This week, we catch up on lots of Universal Orlando Resort news from the past few weeks that will impact your vacation. From ride demolition to brand new menu items, we have them all in this article.

Rock the Universe Returns in 2026

Central Florida’s largest Christian music festival returns when Rock the Universe takes over USF January 23 – 24, 2026. Experience music across two different stages, opportunities to meet your favorite Christian music acts, and all the attractions at Universal Studios Florida. Tickets are on sale now for one-day and multiday admission, plus Express Passes. This is 2026’s musical acts:

Friday, January 23, 2026

• Forrest Frank
• Switchfoot
• KB
• Blessing Offor
• Hulvey
• Bodie
• Carie Leslie
• Hopeful.
• Eli Gable

Saturday, January 24, 2026

• LECRAE
• Phil Wickham
• Colton Dixon
• Passion
• Terrian
• Sam Riviera
• Megan Danielle
• Bay Turner
• Caleb & John

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Demolition

Demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit continues unabated by Halloween Horror Nights. The treble clef and helix in the New York section of the park, along with the spaghetti bowl near CityWalk, are fully gone. Careful demolition of the remaining sections between the USF soundstages continues nightly.

The ride will likely be removed by the end of the year, with vertical construction of a replacement attraction starting concurrently or soon after. Universal Orlando has not said what is replacing HRRR, but it is likely to be a coaster similar to the upcoming Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Lost Continent Construction Permits

Universal Orlando submitted a 4.9-acre permit two weeks ago for the demolition of attraction, dining, and shopping areas. Savvy folks found that the permit acreage covers the areas of Lost Continent, minus the Mythos restaurant. While Universal Orlando has not yet confirmed demolition of the Lost Continent area, we feel confident in saying this area’s life is short-lived. Formerly host to the Poseidon Furry and Eight Voyage of Sinbad shows, Lost Continent is now best known for its Mythos restaurant and the All Hallows Eve boutique store. Universal remains mum on what is replacing this opening day land, but whatever it becomes, don’t expect it to open till 2028 or later.

Jurassic Park 10 Month Refurbishment

Jurassic Park River Adventure is closing for a lengthy refurbishment in 2026. The ride will be closed from January 5 all the way to November 19, 2026. This 318-day closure is reported to be for a lengthy refurbishment of the whole attraction, including audio-animatronics and ride system, with Universal Orlando saying it’s going down for scheduled maintenance. At this time, we are not expecting the attraction to be rethemed to Jurassic World.

New Menus at Park and CityWalk Restaurants

I wanna munch! That’s right, it’s time for menu updates from the culinary wizards and scientists at Universal Orlando. In CityWalk new menu items arrived at NBC Grill & Brew, Bigfire, Toothsome, Vivo, Antojitos, Margaritaville, and Breadbox (phew!).  Highlights include the food fusion of Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls at NBC Grill & Brew, a pork tenderloin and halibut dishes at VIVO, braised short ribs at Bigfire, and an incredible Bacon-Donut Fusion burger at Cowfish. WOW!

USF and IOA saw some menu updates at several of their restaurants, too. Confisco at the front of IOA features a Grilled Angus Beef Churrasco Steak entree, while Mythos adds a Watermelon Salad and Sea Scallops with Corn Risotto dishes. In USF, guests can find new chicken wings at Finnegan’s Bar & Grille, Miso Glazed Sea Bass at Lombards, and a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-crusted crispy chicken sandwich at Richter’s Burger Co.

That’s a wrap on the news! Leave your thoughts in the comments below and let us know if you wish to see this series return in the future!