Planning a Universal vacation? Staying up to date on the latest promotions, attraction refurbishments, and exciting announcements can help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to experience everything Universal has to offer, here the latest Universal Orlando news and updates.
Save More with Current Universal Orlando Vacation Offers
If you’ve been thinking about planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation, now is an excellent time to book.
Get 2 Days FREE with a 3-Day Ticket
For a limited time, purchase a 3-Day Base Ticket or Park-to-Park Ticket and receive 2 additional days FREE. That means you’ll enjoy five days of thrills for the price of three, giving you more time to experience Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay (when operating).
Bundle & Save Up to $300
Guests can also save up to $300 when they bundle:
- A hotel stay of two nights or longer
- Park-to-Park theme park tickets
This vacation package offer is available for travel through December 31, 2026, making it one of the best values currently available for families looking to maximize both savings and vacation time.
Related Article:
- Universal Orlando Summer 2026 Deals
- Your Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels
- Exploring the Park-to-Park Tickets 2026
End Your Day with Celestial Goodnight
There’s a brand-new reason to stay until park close at Universal Epic Universe! Guests can now experience Celestial Goodnight, a breathtaking 10-minute nighttime spectacular that provides a magical finale to an unforgettable day.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Celestial Park, this immersive closing ceremony combines more than 600 points of light, choreographed fountains, soaring music, and newly added fireworks to create a dazzling celebration of the park’s spirit. The synchronized effects transform the gardens and waterways into a spectacular display, making it the perfect way to reflect on your adventures before heading home.
If you’re visiting Epic Universe, be sure to leave time in your schedule for Celestial Goodnight! It’s a beautiful finale you won’t want to miss and one of our favorite parts of the latest Universal news and updates
Related Articles:
- Top Highlights of Universal’s Epic Universe
- Our Private VIP Tour at Epic Universe
- Universal Orlando 2027 Vacations are Now Open
Temporary Refurbishments & Seasonal Closures
Like all major theme parks, Universal periodically refurbishes attractions to keep experiences operating at their best. If you’re planning a trip, keep these scheduled closures in mind (dates are always subject to change).
| Attraction | Scheduled Closure |
|---|---|
| Jurassic Park River Adventure | January 5 – November 19, 2026 |
| Finnegan’s Bar & Grill | January 12, 2026 – Winter 2026 |
| Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show | May 12, 2026 – Winter 2026 |
| The Untrainable Dragon | September 15–20, 2026 |
| Universal Volcano Bay | Select closures throughout fall and winter. Seasonal closure begins October 26, 2026, with reopening currently planned on or before April 1, 2027. |
As always, refurbishment schedules can change, so it’s a good idea to check current operating calendars before your vacation.
Permanent Changes Around Universal
Sometimes the latest among the Universal news and updates doesn’t make us happy. But the company continues to evolve its parks by introducing exciting new experiences while retiring older offerings.
Thunder Falls Terrace Closes Permanently
Thunder Falls Terrace welcomed its final guests on July 19, 2026, and permanently closed beginning July 20, 2026.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged Closing
The final day to experience Fast & Furious – Supercharged will be August 16, 2026, before the attraction permanently closes on August 17.
While saying goodbye to an attraction is always bittersweet, Universal is already looking toward the future.
Guests can look forward to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, opening in 2027. This groundbreaking outdoor roller coaster will become the fastest coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio, reaching speeds of 72 MPH while featuring revolutionary 360-degree rotating ride vehicles traveling over 4,100 feet of track for an entirely new ride experience.
Universal Studios Hollywood Updates
Attractions Assistance Pass Update
Also, in the latest Universal news and updates, Universal continues improving accessibility for guests.
The Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) return time program has now been integrated into the Universal Studios Hollywood App. Guests approved for the program can request digital return times directly through the app, making the experience more convenient.
The digital return time system is currently in technical rehearsal, so some features may continue to evolve.
More Ways to Save
Another current promotion gives guests at Universal Studios Hollywood even more flexibility. Buy One Day, Get a Second Day FREE
Purchase a qualifying one-day ticket and receive a second day free.
Return visits must be used by December 16, 2026, and blockout dates and other restrictions apply.
Universal Kids Resort Is Now Open!
Families with younger children have an exciting new vacation destination to discover.
Universal Kids Resort is the first Universal theme park designed specifically for families with young children, offering immersive play, interactive attractions, beloved characters, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the park.
Seven Themed Lands Include:
- Isle of Curiosity
- DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
- Puss in Boots Del Mar
- TrollsFest
- Jurassic World: Adventure Camp
- SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom
- Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
Beyond the attractions, families will enjoy:
- Interactive wet and dry play areas
- Sensory gardens
- Character meet-and-greets
- Live entertainment
- Themed dining
- Exclusive shopping
Stay at Universal Kids Resort Hotel
Located just steps from the park, the new Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers:
- 300 guest rooms and family suites
- Convenient dining options
- Family-friendly amenities
- Easy walking access to the theme park
Vacation packages can be customized with flexible ticket options and hotel stays, making planning simple for families.
Package guests also receive Early Park Admission, giving them extra time to enjoy select attractions before the park opens to day guests.
Flexible Ticket Options
Families can choose the admission option that best fits their vacation, including:
- 1-Day Tickets
- 2-Day Tickets
- 1½-Day Tickets (includes admission after 2:00 PM on arrival day plus one full additional day)
Add Even More Fun
Guests looking to enhance their visit can also purchase special experiences such as:
- Troll-ify Me! Experience featuring a colorful Poppy & Branch-inspired makeover
- Private VIP Experience, including a four-hour guided tour with priority attraction access and exclusive perks
- Admission + Coca-Cola Freestyle® Souvenir Cup packages to stay refreshed throughout the day
Final Thoughts
Universal continues investing in new attractions, expanded family experiences, exciting vacation packages, and guest enhancements. Whether you’re hoping to experience Epic Universe, revisit your favorite attractions, or introduce little ones to the brand-new Universal Kids Resort, there’s never been a better time to start planning.
Because promotions, refurbishments, and park offerings can change throughout the year, working with an experienced travel advisor can help ensure you receive the latest offers while building the vacation that best fits your family’s needs.
Ready to Start Planning?
Our friends at DizN Vacations would love to help you plan your next Universal vacation! Their complimentary vacation planning services include personalized recommendations, vacation package booking, promotion monitoring, and itinerary guidance to help you get the most from your trip.
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