Universal Studios Hollywood will open its first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster Sept. 16, marking what park officials call an unprecedented addition to the theme park’s decades-long history of attractions.

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” is billed as the fastest coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. The ride draws on Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious franchise, an 11-film series worth $7 billion that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The franchise’s next installment, “Fast Forever,” is scheduled for release in March 2028.

The coaster is on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood, housed within a red brick garage-like structure. Two stationary replica cars serve as photo props outside the entrance, and guests pass through an archway into the queue.

A segment of the ride’s track passes through a transparent, encased section of the queue — a feature the park says is a technological first — allowing waiting guests to watch trains in motion before boarding.

The ride features a dual-launching, split-track system that alternates trains from the dispatch point. Riders travel over and under the park’s multilevel Starway escalator through four launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop and an inverted stall, among other elements. The coaster reaches speeds up to 72 mph and forces up to 3.6 Gs along 4,100 feet of track built with sound-reduction technology. Ride vehicles rotate 360 degrees independently throughout the course.

Riders are secured with lap-bar harnesses in one of four vehicles modeled after cars from the film franchise: a Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. Each vehicle has an independent audio system with engine sounds specific to that car, and because vehicles rotate independently, the experience varies by seat.

The arrival platform features a large-scale mural by artist Tristan Eaton depicting the street-racing finale from the original 2001 film “The Fast and the Furious.” A second Eaton mural appears in the queue, paying tribute to the franchise as a whole.

Universal Creative designers incorporated the site’s hillside terrain into the coaster’s structure, using the natural landscape as a structural base. The design offers views of the San Fernando Valley, the Universal Studios backlot and the park below.

The queue also includes recreated props from the film series: a car cannon from “Fast & Furious 6,” a roll cage and winch from “Fast Five,” a vault truck also from “Fast Five,” a motorcycle from “F9,” a NOS engine display, a ramp car from “Fast & Furious 6,” a “rolling bomb” from “Fast X” and a rollover stunt rig. Some displays include QR codes linking to behind-the-scenes content through the park’s Backlot Club fan platform, which requires an account login.

Because of the ride’s mechanics, guests must store all belongings, including phones, in complimentary lockers before passing through metal detection to reach the boarding platform.

The coaster joins the park’s existing lineup of attractions, including Super Nintendo World and its Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World — The Ride, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Simpsons Ride, Transformers: The Ride-3D, Revenge of the Mummy and the Studio Tour.

More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

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Six Flags Fiesta Texas broke ground Thursday on Werewolf Gorge, a roller coaster that will become the world’s longest family launch coaster and the largest single-attraction investment in the park’s history.

The attraction is set to open in 2027 during the park’s 35th anniversary season. When complete, Werewolf Gorge will stretch 4,120 feet, making it not only the longest family launch coaster in the world but also the longest roller coaster ever built at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

The ride will feature four launches, a midcourse rollback, onboard audio and a story inspired by Texas legends and cryptid folklore, according to park officials.

“This groundbreaking represents much more than the start of construction,” said Robert Bustle, park manager of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. “Werewolf Gorge is the largest single-attraction investment in our park’s history and a significant investment in the future of tourism in Texas. This record-breaking coaster will deliver an experience families can’t find anywhere else while reinforcing Six Flags Fiesta Texas as a destination for visitors from across the United States and beyond.”

Local officials, community leaders, project partners and Six Flags leadership attended a ceremonial groundbreaking near the park’s quarry wall, where hard hats, pickaxes and a countdown marked the start of construction.

Record-breaking design

Park officials said the coaster will include:

• 4,120 feet of track, a world record for family launch coasters

• Four launches, including a swingback launch sequence

• Speeds exceeding 40 mph

• The longest layout in Six Flags Fiesta Texas history

• Onboard audio and immersive storytelling elements

• A ride designed for multiple generations to experience together

The ride’s story follows guests on a sightseeing tour through a Texas quarry that turns into a high-speed chase tied to a centuries-old werewolf legend. Riders will pass through changing terrain and elevation as the story plays out.

Economic impact

Park officials described the project as part of a broader investment in San Antonio’s tourism economy. Millions of visitors travel to the city each year, supporting local hotels, restaurants and retailers, and officials said the new attraction is expected to draw additional visitors and encourage longer stays.

