Mega Movie Summer 2026

[Jerroddragon]

The "then cool" argument is getting tiresome.

Every time you say "if you think that's enough, then cool," you're acting like the only reason someone could disagree is because they're okay with "less" but it's mostly that they just don't agree with your assessment.



Go ahead and name what new attractions are opening this Summer at those 3 locations?



But that's not what's happening here. The new attraction isn't the only thing new. Mega Movie Summer itself is the summer event. You are more or less getting the same things as last year, just with new IPs + A NEW COASTER.

I mean not much more to say to people who just don't care what is offered at events, your logic is just the coaster is opening now (when we all know the plan was to have it open ages ago, so the budget of this event shouldn't have anything to do with the ride, thats on its own Budget)

Your arguing with me for wanting the castle show, or some sort of nighttime show in Dreamworks, WW or the Plaza. What are the positives of them not providing this for guests?

I just don't get why you want to argue for USH to have less, this isn't a small park being run by a family. USH had the biggest USH pretty much ever make basically record profits and while we don't have solid numbers on Fan Fest, as someone who went 10 nights it was very healthy and the food lines show it mostly likely made more then enough

I want a summer event at the level of other parks near by, I know that takes time because USH has allowed it self to lose a lot of live entertainment this is the second year of said event and third summer USH has done a summer event and taking out the coaster, which was opening this year no matter what and they are already and in noooooo way should be eating the budget for the summer

If one exclusive nighttime show is asking too much, then cool. Like people provide real reasons why its a bad idea over saying I'm grasping at straws

---

The only thing I am somewhat conflicted on, is that I wish people got to walk up next to the ship as opposed of it acting as a giant picture car that's just something we see for a few seconds. Something that large and massive would be highly exciting to see from multiple angles on a walkaround perspective.

I'm glad we're getting the horse in CityWalk though. I wondered, considering I believe there were rumors that the horse got scrapped; but I'm glad to see that isn't true.

Or have the boat on Falls lake filled up with props around it making it look like an active set. They talk about the lake and would be cool to show people what it looked like while filming, would just be more dynamic and interesting

 

[Brian G.]

I mean not much more to say to people who just don't care what is offered at events, your logic is just the coaster is opening now (when we all know the plan was to have it open ages ago, so the budget of this event shouldn't have anything to do with the ride, thats on its own Budget)

Your arguing with me for wanting the castle show, or some sort of nighttime show in Dreamworks, WW or the Plaza. What are the positives of them not providing this for guests?

I just don't get why you want to argue for USH to have less, this isn't a small park being run by a family. USH had the biggest USH pretty much ever make basically record profits and while we don't have solid numbers on Fan Fest, as someone who went 10 nights it was very healthy and the food lines show it mostly likely made more then enough

I want a summer event at the level of other parks near by, I know that takes time because USH has allowed it self to lose a lot of live entertainment this is the second year of said event and third summer USH has done a summer event and taking out the coaster, which was opening this year no matter what and they are already and in noooooo way should be eating the budget for the summer

If one exclusive nighttime show is asking too much, then cool. Like people provide real reasons why its a bad idea over saying I'm grasping at straws

No one has argued against a castle show. No one has said a nighttime show would be a bad idea. No one has said they want USH to offer less.

You keep reframing the disagreement into something it isn't, like you always do.

What we've actually been saying is that Hollywood Drift is clearly the headliner of this year's event and the thing Universal wants guests to focus on. That's not the same thing as saying the coaster consumed the entire budget, that we don't want more entertainment, or that we're somehow opposed to a nighttime show.

Every time someone disagrees with your conclusion, you turn their position into "you're fine with less" or "you don't care about entertainment." That's not what anyone is saying.

The focus IS the coaster.

Looking at the two years side-by-side:

2025

• Jurassic World new finale with "Mosasaurus Splash"
• Jaws 50th Stuff
• Back to the Future 40th Stuff
• Toothless Photo Op
• Wicked M&G

2026

• The opening Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift + 25th Anniversary Stuff
• Minions & Monsters Stuff
• The Odyssey Ship and Trojan Horse display
• Jaws Stuff - again
• Wicked M&G

The biggest change is that Fast & Furious replaces Jurassic World as the headliner, and a brand-new coaster is a substantially bigger addition than a ride finale update. Minions largely fills the role that BTTF occupied with M&Gs and themed food, while The Odyssey displays replaces the Toothless photo op with film-used large-scale props on the Tour and CityWalk. The Jaws and Wicked offerings are still there.

