We’re back at Universal Orlando to bring you the latest updates in this photo report. We stopped by Universal CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida to explore construction progress, new merchandise, Halloween Horror Nights preparations, and more.
Universal CityWalk
At Universal CityWalk, a sign in front of Bigfire advertises a Sunday brunch available from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The reassembly of Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, at the Lone Palm Airport, located directly across Margaritaville, has been completed. The aircraft made its way back to CityWalk in late May following almost a year of refurbishment.
In our earlier photo report from June 13, 2025, we noted that the plane incurred minor damage after colliding with the railing during its repositioning. The aircraft has since been repaired. There was noticeable damage to the railing as well, but this was resolved in late June, which we shared in an update posted to our Facebook page.
Here’s a closer look at where the aircraft was patched.
Adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe, construction crews are excavating land at the far end of the site close to the former Blue Man Group building, while stacking the removed earth at the front of the site.
Documents previously submitted by Universal indicate that while this location falls under CityWalk, the ongoing work is related to the replacement of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida, which will have its last day of operation on August 17, 2025. According to the documents, the construction in CityWalk involves a small structure next to the Hard Rock Cafe, at the plot shown in the photo below, along with modifications to the surrounding area.
Here’s a look at the large mound of dirt piled near the front of the Hard Rock Cafe.
A fence at the courtyard of the former Blue Man Group features a sign indicating that PCL Construction is responsible for this development.
Here are additional images of the site taken from a greater distance, providing a clearer perspective of its location and the positioning of the dirt.
The area shown in the following images is situated along the waterway in CityWalk. A guest walkway divides this site from the area adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe.
Construction teams were actively removing the flagpoles.
You can also see that the stairs are being removed. This path should be replaced with a sloped walkway instead.
Islands of Adventure
In the Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure, facade work is still underway at the Guest Services/First Aid location.
Facade work is now in progress at the Rental Services location in the Port of Entry.
The restrooms located near the exit of Islands of Adventure have been undergoing renovations since April 2025.
Inside the Islands of Adventure Trading Company Store, the kraken prop has been removed. This prop was introduced in April 2025 and featured an eye that peered through a barrel. However, in June 2025, that feature was removed, and a hat blocked where the interactive element was. Click here to view the kraken in its operational state.
Universal Studios Florida
Now, let’s move on to Universal Studios Florida. The arch won’t be empty for much longer. With Halloween Horror Nights kicking off on August 29, the Halloween Horror Nights medallion will be installed soon.
The display case showcasing David S. Pumpkins costumes has been taken down in The Tonight Shop.
Gramercy Park in the New York area is entirely encircled by construction walls, signaling a refurbishment.
Construction walls were installed on June 6 in the New York area, enclosing part of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, as we reported earlier. This development is connected to the ride’s replacement.
The sign regarding the restoration of the historic Engine 89 firehouse was displayed when the walls were set up. To clarify, the Engine 89 firehouse is located to the left of the walls, with only a small portion of it currently behind the walls.
Some fans are speculating that this sign is hinting that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be replaced with a Ghostbusters roller coaster. The Engine 89 firehouse was previously the entrance to the Ghostbusters Spooktacular attraction in the 1990s. However, this is purely speculative. A new Fast & Furious roller coaster is a rumor that has gained more traction, but it remains just that—a rumor, as Universal Orlando has not made any official announcements.
A sign once decorated the area above the firehouse doors, identifying it as Engine 89. Although that sign is no longer up, a window decal marks this as Engine 89 firehouse, listing Michael Morman as co. chief, although the word “chief” is spelled incorrectly.
There are recent developments regarding the construction walls. New signage was added last week, including a sign for Gundacker Construction, probably referring to Charlie Gundacker, Senior Vice President of Attraction Development at Universal Orlando. The phone number featured has a 213 area code, associated with Los Angeles. However, the phone number, 213-544-8182, connects to a disconnected Verizon line.
This sign about building better roads for a better future is also new.
As well as this fire lane sign with the Engine 89 logo. “Post no bills” was also recently painted on the construction walls.
The stage for The Blues Brothers Show is surrounded by construction walls.
However, they’re still doing meet & greets nearby.
The Jaws props and photo ops are still up in the San Francisco area to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary on June 20. Additionally, Jaws 50th anniversary merchandise is still available.
In Diagon Alley, a stage and various new props have been installed, likely in preparation for the return of the Death Eaters during Halloween Horror Nights, though this has not been confirmed.
You can spot props in the former Fear Factor Live auditorium for Halloween Horror Nights.
The bridge spanning the Universal Studios Florida lagoon near the London waterfront and The Simpsons Ride is currently closed for renovations.
Trussing is being installed across the Hollywood area in preparation for Halloween Horror Nights, with lighting already set up near Mel’s Drive-In.
A Terrifier haunted house was announced for Halloween Horror Nights, and new merchandise has been released to coincide with the announcement. You can find this new collection at Five & Dime in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida and at All Hallows Eve Boutique in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure.
The t-shirt costs $35.
The bag is also $35.
The Art the Clown figure displayed below is part of a collectible stained glass frame (more details to follow). This item is priced at $8.
The item displayed below is the collectible frame, designed to look like stained glass. The figure shown above is placed inside the frame. This frame includes space for additional figures as new announcements are revealed. The product costs $25.
This concludes our Universal Orlando photo report.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.
Comments