“Projects like Werewolf Gorge help keep San Antonio at the forefront of the tourism industry,” said District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Gonzalez. “This investment strengthens our city’s position as a premier destination while bringing global attention to our community through a world-record-breaking attraction.”

Looking ahead

Werewolf Gorge will headline the park’s 35th anniversary season in 2027. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is currently offering its Gold Pass at a discounted rate through Sept. 7. The pass includes unlimited park visits, access to seasonal events such as Fright Fest, Tricks and Treats, Oktoberfest and Holiday in the Park, and regional access to Six Flags Over Texas and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, including its new Tormenta: Rampaging Run and Wasserbahn Racers attractions. Passholders will also get early access to Werewolf Gorge when it opens.

More information is available at sixflags.com/fiestatexas.

ANAHEIM - Disney fans got a look at what’s coming to the Disneyland Resort Saturday night during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and streamed live from the Honda Center on Disney+.

The evening kicked off in true NPH fashion with a musical number dedicated to Disney Audio-Animatronics.

There were plenty of surprises along the way, from performances by Sheryl Crow, Beck, Los Lobos and Gloria Gaynor to special appearances by John Stamos, Jack McBrayer, Glenn Close, Tig Notaro, Paige O’Hara and more.

But the real question was: What’s coming to Disneyland Resort? Here’s what we learned from this year’s showcase.

A refreshed version of “Remember… Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will return to Disneyland park in February 2027 with projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, new projections on the Rivers of America, the facade of “it’s a small world,” and Main Street, U.S.A. In time for summer 2027, “Magic Happens” parade will once again fill the streets with inspirational moments of magic from favorite Disney stories.

At Disney California Adventure, an updated version of the original World of Color will once again take guests on a journey through colorful worlds of Walt Disney Animation Studios starting February 2027.

Coco Attraction

Disney shared new details about the upcoming Coco attraction coming to the area near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. The story will pick up a year after the events from the first film. The queue will begin in Pixar Pier next to the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind will take guests to a “casa museo” that is dedicated to the music of Héctor Rivera who fans will remember as Miguel’s great-great grandfather. From there, they’ll join Miguel  and travel by boat through his memories of the Land of the Dead. Imagineers are working closely with Pixar to ensure this family-friendly attraction nods to both the original and upcoming film. 

For families, there's another notable detail: the attraction will have no height requirement.

Avengers Infinity Defense

New storyline details were also revealed for the Avengers Infinity Defense along with ride experience and featured heroes coming to California Adventure. New recruits will be welcomed to Avengers Infinity Defence with a pre-mission briefing from Ms. Marvel/Kamala Kahn played by Iman Vellani before your mission.

Along with Vellani, Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) will also reprise their roles in the attraction.

The attraction will use a combination of “massive physical sets blending seamlessly with huge media scenes” placing fans in the middle of the action.

“The fun part about Avengers Infinity Defense is how we get to use every single trick in the Imagineering book – and inventing some new ones – to create this attraction.” You’ll travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City, next to heroes you’ve come to know and love, while (spoiler alert!) coming face to face with King Thanos himself,” according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Anthony Mackie (Captain America) and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) will all reprise their roles in Stark Flight Lab attraction also coming to California Adventure. Guests will sit in two-person “gyro-kinetic pods” and roll along a track before stopping in front of a giant robot arm that would essentially give the feeling of what it’s like to train like an Avenger. It will make several high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and more t.hen will be sent to a test station to whirl around a simulated flight. Both attractions are set to open in 2028.

Tommorowland

Last and certainly not least, Disneyland will finally receive a reimagining of Tommorowland. The update is set to honor the legacy of the original land while introducing new experiences and possibilities for the next generation. Imagineers are already dreaming up new attractions and more open spaces. Plans for Tommorowland will aim to restore the spirit of optimism, innovation and possibility that inspired Walt Disney in 1955 to create “a vista into a world of wondrous ideas.” No opening date has been announced.

