Hey Universal Vacationers! Universal Studios Hollywood is throwing a blockbuster-sized celebration this summer — and if you’re a movie fan, this is the event you’ve been waiting for.
They’re calling it Universal Mega Movie Summer, and it’s packed with fan-favorite characters, iconic movie moments, special food, and big anniversary throwbacks. The event runs June 13 to August 10, 2025, and it’s included with regular park admission.
Whether you love dinosaurs, sharks, time travel, witches, or fast cars — this event delivers.
Quick Glance: What to Expect at Universal Mega Movie Summer
- Dates: June 13 – August 10, 2025
- Revamped Ride: Jurassic World—The Ride gets new effects and dinos
- Jaws 50th: Hanging shark photo op, Amity Island Cafe menu, and themed characters
- Back to the Future 40th: Time Machine on display, themed food at Mel’s Diner
- Wicked: Glinda and Elphaba greet guests at the Wicked photo op
- How to Train Your Dragon: Giant Toothless statue, themed snacks
- Fast & Furious Preview: Sneak peek at ride vehicle for Hollywood Drift
- CityWalk Fun: Doughnuts, DJs, live entertainment, and exclusive merch
Full Breakdown: Every Franchise, Experience, and Food Offering
Here’s everything coming to Universal Studios Hollywood for Universal Mega Movie Summer, organized by franchise:
| Franchise | Experiences | Food & Drink | Characters/Photo Ops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurassic World Rebirth | New Mosasaurus Splash finale on the ride, new Spitter dinos, geysers, scavenger hunt game | Jurassic Cafe updates, Isla Nubar cocktails: Jurassic Water Rebirth, Spicy Jurassic Paradise | Blue, Juliet, Baby Tango, new “adorable dino,” new Jurassic adventure character, Spinosaurus photo op |
| Jaws (50th Anniversary) | Hanging shark photo op, Jaws Lake decked out for July 4th, Jaws on Hollywood Sign replica | Amity Island Cafe: Lobster Roll, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Shark Bite cocktail | Meet-and-greets with Captain Quint and Chief Brody |
| Back to the Future (40th Anniversary) | Time Machine display near Mel’s Diner | Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Traveler Milkshake, Wake Up Juice cocktail | Doc Brown, Marty McFly, Einstein |
| Wicked | Wicked-themed photo op near entrance | None listed | Elphaba and Glinda |
| How to Train Your Dragon | Massive Toothless statue in Universal Plaza | Cookies, popcorn bucket, themed food cart | Toothless photo op |
| Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Coming Soon) | Sneak peek of 1970 Dodge Charger ride vehicle | None listed | Static vehicle display |
| Universal CityWalk | Live DJs at Five Towers Stage, special events | Voodoo Doughnut: “Doughnut Go In the Water,” Jurassic treats | Exclusive merch at Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal |
Let’s Talk Jurassic World Rebirth
This is clearly the biggest push. Universal is going all-in to hype up Jurassic World: Rebirth before it hits theaters on July 2, 2025. The updated ride finale will roar with the new Mosasaurus effect and extra water effects. Add the new dinosaur character lineup and a scavenger hunt game? That’s theme park gold.
Isla Nubar’s cocktails sound like something straight off a tropical island, and the Jurassic Cafe refresh will likely draw a crowd after all those dino encounters.
Celebrating 50 Years of Jaws
Universal’s not letting the 50th anniversary of Jaws sneak by. You’ve got the return of the hanging shark photo op, which was a staple years ago. This time, it’s bigger. More detailed. Themed food at the Amity Island Cafe (formerly Hollywood & Dine) includes fun picks like the Shark Fin Funnel Cake and Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut.
Pro tip: grab a Shark Bite cocktail and head toward the Jaws Lake for a view of the backlot holiday decor. Yes — it’s summer, but they’re celebrating July 4th all season long.
Time Travel With Back to the Future
This one’s all about nostalgia. Back to the Future turns 40, and Universal’s pulling out the DeLorean. You’ll find the Time Machine parked by Mel’s Diner with Doc, Marty, and Einstein on hand for photos.
The menu at Mel’s is one of the most themed in the park right now — try the Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie or the Outatime Cookie for a fun throwback.
Other Fan Favorites
Wicked
Elphaba and Glinda return with a fan-favorite photo op. They were a hit during Universal Fan Fest Nights — this is a great second chance to see them before the Wicked film drops.
How to Train Your Dragon
This one’s subtle but visually stunning. The massive Toothless statue in Universal Plaza is a must-see. And don’t leave without a Light Fury cookie or Toothless popcorn bucket.
Fast & Furious Sneak Peek
This is a teaser — Universal is giving you a close-up of the 1970 Dodge Charger that’ll be featured in the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster. Ride opens next year, but the car is already photo-op ready.
CityWalk Joins the Fun
Even if you don’t enter the park, you can still feel the movie magic at CityWalk:
- Voodoo Doughnut has event-exclusive treats, including one themed after Jaws
- Five Towers Stage will host live music and DJ sets
- Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal will stock exclusive merch themed to Universal Mega Movie Summer
Final Thoughts: Why This Event Matters
Universal Mega Movie Summer feels like a big win for movie lovers and theme park fans. It builds on the momentum of Universal Fan Fest Nights and Mega Movie Parade at Universal Orlando — but this time, it’s included with your day ticket.
It also shows something bigger: Universal is testing what works. More character interaction. More limited-time food. More ways to celebrate anniversaries and upcoming movie releases. If this summer is a success, we’ll probably see more of these seasonal events that combine nostalgia, big IPs, and unique park experiences. Can you say Universal Fan Fest Nights for Florida?
So if you’re heading to Universal Studios Hollywood between June 13 and August 10, get ready for a summer full of blockbuster moments — because Universal is going full throttle with this one.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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