Universal Orlando is seeing a wave of changes across its parks and CityWalk, with a mix of new construction, refurbishments, and closures in progress. From major projects like the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster to facade updates and more. This update highlights the latest changes across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
- Epic Universe Preview Center Now Closed
- Burger King Whopper Bar Closing
- Luke Combs’ Category 10 Location
- Construction Walls at Cinnabon
- The Lost Continent Construction
- Hogwarts Castle Refurbishment
- Hogsmeade Bridge Renovation
- Painting Progress at Universal Studios Entry Plaza
- Construction Walls Up at Universal Studios Entry Plaza
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Construction
- Finnegans Bar & Grill Renovations
- Rosie’s Irish Shop Closes
- Ghirardelli Façade Refurbishment
- Cars Removed from Fast & Furious: Supercharged Exit
- Construction in the Hollywood Area
TOC
Epic Universe Preview Center Now Closed
Starting at Universal CityWalk Orlando, the Epic Universe Preview Center officially closed on April 13, 2026. The closure was announced just a few days prior, along with confirmation that the space will once again become the Universal Legacy Store, which previously operated here. The store is expected to open in late April, though a specific date hasn’t been announced.
The Universal Legacy Store is known for its retro-inspired merchandise and themed photo ops celebrating classic Universal Studios Florida attractions and iconic Universal Pictures films, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Universal Monsters lineup.
Burger King Whopper Bar Closing
Also announced is the upcoming closure of the Burger King Whopper Bar. The location remains open for now, but it is scheduled to close effective April 21, 2026. It will be replaced by Five Guys, which is set to open later this summer.
Luke Combs’ Category 10 Location
Although it was first announced in February, Universal has since confirmed that Luke Combs’ Category 10—a new bar, restaurant, and live music venue—will be built along the waterfront. The space is planned to span three levels and cover roughly 33,000 square feet. Construction is set to begin this summer, and the venue is scheduled to open in late 2027.
In the released concept art, the surrounding details offer some clues about its location. The Islands of Adventure Lighthouse appears on the left, with a gradual slope extending to the right and the Hard Rock Cafe visible in the background. This angle suggests the venue will sit to the right of the Lone Palm Airport bar, taking over much of the current kiosk area and the grassy slope. However, the recently built Cinnabon location is likely to stay in place.
Construction Walls at Cinnabon
Walls have been installed in front of the Cinnabon location in Islands of Adventure, though the dining spot remains open.
The Lost Continent Construction
Earlier this month, construction walls were installed around the former Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, signaling the beginning of the end for the land. For context, Universal Orlando confirmed in September 2025 that upcoming construction activity would be taking place in The Lost Continent in the coming months as part of future development plans, making this the first major step toward that work beginning.
In addition, All Hallows Eve Boutique recently closed in this section and was relocated to the front of the park in Port of Entry. Universal has not yet released specific details about what is planned for the area or an exact timeline for its full closure.
Hogwarts Castle Refurbishment
Much of Hogwarts Castle is currently wrapped in scrim to conceal scaffolding that covers most of the façade. The exterior is undergoing refurbishment, but the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride remains open to guests. The work is reportedly expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
We spotted a worker on the scaffolding near one of the castle’s towers, giving a clear sense of its scale and proportions.
Hogsmeade Bridge Renovation
Additional work in the Wizarding World area of Islands of Adventure includes the ongoing refurbishment of the bridge connecting Hogsmeade to Jurassic Park.
Painting Still Underway at Universal Studios Florida Entry Plaza
Painting work continues at the Universal Studios Florida entry plaza, a project that began in January 2026. The area is being refreshed with a new color scheme, shifting away from the previous peachy-pink tone to a white finish with brown accents. The right side still has the most work remaining, while much of the left side appears largely complete with only minor finishing touches left.
Construction Walls Up at Universal Studios Florida Entry Plaza
Construction walls were set up at the Universal Studios Florida entry area a few days ago, blocking off a small section along the side of the main walkway.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Construction
Construction is moving quickly on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida, with the attraction scheduled to open in 2027.
The construction zone in the New York area has recently expanded, now covering much of the rear street as work continues on the upcoming roller coaster.
Here’s a look at what can currently be seen from ground level in the New York area, including progress on the ride station behind the firehouse and the service building at the back of the site. Additionally, the first track supports have now been installed.
Here’s a look at the construction site next to the Hard Rock Cafe, where stakes have been placed across the footers for the roller coaster support structures. Plus, a concrete building now sits at the site.
From CityWalk, the ride’s service building is also visible in the distance.
Finnegans Bar & Grill Renovations
Construction walls have also appeared elsewhere in the New York area, now enclosing a small section of Finnegan’s Bar & Grill on Delancey Street. The restaurant is currently closed for renovations and is planned to reopen in winter 2026.
Rosie’s Irish Shop Closes
Rosie’s Irish Shop in the New York area, located directly across from Louie’s Italian Restaurant, is closed, with curtains covering the interior and blocking visibility inside. It’s unclear what the closure is for.
Ghirardelli Façade Refurbishment
Walls were installed around the Ghirardelli façade in the San Francisco area in late March, with scrim added to portions of the exterior last week as refurbishment work continues.
Cars Removed from Fast & Furious: Supercharged Exit
The exit area of Fast & Furious: Supercharged is now cleared out, with all three display cars no longer on display.
Construction in the Hollywood Area
Walls were also put up last week in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, beside the Wicked experience and the Brown Derby Hat Shop, as utility excavation work takes place.
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