Like, yeah, more is always better. Nobody is going to argue that adding a castle show, nighttime entertainment, or more live performances would somehow make the event worse.

But "more would be nice" is not the same thing as "what's being offered isn't enough."

That's the point people keep making.

 

[highdefrex]

I just don't get why you want to argue for USH to have less

Every single time you say this every single time anyone ever tries to have a discussion with you, it just reinforces that you miss the point every single time one is made to you. You just proved Brian's initial point entirely by saying this go-to line alone. When does doing the same dance over and over and over and over and over again to ignore what people say reach a point where enough is enough?

 

[Jerroddragon]

No one has argued against a castle show. No one has said a nighttime show would be a bad idea. No one has said they want USH to offer less.

You keep reframing the disagreement into something it isn't, like you always do.

What we've actually been saying is that Hollywood Drift is clearly the headliner of this year's event and the thing Universal wants guests to focus on. That's not the same thing as saying the coaster consumed the entire budget, that we don't want more entertainment, or that we're somehow opposed to a nighttime show.

Every time someone disagrees with your conclusion, you turn their position into "you're fine with less" or "you don't care about entertainment." That's not what anyone is saying.

The focus IS the coaster.

Looking at the two years side-by-side:

2025

• Jurassic World new finale with "Mosasaurus Splash"
• Jaws 50th Stuff
• Back to the Future 40th Stuff
• Toothless Photo Op
• Wicked M&G

2026

• The opening Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift + 25th Anniversary Stuff
• Minions & Monsters Stuff
• The Odyssey Ship and Trojan Horse display
• Jaws Stuff - again
• Wicked M&G

The biggest change is that Fast & Furious replaces Jurassic World as the headliner, and a brand-new coaster is a substantially bigger addition than a ride finale update. Minions largely fills the role that BTTF occupied with M&Gs and themed food, while The Odyssey displays replaces the Toothless photo op with film-used large-scale props on the Tour and CityWalk. The Jaws and Wicked offerings are still there.

Like, yeah, more is always better. Nobody is going to argue that adding a castle show, nighttime entertainment, or more live performances would somehow make the event worse.

But "more would be nice" is not the same thing as "what's being offered isn't enough."

That's the point people keep making.

We had a show and 3 Meet and greets with the Fantastic Beast

So taking out the coaster, which cool its the headliner but also not something that was planned for the event. This event is just about the same if not worst

To me its not up to the basic standards of a summer event and its now the third year of USH making a summer event
2023 Had the Plaza with meet and greets, and let you off the Tram
Last yeah was basically the same event but with a nighttime show

For me the event needs to level up, because if you showed me all events in the state and asked me which one I'd go to this would be at the bottom based on its exclusive offering compared to competition

For me this is a low effort event and would like to see much more in the future just like the other parks offer

 

[Brian G.]

So taking out the coaster, which cool its the headliner but also not something that was planned for the event. This event is just about the same if not worst

For me the event needs to level up, because if you showed me all events in the state and asked me which one I'd go to this would be at the bottom based on its exclusive offering compared to competition

For me this is a low effort event and would like to see much more in the future just like the other parks offer

If you remove the biggest thing the event is focusing on, then of course, the event looks smaller. Like C'mon!

Why would we take out the coaster? Just because you didn't have an opening timeframe 6 months ago doesn't mean Universal didn't have one.

I don't think anyone is going to agree that an event centered around the opening of the park's first major coaster, plus all the other offerings, is somehow "low effort" simply because it doesn't include the specific nighttime show you'd prefer.

And it's also worth remembering that this is all included with regular park admission.

We had a show and 3 Meet and greets with the Fantastic Beast

Which was not part of the initial announcement, it was added after the fact. There is more than enough of a chance for the same thing to happen this year, too. We already saw that with the Jaws M&G this year.

2023 Had the Plaza with meet and greets, and let you off the Tram
Last yeah was basically the same event but with a nighttime show

If you mean the 2024 60th Celebration, it objectively had less to do than either version of Mega Movie Summer. Like what are we doing?

 

[Jerroddragon]

If you remove the biggest thing the event is focusing on, then of course, the event looks smaller. Like C'mon!

Why would we take out the coaster? Just because you didn't have an opening timeframe 6 months ago doesn't mean Universal didn't have one.