What stood out:

One thing that stood out from this year’s showcase was how much Disney is balancing the new with the familiar. There are plenty of new attractions on the way, including Coco and Avengers Infinity Defense, but Disney is also bringing back some fan favorites like Magic Happens and Remember… Dreams Come True while giving Tomorrowland a much-needed refresh.

For Disneyland fans, it feels like Disney is trying to give us a little bit of everything: new stories, new attractions and some of the experiences we already know and love.

One thing we didn’t hear about: Avatar

There was one notable omission from the showcase: an update on the Avatar-inspired attraction previously announced for Disneyland Resort at D23 2024.

Disney did not provide any new details about the project during this year’s presentation, so for now, fans will have to wait a little longer to find out what’s next for Avatar at the Disneyland Resort.

Six Flags Magic Mountain will bring back its annual Fright Fest presented by Snickers this fall, featuring new haunted mazes based on the “Final Destination” and “Trick ‘r Treat” franchises along with expanded scare zones and live shows, the park announced.

The Halloween event runs select Thursdays through Sundays from Sept. 18 to Nov. 1, totaling 25 nights of scares. Daytime park hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on select days, with Fright Fest programming running from 7 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays and Sundays and from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Two new haunted mazes headline this year’s lineup. “Final Destination: Death’s Playground,” based on New Line Cinema’s horror franchise, puts guests inside a maze where a premonition sets off a chain of deadly events after they disrupt fate’s design. “Wolves’ Blood” sends visitors through a town overrun by werewolves en route to a fictional underground rock band’s first live performance.

Returning attractions include “The Conjuring Universe,” which places guests inside the Warrens’ occult museum alongside Annabelle, The Nun and the demonic forces of the Perron farmhouse, and features new scenic and design elements this year. Also back are “Trick ‘r Treat,” based on the cult Halloween film; “Carnage,” presented by M&M’s; “Vault 666”; and “Willoughby’s Resurrected.”

The park’s scare zones will include Thunderbolt Alley, a 1950s rockabilly-themed area with classic monsters; “Nightmares: Reign of Blood,” set in a bloodied version of Wonderland; City Under Siege; Devil’s Triangle; Exile Hill; Plaza de La Muerte, themed around Dia de los Muertos; and Underworlds of Oz.

New stage shows this year include “Unleashed,” an opening performance in the entry plaza featuring a new Fright Fest character named Kurvatu, and “NyteWalkerz,” described as the largest show yet staged at the Full Throttle Stage, combining acrobatics, dance and BMX stunt riding. The Sliders will also debut a new show, “Dreams of the Damned.” Margo Rita’s Monster Ball, a drag-style song-and-dance revue, returns with new characters and a new venue at the Gearworks Theatre.

Single-day tickets grant access to shows and scare zones; entry to the haunted mazes requires a separate Haunted Attractions Pass, with an optional upgrade for priority access. Fright Fest is included with season passes and memberships, though blackout dates may apply, and passholders can add an all-season Haunted Attractions Pass.

The park said a chaperone policy and other conduct rules will apply, and the event is not recommended for children 12 and under. Tickets and passes are available at sixflags.com/magicmountain.

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SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween season is back with its biggest lineup yet, headlined by the California debut of an all-new Baby Shark Halloween show.

Spooktacular, the park’s daytime Halloween celebration, runs on select dates from Sept. 11 through Nov. 1 and is included with regular park admission. The nighttime event, Howl-O-Scream, returns for its sixth year on select nights from Sept. 11 through Oct. 31, featuring six haunted houses along with new scare zones, live performances and themed bars.

The new Baby Shark Halloween Show will debut at the park’s Mission Bay Theater, marking the only place in California where guests can see the performance featuring Pinkfong and the Baby Shark family. The park will also offer a meet-and-greet with a Baby Shark character.

Other new and returning Spooktacular offerings include a Coral Candy Club dance party, Captain Sweet Tooth’s Candy Trail — a trick-or-treat experience with eight candy stations — and appearances by Spookley the Square Pumpkin and his companion, Jack Scarecrow, at the park’s Waterfront area. The Waterfront will also feature a pumpkin patch photo spot, while young guests can meet mermaid characters at the Rescue Jr. Stage and purchase a map for a Halloween scavenger hunt.

The festivities follow a summer of new additions to the park, including an updated Shark Encounter and Dolphin Adventures attraction.

