This article is your complete guide to the best things to do at Universal Orlando in 2025! There are so many new things that families can enjoy at Universal Orlando, including the brand new Dreamworks Land, a new nighttime show called CineSational, a new show on Hogwarts Castle called Hogwarts Always, as well as a brand new theme park – Epic Universe! Below, we break down everything you won’t want to miss on your next Universal Orlando vacation!
We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation! If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!
Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar
There have been so many exciting changes at Universal Orlando in the past few months we have put together a list of the top 7 must-do things at the parks! These include riding the newest Universal Orlando rides and visiting the brand-new Dreamworks Land. Guests can also now check out two new nighttime shows which are CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Always. We also love the new Universal Mega Movie Parade for families visiting Universal Orlando with young children who are looking for the perfect afternoon break.
On May 22, 2025, a brand new theme park, Epic Universe will open its gates to 5 new worlds to explore. Guests can enter into Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Related post: Guide to Spending One Day at Universal Islands of Adventure
On May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will open to all guests! This is a highly-anticipated new theme park that will feature state-the-art attractions, shows, food and so much more for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets to visit Epic Universe are on sale now!
In 2025, Universal Orlando is opening three brand new hotels right next to Epic Universe. Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21), Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25), Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22). These hotels will all be within walking distance to Universal Epic Universe, a great option for guests visiting Epic Universe!
Guests can now enjoy an imaginative new land in Universal Studios Florida where they can meet Shrek and splash in his swamp for little Orges, ride the new Troller Coaster, enjoy specially-themed snacks, and meet their favorite Dreamworks characters. There is also a brand new Poppy’s Playground which is another great new area for families visiting Universal with young kids.
Universal also announced a brand new show called CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular which will take place nightly in Universal Studios Florida. Universal has released that the new show will include scenes and scores from some of our favorite films including Warner Bros. Pictures Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, “Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, “Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy, and King Kong.” Universal Mega Movie Parade
The Universal Mega Movie Parade marks the return of daytime parades at Universal Studios Florida! This is going to be a mainstay within the park which is different from the parade which normally takes place during Universal Orlando Mardi Gras. And just like the Symphonic Spectacular show this parade will include characters from some of our favorite movies including Minions, Sing, DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Jurassic World, E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, and Ghostbusters.
We are all also very excited for the brand new nighttime show on Hogwarts castle called Hogwarts Always! Guests will be able to see and hear from some of their favorite Harry Potter Characters such as Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore, and the Sorting Hat. Guests can also enjoy a different four different endings to this new show with each celebrating the four different Hogwarts houses.
Universal Orlando has been throwing a better Halloween Horror Nights event year after year, and we expect 2025 to be no different.
Truly one of the most magical things to do at Universal Studios Orlando is to visit during the holiday season. Both Universal Orlando parks undergo transformations with special offerings and attractions for Christmas which even include a special celebration called Grinchmas in Islands of Adventure park with popular meet and greets as well as a Grinch character breakfast.
Related Page: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows
A: Another common question we receive is, is Universal Studios Orlando worth it if you don’t like rides? Universal Studios Orlando is still a great place to visit even if you don’t like rides. There is a ton of activities to do that don’t include ride simulations or roller coasters such as the amazing shows, Harry Potter themed lands, and character meet and greets. Universal Orlando also has some amazing special events throughout the year including Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Mardi Gras, and Grinchmas.
A: If you’re wondering what to do at Universal Studios, there are plenty of events and attractions to try out for the best trip. First, we recommend to plan your trip during one of the holidays, like Halloween Horror Nights or even Christmas where you can see exclusive performances and parades. We also recommend going into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and grabbing a butterbeer to experience one of the best lands in all of the theme parks!
Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!