I don't think anyone is going to agree that an event centered around the opening of the park's first major coaster, plus all the other offerings, is somehow "low effort" simply because it doesn't include the specific nighttime show you'd prefer.

And it's also worth remembering that this is all included with regular park admission.



Which was not part of the initial announcement, it was added after the fact. There is more than enough of a chance for the same thing to happen this year, too. We already saw that with the Jaws M&G this year.



If you mean the 2024 60th Celebration, it objectively had less to do than either version of Mega Movie Summer. Like what are we doing?

I just agree to disagree, I don't count a ride opening a part of the event

Its not even opening the first day of the event for one so how can it be the main focus if its not open during the full event?

The event is The Meet and Greets and two little dance shows. That is what we are talking about.

I would like more then that and them not going cheap on things like having a DJ which if you want one in the lower lot or simpsons area that makes sense as something small but nice but straight up I feel like its a waste of space for the entire plaza when Grinchmas (which is also free) using up the whole area and offers photo ops, a fan zone with all the characters going around and talking to people, 2 day time shows and a nighttime show.

I'm comparing the event to free events both USH puts out and other parks and this is lacking. If people here are excited by the offering then please share with me what about the event is exciting but for me someone who goes to a ton of events at theme parks this one is just low investment and would like more thought and high end entertainment. I don't need it to be a full event day one but I would like to see it getting bigger and I am not seeing movement on that

 

[Brian G.]

I'm comparing the event to free events both USH puts out and other parks and this is lacking. If people here are excited by the offering then please share with me what about the event is exciting but for me someone who goes to a ton of events at theme parks this one is just low investment and would like more thought and high end entertainment. I don't need it to be a full event day one but I would like to see it getting bigger and I am not seeing movement on that

But people have already answered that question multiple times.

THE COASTER!

The answer has consistently been the coaster!

But for whatever reason, you immediately remove it from the discussion because you've decided it doesn't count. That's your choice, but it doesn't mean nobody has given you an answer.

At some point, it starts to feel less like you're asking for people's opinions and more like you're rejecting any answer that doesn't fit your narrative.

Maybe we need to speak your language for you to grasp it...

If you don't count Hollywood Drift as part of the summer offering, then cool! But most guests, and clearly Universal itself, are going to view the opening of the park's first major coaster in years as a pretty significant part of the summer experience.

At this point, I'm done.

 

[Freak]

I just agree to disagree, I don't count a ride opening a part of the event

Its not even opening the first day of the event for one so how can it be the main focus if its not open during the full event?

The event is The Meet and Greets and two little dance shows. That is what we are talking about.

I would like more then that and them not going cheap on things like having a DJ which if you want one in the lower lot or simpsons area that makes sense as something small but nice but straight up I feel like its a waste of space for the entire plaza when Grinchmas (which is also free) using up the whole area and offers photo ops, a fan zone with all the characters going around and talking to people, 2 day time shows and a nighttime show.

I'm comparing the event to free events both USH puts out and other parks and this is lacking. If people here are excited by the offering then please share with me what about the event is exciting but for me someone who goes to a ton of events at theme parks this one is just low investment and would like more thought and high end entertainment. I don't need it to be a full event day one but I would like to see it getting bigger and I am not seeing movement on that

But people have already answered that question multiple times.

THE COASTER!

The answer has consistently been the coaster!

But for whatever reason, you immediately remove it from the discussion because you've decided it doesn't count. That's your choice, but it doesn't mean nobody has given you an answer.

At some point, it starts to feel less like you're asking for people's opinions and more like you're rejecting any answer that doesn't fit your narrative.

Maybe we need to speak your language for you to grasp it...

If you don't count Hollywood Drift as part of the summer offering, then cool! But most guests, and clearly Universal itself, are going to view the opening of the park's first major coaster in years as a pretty significant part of the summer experience.

At this point, I'm done.

Tbf, I do have numerous friends who are not as theme park-savy as we are, and they actually brought up a few times how there doesn't seem to be as much to offer for Mega Movie Summer as there used to be. They were talking about how more unique food options or some special meet and greets would get them to return.

SIKE. All they're talking about is getting an AP for when the roller coaster opens.

You cannot tell me with a straight face that a few more "offerings" for MEga Movie Summer are somehow more important than a....um....*checks notes* world-class, unique, high-tech roller coaster that has been highly anticipated for years and its finally due to open in about a month.