For a limited time, children ages 3 to 9 can receive a free one-day ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket for $99.99, an offer valid through October.

The park noted that guests 13 and older are not permitted to wear costume masks or hoods, and that face painting is allowed only when done by park artists. Reusable candy bags are available for purchase at retail locations throughout the park.

More information and tickets are available at www.seaworldsandiego.com.

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Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights will pay tribute to heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne this fall with an all-original haunted house titled “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” inspired by his decades-long solo career.

The attraction opens Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The haunted house was designed as a 45-year retrospective of Osbourne’s solo work, according to Universal. It will feature music from albums including “The Blizzard of Ozz” (1980), “Diary of a Madman” (1981), “Bark at the Moon” (1983), “No More Tears” (1991), “Scream” (2010) and “Ordinary Man” (2020).

Osbourne died in July at age 76. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, and son, Jack Osbourne, said in a joint statement that their father would have embraced the format.

“Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life,” they said, adding that the house captures “so many moments inspired by his music and imagination.”

The two theme parks will offer different experiences. At Universal Studios Hollywood, guests will begin with “Crazy Train” and move through a timeline of Osbourne’s life, from his childhood in Birmingham, England, to an asylum-themed sequence inspired by “Diary of a Madman.” The house will depict various eras of his stage persona, including “Madman Ozzy” and “Werewolf Ozzy.”

John Murdy, executive producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, said the house draws on all 13 of Osbourne’s solo albums.

“Ozzy Osbourne didn’t just help define heavy metal — he created a cultural phenomenon that has influenced generations of music, art and horror,” Murdy said.

At Universal Orlando, the house will send guests through ancient ruins and dungeons before a “Crazy Train” ride into a world modeled on the artwork of “Diary of a Madman,” “Bark at the Moon,” “The Ultimate Sin” and “Black Rain.”

Mike Aiello, senior director of entertainment creative development at Universal Orlando Resort, said the goal was to create an experience that felt true to Osbourne’s personality.

“It was important for us to create an authentic experience that brings Ozzy’s creativity and personality to life in an eerily immersive new way,” Aiello said.

Universal is also releasing limited-edition merchandise tied to the haunted houses, including a T-shirt and a collectible acrylic figure, both available starting Thursday at 9 a.m. PDT on shopUniversal.com.

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights at Universal Orlando Resort from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1. Tickets, including Frequent Fear Pass options, are available at HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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Knott’s Soak City Waterpark announced Tuesday that it will add two new water slide attractions, Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, in 2027, the park said in a release timed to National Waterpark Day.

The slides will replace the park’s current Shore Break slide complex and are manufactured by ProSlide Technology. Coral Craze will be the West Coast’s first triple Family FlyingSAUCER attraction, while Kelp Kraze will be North America’s first double Family HIVE attraction and the West Coast’s only one.

Coral Craze will carry up to five riders per raft through steeply banked turns designed to evoke the feel of a ski run, a nod to the manufacturer’s roots in ski-inspired slide design, according to the park.

Kelp Kraze, also a five-person raft ride, will send riders through a series of tight turns and spiraling helix sections intended to create the sensation that the slide is rotating around them. The ride’s translucent walls will offer views of the park as rafts move along the slide’s outer edges. Knott’s Soak City said Kelp Kraze will be the longest Family HIVE ride in the country.

“Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze represent the next wave of innovation for Knott’s Soak City,” Raffi Kaprelyan, park president of Knott’s Berry Farm, said in a statement. “These exciting new attractions combine the thrills our guests crave with the shared experiences families love.”

Steve Avery, senior vice president of business development for ProSlide, said the project reflects a longstanding partnership between the company and Six Flags, which operates Knott’s Berry Farm and its adjacent water park.

“The most successful projects come from strong partnerships, and that’s exactly what we’ve had with Six Flags and the Knott’s Soak City team,” Avery said. “We can’t wait to see guests enjoying them when they open in 2027, and for decades to come.”

The park has not announced a specific opening date for the new attractions. Additional details are expected in the coming months at sixflags.com/knotts and on Knott’s Berry Farm’s social media accounts.

