There are lots of reasons to love summer. Pool and beach days, more excuses to eat ice cream, the money I’ll save on self-tanner… I could go on. But, as a certified film buff, I think the biggest reason to get excited for the summer is the fact that this year, from May 23–August 10, Universal Orlando Resort is bringing your favorite cinematic stories to life!
I’m talking celebrations of blockbusters new and old, entertainment and attractions that will make your whole day and night a blast, and more exclusive merchandise, food, and drinks than you can shake a (popsicle) stick at. And I’ve compiled all of the must-dos below in a handy-dandy guide!
Read on for everything to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.
All-Day (and Night) Summer Fun
See your favorite characters leap off the screen and spring to life in these returning favorite entertainment offerings:
Universal Mega Movie Parade – Select Dates May 23–August 23
I couldn’t be more excited to watch the Universal Mega Movie Parade this summer! Get ready to show your true colors to the Trolls, laugh at the Mini-Pufts plaguing the Ghostbusters, and insist to Mayor Vaughn that you and Chief Brody really do need a bigger boat.
Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular – Select Dates April 5–August 23
Da-dum. DA-DUM. DA-DUM. Those suspenseful notes can only mean one thing… It’s time for Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular! This nighttime show will cap off your day in Universal Studios Florida on a perfect note — literally. Embark on a journey through your favorite film moments as the soundtracks of “Harry Potter,” “Jaws,” “The Mummy,” and more sync with dancing fountains and pyrotechnics.
Hogwarts Always – Select Dates Beginning May 30
The Hogwarts Always nighttime projection show is the perfect way to end a summer day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. This show takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Enjoy unforgettable music and relive incredible moments of wizardry — like receiving a Hogwarts acceptance letter, witnessing a Quidditch match, and a House Cup celebration — all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle.
Celebrate Your Favorite Summer Blockbusters
Step into Spielberg Summer Blockbusters & Discover “Disclosure Day”
In celebration of the upcoming release of Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day,” Universal Studios Florida is bringing you something truly incredible: Spielberg Summer Blockbusters featuring Disclosure Day. Enter Spielberg’s iconic film worlds, then experience “Disclosure Day” with never-before-seen props and costumes from the new film. Only in theaters June 12.
Speaking of Spielberg’s iconic film worlds, we’ve got even more fun in store for fans of one of his most iconic blockbusters…
“Jaws”
For the last half-century, “Jaws” has made children all over the world think twice before going in the pool. Or maybe that was just my experience. At Universal Studios Florida, you can celebrate this iconic blockbuster in the San Francisco area of the theme park, which will be transformed to feel like the Amity of old. Get excited for:
- A new collection of theme-park-exclusive merch, including apparel and accessories
- Photo ops starring Bruce, the Amity billboard, Chief Brody’s truck, Amity Beach cabanas, and a moment inspired by poor Ben Gardner (IYKYK)
- A wave of delicious bites (wink!) and drinks available only for the summer
- Two new Coca-Cola beverages at Chez Alcatraz, served in souvenir vessels
More Summer Fun Across Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Hotels
Believe it or not, there’s even more excitement coming to Universal Orlando Resort in the coming months. If you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel this summer, you can snap a selfie with next-level, Universal-themed sand sculptures in all 11 hotel lobbies.
Need even more of a reason to book your stay during the summer? Might I mention…
- Early Park Admission, which allows you to experience select attractions up to an hour before the theme parks open.
- Easy, complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks via shuttle bus, water taxi, and walking paths.
- And more exclusive theme park benefits, like Universal Express Unlimited (select hotels only) and free merchandise delivery.
PRO TIP: Florida residents, why not go for a summer staycation? You can save up to 25 percent at participating Universal Orlando hotels (subject to availability and capacity)!
Keep It Cool Across Universal Orlando Resort
Worried that the heat might slow you down this summer? There are plenty of ways to stay cool at Universal Orlando Resort! Might I suggest a trip to Universal Volcano Bay, where gravity-defying plunges and super-fast water slides await? (If you’re looking for me, I’ll be in Kopiko Wai Winding River.)
At Volcano Bay Nights, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Enjoy all your favorite attractions with shorter wait times from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., along with a live DJ, DreamWorks character meet and greets, and exclusive themed menu items. Click here to explore dates and secure your tickets.
And if you’re looking for ways to stay cool across the resort, there are plenty!
- Take the plunge on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls in Toon Lagoon at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Get drenched on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges in Toon Lagoon at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Make a splash on Fyre Drill in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe
- Become the Dragon Warrior at Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida
- Relax by one of the Universal Orlando hotel pools, ranging from kid-friendly splash zones to serene retreats
Click here to explore more summer fun at Universal Orlando Resort.
Fourth of July
Sport your red, white, and blue and grab your sunscreen so you can spend the whole day celebrating independence with special activities sprinkled throughout Universal Orlando Resort — all included with your admission.
Extra Perks for Passholders
Universal Orlando Passholders know that Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be in the summer! And that’s why we’re celebrating our Passholders with plenty of exclusive perks this season, including:
- Up to 30 percent savings at Universal Orlando hotels
- An exclusive viewing area for Universal Mega Movie Parade
- Passholder exclusive menu items
- An exclusive character photo offer
- Discounted admission to Universal’s Great Movie Escape
Click here to explore more perks of being a Universal Orlando Passholder.
Universal CityWalk
Movie lovers, even more fun awaits you at Universal CityWalk! Snag a ticket to enjoy classic blockbusters as part of our Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark, running Saturday and Wednesday from June 20 through August 26. Click here to see movie dates and times!
If you’re more of an audiophile than a cinephile, we’ve got you covered there, too. The Summer Music Series will run at the CityWalk Waterfront Stage on Saturdays from June 20 through August 15, with performances at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. This year’s themes include:
- Women in Music: June 20
- Broadway Night: June 27
- Legends of Rock Night: July 4
- Boy Band Night: July 11
- Throwback Night: July 18
- Latin Night: July 25
- EDM Night: August 1
- Motown Night: August 8
- Country Night: August 15
Celebrate the World’s Biggest Soccer Games
Oh yeah, one more thing: A soccer celebration kicks off at Universal CityWalk from June 11 to July 19, 2026! Swing by the Coca‑Cola beverage truck to score a collectible soccer-themed Freestyle cup and sip your way through a tasty lineup of specialty drinks. Jump into immersive AR moments, snap and play—then turn up the excitement and come watch the games at NBC Sports Grill & Brew. From first kickoff to final whistle, it’s non‑stop fun celebrating the world’s biggest game!
What are you most excited to experience in Universal Orlando Resort this summer? Comment below and let us know!