Yeah, I think the brand new roller coaster is kinda more important than a BTTF meet and greet and a mosasaurus splash at the end of the ride.

 

[Jerroddragon]

So if the coaster did at the same time as SNW, then would the event be low effort?

I feel like neither side is getting what defines an event

For me HHN when I review the event is about what houses are made and extra shows are offering

When I say Six Flags DC event is better its because for the event they are bringing in 20ish actors, a parade, 4 extra shows or Knotts they hire extra bands that don't normally play.

We well see next year if they can increase the offering and with no ride, I hope they can finally give it a real budget

 

[highdefrex]

I mean, either way you're going to go to the event rather than protest it for being underwhelming, so Universal wins no matter what, right?

 

[Jerroddragon]

I mean, either way you're going to go to the event rather than protest it for being underwhelming, so Universal wins no matter what, right?

Doesn't mean they can't improve it

We review HHN events and Fan Fest every year, its the same difference over wanting to see the event improve through feedback

 

[Brian G.]

Doesn't mean they can't improve it

We review HHN events and Fan Fest every year, its the same difference over wanting to see the event improve through feedback

Yes. Let’s compare the two paid events with the free one.

 

[alomar]

I just agree to disagree

I feel like these 5 words sum up the entirety of the majority of these conversations.

 

[Jake S]

It's also worth noting that Knott's isn't doing all that much for their summer event either. They've got a night market (similar to what they do at Christmas) a handful of food offerings and they're going to have some cover bands playing. That's basically it. Six Flags is going to have additional meet and greet characters and some food and beverage along with what seem to amount to some mini shows.

That all seems pretty limited and frankly, pretty in line with what Universal Studios is doing. So even on the merits, I think your argument is bogus. And that's not even addressing that what's really happening here is the same thing that always happens: You have a preference, you're not getting your preference and as such that means the park is doing something stupid or wrong and that anyone who disagrees with you is "settling for less." It's exhausting.

 

[highdefrex]

Doesn't mean they can't improve it

We review HHN events and Fan Fest every year, its the same difference over wanting to see the event improve through feedback

Okay, but at the same, it gets tiresome when numerous threads are just filled with pages upon pages every few days, weeks, or months of the same thing, again and again. Maybe I just speak for myself, but someone comes on here and wants to jump into this thread and they'll find conversations derailed by, "I don't get it, the event isn't what I want it to be!" Jump into the Fan Fest thread and it's, "I don't get it, they're not marketing the event exactly how I want it to be marketed!" Jump into X, Y, or Z thread, and it's, "I don't get it, why don't they build a ride or land at the speed I want it to be built!" or "I don't get it, why don't they do this or that that I think they should!" or "I don't get it, why do they have this IP I don't like and not that IP I do!"

There's a difference between being bummed that something isn't at MMS or FFN or HHN or spitballing about something that we'd love to see at the park versus going on ad nauseum in a loop about stuff none of us in a forum have the power to change, and when pages are filled with this cyclical thing about what you think Universal is doing wrong, it makes coming into any given thread a drag because it's just complaint after complaint after complaint compounded by a refusal to listen when people are begging you to stop.

 

[Brian G.]

Okay, but at the same, it gets tiresome when numerous threads are just filled with pages upon pages every few days, weeks, or months of the same thing, again and again. Maybe I just speak for myself, but someone comes on here and wants to jump into this thread and they'll find conversations derailed by, "I don't get it, the event isn't what I want it to be!" Jump into the Fan Fest thread and it's, "I don't get it, they're not marketing the event exactly how I want it to be marketed!" Jump into X, Y, or Z thread, and it's, "I don't get it, why don't they build a ride or land at the speed I want it to be built!" or "I don't get it, why don't they do this or that that I think they should!" or "I don't get it, why do they have this IP I don't like and not that IP I do!"

There's a difference between being bummed that something isn't at MMS or FFN or HHN or spitballing about something that we'd love to see at the park versus going on ad nauseum in a loop about stuff none of us in a forum have the power to change, and when pages are filled with this cyclical thing about what you think Universal is doing wrong, it makes coming into any given thread a drag because it's just complaint after complaint after complaint compounded by a refusal to listen when people are begging you to stop.

I think the craziest thing of this all, is that we're already talking about "improving an event" that has yet to be experienced...

 

[Freak]

I think the craziest thing of this all, is that we're already talking about "improving an event" that has yet to be experienced...

I think you meant to post this in the HHN speculation thread.