UniversalParksBlog News for August 28th, 2026

August has proven eventful at Universal Studios.

One attraction closed permanently, while an international sensation is coming soon.

Also, the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store is already up and running.

So, we’ve got plenty to cover in the UniversalParksBlog News for August 28^th, 2026.

Good Riddance

I know I’ve been writing about theme parks for a while when stories like this happen.

In 2015, I covered the grand opening of Fast & Furious: Supercharged.

As the name implied, Comcast officials expected the ride to supercharge Universal Studios Florida.

Let’s just say that these ambitions proved far too optimistic.

Yes, I’m being polite to phrase it that way, as we all know the deal.

Universal Orlando Resort experienced quite a bit of tumult in the 2010s.

On the one hand, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter elevated all the parks with one.

On the other hand, Comcast purchased Universal and quickly showed its true face.

The corporation wanted to make money off Universal more than it wanted to improve the parks.

So, low-rent upgrades became the status quo, thereby frustrating fans.

From 2015-2017, Comcast “upgraded” the park with two rides.

Both of them created a media frenzy right up until people boarded the attractions.

The first of them was Fast & Furious: Supercharged in 2015.

I’d make a joke about it being about family, but let’s be brutally honest.

The only family part about it was that families agreed not to ride it since it was terrible.

Two years later, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon debuted.

You cannot imagine how much goodwill Comcast squandered with just those two rides.

The End of the Road

Now, we only have Jimmy Fallon to kick around, as darkness has fallen on its companion.

On August 16^th, the few fans of Fast & Furious: Supercharged rode it for the last time.

I’ve seen the average wait times from that day, and let’s just say it died the way it lived.

Even Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit enjoyed a last-minute rush during its final weeks in operation.

Fast & Furious: Supercharged technically had that, too, but its surge proved minimal.

I’m not the only one saying good riddance to a wildly disappointing “thrill ride.”

Comcast still believes in the Fast & Furious brand as a theme park concept, though.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is currently undergoing a soft opening at Universal Studios Hollywood, will replace Supercharged.

Here’s a video of the new roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Notably, the park hasn’t confirmed an official opening date for this ride.

And just to be clear, I don’t mean in Orlando, as that won’t happen until 2027.

Right now, the Hollywood version sporadically operates throughout the week.

Universal has adopted this approach to address noise concerns by residents in the area.

So, no Fast & Furious ride is technically open right now, even if that statement comes with a huge asterisk.

I’ll hopefully have a more finite date for Hollywood Drift by next time.

Given the way that Universal Studios has handled this one, I’m not 100 percent sure, though.

What I can say is that the early reviews of the ride are quite positive.

In that regard, it has already outperformed Supercharged, which was disliked from the start.

Seriously, good riddance. I’ll be so happy once Comcast no longer owns NBCUniversal.

The Halloween Update

We’ve got more good news to cover this week, as Halloween season has arrived!

Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year for Universal Studios fans.

The first Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) event will begin by the next time we talk.

And the 2026 Halloween Tribute Store has already debuted. Gaze upon its splendor!

This year’s store features a circus tent aesthetic that works really well.

However, I want to draw your attention to something at the four-minute mark of the video.

HamiKuma has made its way to the United States! This is a big deal, folks.

The macabre teddy bear became an overnight sensation at Universal Studios Japan.

Now, every Universal Studios in the world is carrying HamiKuma merch this year.

Don’t be surprised if this breakout star one day rivals Jack the Clown and Oddfellow in popularity.

In other HHN news, Universal showed off the entire menu for the UOR side.

I love that “Evil Dead Burn Food” is one descriptor. That doesn’t sound tasty, does it?

I’m confident Universal will somehow prove me wrong on the point, though.

On the “sounds more edible” front, I’m definitely interested in Upside Down Chicken & Waffles.

Meanwhile, Sinners fans should try the dessert here, Pecan & Whiskey Bread Pudding.

Well, it’s either that or Ozzy Osbourne’s Ultimate Sin-Amon. Both sound delicious.

More Halloween News

Have you heard about the Keyholder Bar yet? If not, I’ve got great news.

Well, it’s great for annual passholders. Everyone else will feel a bit jealous.

With HHN starting this evening, Universal wanted to celebrate its most dedicated fans.

So, passholders will enjoy exclusive access to the Keyholder Bar during HHN.

You’ll apparently find it near the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida.

That’s about all I know today, but it sounds delightful. Passholders should definitely check it out.

Meanwhile, the one place everyone can visit is the Red Coconut Club. Here it is:

You can tell by the line how popular this place will be throughout the Halloween season.

This year’s Red Coconut Club features an alien invasion theme and looks like a lot of fun.

Importantly, this year’s club menu includes food, a welcome addition.

And that’s not the only fun hangout you’ll find during HHN 2026.

The Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge will temporarily replace Jake’s Bar.

Only the diehards know what that means, so I’ll spell it out.

Universal will extend the HHN theme to Loews Royal Pacific Resort this year!

Some of you won’t even need to leave your hotel to participate in HHN!

Finally, we should probably talk about Zanzō at Universal Studios Japan.

For the first time ever, HHN will feature an R-rated House with an 18+ requirement.

That’s right. Anyone under 18 cannot even enter Zanzō. It’s solely for adults.

I hope to post a video for you next week with the annual HHN UPB update.

 

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