What’s New at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026 & What’s Coming Next
If you haven’t visited Universal Studios Hollywood lately, 2026 is a pretty exciting year to make a return! From a brand-new thrill ride to new entertainment, seasonal events, and plenty of movie-inspired experiences, there’s a lot happening at the park. And with 2027 just around the corner, you may be wondering what’s next. Here’s everything you need to know!
A Brand-New Coaster Is Coming to Hollywood
The biggest addition of 2026 is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster. The attraction is set to open September 16, 2026, making it one of the biggest new additions to the park in years.
Inspired by the Fast & Furious franchise, the coaster will reach speeds of up to 72 miles per hour and feature four launches, 360-degree drifting vehicles, inversions, and panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley. Even better, each ride vehicle can rotate independently, meaning your experience can vary depending on which car you ride.
So, if you're planning a fall 2026 visit, this one definitely belongs on your must-do list!
New Experiences Have Arrived
2026 also brought some fun new experiences to the park. During Universal Fan Fest Nights earlier this year, guests could step into brand-new experiences including Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, and Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal also introduced its new Universal Studios Hollywood Dining Pass this year, giving guests another option for bundling meals, snacks, desserts, and beverages during their visit.
There’s Still Plenty Happening in 2026
If you're thinking about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood before the end of the year, fall and winter are packed with seasonal fun. Halloween Horror Nights is currently underway and runs on select nights through November 1. This year's event features eight haunted houses, including Stranger Things, Sinners, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, and Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, plus the Terror Tram, scare zones, live entertainment, and The Purge: Dangerous Waters.
After Halloween, Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood will take over for the holiday season, bringing festive décor, seasonal treats, entertainment, and special experiences throughout the park. Grinchmas transforms Universal Plaza into Who-ville, complete with the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou Who, the towering Grinchmas tree, festive activities, and a special tree-lighting celebration. Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade gets a holiday makeover with decorations, seasonal offerings, and the nighttime Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show. Even SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Universal CityWalk get in on the holiday fun with seasonal décor and offerings. And if you're looking for a way to ring in 2027, Universal's annual EVE celebration returns December 31 with music, dancing, photo opportunities, fireworks, and attractions open late into the night.
What About 2027?
Here's the important part: Universal Studios Hollywood has not yet announced a major new attraction specifically for 2027. That doesn't mean nothing is coming—we're simply waiting for official announcements.
For now, the big news is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift arriving in September 2026, while Universal continues to evolve the park with new entertainment, seasonal offerings, and movie-inspired experiences. That makes 2027 a great year to keep an eye on. Universal Studios Hollywood has been on a roll with new attractions and experiences, so we wouldn't be surprised to see more announcements ahead.
Ready to Plan Your Universal Trip?
Whether you're dreaming of riding the brand-new Fast & Furious coaster, experiencing Halloween Horror Nights, celebrating the holidays, or simply spending a day exploring the Wizarding World and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, there's always something new happening at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The team at People Mover Travel can help you plan your Universal vacation, from park tickets and hotel stays to making the most of your time in Southern California. And because our travel advisors are with you before, during, and after your trip, you don't have to figure it all out alone!
Reach out to ourteam and let us help you make your next Universal adventure one to remember!