There’s been a shift happening at Universal Orlando Resort—one that’s been slowly building steam for months. And now? It’s hard to ignore. If you’ve walked through the gates recently, you’ve probably thought: “This is starting to feel a little… Disney-ish.” And that’s not by accident.
Let’s rewind a bit and look at how Universal has been rolling out some surprisingly familiar features.
Summer 2024: The Parade Era Begins
Last summer, Universal shocked longtime fans by introducing the Mega Movie Parade, a high-energy celebration of iconic films like Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future. The floats weren’t just oversized set pieces—they were theatrical, story-driven, and designed to rival Disney’s own cavalcade magic. And the parade was a hit, so much so that it’s back for a long run in 2025.
Fall 2024: Drones Light Up the Sky
As the sun began to set over Universal Studios Florida, a new nighttime spectacular called CineSational launched—and suddenly, the park had an evening draw. It combined projections, drones, fireworks, and a sweeping film score. Think EPCOT’s nighttime shows but with Universal flair. The production value caught everyone off guard, and now, the nighttime entertainment calendar is packed more like Disney’s than ever before.
Spring 2025: After-Hours Hits the Water
This year, Universal dropped another surprise: Volcano Bay Nights, an after-dark, separately ticketed event that mirrors Disney’s H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon. It’s got everything: live music, exclusive eats, character meets, and, of course, shorter waits for slides. Suddenly, water park nights are a thing outside the Disney bubble.
April 2025: Virtual Queue Arrives at Epic Universe
And now? With previews for Epic Universe rolling out, Universal’s most anticipated ride—Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry—has ditched the traditional standby line in favor of a Virtual Line system. Drop times hit at noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., and if that sounds a little like the Rise of the Resistance model, you’re not wrong.
What It All Means
Piece by piece, Universal has been building something more immersive, more entertainment-packed, and yes—more Disney-like. And with the arrival of Epic Universe, it’s clear they’re not just aiming to be Orlando’s second option. They want the top spot.
These aren’t just borrowed ideas—they’re strategic upgrades. And for fans of both parks, that just means more reasons to stay out late, plan your day a little more carefully, and enjoy a kind of entertainment rivalry that benefits everyone.
