Universal Studios Hollywood has always been a bustling hub of movie magic, but this summer, the park feels more alive than ever. While the Mega Movie Summer event doesn’t introduce anything brand new to the park, it’s the energy and entertainment layered throughout the day that makes it feel like a full-blown celebration. Every corner I turned, something was happening, whether it was a roaming character, a surprise performance, or a nostalgic photo op that stopped me in my tracks.

A Nostalgic Summer with a Glimpse into the Future

There’s something about this event that feels like a blast from the past, in the best way. Maybe it was the return of the iconic hanging shark or the Back to the Future callbacks, but the entire park seemed to hum with the kind of atmosphere that reminded me why I fell in love with Universal in the first place. Yet even with all the nostalgia, there’s a clear eye on the future, especially with the exciting new coaster cart reveal, hinting at what’s coming next.

I’ve always loved the hustle and bustle of Universal, but it’s events like this, where the park comes to life with actors, characters, and spontaneous experiences, that really show what Universal Studios does best.

Photo Ops Galore

Right when you enter the park, there’s the Mega Movie Summer sign, a perfect spot for that quick check-in photo to let social media know what’s up.

Then, head toward WaterWorld THE HANGING SHARK IS BACK. As a lifelong SoCal resident, this one hit hard. I have middle school photos with that shark. Seeing it again was a total time warp. It brought back a flood of memories, Universal, what do we have to do to make sure he sticks around for good?

Over at the central hub of the event, you can pose with the brand-new coaster cart. Universal Studios Hollywood is finally getting a real roller coaster, and this one looks absolutely wild. It’s about time!

And then, Toothless. My beloved. You can meet and take a photo with a huge statue of Toothless from the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, and he looks incredible. Of course I had to do the classic Hiccup pose with my hand out. Because why wouldn’t I? I truly hope this means more from the HTTYD universe is on the way for Universal Hollywood.

If dragons aren’t your thing—or if, like me, you love both dragons and dinosaurs—head down to the lower lot for the Jurassic World Rebirth photo op. It’s big, it’s bold, and it looks epic. Though it takes up a lot of space, so be prepared to bump a few shoulders, it’s the kind of moment that makes a one-time trip even more memorable.

Meet & Greets

One of the biggest highlights of Mega Movie Summer is right there in the name, the movies. And what better way to celebrate movies than by meeting the characters themselves?

As I walked through the park, I was constantly running into familiar faces. I’m talking Hello Kitty, Marilyn Monroe, Captain Quint and Chief Brody, Doc Brown and Marty McFly (yes, even Einstein!), Elphaba and Glinda, the Universal Monsters, and probably more that I didn’t even catch. When I say there were characters everywhere, I mean it.

I didn’t get a chance to personally meet Quint and Brody, but I caught a glimpse as I passed by, and I had to do a double take Captain Quint looked incredible. It always blows my mind how Universal finds actors who are near-perfect lookalikes. For example, Glinda looked almost exactly like Ariana Grande. I can only imagine how magical that must feel for a kid who may not realize it’s not actually her!

My first meet & greet of the day was with Marty, Doc, and Einstein. I had such a blast visiting Hill Valley during Fan Fest that I had to see if it was the same duo, and sure enough, it was! Doc’s mannerisms were spot on, and the actor playing Marty, his energy could light up the entire park. It was so much fun, I couldn’t stop smiling.

If you’re heading to Universal this summer, please don’t skip the character interactions. Whether you're a movie buff or just want some fun moments to remember, they truly bring the magic of the movies to life.

Jurassic World Revamp

The Jurassic World ride got a splashy upgrade just in time for these hot California summers, and I mean that literally. If you're looking for a way to cool off, head straight to the lower lot and hop in line. But fair warning: you will be waiting. On the Saturday I went, the wait time hit a whopping 180 minutes at one point. If you’ve got a Fast Pass, you’re golden—otherwise, bring water, snacks, and maybe something to keep you entertained.

Hearing that the ride had some new additions, I had to check it out myself, and I’m glad I did. The core ride remains the same as the previous revamp, but the new “Mosasaurus Splash” finale really elevates the experience. First off, the Mosasaurus roar is incredible—easily one of my favorite dino roars. But the real kicker is the delayed splash that hits just after the final drop. Everyone on our boat burst into laughter the moment it hit, it completely caught us off guard and instantly washed away any lingering frustration from the long wait.

