UniversalParksBlog News for July 3rd, 2026
Universal Studios just experienced one of its strangest weeks on record.
Two days before a new theme park opened, Universal’s corporate owner made a big move.
(Jeff Fusco/Comcast via AP Images)
Also, we have learned much more about Halloween Horror Nights 2026.
So, we’ll discuss everything in the latest batch of UniversalParksBlog News.
A New Park Opens
Photo: Comcast NBC Universal
As I discussed the other day, Comcast will ditch NBC Universal.
Comcast is performing a spinoff and will stick NBC with some of the worst pieces.
CNN
The good news is that the parks will enjoy a bit more autonomy in a year.
Still, the timing of this announcement is quite odd, given what just happened.
Universal Kids Resort
On July 1st, Universal Kids Resort welcomed guests for the first time.
The new theme park in Frisco, Texas, didn’t catch a break with the weather.
I mentioned about six months ago that I hoped the park wouldn’t open in the heart of summer.
Alas, that’s precisely what happened, with predictable weather-related results.
Image Credit: Universal
The high temperatures were in the upper 90s all week in Frisco.
As for the heat index, well, imagine an active volcano. So, yeah.
Even worse, the early reviews weren’t kind, especially locally.
The Dallas Morning News ran with the rather impolite headline of:
Universal
“Universal Kids Resort Is Getting Roasted on Social Media, But Some Are Punching Back.”
One of the most active threads on the Universal Studios subreddit asks:
Universal Kids Resort
“Is the hate surrounding Universal Kids Resort valid?”
These are NOT the kinds of opening week conversations a theme park needs.
More HHN News
Stranger Things charm
Last time, I told you about the final Stranger Things House coming to HHN 2026.
Now, we’ve got another update, although I want to mention Stranger Things again.
Photo: Universal
Universal is now referring to this House as Hawkins’ Last Stand, which I love.
Between this and Sinners, the marketing team is off to a strong start.
Okay, on to the new stuff… Jack and Oddfellow: Chaos & Control was the first original House announced for 2026.
The second will be the brilliantly named H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular.
For old-school HHN fans, this is a marvelous callback to 15 years ago.
Back then, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Holiday of Horror delighted fans.
The ominously named Bloodengutz had taken his show’s cancellation quite hard.
His crew suffered due to his fit of rage, but he wound up incarcerated.
Well, he has escaped from prison and is ready to broadcast a new presentation.
Let’s just say that the show will be rated Mature and not for the squeamish.
The third original House will be MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals.
Folks, let me go on record as saying that all cannibals should be caged.
So, I don’t love the implication here that they escape their confinement, too.
That may be this year’s unstated theme: imprisoned felons make their escapes. Eek.
Universal
For its part, Universal got straight to the point with the description:
“They’re territorial. They’re hungry. And you’re lunch.”
As the Chicken Run quote goes, “I don’t want to be a pie.” Or lunch.
More HHN Houses
Cybergoria
Alas, this year’s event doesn’t seem overtly friendly to humanity.
The fourth original story is called Cybergoria, and the theme is simple.
Universal
In the future, machines rule the world, and they want to turn you into one.
Yes, someone has clearly been watching too many Terminator movies.
Universal
So, we’re getting AI sci-fi set in the distant future. Here’s the description:
“Awaken thousands of years in the future in this haunted house and brave a cold world driven by machines with a singular goal: to make you live forever, even if it kills you.”
None of that sounds good for you or me. Where’s my HHN Hallmark House?
Oh, well. Maybe the last one will be better. Let’s check its name.
Hmm, it’s INVASION: Alien Abduction. Yeah, that’s probably not great, either.
Surely, it can’t be all that bad, though, right? Let’s read the description:
Image: Universal
“Guests witness a terrifying encounter with an aggressive, unseen alien craft that has abducted a family and its livestock from a remote homestead…and they are now plotting to tear everyone apart.”
Oof. Lots of people (and livestock) are about to die.
Universal
Universal will announce a few more Houses, but those are the original stories for 2026.
The running theme here is ABSOLUTE TOTAL MURDER with some light cannibalism. Why haven’t you bought tickets yet?
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Feature Photo: Universal
