Universal Orlando News

Universal Orlando News & Updates

New attractions, HHN announcements, and park updates — everything you need to plan smarter.

For trip-planning strategies, use the free Universal Orlando price calculator, read how Fruglar compares the costs, and explore the Travel Hacks guide.

Universal Orlando Planning Guides

🌌 Epic Universe Updated October 5, 2026 5 min read

Universal Nights Confirms 7 PM Entry and Included Snacks

Event-ticket holders can enter Epic Universe at 7 p.m., before the exclusive 9 p.m.–midnight hours begin.

Universal now names the unlimited snacks: berry-flavored Celestial Popcorn and crispy Kimchi Bao in Celestial Park.

See all dates, inclusions and pricing →
⚠️ Universal Kids Resort Updated October 4, 2026 5 min read

Universal Kids Resort Changes 2027 Closure Dates

Universal revised the January–March 2027 park-wide calendar and added closure windows in April and August.

The seasonal closures apply to Gold and Silver Annual Passes, including Gold passes with no Passholder blockout dates.

See every current closure date →
🍔 CityWalk Opening October 3, 2026 3 min read

Five Guys at Universal CityWalk Is Now Open

Universal now lists the new quick-service restaurant as open, with burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes and breakfast sandwiches.

Universal has not posted an opening date, full menu, prices or restaurant-specific hours on the dining page.

Read the confirmed opening update →
✓ Operations Resumed Updated October 2, 2026 3 min read

Universal Kids Resort Reopens; October 1 Tickets Valid Through December 2

Universal says the Frisco theme park returned to normal operations Friday after its October 1 severe-weather closure.

Affected October 1 tickets can be used on another eligible day through December 2 without an advance Guest Services exchange.

Read the verified reopening and ticket update →
⚠️ Planning Alert Updated October 9, 2026 4 min read

Universal Extends the Jurassic Park River Adventure Closure

The live calendar now lists Jurassic Park River Adventure closed through December 16, 2026.

The new end date is 27 days later than Universal's previously published November 19 date.

Read the confirmed closure update →
💸 Free Calculator September 26, 2026 4 min read

Universal Orlando - Best Money Saving Hacks in One Simple Calculator

Add your trip once. Fruglar checks current ticket and hotel prices, runs the best-known Universal savings strategies and ranks the complete totals.

See how regular admission, Annual Passes, Premier hotels and the one-night Ghost Room strategy compare for the same trip.

See how the calculator works →
🎭 2027 Event Dates September 24, 2026 4 min read

Universal Orlando Sets Mardi Gras 2027 Dates

Universal Mardi Gras returns February 6 through March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida.

Admission is included with a valid park ticket or eligible Annual Pass; concert dates, menus and paid add-on pricing are still to come.

See the dates and planning details →
🎃 HHN Decision Guide September 22, 2026 6 min read

Is HHN Express Pass Worth It in 2026?

A real two-person checkout reached $745: $180 for admission and $565 for HHN Express.

See the quick verdict, cost-per-house math, busy-night test takeaway and cheaper alternatives.

Decide if HHN Express is worth it →
💳 Card Offer September 22, 2026 4 min read

Universal Rewards Visa Offers Up to a $250 Welcome Credit

The $99-fee Plus card now advertises a $250 statement credit after the first purchase; the no-fee card offers $150 after $250 in spending.

Both public offers list a March 2, 2027 application deadline, and Universal says offers can vary by application channel.

Compare the offers and fine print →
🌭 CityWalk Opening September 16, 2026 4 min read

Fat One's Opens at Universal CityWalk September 19

Joey Fatone's new hot-dog and Italian-ice restaurant officially opens Saturday with a nine-hot-dog menu.

Universal also confirmed a limited first-100-guests giveaway and encourages interested visitors to arrive at 10 a.m.

See the menu and giveaway details →
🍫 CityWalk Event September 15, 2026 4 min read

Toothsome Sets a 10th-Anniversary Celebration at Universal CityWalk

The September 19 celebration runs from 3-6 p.m. with chocolate demonstrations, family activities, photos and a commemorative chocolate coin.

A five-dish anniversary menu and special shake remain available through September 30; Universal has not published prices.

See the event and menu details →
🎵 2027 Event Updated September 16, 2026 4 min read

Rock the Universe 2027 Tickets and Prices Are Live

The Christian music festival returns to Universal Studios Florida January 22–23, with 18 artists announced across the two nights.