Let me be clear: this new splash zone means everyone gets wet. No more guessing if you’re in a “safe” seat—you’re not. And honestly, that’s what made it so fun. It's a summer addition I truly hope they keep around, at least through the hot months.

Food & Snacks

Now, let’s talk about the food, because while Universal has definitely stepped up their game for event dining recently, I hate to admit it but this time around was a bit of a hit or miss.

Hollywood & Dine is usually the park’s go-to themed dining spot, and for Mega Movie Summer it was transformed into the Amity Island Café. I was so excited, especially for the themed Shark Fin Funnel Cake. But when I stopped by around 7:30 PM, things weren’t looking great. The area was messy, and unfortunately, the funnel cake didn’t live up to the hype. The berry compote was tasty, but not what I expected—it was served warm when it felt like it should have been cold. I noticed they put it back in the fridge after serving mine, so maybe it was just bad timing. Either way, a scoop of vanilla soft serve would’ve saved it.

I also saw someone with a lobster roll and asked them what they thought. Their verdict was, “It could use more butter or salt but overall not bad.” So if you’re curious about trying one, maybe see if they can give you extra butter on the side!

One stop I always make when I’m at Universal is Isla Nu-Bar, and I’m happy to report it delivered. They had some special cocktails for the event, including:

Jurassic Water Rebirth – This was my pick, and it was so refreshing. You can order it iced or blended (the blended version is a funky color but still good). I recommend iced—it tastes like bubblegum, in the best way.
Spicy Jurassic Pearadise – If you’re into Tajín-coated rims and orange soda vibes, this one’s for you.

If neither of those sound like your thing, you can’t go wrong with a classic piña colada.

Mel’s Diner was serving the same menu they had during Fan Fest Nights, so if you liked what they offered there—or missed it—you’ve got another shot. Around the park, there were also themed food carts, including a Berk cart offering Viking-style snacks. It’s those little thematic touches that really make the event feel special.

Merch

One of my biggest (and honestly, only) complaints about Universal’s Fan Fest Nights was the lackluster merchandise selection. Thankfully, Mega Movie Summer completely turned that around—and then some. This time I wanted everything.

I ended up picking up the Jaws 50th Anniversary sipper (which, if you’ve got $35 to spare, highly recommend), but I was seriously tempted by the Toothless popcorn bucket too—it's ridiculously cute. Every time I stepped into a shop, it felt like I was discovering something new I hadn’t seen before. The merch was just that good.

Whether you're a fan of Jaws, How to Train Your Dragon, Back to the Future, or Jurassic World, there’s something here for you. Universal really nailed the design and variety of this lineup—it's one of their strongest merch drops in a while.

Feedback

Let me start by saying: I really loved how alive the park felt during Mega Movie Summer. The atmosphere was energetic, the character interactions were top-tier, and overall, it was just a fun day to be at the park. But with that said, there are a couple of areas where the event could’ve gone from great to unforgettable.

First off, I really missed the tasting card from Fan Fest Nights. I loved having that little passport to sample a bunch of themed food around the park, it made the experience feel more cohesive and interactive. I get that FFN was a separately ticketed event, and Mega Movie Summer isn’t, but Universal could’ve made a slightly pricier version of the card or maybe reduced the number of included items to balance things out. Either way, a tasting card would’ve added more flavor, literally and figuratively.

The second piece of feedback, and this one’s a bit more noticeable, is the Studio Tour. During Mega Movie Summer, it was just the standard tram ride. Don’t get me wrong, the tour is always fun, but this was the Mega Movie event! It would’ve been the perfect time to throw in an extra set, a surprise throwback, or even a themed overlay to fit the celebration. Something small could’ve made a big impact.

These aren’t deal-breakers by any means—the event was still a blast—but with just a few extra touches, it could have been even more immersive and memorable.

Final Thoughts

Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t about brand-new attractions—it’s about bringing the park to life in a way that feels electric. From surprise character meet & greets and nostalgic photo ops (welcome back, Shark!) to fun new touches like the Mosasaurus Splash finale on Jurassic World, the entire park feels more alive and immersive than ever. While some food options fell short and a tasting card or enhanced Studio Tour could’ve elevated the experience, the upgraded merch, energetic atmosphere, and playful details made it a summer event well worth experiencing. Universal does best when it leans into its movie magic—and Mega Movie Summer is a great reminder of that.

Mega Movie Summer is an event included in your normal Universal Studios Hollywood ticket, running until August 10th, so you still have time before gearing up for horror nights, but don’t miss it!