What's Coming To Universal Studios Theme Parks In 2026? An Epic Breakdown
There’s a new Butterbeer Waffle in the Wizarding World.
After the opening of Epic Universe, Universal Destinations & Experiences is planning for an equally exciting 2026, with the debut of a new roller coaster as well as returning faves that will make a theme park vacay at the top of your to-do list.
Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who has yet to try Butterbeer IRL or a thrill seeker looking to get a jump scare at a haunted house, there’s no shortage of things to do at Universal Studios. As a passholder at Universal Studios Hollywood, I love grabbing a drink to enjoy while taking the backlot tour, and seeing if I can spot a TV show or movie in production.
In 2026, there will be plenty of new sips to try, with the return of events like Fan Fest Nights and Mega Movie Summer — which are just some of the things I’m looking forward to. Whether you’re a foodie like me or someone who wants to make a viral TikTok with the Grinch, here’s everything you need to know about what’s to come at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort in the new year.
Universal Studios Hollywood Is Getting Fast & Furious
While no dates have been revealed yet, the biggest addition to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026 will be the all-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster. This will be the West Coast’s first-ever high-speed, outdoor coaster in the theme park, and will feature ride vehicles that have 360-degree rotation.
Along with the new attraction, USH will also have returning events in 2026, like Butterbeer Season. From March through May, Harry Potter fans will be able to enjoy the sweetest treat from the Wizarding World in drinks, fudge, ice cream, and more. New this year is a Butterbeer Waffle, which is available at the Three Broomsticks.
In general, the spring is a great time for fans to visit Universal Studios, because Universal Fan Fest Nights will return from April 23 through May 16. This year’s event will feature characters and experiences from Scooby-Doo, the Universal Monsters, and more on select nights. There will even be an all-new walk-through Forbidden Forest experience in the Wizarding World with challenges, magical creatures, and chances for guests to cast spells just like Harry Potter.
Starting in June, Universal’s Mega Movie Summer will be making a comeback with film-themed menu items. Last year, that included a Back to the Future Flux Capacitor Patty Melt as well as Hogwarts House-themed churros. (All points should go to the berry Ravenclaw churro, IMO.)
Speaking of Harry Potter, in August, fans will get to celebrate going Back to Hogwarts in the Wizarding World right before Halloween Horror Nights returns on Sept. 3. The special ticketed event will run through Nov. 1 with all-new haunted houses, scare zones, and themed menu items —like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man S'more that was tied to the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire house in 2024.
Fans on TikTok are already speculating at what houses might be coming to HHN this year. Rumors include Lady Gaga, Stranger Things Season 5, and Sinners, but Universal has yet to announce anything.
After Halloween is over, the holidays will begin at Universal Studios. The seasonal festivities will include new treats, merch, and the return of the viral Grinchmas.
Universal Orlando Resort Is Celebrating The Seasons
Orlando just revealed what you can expect at Universal Studios in Florida this year by releasing dates for the seasonal events on Jan. 8. First up, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will return on Feb. 7 and run through April 4.
Just like Hollywood, Orlando will also be celebrating Butterbeer Season in the spring (March 1 – May 31) and Back to Hogwarts (Aug. 1 – Sept. 1), so there will be plenty for Harry Potter fans to enjoy. In addition to having the Butterbeer Waffle at the Three Broomsticks, fans can also find the new menu item at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. Orlando also has a new Butterbeer Cupcake, Butterbeer Cookie Sandwich, Butterbeer Candy Apple, and Butterbeer Shortbread Bar exclusively at Honeydukes in Hogsmeade and Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley. Anyone visiting Epic Universe will also get to try the brand new Butterbeer Crème Brûlée at Café L’air de la Siréne.
During the fall, Dark Arts will return to the Wizarding World when Halloween Horror Nights creeps back to the park. The popular scarefest will run from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1 with all-new haunted houses inspired by movies and original ideas.
Once Halloween has wrapped up, the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will begin Nov. 14 and run through the new year. Guests can expect seasonal fun with Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
For anyone who would rather celebrate more HHN fun year-round, Universal Horror Unleashed opened in 2025 across from The Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. The spooky experience with movie-themed mazes, like Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, will continue to run and be open Wednesday through Sunday in 2026 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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