Track Installation

A major milestone’s been reached with construction atFast & Furious Hollywood Drift in Universal Studios Florida. The first pieces of ride track were installed by CityWalk, with the high gage track indicating it’ll be a moment with high-forces. Additional supports for the 170-foot tall spike are now going up. We expect track installation ton continue through the summer and into the fall. Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift is scheduled to open in Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

Supports raised so far for the 170-ft tall Spike element of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T02:15:53.651Z

Lost Continent Demolition Begins

After years of rumors and speculation, the Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure is quickly disappearing. In May walls  rose around the old Poseidon’s Fury show building and Sindbad stunt show theater. Exterior demolition work between the two attractions began quickly afterwards.

On May 15th the Mystic Fountain sprayed his last child, and on May 16th walls were soon up around it and the shops on the north side of the land. And last week full scale demolition of the Sindbad theater began.

Universal has said demolition will continue through 2026 for future attraction development. At this point we do not expect demolition to impact guest traffic patterns till later 2026 or in 2027.

Universal has not said what is coming to this spot, but they recently announced a partnership with Pokemon for lands around the world.

Mythos Closing Early 2027

After last month’s rumors that Mythos could be closing as the second dining location moves to Jurassic Park, and now Universal confirmed these plans. This summer Thunder Falls Terrace will close for a reinvention into a full service dining location. Then in early 2027 Mythos will close and the new dining location in Thunder Falls Terrace will open.

Epic Anniversary

Last week Epic Universe celebrated its 1st anniversary since opening! The park debuted a few limited edition merchandise items and a new character!

In 2024, many social media influencers and media personalities received massive Chronos statues as part of the reveal of the park. The first thing everyone thought: WE WANT THESE SOLD. Now Universal is offering an opportunity for you to get one, with the five medallions, for $600 plus tax and $30 shipping. A friend has one of them and says they are hefty, around 12 lbs, and made of metal and plastic.

The Celestial Park vinyl is going fast! There weren’t any left in Other Worlds Mercantile but several were in stock at Sensorium Emporium. It’s $65 + tax. #UniversalOrlando

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal.net) 2026-05-22T14:12:19.677Z

$600 a bit too much? How about $65 for a new Celestial Park music vinyl. While it’s not yet on streaming, this is the first release of this music outside of the park.

A new 1 year medallion is on offer.

Cool, new large pins featuring the Chronos and the portals. Currently only a Dark Universe portal pin is offered but the others are coming soon.

Finally, pick up the Gold Super Mario Power-Up Band in Super Nintendo World!

Raise the celestial sails and hoist the colors, Captain Cacao has arrived in Celestial Park! The hit character from the Celestial Sweets store is now a meet and greet character in the park.

Celestial Park Nighttime Show Construction

Upgrades to the lighting and fountains in Celestial Park continues as Universal works to debut a new nighttime show in Epic Universe.

Constellation Fountain during the nightly Cosmos Fountain closing show. Underwater rays of light and colorful fountains.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-23T18:58:03.862Z

Recently the lighting strips underwater near the Constellation Carousel were upgraded to feature brighter, chasing lights that stand out more than the old lights. Plus dozens of spotlights were installed all around Celestial Park: on the water, on top buildings, and even in the gardens between Helios Grand Hotel and Celestial Park.

Spotlights were recently added at the base of Constellation Carousel at the fountain. However, not yet seen in operating the park's lighting or closing show.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-23T20:14:18.578Z

Spotlights in development on top of the First Aid building in Epic Universe. (Next to the Wizarding World portal.)Spotlights have also been seen from aerial photos in progress on top of the Stardust Racers area restrooms building. (Building not visible from my hotel room.)

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T14:31:50.471Z

Spotlights in development on top of Oak & Star Tavern in Epic Universe.Spotlights have also been seen from aerial photos in progress on top of Das Stakehaus. (Not visible from my hotel room.)

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T14:39:15.778Z

Work seen May 21 of the development of foundations for spotlights in front of Helios Grand Hotel.Spotlights also have been seen in progress on roof tiers of the hotel.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-05-24T14:55:05.593Z

Universal Orlando has not announced a new show nor when it will open, but at this rate we’re expecting a debut over the 4th of July weekend. Stay tuned to TouringPlans for more information once it’s released!