Soak City remains open on select days through Sept. 7. The park is offering a Gold Season Pass, which includes unlimited visits through the end of the 2026 season, and a Gold Membership, which extends unlimited access into 2027 and covers the debut of the two new slides.

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Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is bringing a horror-tinged twist to Fortnite this fall with a new scare zone based on Fortnitemares, the video game’s annual Halloween event.

The scare zone debuts Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fortnite, a global gaming platform where players build, compete and socialize in a constantly changing world, releases new characters and horror-themed content each year as part of Fortnitemares.

The new attraction will let Halloween Horror Nights guests “drop in” to that world through Freaky Fields, a Halloween-themed battleground under siege by a hostile force. Guests will pass the game’s Battle Bus and encounter familiar Fortnitemares characters, along with several new characters created exclusively for Halloween Horror Nights, as they try to escape and win.

Merchandise tied to the scare zone — including a graphic T-shirt, a decal set and an acrylic collectible — is already for sale at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. The items go on sale on ShopUniversal.com at 9 a.m. PST Thursday.

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights at Universal Orlando Resort from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1. Universal said additional experiences for this year’s event will be announced later.

Tickets and details are available at HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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Halloween Horror Nights will bring New Line Cinema’s film “Evil Dead Burn” to life this fall, with a new haunted house based on the movie opening Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood, the parks announced Tuesday.

The “Evil Dead” franchise debuted in 1981 and has grown from an independent cult favorite into one of horror’s most enduring properties. Its films combine graphic violence with dark comedy and typically revolve around the Book of the Dead, a cursed text that unleashes demonic spirits capable of possessing and transforming victims into creatures known as Deadites.

The new haunted house draws on scenes from “Evil Dead Burn,” placing guests inside the Price family’s remote vacation home before leading them through encounters with Deadites and, ultimately, into the grip of the film’s evil forces.

To coincide with the attraction, Universal will release limited-edition “Evil Dead Burn” merchandise, including a T-shirt, hat and an acrylic figure designed for the event’s collectible carnival display. The items go on sale at both parks Tuesday, July 21, and will be available the following day at 9 a.m. PST on shopUniversal.com. Additional merchandise is expected later this year.

At Universal Orlando, guests can purchase a Halloween Horror Nights Fear Pass for repeat visits, with options including the Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Frequent Fear passes. The resort is also offering an enhanced Scream Early add-on ticket, granting admission to Universal Studios Florida starting at 2 p.m. with early entry to select haunted houses ahead of the event’s official start. Annual and seasonal passholders can receive discounts on select single-night tickets in August and September, and Premier Passholders will receive one complimentary event admission, subject to reservation availability.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, ticket options include General Admission, Universal Express, R.I.P. Tour, Day/Night, After 2 p.m. Day/Night and an Early Access ticket offering entry to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m., subject to change. The park’s Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass will also allow repeat visits throughout the season.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1. Additional haunted houses and event details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

For tickets and information, visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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Universal Horror Unleashed is bringing Capcom’s “Resident Evil” franchise to its Las Vegas venue this summer with a themed takeover that will run July 9 through Aug. 30.

The horror experience will immerse guests in scenes from the video game series, featuring interactive puzzles, character encounters and staged battles against the undead, according to organizers.

Guests will move through six themed zones designed to tell the story of an outbreak in Raccoon City. The experience begins in Zone 1: Arrival, where guests are greeted by a damaged “Welcome to Raccoon City” sign amid flashing emergency lights, representing the early stages of an outbreak caused by the fictional Umbrella Corporation’s T-Virus.

In Zone 2: Mission, guests arrive at a re-creation of the Raccoon City Police Department and take part in a series of timed, interactive puzzles. The journey continues into Zone 3: Infection, a quarantined section of the city where guests encounter zombies and characters including Ada Wong.

Zone 4: Combat brings guests face-to-face with franchise characters Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy, placing them at the center of staged battles against zombies and other villains. Following the combat sequence, guests can take photos and interact with the characters before entering Zone 5: Escape, described as the final mission of the experience.

Guests who complete the experience will reach Zone 6: Aftermath, a re-creation of Umbrella Corporation’s headquarters, where limited-time food and cocktails themed around the T-Virus will be available for purchase.

