updated August 2026
Universal Orlando Resort has already given guests plenty to celebrate! With a brand-new nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe, new attractions on the horizon, HHN 2026 ready to begin and the holidays season planned, Universal Orlando 2026 is shaping up to be the best yet.
Planning a Universal Vacation?
Whether you’re dreaming of Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, our Universal Destinations Guide is a great place to start. You’ll find helpful resources to guide you through the planning process, from tickets and resorts to attractions, Express Pass, special events, and more.
👉 Explore our Universal Destinations Guide and find the information you need to start planning your Universal vacation with confidence.
Exclusive Promotions for 2026 Vacation Planning
Right now, Universal Orlando is offering fantastic savings for guests who book in advance:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package:
- Save up to 30% on a 5-night or more stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel 9/8-12/25/2026 and 1/3/-3/15/2027
- 3-Day Park to Park tickets plus 2-Day free promotional tickets
- Save more with a Bundle & Save Discount
- Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of our amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening (Valid theme park admission required).
- Special Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Flight in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ featuring four flavors of your choosing and one Honeydukes™ Cooler Tote
- Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron™ in Universal Studios Florida – one per person
- Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ in Universal Islands of Adventure – one per person
- Breakfast at Café L’air De La Sirène™ in Universal Epic Universe – one per person
- One (1) Shutterbutton’s™ Photography Studio session in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ that includes one commemorative DVD photo album and one exclusive designed 8” x 10” photo print
Related Article: Your Wizarding World Guide (2026)
Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package
- Save of up to 30% on a 5-Night or Longer Hotel Stay (Valid for travel 09/08/26-12/25/26 and 01/03/27-03/15/27
- 3-Day Park-to-Park Tickets WITH Volcano Bay + 2 Days Free Promotional Ticket
- 1-Night Admission to Halloween Horror Nights
- Save Even More with a Bundle & Save Discount
- Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions in one of our amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening (Valid theme park admission required).
Halloween Horror Nights occurs select nights August 28 – November 1, 2026. Advance purchase required.
Related Article: Visiting Universal Orlando this Fall (2026)
Universal Celestial Goodnight: A New Way to End Your Epic Universe Day
There’s a new reason to stick around until park closing at Universal Epic Universe! Universal Celestial Goodnight debuted in July 2026 and is now a nightly nighttime spectacular in Celestial Park. The approximately 10-minute show combines dazzling projections, synchronized lighting, dancing fountains, fireworks, and music inspired by the incredible worlds of Epic Universe.
The show takes place at park close, making it a spectacular way to end your day at Epic Universe before heading back to your resort. I highly recommend staying to experience it! It’s a short show, but it packs a lot into those few minutes and transforms Celestial Park into a completely different experience after dark. If you’re visiting Epic Universe, I’d definitely add Universal Celestial Goodnight to your plans!
Related Article: Epic Universe- 1 Year Later: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
What’s Coming in 2026
Universal Orlando isn’t slowing down. Here’s what fans can look ahead to:
- Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift: Construction continues on Universal Orlando’s upcoming Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster, which is being built on the former site of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The new coaster features the same Fast & Furious theme as the attraction that recently opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving Orlando guests a look at what’s to come.
- The Lost Continent: officially closed as Universal Orlando prepares to transform the area. What will eventually replace it—and the theme of the new land—has not yet been announced, so this is definitely one to watch as more details are revealed.
2026 Seasonal Events & Experiences
Below is Universal Orlando’s Holiday Seasonal events:
- Halloween Horror Nights (Sep 3 – Nov 1): Spooky thrills with separately-ticketed haunted attractions.
- Holiday Season Events: (Nov 14- January 3, 2027): Festive experiences for the whole family. The event includes unique shows and seasonal treats.
- New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration (Dec 31): Ring in the new year with music, lights, and unforgettable memories.
Related Articles
New Universal Destinations: Universal Kids Resort
Exciting news for families: Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco, Texas in July! Designed for children, this new park offers immersive lands based on DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and Illumination properties. Highlights include:
- Jurassic World Adventure Camp: Family coasters and interactive play areas.
- SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: Rides, water play, and character experiences.
- Shrek’s Swamp, TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar: Attractions, dining, and interactive play designed for kids.
- Isle of Curiosity: The ultimate gateway for family exploration with themed experiences, snacks, and merchandise.
The Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers family-friendly accommodations, dining, and entertainment to match the park’s immersive experiences.
Continue Planning Your Universal Vacation
Ready to take the next step? Explore more of our Universal vacation planning resources:
- Universal Destinations Guide – Start here for our complete collection of Universal planning resources.
- Universal Tickets Guide – Learn about your ticket options and find the best fit for your vacation.
- Universal Resort Guide – Explore the benefits and differences of Universal’s resort hotels.
- Universal VIP Tour Review – Get a firsthand look at the VIP Tour experience and what makes it unique.
Keep exploring, keep planning, and when you’re ready, I’m here to help!
Ready to Plan Your Universal Vacation?
You’ve done the research—now let me help you put it all together!
✈️ Ready to book?
Reach out to me, Jessica Yashin, to start planning your Universal vacation. From choosing the right destination and resort to navigating tickets, Express Pass, and all the details in between, I’m here to make the planning process easier.
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