Universal Mega Movie Summer is back at Universal Studios Hollywood. This seasonal celebration brings some of Universal’s most popular film franchises to life through special entertainment, themed experiences, exclusive merchandise, and limited-time food offerings throughout the park.
What is Universal Mega Movie Summer?
The Mega Movie Summer is a seasonal event celebrating popular Universal movies with special entertainment, character meet-and-greets, themed food, merchandise, photo opportunities, and ride enhancements. The event is included with regular park admission.
When is Mega Movie Summer?
The Mega Movie Summer event will take place at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer season, starting June 13 to August 19, 2026.
All activities take place throughout the theme park, making it easy for guests to explore movie-themed experiences while enjoying rides and attractions. Universal City Walk will also participate in the event.
Buy Universal Discount Tickets to Attend – Buy a Day, Get 2nd Day FREE
Mega Movie Summer is included with your Universal admission ticket. Take advantage of either the discounted Buy a Day, Get 2nd Day Free offer or get the discounted Universal Express (admission + express pass) to attend.
Check our list of Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets for a complete list of deals.
Food, beverages, merchandise, and premium experiences may require an additional purchase, but many of the event’s highlights are available to all guests with a regular ticket.
Things to Do at Mega Movie Summer
Here are the entertainment, exclusive food, and merchandise available during Mega Movie Summer, inspired by iconic and upcoming films from Universal Pictures and Illumination:
Featured Movie Experiences and Attractions
Illumination’s Minions & Monsters brings the film’s all-new Minions stars, Henry and James, to Super Silly Fun Land near “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” featuring interactive guest experiences and an energetic Minion Dance Party.
Celebrate The Odyssey at Universal Studios Hollywood with epic, behind-the-scenes moments tied to the groundbreaking cinematic adaptation of Homer’s foundational saga, written for the screen and directed by Christopher Nolan. One of the original ships featured in the film will be on display exclusively along the world-famous Studio Tour. Insightful footage and filmmaker interviews will play on the tram monitors, offering fans a closer look at the making of this cinematic adventure.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ global cinematic phenomenon, Wicked and Wicked: For Good, can once again defy gravity with beloved Elphaba and Glinda character meet and greets at the vibrantly themed photo op, located near the DreamWorks Theatre.
Exclusive Food
An all-new parks’ exclusive Minions & Monsters-themed merchandise collection will be available for purchase, including an all-new Shoulder Pal themed to new monster character Goomi from the film, blind box figures, apparel, accessories and more, just in time to celebrate the theatrical release of the film.
Hollywood & Dine, located near the park’s main entrance, shifts into high gear by transforming into Drift & Dine, offering a Fast & Furious–themed, limited-time menu, that will include such items as L.A. Drift Dog, BBQ Chicken Platter, Fried Elote Corn Dog, BBQ Corn Ribs, Quarter Mile Funnel Cake and Street Cart Watermelon and Pineapple. The Cocina Mexicana restaurant, located adjacent to “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will offer shareable La Familia Meal, bringing bold flavors and family-style dining to Mega Movie Summer.
As guests prepare to dive into summer, Steven Spielberg’s landmark thriller, Jaws readies to take a bite out of Mel’s Diner with a specially themed menu serving up returning favorites such as the Shark Bait Burger, Lobster Roll, Fish & Chicken Basket and Amity Island Funnel Cake.
Plus, Studio Scoops, located on the lower lot, debuts the Hello Kitty Jaws Blueberry Cheesecake Sundae.
Exclusive Merchandise
An all-new parks’ exclusive Minions & Monsters-themed merchandise collection will be available for purchase, including an all-new Shoulder Pal themed to new monster character Goomi from the film, blind box figures, apparel, accessories and more, just in time to celebrate the theatrical release of the film.
Fans can also shop for new merchandise celebrating the anniversary at the 101 Exchange store, located adjacent to “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.”
A selection of Wicked parks exclusive merchandise will also be available for purchase, including Spirit Jerseys, plush and more.
A selection of exclusive Jaws-inspired merchandise, including a new Loungefly crossbody bag, apparel and accessories will also be available for purchase.
Universal CityWalk Joins the Celebration
Universal CityWalk Hollywood joins the celebration of Mega Movie Summer with a lineup of limited-time offerings, including:
- The impressive 34-foot-tall Trojan Horse from Christopher Nolan’s upcoming 2026 film The Odyssey arrives at Universal CityWalk Hollywood for a limited-time appearance, beginning in July, located in front of the Universal Cinema AMC.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew offers bold flavors with its new menu options in honor of Fast & Furious 25th Anniversary, featuring the Full Throttle Teriyaki Burger, Drift Tandem Skewers, Car Meet Platter and a refreshing new cocktail, the Nitrous Boost.
- The authentic Mexican cuisine destination, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, serves two new flavorful dishes inspired by Fast & Furious – the Birria Burger and La Familia Platter, plus a refreshing tequila-based cocktail.
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville offers up island vibes with two Jaws-themed items, Beachside Melt and the Forbidden Waters cocktail.
- Voodoo Doughnut brings a playful twist with a lineup of whimsical Minions & Monsters inspired Doughnuts – the Banana Cream Mayhem Doughnut and the Minions & Monsters Mischief Doughnut.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Universal Mega Movie Summer included with park admission?
Yes, the Mega Movie Summer event is included with park admission. Food and merchandise are extra at the park. If you’re only going to Universal CityWalk, which is the retail and dining area outside the theme park, then you don’t need an admission ticket for that.
Is the event suitable for children?
Yes, Mega Movie Summer is suitable for children, and this 2026 event includes interactive guest experiences and an energetic Minion Dance Party at the Super Silly Fun Land near Despicable Me Minion Mayhem land. Plus, there are character meet and greets as well from the Wicked movie.
Will the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride be available during the Mega Movie Summer event?
The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is said to open summer of 2026 but there is no official opening date still. The ride is still undergoing testing.
To check for other rides, check the 10 Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Is Universal crowded in the summer?
Summer break has already started, so Universal will be busier than usual even on weekdays. To skip the long lines at the rides, I highly recommend getting a Universal Express Pass (admission + express) at a discount versus a regular admission ticket to shorten wait times at the rides.
Check our Guide to Universal Express Pass to learn how to use it, where to line up, which rides are included, and why it’s worth it.
Universal Guide:
If it’s your first time visiting, read up on our Universal Studios Hollywood Guide for Tips & Tricks when visiting the park.
To save on admission:
- Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Discount Tickets
Cheap Summer Movies for Kids:
- AMC Summer Movie Camp
- Regal $1 Movie: Regal Summer Movie Express
- Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series
- Harkins Summer Movie Fun 2026