The “Resident Evil” experience is included with general admission to Universal Horror Unleashed. Tickets and additional details are available at UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.

Halloween Horror Nights will introduce all-new haunted houses inspired by the first three Hellraiser films, transporting guests into the world created by author Clive Barker. The attractions open Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Since its debut in 1987, Hellraiser has become one of horror’s most influential franchises, known for introducing the Lament Configuration puzzle box, which opens a portal to a dimension inhabited by the Cenobites and their leader, Pinhead. The film blended psychological horror with graphic imagery and themes of pain and desire, helping redefine supernatural horror and establishing it as a cult classic.

This marks the first time the franchise has been featured at Halloween Horror Nights. The haunted houses, debuting at both theme parks, draw from “Hellraiser,” “Hellbound: Hellraiser II” and “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth.” Doug Bradley, who originated the role of Pinhead, will reprise the character and provide his voice for both attractions.

Guests will enter the experience through the Lament Configuration puzzle box, summoning the Cenobites and opening a gateway to scenes drawn from the films, including Frank Cotton’s family home and the Channard Institute. The journey concludes in the Labyrinth, where Pinhead and the Cenobites await.

New limited-release merchandise tied to the haunted house, including a T-shirt and a Pinhead acrylic figure compatible with the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display, is now available at both theme parks. The merchandise launches online at 9 a.m. PST Wednesday at shopUniversal.com.

Universal said additional event details, including further new haunted houses for both locations, will be announced soon.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1. Tickets are on sale now. Universal Orlando Resort also plans to release additional ticket products soon, including four Frequent Fear Pass options: Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Fear.

More information and tickets are available at HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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Project Purple, the park’s highly anticipated roller coaster set to open in 2027, has reached 315 feet, making it the tallest structure currently standing at the New Jersey theme park and marking another milestone in its construction.

The structure, visible for miles, now dominates the skyline as crews continue building what is expected to be one of the tallest roller coasters in the world. Park guests this summer will be able to watch the ride grow week by week as construction progresses toward its final height.

“Project Purple is already making a statement,” said Ryan Eldredge, director of sales and marketing at Six Flags Great Adventure. “At 315 feet tall and still climbing, guests can watch history being built in real time. Every new piece of track and support brings us one step closer to unveiling a coaster that will redefine thrills not just for Great Adventure, but for the entire industry.”

Construction is expected to continue throughout 2026, with additional milestones and details to be announced in the coming months.

More information and updates on Project Purple are available at SixFlags.com/GreatAdventure.

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The Upside Down is returning to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights as the fifth and final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” comes to life in new haunted houses.

The Halloween event will begin Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando Resort and Sept. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Developed in partnership with Netflix, this year’s “Stranger Things” haunted house will feature key moments from the final season, placing guests at the center of the battle to save Hawkins.

Fans will navigate iconic locations and encounter familiar characters while evading supernatural creatures, including Vecna. The attraction transports guests to Hawkins as the barrier between reality and the supernatural collapses. Visitors will move through scenes including the Wheeler House, Hawkins National Laboratory, the MAC-Z military base, and the Upside Down and the Abyss, all while being pursued by Demogorgons and other creatures.

Fans can also shop new limited-release merchandise inspired by the haunted house. The collection includes a T-shirt, a mug and a “Stranger Things”-inspired acrylic figure that fits into the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display. Additional collectibles representing this year’s lineup are expected later.

The items are available now at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood and will launch Thursday at 9 a.m. PST on shopUniversal.com, with more Halloween Horror Nights merchandise expected in the coming months. Additional details about this year’s lineup are expected to be announced soon.

Halloween Horror Nights will run select nights from Aug. 28 through Nov. 1 at Universal Orlando Resort, and from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Tickets for both locations are on sale now, with additional options for Universal Orlando Resort expected later. For more information, visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

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Universal Studios Hollywood is bringing back Mega Movie Summer, a seasonal celebration featuring entertainment, food and exclusive merchandise inspired by films from Universal Pictures and Illumination. The limited-time event runs June 13 through Aug. 9, 2026, and is included with theme park admission.

The park is also offering a Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free General Admission ticket, available online, with all visits to be completed by Dec. 16, 2026. Blockout dates and other restrictions apply to the second visit.

