What’s New at Universal Studios Hollywood

California is having a big moment. Fresh off hosting 14 FIFA World Cup matches across Los Angeles and San Francisco, and with the city of Los Angeles hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit the Golden State. Beyond the sporting action, California is home to some of the country’s top theme parks, including the ever-popular Universal Studios Hollywood, the West Coast counterpart to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. 

Built in 1954 and still going strong, Universal Studios Hollywood is a smaller park than its Sunshine State sister but remains as popular as ever, drawing in nearly 9 million visitors in 2025. Set within one compact park, it’s easy to walk around in a single day and has been designed to feel like you’ve stepped right into a real-life working movie studio.  

Whether you’re a Universal superfan or stepping into California adventures for the first time, our handy guide details all the latest attractions and events. So bring your main character energy, and get ready for your movie moment at Universal Studios Hollywood, in 2026 or beyond… 

What’s New for 2026 

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift 

The biggest news for 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood is the opening of the brand-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride, which is part of the iconic Fast & Furious franchise. Following its soft opening in July 2026, this record-breaking attraction marks the park's first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster and features a state-of-the-art ride system. Hold tight as you soar along more than 4,100 feet of track, through hair-raising inversions at speeds of up to 72mph.  

Fans of these high-octane movies will recognise the cars from the series, such as Dodge Chargers, Toyota Supras, Nissan Skyline GT-Rs, and Mazda RX-7s that ‘drift’ around the track in impressive 360-degree spins. 

The ride takes over the former home of the Animal Actors stage and Special Effects Show, just across from the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Launching from a sleek, garage-style station on the Upper Lot, the coaster speeds downhill toward the Lower Lot, weaving through the park in a way we’ve never seen before, including a standout moment that wraps dramatically around the escalators that separate the two Lots. 

With its bold, terrain-hugging layout and sweeping views over the park, this incredible ride makes the most of its unique setting. And with the closure of the Fast & Furious – Supercharged studio tour in 2025, this new attraction fills a much-needed hole in the hearts and minds of F&F fans around the world! 

Super Mario Galaxy Movie 

Three years after The Super Mario Bros. Movie was released, the highly anticipated sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, hit US and UK cinemas on 1st April 2026 and has brought with it a whole new excitement for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. 

To make your visit even more memorable, you can still pick up the limited edition Golden Power-Up Band™. They are available while supplies last at several retail locations inside the park and at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. It’s the perfect collectible to take a piece of the adventure home! 

Back to Hogwarts™

As summer draws to a close, the celebrations continue at Universal. From 1st August to 1st September 2026, Back to Hogwarts transforms The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three parks into an even more enchanting place to explore. Meet the Hogwarts Express conductor, marvel at dazzling nighttime castle projection shows, and keep your eyes peeled for the mischievous roaming Monster Book of Monsters.

This year's celebration also marks 25 years since the release of the first Harry Potter film, with a limited-edition Butterbeer™ mug that's the perfect keepsake for every witch, wizard, and devoted fan.

What’s Coming 

In true Universal style, the excitement never stops, and there’s a full line-up of thrilling, themed events planned throughout the year and continuing into 2027. From fandom events to magical seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of our all-time favourites that you absolutely won’t want to miss: 

• Summertime heralds the return of the Mega Movie Summer events, which are set to be bigger and better than ever to coincide with the Fast & Furious coaster. Expect blockbuster-worthy celebrations like immersive photo ops, limited-edition merch and food, party vibes, and additional movie-inspired entertainment. 
• Brace yourself for the annual epic Halloween Horror Nights, which will be back between 3rd September and 1st November 2026, with haunted houses, eerie scare zones, and plenty of terrifying live shows. With pulse-pounding rides and spooky happenings around every corner, it’s an immersive experience that will have you screaming and loving every minute of it! 
• The usual Holiday Celebrations will be in full swing come December, with loads of festive fun in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ as well as plenty of Grinchmas events. From dazzling lights and jolly shows to merry meet-and-greets with your favourite characters, the park transforms into a winter wonderland full of magic, music, and unforgettable holiday cheer. 

Have we got you California Dreamin' for your next sun-soaked adventure? Power up at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, dive behind the scenes on the legendary Studio Tour, and conquer thrilling rides straight out of your favourite films at Universal Studios Hollywood, where adventure and unforgettable fun await at every turn. 



Explore our latest California theme park holiday packages and start planning your ultimate USA getaway today.