Individual event tickets start at $109.99 plus tax, with separate Passholder, group, Rock Your Weekend and Express options.

Compare the tickets and full lineup →
💡 Price Hack September 12, 2026 7 min read

Universal Orlando Ghost Room Hotel Hack: One Night, Two Express Days

Keep your main hotel and add one eligible Premier night to cover two USF and IOA Express days—when the complete trip math beats buying Express separately.

See the exact hotels, covered parks, cost formula, occupancy rules, deposit warning and booking checklist.

Read the full guide →
✨ Latest Guide April 10, 2026 8 min read

Universal Orlando First Timer Guide

If this is your first Universal Orlando trip, this guide walks through the big choices first — where to stay, how many park days you need, and where first-timers usually overspend.

A strong starting point for anyone planning their first visit and wanting fewer rookie mistakes.

Read the full article →
⚡ Deal Alert March 29, 2026 3 min read

Universal Orlando Announces a New Summer Ticket Deal for Florida Residents

Florida residents can now access a special summer ticket deal for Universal Orlando Resort's theme parks — one of the better local perks the park has offered in recent years.

If you live in Florida and haven't looked at the residency pricing lately, this is worth a close look before summer crowds arrive.

Read the full article →
🎟️ Tickets March 29, 2026 3 min read

Universal Orlando Launches New Multi-Day Ticket With Access to All Four Parks

Universal Orlando has introduced a new multi-day ticket that grants access to all of its parks — a significant move as the Epic Universe opening approaches and the resort's four-park lineup comes into full effect.

For families planning a full resort visit, a single ticket covering all parks changes the math considerably versus buying day-by-day.

Read the full article →
🎖️ Military Deal March 29, 2026 3 min read

Universal Orlando Announces $220 Freedom Pass Annual Pass for Military Members & Families

Universal Orlando has launched the Freedom Pass — a $220 annual pass for active and veteran military members and their families, providing year-round access to the resort's theme parks at an unbeatable price point.

At $220 for an annual pass, the math works after a single visit for most military families. Here's what's included and who qualifies.

Read the full article →
🏗️ New Resort March 29, 2026 4 min read

Universal Kids Resort Unveils Its Seven Themed Lands — Full Details Here

Universal Orlando has revealed the complete themed land lineup for Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. The resort is purpose-built for young children and features interactive play areas, character experiences, and themed environments unlike anything currently in the Universal portfolio.

Seven lands. One resort built entirely for kids. Here's what each area looks like and what families should know before booking.

Read the full article →
🏗️ New Resort March 29, 2026 4 min read

Full Details of Universal Kids Resort Revealed — Opening 2026 in Frisco, Texas

Universal Orlando has released comprehensive details on the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The standalone property is designed exclusively for younger guests, with attractions, dining, and entertainment built around a completely different experience than the main Orlando parks.

Everything confirmed so far — location, size, target age range, and what makes this different from anything Universal has built before.

Read the full article →
🎃 Seasonal Events March 28, 2026 5 min read

HHN 35 Annual Passholder Guide: Every Discount, Perk, and Free Night

AP pricing, tier perks, free nights, Frequent Fear pass tiers, and RIP Tour discounts — everything you need if you hold a Universal Annual Pass.

Which AP tier gets the best value? Here's the full breakdown of what each tier unlocks for HHN 35.

Read the full article →
🎃 Seasonal Events March 28, 2026 4 min read

Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow Return as Icons for Halloween Horror Nights 35

Universal Orlando has confirmed HHN 35's theme — the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares — along with the return of two fan-favorite Icons and the first original haunted house.

Two legendary Icons. One twisted carnival. Here's everything Universal has revealed about HHN 35's theme and first house announcement.

Read the full article →
🎃 Seasonal Events March 28, 2026 3 min read

Halloween Horror Nights 35 Tickets Are Now on Sale — Here's What to Know

HHN 35 runs August 28 through November 1, 2026. Single-night tickets start at $88. Here's the full breakdown of ticket tiers, Frequent Fear passes, and the best nights to go.

Peak vs. off-peak pricing, the Frequent Fear math, and which nights sell out first — everything you need before buying.

Read the full article →
🎢 New Attractions March 28, 2026 3 min read

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027

Universal Orlando Resort will open Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-speed roller coaster, in 2027 — replacing the much-maligned Supercharged ride.

A legitimate thrill ride replacing one of Universal's weakest attractions. Here's what we know about the ride system and opening timeline.

Read the full article →

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