This year’s activations are inspired by Illumination’s upcoming “Minions & Monsters,” opening in theaters July 1; Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” opening July 17; the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise; and characters Elphaba and Glinda from “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good.”

Minions & Monsters

New Minions characters Henry and James will appear at Super Silly Fun Land near the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, featuring interactive experiences and a Minion Dance Party. An exclusive merchandise collection will be available, including a Shoulder Pal themed to monster character Goomi, blind box figures, apparel and accessories.

The Minions Cafe will offer new menu items including Howard’s Berry Lemonade Cupcake and James’ Carbonara, a cavatappi pasta with garlic cream sauce, pancetta and peas. Despicable Delights will serve Irene’s Orange Banana Float.

The Odyssey

One of the original ships from Nolan’s film will be on display along the Studio Tour. Footage and filmmaker interviews will air on tram monitors during the tour.

A 34-foot Trojan Horse from the film will also be on display at Universal CityWalk Hollywood beginning in July, in front of the Universal Cinema AMC.

Fast & Furious 25th Anniversary

Authentic picture cars from the franchise will be displayed in Universal Plaza, accompanied by a hip-hop performance by the Street Racers dance show and a daily DJ. New anniversary merchandise will be available at the 101 Exchange store, adjacent to the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster.

Hollywood & Dine, near the park’s main entrance, will be transformed into Drift & Dine, offering a themed menu including an L.A. Drift Dog, BBQ Chicken Platter, Fried Elote Corn Dog, BBQ Corn Ribs, Quarter Mile Funnel Cake and Street Cart Watermelon and Pineapple. The adjacent Cocina Mexicana restaurant will offer a shareable La Familia Meal.

At Universal CityWalk, NBC Sports Grill & Brew will feature a Full Throttle Teriyaki Burger, Drift Tandem Skewers, Car Meet Platter and a Nitrous Boost cocktail. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana will serve a Birria Burger, La Familia Platter and a tequila-based cocktail.

Wicked

Elphaba and Glinda character meet-and-greets will return near the DreamWorks Theatre. Exclusive merchandise, including Spirit Jerseys, plush and more, will be available for purchase.

Jaws

Mel’s Diner will offer a themed menu with returning items including the Shark Bait Burger, Lobster Roll, Fish & Chicken Basket and Amity Island Funnel Cake. Studio Scoops on the lower lot will debut a Hello Kitty Jaws Blueberry Cheesecake Sundae. Exclusive merchandise, including a new Loungefly crossbody bag, apparel and accessories, will also be available.

At CityWalk, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville will offer two Jaws-themed items: the Beachside Melt and the Forbidden Waters cocktail. Voodoo Doughnut will feature a Banana Cream Mayhem Doughnut and a Minions & Monsters Mischief Doughnut.

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The all-original Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, “Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff

,” at Universal Studios Hollywood invites witches, wizards and Muggles to venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a mission to rescue a revered magical creature.

Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights, a li…

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Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a new Dining Pass, offering guests a flexible way to enjoy meals and snacks throughout their visit for a single price. The pass is available now and can be purchased online or at the theme park.

The Dining Pass includes two eligible entrees and four eligible sides, snacks, desserts or beverages at participating …

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Lights, camera, action. Universal Studios Hollywood transports guests to its iconic movie studio backlot via Studio Tour trams as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights’ all-original “Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot,” an adventure blending theatrics, suspense, humor and an interactive, live-action whodunit.

Tickets are now on s…

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Whether you are a die-hard Trekkie or a theme park enthusiast, this walkthrough captures the sights, sounds, and thrills of the Star Trek universe brought to life at Universal Studios.

About Universal Studios Fan Fest Nights:
This limited-time event brings your favorite franchises to life with immersive experiences, live characters, and themed environments. Don't miss your chance to find your place among the stars!
Universal Fan Fest Night returns in April purchase your tickets now by clicking here.

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This fall, Universal Orlando Resort will mark a major milestone as its Halloween Horror Nights event returns for its 35th anniversary.

The resort announced that this year’s theme will be “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” transforming Universal Studios Florida into a decaying carnival with new haunted houses, sca…

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