Yinz, I need a break. There’s been so much news and updates at Universal Orlando over the past months. In this edition of Around the Universe we talk about attraction closures, event announcements, HHN details, and way more. Pick up your scone and a cold brew, let’s go.

Quick Hits

Universal Orlando Closing Fast & Furious: Supercharged August 16, 2026

Universal Orlando Announces New $199 2-Park Unlimited Days Ticket for FL Residents

New! Epic Universe Debuts New Fireworks, Universal Celestial Goodnight

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Construction

The family is working overtime on construction of the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster in Universal Studios Florida. The past few weeks we saw the coaster’s spike top out at 170 feet, a large corkscrew installed in front of the park, and the beginning of a large stall over the Concert Plaza Stage. The coaster layout is slowly shaping up and we have some new ideas of what could be coming:

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in Universal Studios Florida opens in 2027.

Lost Continent Demolition

Demolition is full steam ahead on Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure with the removal of the Sindbad complete and work on Poseidon’s’ Fury show building removal has begun. The former location of the First Aid and restrooms in Lost Continent (the buildings in the middle of the demo) are expected to move to the side of the land towards Potter over the next few months. Once demolition is complete then land grading will begin for new attractions. Mythos remains open at this time but we expect it to close in early 2027, get your visits in soon.

Oh, this one hurts.The Temple of Poseidon is falling. Demolition on Poseidon’s Fury has clearly picked up, as you can now see the middle portion of the building being completely gutted. #UniversalOrlando

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal.net) 2026-07-28T14:39:17.634Z

Nights at Epic Universe

Universal has announced a new ticketed event that grants guests exclusive ride time after normal park hours in Epic Universe. Nights at Epic Universe is a new event similar to After Hours at Walt Disney World where guests are allowed into the park before close to experience the park after close with reduced crowds and free snacks. Tickets are $179 and get you access to the park starting at 7:00 pm, then exclusive ride time from 9:00 pm to midnight for guests. Each guest receives a free Coke Freestyle souvenir cup for the night for free drinks and select snacks like popcorn and bao buns are available in Celestial Park. Tickets are available August 13, UOAP holders receive a 10% discount.

Thunder Falls Terrace Closed

The Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant in Jurassic Park has officially closed to transform into an all-new dining concept to become a new signature full-service restaurant that will debut in 2027. #UniversalOrlando

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal.net) 2026-07-20T17:00:28.309Z

The great Thunder Falls Terrace in Islands of Adventure has CLOSED. FINITO. DONE. The quick service restaurant that served roasted meats and platters is being transformed to into a new full service restaurant to replace Mythos in 2027 as that land is turned into [REDACTED]. Skip Burger Digs and Pizza Predatoria, go to Circus McGurkis or Three Broomsticks instead.

Miscellaneous Construction Updates

Alright, let’s do some quick hits.

Aerial photo of the construction site for Luke Combs' Category 10 in CityWalk.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-07-20T02:19:03.867Z

Construction on the new Category 10 bar, restaurant, and country music venue has begun across from Bigfire and Margaritaville. Scheduled to open in late 2027, the new venue will be three stories tall and even offer free line dancing lessons for us who’d rather dance to Madonna. Look maybe Luke has some confessions of his own just saying…

Aerial photos of Ultrasaurus refurbishment during a partial test filling of Jurassic Park River Adventure.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-07-20T10:29:57.727Z

Jurassic Park River Adventure work is progressing with the first test of the flume. The white features seen on the audio animatronics are new moving mechanical components for the neck of the figure. Other figures have seen upgrades and we’re hoping the interior scenes also receive upgrades. Jurassic Park River Adventure reopens November 19.

Theming for #HHN Halloween Horror Nights in New York.Likely the tarps are obscuring theming that is revealed nightly for the event.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-07-21T00:27:07.473Z

Props and construction for Halloween Horror Nights continues in Universal Studios Florida. These figures and sets will take up space around the park and prevent the running of the Mega Movie Parade later in the year. Keep an eye out, you’ll never know what’ll pop up overnight!

Aerial photo of construction of a multi purpose building in Celestial Park. An event space similar to Soundstage 33 in Universal Studios Florida.

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct.bsky.social) 2026-07-21T01:24:47.265Z

Over in Epic Universe the multi-use building construction is progressing. The building when done can house events, festivals, and activities. The park needs more attractions, and thankfully new permits for Dark Universe and Ministry of Magic have been filed. Universal, it’d be cool if you put the Dungeons & Dragons walk through from Fan Fest at Universal Studios Hollywood in here. Just saying, a portal. Think about it, call me.

Refurbishment & Closure List

Here’s the list of refurbishments and closures for Universal Orlando.

Universal Studios Florida

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

Islands of Adventure

• Jurassic Park River Adventure – January 5, 2026 – November 19, 2026

Universal Epic Universe

• How to Train Your Dragon – The Untrainable Dragon – September 15th, 2026 – September 20th, 2026