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Are you planning on visiting the Universal Orlando Resort this summer? If your summer 2026 travel plans don’t include a trip to Universal then, well, you may want to rethink your plans. Because this summer at Universal Orlando should be epic – and not just because you could visit Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe (though of course, you can do that this summer – and stay cool doing so in the summer heat with these tips).
But I am actually referring to twelve specific reasons why this summer will be especially great at the Universal Resort.
1. Universal Mega Movie Parade
The Universal Mega Movie Parade is back at Universal Studios Florida this summer! My family saw this parade last year and we loved it. It takes place on select dates starting today and runs through August 23, 2026. There are over 12 floats as well as lots of performers and special effects. It celebrates some of your favorite movies, such as:
- Jaws
- Jurassic World
- E.T.
- Minions
- Trolls
- Ghostbusters
- and more!
Summer blockbuster movies are such a staple of summer that it is fitting Universal does this parade during the summer.
2. CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular
Also running through August 23rd is CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular. This is a nighttime lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida. It is a great way to cap off your day at Universal – as well as relive some of your favorite moments from your favorite films. The soundtracks from popular films like Jaws, Harry Potter, and The Mummy are synchronized to pyrotechnics and dancing fountains.
3. Hogwarts Always
A great way to cap off your night at Islands of Adventure is Hogwarts Always. This is a nighttime projection show takes place at Hogwarts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. You’ll get to relive great moments from the movies (like a Quidditch match, a House Cup celebration, and Harry getting a Hogwarts acceptance letter) and hear the movies’ wonderful soundtrack. It takes place on select nights.
4. Spielberg Summer Blockbusters
Spielberg Summer Blockbusters is a special exhibit at Universal Studios Florida featuring props and costumes from beloved Spielberg films, including his newest film, Disclosure Day.
5. Jaws Pop-Up Experience
Now, when I think of classic summer films, Jaws is the first movie that comes to mind. I love watching that movie every summer. It is the perfect summer film in a great summer setting.
Well, they are celebrating the beloved film at the San Francisco section of Universal Studios Florida. It will be transformed to feel like the Amity Island section I remember from my childhood visit to Universal Studios Florida.
There will be photo opportunities, where you can pose with:
- Bruce the Shark
- Chief Brody’s truck
- The Amity billboard
- Amity Beach cabanas
- A moment inspired by Ben Gardner
You’ll also find:
- Special food & drink available
- Two new Coca-Cola drinks served at Chez Alcatrez that comes in souvenir vessels
- A new collection of Jaws merch
I am excited about the merch, as I’ve always loved Jaws merch at Universal Studios, such as the Jaws 50th anniversary refillable mug that was available last summer.
6. Minions & Monsters Experience
To celebrate the summer release of the new Minions & Monsters movie, Universal has brand-new character meet & greets, treats & collectibles available.
7. Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark
The Summer Movie Series at Universal Cinemark at Universal CityWalk takes place on Saturdays through Wednesdays from June 20, 2026 through August 26, 2026. You can see classic summer films then. Last year featured films like ET, The Fast and the Furious, The Mummy, Kung Fu Panda, and Despicable Me.
You can also enjoy an exclusive snack and drink:
- Summer Movie Smash: Tequila, lime juice, honey syrup & blackberry
- “The Red Carpet” Popcorn: Pizza flavored popcorn
8. The Summer Music Series
The Summer Music Series takes place on Saturdays at the CityWalk Waterfront Stage from June 20, 2026 through August 15, 2026, with performances at 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Here are the themes for each night:
- Women in Music: June 20th
- Broadway Night: June 27th
- Legends of Rock Night: July 4th
- Boy Band Night: July 11th
- Throwback Night: July 18th
- Latin Night: July 25th
- EDM Night: August 1st
- Motown Night: August 8th
- Country Night: August 15th
9. Volcano Bay Nights
You may have visited Volcano Bay waterpark during the day, but have you ever visited at night? Nighttime can transform the park – and you can experience it yourself at the special ticketed Volcano Bay event: Volcano Bay Nights! In addition to enjoying rides at night, you’ll get special character meets and greets, a live DJ, games, exclusive themed food and drink options, and more. You can learn more about this Volcano Bay event here.
10. Red Coconut Club Re(d)tro Nights
You can enjoy Re(d)tro Nights at Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk through July 18th. There are 1980s and 1990s inspired overlay along with a DJ spinning retro hits, themed photo opportunities, and arcade games.
11. World Cup at NBC Sports Grill & Brew
My favorite sports bar in Orlando is NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk (for our full opinions on it, you check out our NBC Sports Grill & Bar review here). So it would be a wonderful place to see the sports event of the summer, the World Cup! Watching this exciting event with other fans can make the experience so much more special.
12. Discount Tickets
And if those aren’t enough reasons to convince you to visit Universal Orlando this summer, how about a ticket deal to entice you? Right now, you can get 2 free days at Universal Orlando. You can save over $100 on your tickets!
Booking a Hotel
So now that you know you want to visit the Universal Orlando theme parks and CityWalk this summer. And a way to make this visit even better is to stay onsite at one of the Universal Orlando hotels. There are a lot of great perks that come from staying at the hotels (like early park admission and transportation to the parks).
But the question is, which hotel do you choose? Luckily for you, we just debuted at Green Vacation Deals our own Universal Orlando Hotel Finder! This tool helps you find the perfect hotel for your stay. So whether you want luxury accommodations, a lazy river to cool off in during the summer heat, or an affordable rate to help you afford your vacation, you’ll find the best hotel for you with this tool!