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Universal Orlando Pushes Classic Films Back into the Spotlight

Universal is testing demand for retro franchises through temporary events, retail, parade, film screenings to inform potential future redevelopments.

Overview

  • The Universal Mega Movie Parade officially returned for a summer run on Friday, June 5, featuring floats and performers themed to Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and Jaws.
  • Universal reopened the Universal Legacy Store at CityWalk on April 24, 2026, offering new merchandise tied to Back to the Future, Jaws and Universal Classic Monsters.
  • A resort-wide Jaws celebration launched on May 23 and runs through August 10, 2026, with additional Jaws screenings at the CityWalk Cinemark on select dates from June 20 through August 26.
  • Universal has not announced plans to reinstate any closed rides and continues other park refurbishments, while Fast & Furious: Supercharged is expected to close permanently in 2027, a move that has prompted fan speculation about possible redevelopments.
  • The coordinated parade, pop-up events and dedicated retail use short-term programming to measure guest interest in legacy properties and to inform whether Universal will invest in larger, permanent projects in the future.