Since 2012, one of the most striking characteristics of Universal Orlando Resort has been its ever-changing roster of attractions; thanks to the phenomenal success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the unceasing drive of Comcast, NBCUniversal’s corporate parent, not a single year has gone by without a new experience of one sort or another debuting, whether that be a ride, restaurant, store, or hotel.
It can be a lot to keep track of, especially with a whole new parcel of land being developed – including a whole new theme park, Epic Universe, along with it. But don’t worry! Every announced addition, expansion, or replacement is listed here, starting with next year, 2024, and then moving on into the near future.
Given everything that has transpired last decade and everything that’s lined up for this one, we can honestly say this is the single most exciting time in Universal’s history. Experience the excitement for yourself by purchasing discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort through Orlando Informer!
For current Universal Orlando Resort happenings, check out our Snapshot, which has the latest updates!
Skip to: Universal Studios Florida | Islands of Adventure | Universal CityWalk Orlando | Epic Universe
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando’s very first theme park has continued to undergo a years-long transformation, replacing its older attractions with brand-new, updated content – and signs only continue to point to this being the case in the 2020s.
DreamWorks Animation Land
Opening: June 14, 2024
Immerse yourself in a land based on beloved DreamWorks Animation films that will feature play areas and attractions themed after fan-favorite franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with beloved characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Read the details here.
Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular
Opening: June 14, 2024
As the day’s adventures draw to a close, guests are invited to converge around the Universal Studios Florida lagoon, where the water and sky come alive with illumination. Here, the familiar tales of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy, and King Kong are all woven into a captivating spectacle, creating a seamless end to an unforgettable day. Read the announcement here.
Universal Mega Movie Parade
Opening: July 3, 2024
Coming soon, Universal Orlando will debut the Universal Mega Movie Parade, an all-new daytime parade that promises to be the largest in the park’s history. This spectacular parade will showcase 13 brand-new floats and nearly 100 performers, including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, and poi performers, all accompanied by stunning special effects. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite characters and themes from beloved franchises such as E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, and more. Read the announcement here.
Halloween Horror Nights 2024
Opening: August 30, 2024
We anticipate Universal Orlando Resort’s long-time, annual tradition of nighttime frights to return to Universal Studios Florida beginning August 30 through November 3. While we await information on this fan-favorite, separately ticketed event, check out our guide from Halloween Horror Nights 2023.
Islands of Adventure
Hogwarts Always
Opening: June 14, 2024
Hogwarts Castle will transform before your eyes with the help of projection technology to create a magical nighttime spectacle. Hogwarts Always offers four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house with a colorful pyrotechnic display finale. Fans can expect to hear dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat, and more throughout the show. Read the announcement here.
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Exciting changes aren’t just happening in the Theme Parks! This entertainment district is constantly being updated to provide fresh offerings for visitors to Universal Orlando. From food to fun, there’s always something to see at Universal CityWalk Orlando.
Epic Universe
Opening: 2025
The fourth theme park at Universal Orlando has seen something of a bumpy ride over its short lifespan: announced in August 2019, put on hold in July 2020, and reactivated in March 2021 (all thanks to COVID-19, of course). Currently, construction is slowly ramping back up to pre-pandemic levels, and its opening date is still set for sometime in 2025.
What else do we know about one of Universal’s biggest projects of all time? It will be erected on the recently acquired south campus of the resort, which is located some 10 or 15 minutes away from the other parks and CityWalk. Guests will embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating realms of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Check out our Epic Universe world announcement for all the details!
The swath of real estate that the new theme park will sit on actually has a long and convoluted history with Universal, and you can read all about it here.
- Best day of the week to visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay
- Best time of the year to visit Universal Orlando Resort
- Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
- How many days to spend at Universal Orlando?
- Maps and Rider’s Guide for Universal
- Parking, Guest Drop-off, and the Universal Orlando Transportation Hub
- Saving Time and Money at Universal Orlando: Top 10 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
- Shuttles, Taxis, and Ride Sharing: Transportation Recommendations Around Orlando
- Universal Orlando Annual Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Universal Orlando Express Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Universal Orlando Ride & Show Wait Times Based on Crowd Levels (including Diagon Alley)
- Universal Orlando: Complete Guide to Attraction Assistance for Special-Needs Families
- Universal Orlando: Secret to Getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
- Universal Orlando’s Dining Plans – complete guide & tips to save money
- Weather at Universal Orlando: Average Temperatures, Rainfall, & Expert Advice
- What to pack for your Universal Orlando vacation: free checklist & how to keep kids safe
- What’s Coming to Universal in 2024 and Beyond
- Which Universal Orlando theme park is better?