OPEN Brief: If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, this OPEN hub has the latest news, construction status, Express Pass rules, and hotel perks in one place. The resort has four parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and Volcano Bay.
Universal Orlando News, Updates & Reviews
Construction updates, dining reports, and touring strategy
Short answer: The biggest Universal Orlando stories right now are construction of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida, the coming transformation of The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, and new additions at Universal Epic Universe, which opened May 22, 2025. The newest OPEN coverage is below.
What Is Under Construction at Universal Orlando?
Short answer: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the big project at Universal Studios Florida, and Universal says it opens in 2027. Universal has also announced that The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure will be transformed, but hasn’t said into what.
Tracker updated November 9, 2026.
What Theme Parks Are at Universal Orlando Resort?
Short answer: Universal Orlando Resort has four parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, and the Volcano Bay water park. To ride the headliners, plan at least one day per park. The Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure requires a Park-to-Park ticket.
| Park | Best For | Headliners |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Universe | Newest lands and ride technology | Stardust Racers, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge |
| Islands of Adventure | Thrill coasters and Hogsmeade | Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure |
| Universal Studios Florida | Movie-themed rides and Diagon Alley | Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts |
| Volcano Bay | Water park with virtual line wristbands | Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge |
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How Does Universal Express Pass Work?
Short answer: Universal Express Pass lets you skip the standby line at most rides by using a separate Express entrance. There are no return times to book. You scan your pass at the ride. Express is sold separately from park tickets, and it’s free with a stay at three Universal hotels.
- Express (standard): One Express ride per attraction, per day.
- Express Unlimited: Unlimited Express rides. Valid at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only.
- Epic Universe: Only single-use Express is sold. Express Unlimited doesn’t work there.
- Free with your hotel: Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific include Express Unlimited for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure from check-in day through check-out day. It does not cover Epic Universe or Volcano Bay.
- Early Park Admission: Express lines aren’t open during Early Park Admission.
Universal also added a newer option, Universal Express Now, in April 2026. Check the Universal Orlando app for current Express choices and prices, which change by date.
Do You Need a Park-to-Park Ticket for the Hogwarts Express?
Yes. The Hogwarts Express runs between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Riding it means entering the other park, so you need a Park-to-Park ticket. Team Members scan tickets at the station, and single-park tickets are turned away.
Where Are the Best Places to Stay at Universal Orlando?
Short answer: If you’ll spend several days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, or Loews Royal Pacific. They’re the only hotels that include free Express Unlimited. For Epic Universe, stay at Helios Grand, Stella Nova, or Terra Luna. Every on-site hotel gets Early Park Admission, up to one hour before opening, and free transportation to the parks.
| Hotel | Category | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Hotel | Premier | Free Express Unlimited (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) |
| Loews Portofino Bay Hotel | Premier | Free Express Unlimited (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) |
| Loews Royal Pacific Resort | Premier | Free Express Unlimited; usually the lowest price of the three |
| Universal Helios Grand Hotel | Signature | Its own entrance into Epic Universe (no free Express) |
| Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna | Prime Value | Next to Epic Universe, with a walking path to the park |
| Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort | Value | Walking path to Volcano Bay; family suites |
Where Should You Eat at Universal CityWalk?
Short answer: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and Bigfire are two of the most popular sit-down picks at Universal CityWalk. CityWalk is the free 30-acre dining and entertainment district between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. No park ticket is needed, and self-parking in the main garages is free after 6:00 PM on most nights, except special event nights like Halloween Horror Nights. See more in OPEN’s Orlando entertainment guide.
Universal Orlando FAQs
How does Universal Express Pass work?
Express Pass lets you use a shorter, separate line at most rides. You can buy it, or get Express Unlimited free with a stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, or Loews Royal Pacific. The hotel pass covers Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only.
Does Express Pass work at Epic Universe?
Only a separate Epic Universe Express Pass, which allows one Express ride per attraction. Express Unlimited doesn’t work there, and no Universal hotel includes Epic Universe Express for free.
Where is Universal Epic Universe?
Epic Universe is a few miles south of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, on Epic Boulevard. Free Universal shuttles connect it with CityWalk and the resort hotels. Stella Nova and Terra Luna sit next to the park with a walking path, and Helios Grand has its own entrance.
Does Universal Orlando sell alcohol?
Yes. Beer, wine, and cocktails are sold in all four parks, at the hotels, and at CityWalk. In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Hog’s Head and Leaky Cauldron serve themed brews like Dragon Scale and Wizard’s Brew.
