What’s Happening at Universal Studios in 2026
If you’re anything like me, you’re still having to double-pump before writing/typing the date, but it’s definitely 2026 now.
With 2025 squarely in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward to what’s next.
Here’s what’s happening at Universal Orlando Resort in 2026.
Rock the Universe 2026
We’re mere weeks away from the return of everyone’s favorite Christian music festival.
This year’s event will occur on January 23rd and 24th, which is about two weeks from now.
Universal
From 4 pm to 1 am, fans of Christian musicians will flock to Universal Studios Florida to rock out.
This year’s event features Switchfoot, the Grammy Award winning band whose songs have crossed over to the Billboard’s Top 40 charts.
Other acts include Blessing Offor, KB, Phil Wickham, LECRAE, and Passion.
You’ll be able to watch live music constantly for nine hours across multiple stages. It’s pretty great.
Mardi Gras
Photo: Universal
Another annual classic also makes its triumphant return in a few weeks.
This year’s Mardi Gras party begins on February 7th and runs nearly two months until April 4th.
Photo: Universal
You should understand by now that fans mob Universal Orlando during this event.
So, if you want to have the most fun, you need to book a Mardi Gras Float, Ride and Dine Experience.
Photo: Universal
These packages include a delicious three-course meal and, more importantly, guarantee you a spot on a parade float.
Note that Universal does have some requirements about who can get on the floats.
Photo: Universal
As long as you’re at least four feet tall and an adult, it’s probably fine, though.
I mention all this because Mardi Gras has become the theme park equivalent of a cultural phenomenon.
Everyone wants to be at Universal Orlando at this time of year, so please plan accordingly!
The New Roller Coaster
In 2025, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit permanently closed, and I reacted accordingly.
I ran around screaming, “Ding dong! The witch is dead!” for days on end. I hated that ride.
Image Credit: Universal Orlando
The roller coaster was far too bumpy and frankly unimaginative, with the only positive being a good soundtrack.
Then, Universal reduced the music options to five songs, hinting that the coaster was doomed.
Universal
At some point in 2026, a new roller coaster will arrive in its stead, and this one will be different.
I say this because Universal has demolished Hollywood Rip Rockit, a concept that just didn’t work.
Photo: visitorlando.com
Now, we’re getting something better, with rumors pointing toward a Fast & Furious or Ghostbusters theme.
As long as the ride isn’t Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, this is a huge win.
Universal
Seriously, I’d take the Trolls Trollercoaster over that monstrosity.
Halloween Horror Nights
Credit: Universal
As I’m discussing in this week’s UniversalParksBlog News, we already have a speculation map!
While Halloween Horror Nights 2025 ended just ten weeks ago, fans are looking forward to 2026.
Death Eaters
It’s what we do. As soon as HHN closes, we start anticipating the next version.
My personal request is that Universal do a better job with its Classic Monsters this time.
The past couple of years have been a bit threadbare with Universal’s anchor characters.
Honestly, the specifics don’t matter, though, as we all know the deal here.
Photo: Telemundo
As soon as Halloween Horror Nights opens in September (or maybe August), we’ll all be there.
While the event in the next section is undeniably surging in popularity, the basics never change.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Monsters Universe
All Universal Studios fans live for Halloween Horror Nights season. It’s the end-all, be-all.
In 2026, let’s hope that Universal Epic Universe gets involved a bit more, too!
Grinchmas 2026
Universal
Seriously, Grinchmas’ ascension delights Universal officials…and understandably so.
Who wouldn’t love living out the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at the parks?
Photo: Universal
As I discussed the other day, guests stood in line for more than two hours (!!!) to meet Mr. Grinch.
He must not be much of a mean one, after all, as Universal fans clearly enjoy the pleasure of his company.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal has mastered the end-of-year holiday season, turning Halloween and Christmas into signature events.
You can expect more of the same in 2026. Oh, and we may get a few more surprises, too.
A Springfield Announcement?
Photo: Universal
Did you know that The Simpsons comes with an expiration date at Universal Studios?
Park officials cleverly added some language to the Marvel deal to maintain the licensing rights in perpetuity.
Photo: Wikipedia
That’s legalese for “as long as Universal wants.” Sadly, the park couldn’t get the same deal for Springfield.
At the end of 2028, Universal Studios loses the licensing for The Simpsons, which is worrisome.
Photo: Orlando Informer
While management could always extend the deal at a later date, the situation is far from cut-and-dried.
Universal agreed to this deal with Fox, who no longer owns The Simpsons.
Photo: travelceffeine.com
Do you know who does? Yeah, it’s Disney, Universal’s main competitor in the theme park industry.
So, there’s a real chance that Universal Studios loses the rights to one of its themed lands’ brands.
Photo: TripSavvy
In that scenario, Universal must re-theme Springfield into something else.
Speculation has centered on Pokémon thus far, although anything is possible.
For that matter, there’s every chance that Universal could be working on a licensing extension with Disney.
Nobody really knows for sure what’s happening, but we should expect some clarity later in 2026.
Epic Universe Expansion News?
Photo: Universal
Similarly, Universal is never subtle when it’s working on new projects.
Even when the company hasn’t announced anything, park guests can see the truth.
Photo: Universal
Construction crews loudly move around dirt, signaling that new attractions are in the offing.
The most famous current example of this is at the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Photo: Universal
We’re seeing the same signs at Universal Epic Universe, where…something is underway.
Park planners are acutely aware that Epic Universe needs more attractions STAT!!!
Universal
The crowds are too long at all the currently operational attractions. So, more are needed.
We know that work is happening, and it’s reasonable to expect Universal to come clean soon.
Attractions Magazine
Expect at least one major Epic Universe announcement in 2026. Multiples wouldn’t surprise me.
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Feature Photo: Universal
