We visited Universal Orlando to check out the latest developments at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. In our photo report from this trip, we cover a variety of new merchandise, construction updates, and much more. Explore our photo report to find out what’s new at Universal Orlando.
Universal CityWalk
We’ll begin our coverage at Universal CityWalk.
A corner of the newly expanded Universal Studios Store in the Super Nintendo World section (at the entrance next door to the Universal Cinemark theater) is blocked off with scrim. We covered this update on our social media accounts last week.
You can faintly see through the scrim. Merchandise has been removed from the area, a ladder is placed to the side, and a display on the left of the photo above is wrapped in plastic.
You can observe patchwork on the ceiling. We saw reports of leaks occurring inside this section of the store.
Just above that section of the store, near the elevator, a section of the walkway is blocked off with fencing, and tarp is laid over the floor.
You can also see that bricks have been removed from the area beneath the tarp and are stacked to the side.
Given the leaks occurring directly below, we assume that the ongoing work upstairs is related to this issue in the store and aims to resolve it.
There’s ongoing work at the escalator area in CityWalk. We’ve recently shared updates about this on our social media channels. If we recall correctly, the entire escalator area was surrounded by construction walls in early April 2025. These walls were removed by late April, and the escalators for going up reopened in early May; however, the escalator for going down did not return to service.
Construction walls have reappeared, now isolating only the escalators leading downstairs, while the escalators upstairs continue to operate. The downward escalators have likely been out of commission for approximately two months. Guests have alternative options available, including nearby stairs, ramps, or the elevator.
Over at the Epic Universe Preview Center, more Epic Universe grand opening merchandise is available.
The t-shirt shown above, which was already available for purchase here, is still in stock. The right sleeve features the park’s grand opening date, shown below. It’s priced at $32.
A crewneck sweatshirt is now available for purchase here. The design displayed below is the back, while the front features a minimalist look with the Epic Universe logo positioned on the upper right. The price is $58.
You can buy a backpack for $53.
As well as a blanket for $40. It measures 50 inches by 60 inches.
Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, made its return to the Lone Palm Airport Bar in late May 2025 after undergoing refurbishment, as we covered on our social media accounts. Crews are currently assembling various components of the aircraft.
Since our previous update on social media, the wing has been installed. Further sections of the wing and additional components are still in the process of being installed.
Additionally, the plane has been repositioned slightly and is now located further back with the tail over the fence.
It seems that the plane sustained minor damage during its repositioning. There are visible signs of damage at the bottom of the aircraft that were not present before.
Additionally, the photo below shows that the railing directly beneath the plane is bent, which was not present in our previous coverage.
The photo below clearly shows the bent railing beneath the plane.
Here are some additional photos of the plane.
In the photo below, you can observe the damage to both the aircraft and the railing.
As previously covered on our social media platforms, construction walls were erected along the walkway between the Universal Studios Florida arch and the Hard Rock Cafe. This development is likely in preparation for the upcoming closure and replacement of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The ride is still open, but its final day of operation is August 17, 2025. You can view the construction walls in the images below.
Documents submitted in December 2024 indicate that Universal plans to modify this area and build a small structure.
The area behind the walls and fencing has been cleared. Here are some photos taken from over the fencing that display the current progress.
Universal Studios Florida
At Universal Studios Florida, construction walls were set up in the New York area last week. While we shared this update on our social media accounts previously, we wanted to bring it up again in this post. There have been no significant changes since then. The walls enclose a section of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and part of the firehouse facade.
A sign on the wall reads “Restoration of the Historic Engine 89 Firehouse.” The firehouse used to serve as the entrance to the Ghostbusters Spooktacular show, which closed in 1996, and featured an engine 89 sign directly above the doors.
We suspect these walls are related to the upcoming closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. While Universal Orlando has yet to announce what will replace the roller coaster, you can check out our post that explores possible replacements.
Next to Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, a new backdrop has been installed to advertise the upcoming film M3GAN 2.0. In this area, you can also catch performances from dancing M3GANs throughout the day until June 30, 2025. Please note that there are no specific showtimes. Unfortunately, we didn’t encounter them during our visit, so we weren’t able to capture any photos.
Universal announced a Jason Voorhees haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights, and as part of this announcement, new merchandise has been released. You can purchase this merchandise at the Five & Dime store located in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida. Additionally, it’s available at Islands of Adventure in the All Hallows Eve Boutique, located in the Lost Continent area.
The Jason Voorhees collection includes a t-shirt for $33. The front of the t-shirt is pictured below.
The back of the t-shirt is pictured below.
There’s a mug for $20. The mug is hand wash only.
The Jason Voorhees figure displayed below is part of a collectible frame (more details to follow). This item is priced at $8.
The item displayed below is the collectible frame. It’s designed to hold the figure shown above. This frame includes space for additional figures as new announcements are revealed. In this particular photo, the frame is for display and showcases a figure from Fallout, aligning with the haunted house announcement from last week. The frame costs $25.
Islands of Adventure
Next, let’s make our way to Islands of Adventure to explore the latest updates and developments.
We spotted new Snowy Owl “Waiting for my Letter” merchandise at the Islands of Adventure Trading Company located at the park’s entrance. While we’re not certain about all the stores that carry this collection, we did see some items available at the Universal Studios Store inside the Universal Studios Florida park as well.
The t-shirt below costs $37.
The crew fleece costs $75.
There’s a zipper hoodie for $60.
The crop ringer t-shirt is $40.
The magnet below is priced at $13.
The Snow Owl keychain is also $13.
The pin below is $10.
The tumbler shown below costs $32.
A double-sided mug is available for $21. Here’s a look at one side of the mug.
And here’s what the other side looks like.
This mini backpack showcases a Snowy Owl design, and its front pocket resembles an envelope. It’s available for $65.
A hair bow is being sold for $20.
These Snowy Owl socks are also $20.
A throw blanket is being sold for $60. The design features Snowy Owls and “Waiting for My Letter” throughout.
An ID holder is part of this new collection; however, we did not find it in the store alongside the other items.
In Jurassic Park, there’s a new interactive Aquilops. The product includes a shoulder pad mount so it can sit on your shoulder. When touched, it reacts by moving and making sounds. This item is priced at $55. We saw it for sale at Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore.
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, construction walls are partially obstructing a pathway close to the bridge leading in and out of the area.
Walls were set up in this area in late May, initially surrounding the snowman. The walls have since been repositioned, and the snowman is no longer obstructed. These walls are possibly related to pavement work, as the pavement now appears lighter where the walls were previously located.
Universal Orlando set up cool zones throughout its theme parks for guests to cool off during the summer heat. An additional cool zone has recently been made available.
This cool zone is located in the former auditorium of the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad stunt show. This show permanently closed in 2018, but the set remains intact. Only a small section is open for guests.
This outdoor auditorium is completely shaded. However, unlike the other cool zones, it lacks fans or misters.
Guests can take advantage of water bottle refill stations.
This wraps up our photo report on Universal Orlando.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com for more Universal news and beyond.
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