It has been a huge month at Universal Orlando, and as a family that has walked these parks more times than we can count, we wanted to round up what actually matters for your next vacation. Here’s the news our Pixie Vacations agents are watching right now.
Epic Universe just turned one — and it got better
Epic Universe celebrated its first anniversary in May, marking the first major new theme park in Orlando in 25 years. The best news for families: Universal restructured its multi-day tickets so multi-day passes now include unlimited access to all three parks — Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND Epic Universe — on every day of your ticket. A year ago, Epic Universe was a pricey add-on. Today it’s built right in, which makes a Universal vacation a much easier “yes” for families. (A quick heads-up: Universal has also rolled out a new pay-per-ride “Universal Express Now” option for skipping the line on a single attraction — our agents can walk you through whether that’s worth it for your group.)
A new character to meet: Captain Cacao
Just ahead of the anniversary, Universal introduced Captain Cacao in Celestial Park — a moonship navigator who roams the cosmos collecting treats for Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets. He’s now available for meet-and-greets, and he’s an adorable addition for the little ones (and the chocolate lovers in the family).
More magic is on the way
Universal has hinted there’s plenty more coming to Epic Universe. Permits have been filed tied to a future attraction — early signs point to expansion in the Dark Universe land (home to Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf) and a large new building connected to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Nothing is open yet, but it’s a great reminder that this park is built for the long haul.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 is shaping up
HHN celebrates its milestone 35th year starting August 28, running 48 select nights through November 1, with 10 all-new haunted houses. Two are already announced: Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control (the origin story of two HHN icons) and Sinners, based on Ryan Coogler’s hit film. (HHN is intense and best for older kids and adults — ask us about separate-ticket nights and how to fit it around a family trip.)
The holidays are already on the calendar
Universal’s Holidays celebration returns this winter with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas in Seuss Landing, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. If a festive Orlando trip is on your radar, the holiday weeks book up fast — now is the time to plan.
Where this leaves your wallet
May’s best Universal hotel offers were stackable: 15%–30% off flexible rates on 5+ night stays, a $300 hotel dining credit on select 5-night stays, the “Buy 3 Days, Get 2 Free” Epic Universe ticket deal, and free arrival-day Volcano Bay admission on select summer dates. Stacking these correctly is exactly where a certified planner saves you real money — and our planning service is always free.
Thinking about Universal this year? Request your free, no-obligation quote and one of our Pixie Vacations agents will build the trip around your family — tickets, the right on-site hotel, and every deal we can stack. Prefer to talk it through? Call us at 678-815-1584.
Want more Universal planning help? Check out our Universal Orlando hotel deals guide and our full Epic Universe 2026 planning guide.
1-Day Park-to-Park with Roundtrip Transfers provides guests a 1-Day Park-to-Park experience with transportation to Universal Orlando® from Disney® Area Hotels.
