We returned to Universal Orlando to check in on the latest changes taking place across the resort. Construction continues on several projects in CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida, while smaller updates and seasonal preparations are also happening.
This update includes progress on the all-new Category 10 venue in CityWalk, where site preparation is underway, along with new advertising for The Odyssey film. Over at Universal Studios Florida, we’re covering construction on the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, the first themed props for Halloween Horror Nights, and more. Here’s a look at everything we found during our visit.
TOC
Cinemark Now Promoting The Odyssey
The Universal Cinemark theater at CityWalk is now promoting Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which arrives in theaters on July 17. Advertisements for the upcoming film have been added around the rotunda outside.
Latest Look at Category 10 in CityWalk
Site preparation work continues at the CityWalk waterfront across from Bigfire, between the Lone Palm Airport bar and the Cinnabon kiosk. Since our last photo update, crews have fully demolished the Dockside Bar platform and are continuing to prepare the area for construction of the Category 10 venue.
Category 10 is from country music star Luke Combs. The venue, which is scheduled to open in late 2027, will span three-stories and cover about 33,000 square feet. It will feature dining, a bar, and live entertainment.
New Pieces Installed for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is scheduled to open next year, and we’re taking a look at construction progress across the different sections of the new roller coaster.
Starting at the plot beside the Hard Rock Cafe, significant work has happened over the past few weeks, with numerous supports and track pieces installed throughout the site.
The coaster’s 170-foot vertical spike was topped off about a week and a half ago, marking a major milestone in construction. During our visit, we noticed that the flags flying at the top of the spike, including the U.S. flag and the flag celebrating the Fast & Furious franchise’s 25th anniversary, have since been removed.
Heading over near Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, new supports have recently been installed at the walkway between the attraction and the Universal Studios Store, which connects to the former Blue Man Group theater. This walkway is typically used to access the backstage area used for Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses.
Here’s a look at the current state of the area behind the Music Plaza Stage. Since our last visit, new supports have been installed to the left of the stage. On the right side, more track pieces have been added.
The pathways beyond the construction walls are also used to access several Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses. With the event beginning late next month, construction materials and debris will need to be cleared to ensure these walkways are ready for guests, so it will be interesting to see how much progress is made over the next few weeks.
Here’s a look at the ride station area. The station is located directly behind the firehouse facade in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida. The coaster track wraps around the building before entering the station. Junction boxes have been added along the section of track leading into the station.
A switch track is installed in this area, allowing ride vehicles to move between two separate track segments. This setup will support dual loading and unloading, helping improve the attraction’s overall capacity. It is not yet clear where the ride entrance will be located.
As we previously covered, the opening in the firehouse facade where Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit once raced through is currently being covered as part of restoration work.
First Themed Elements Appear for Halloween Horror Nights
The first themed elements for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights have started appearing throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida. We’ll begin in the Hollywood area of the park, where a carnival-inspired set piece has been set up. It’s currently the only themed set piece in the area.
Over in the New York area, the stage next to Gramercy Park has also received theming, including new railings and a grungy makeover. The stage will likely host short performances throughout the evening during the event.
Beyond the themed elements, additional setups are also ongoing. Nearby, another stage has been placed across from the extended queue for the Transformers ride. This stage is much smaller than the one beside Gramercy Park.
Along the Central Park walkway, lighting strips extend up many of the trees for an upcoming scare zone, and electric boxes are positioned at the base of the trees.
More lighting and truss structures have been installed throughout the park, too, but we’ll head back toward the park entrance for a closer look at some of the more prominent setups.
Near the main entrance to the Universal Studios Store inside the park, large trusses were recently placed at the guest walkway, with lighting fixtures attached and tarps placed along both sides.
Additionally, another truss structure spanning above the walkway was installed directly at the entrance gates.
At this time, Universal has not announced any of the scare zones for this year’s event.
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights officially kicks off on August 28, with Premium Scream Night happening the night before on August 27. Our free Halloween Horror Nights planning guide includes full event details, tips, a touring plan, and other resources to help you make the most of your visit.
Revenge of the Mummy Receives Outdoor Extended Queue
A tent was installed a few days ago in front of Revenge of the Mummy to serve as an extended queue for the attraction. This could indicate that the ride’s usual extended queue space is being used for another purpose, potentially for the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store.
Last year, the Tribute Store operated from a much smaller location, taking over the Palace Arcade and part of the Sahara Traders store. At the time, some speculated that Universal avoided using Revenge of the Mummy’s extended queue space, which had been used in the past, because the closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit may have created a greater need for additional queue space for Revenge of the Mummy.
With a temporary extended queue now available, it’s possible this could signal that the Tribute Store will return to its former location. However, Universal has not confirmed any plans.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.
