Universal Orlando – 2022 Preview and Beyond

2022 looks to be another huge year at Universal Orlando with events, attraction updates, and more. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about what lies ahead for the resort. Once you decide to book a trip, our Touring Plans Travel Agents are standing by.

Revenge of the Mummy Refurbishment

Universal Studios Florida’s Revenge of the Mummy is now closed for a refurbishment through the end of summer. Construction permits are filed to replace ride control systems and update external infrastructure. Rumors suggest the coaster track and breaks could be replaced during the refurbishment and the attraction’s storyline could be streamlined. We are excited to see what Universal has in store for this fan-favorite attraction.

Universal has not given an exact date for this classic attraction’s return, so stay tuned to Touring Plans for the latest updates!

Rock the Universe

Florida’s largest Christian rock festival returns at the end of January with nearly a dozen musical acts. The event runs from 6:00 pm till 1:00 am and features select Universal Studios Florida attractions. For more information visit last weeks Around the Universe post.

Rock the Universe runs on January 28 (Friday) and January 29 (Saturday).

Winter Olympics

Tents and tables have been set up inside Music Plaza Stage for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/1MMj7dW89V

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) May 27, 2021

NBC is covering the 2022 Olympic Winter Games and we expect Universal Orlando to celebrate. NBC Grill Brew will show all-day highlights and coverage of the games and, if the 2020 Summer Games were any indication of what’s in store this year, Universal Studios Florida will offer viewing areas with unique food options. The 2022 Olympic Winter Games run February 4 through 20.

Mardi Gras 2022

Polish that brass and turn on the crawfish boil, it’s Mardi Gras time! Universal’s celebration of all things carnival returns February through April with food, concerts, parades, and beads! The amazing food festival that guests gushed about returns along with a whole new Tribute Store. After a 2021 hiatus, the weekend concert series is restarting and the daily Mardi Gras parade is once again rolling. Universal has yet to announce their concert lineup, but we expect that to happen in the coming days.

Universal’s Mardi Gras runs daily, February 5 through April 24. Concert performances occur on select weekends.

Summer

Summer brings blockbusters, crowds, and new experiences to Universal Orlando. A new Tribute Store will debut featuring either a headliner movie and/or Universal Orlando attraction as its theme. New dining options will debut throughout the resort as menus are refreshed. CityWalk will debut new experiences, such as a rumored escape room concept replacing The Groove. Also, expect in-park events, meet and greets, and displays for upcoming Universal movies such as Jurassic World Dominion or Minions: The Rise of Gru.

Halloween Horror Nights 31

For some, it is never too early to think about Halloween. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is returning for its 31st year in 2022 with new houses, scare zones, and shows. Will we see a house based on the smash hit Chucky TV show? Maybe something Stranger? Universal’s been silent, but we will start to get announcements this spring.

Universal has yet to announce the event days for Halloween Horror Nights. Based on past years we are expecting the event to run selection nights from September 2 through October 31. Stay tuned to Touring Plans and our Crowd Calendar for updates.

Holidays at Universal Orlando 2022

Just put away your Christmas decorations? Well, it is never too early to think about the next holiday season! Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings will return in 2022 with a holiday parade featuring Macy’s balloons, a stage show retelling How The Grinch Stole Christmas, special holiday versions of Wizarding World shows, Christmas concerts, festive decorations, and more!

Universal has yet to announce the days for their holiday offerings. Based on past years we are expecting the holidays to run daily from November 19, 2022, through January 8, 2023. Stay tuned to Touring Plans and our Crowd Calendar for updates.

2023 and Beyond

Theme park reinvestment is the lifeblood of the industry. Universal has its foot on the pedal again after a brief COVID pause with several new projects. A new Minions-based attraction is opening in the former location of Shrek 4D that will take guests into the wacky Villain-Con. Guests will be able to test the crazy gadgets featured at the convention in the movie. On the other side of the park, Fear Factor Live has closed for a new attraction – an expansion to London and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Creative is playing their cards close to their chest here, but we are expecting a new broom-based virtual reality attrition to open in the coming years.

Looking farther out is Universal’s third theme park, Epic Universe. Rumored to open in 2025, this new park will feature some of the world’s best-themed environments based on Nintendo, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal’s Classic Monsters. The main artery of the park will be a celestial-themed hub with restaurants, shops, rides, and shows. Stay tuned to Touring Plans as more about this amazing park is revealed.

What are you looking forward to at Universal Orlando in 2022? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!