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Credit: Inside the MagicUniversal Orlando Resort has spent the last several years aggressively expanding into the future. Between the opening of Epic Universe, cutting-edge attraction systems, massive intellectual property investments, and next-generation entertainment, the resort has made it clear that innovation remains the top priority.
But something interesting has also started happening alongside all of that growth.
Universal has quietly begun leaning back into nostalgia in a major way.
For longtime fans, that matters because some of the resort’s most beloved properties disappeared years ago. Entire generations of guests grew up riding JAWS at Universal Studios Florida or encountering Ghostbusters in live entertainment offerings throughout the parks. Eventually, both franchises faded from the Orlando resort in a major way. Amity Island disappeared entirely in 2012 to make room for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, while Ghostbusters slowly became more of a seasonal or merchandise-driven presence instead of a major park offering.
Now, both franchises are officially returning to Universal Orlando this summer.
And while these may not be permanent rides reopening tomorrow, the significance of these experiences goes far beyond a temporary summer event.
Universal Is Bringing Back Two Legendary Franchises
Universal Orlando recently confirmed a slate of summer 2026 entertainment and experiences running from May 23 through August 10. Included in that lineup are new experiences themed to Jaws (1975), alongside the return of Ghostbusters in the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
That alone is huge news for longtime Universal fans.
The new JAWS experiences at Universal Studios Florida will feature themed photo opportunities, specialty food and beverage items, and exclusive merchandise inspired by Steven Spielberg’s classic shark thriller.
Meanwhile, Ghostbusters is becoming increasingly visible across the resort again.
A massive Ghostbusters-themed sand sculpture is currently being constructed inside Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel as part of a resort-wide summer offering spanning all 11 Universal Orlando hotels. The sculpture reportedly features iconic franchise imagery like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and the famous no-ghost logo.
The Hard Rock Hotel lobby is getting a Ghostbusters sand sculpture! All 11 hotels will feature the larger-than-life sand sculptures inspired by popular Universal characters and stories for Universal Orlando’s upcoming summer experiences. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/JhqaN3LUnQ
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) May 16, 2026
On top of that, Ghostbusters will once again appear in the Universal Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida, joining franchises like Jurassic World, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and JAWS.
For fans who remember Universal’s older era, seeing both properties actively promoted inside the parks again feels important.
The Legacy of JAWS at Universal Orlando
Few attractions in Universal Orlando history have the reputation that JAWS carried.
Opening with Universal Studios Florida in 1990, the attraction became one of the defining experiences of the original park. The ride recreated scenes from Spielberg’s legendary film while placing guests directly on a tour boat through Amity Island. Of course, things never went according to plan once the shark appeared.
The attraction became famous for its practical effects, massive pyrotechnics, live skippers, and the terrifying appearance of the giant mechanical shark itself.
Even people who never rode JAWS often know its legacy because of how emotional fans became when Universal permanently closed the attraction in 2012.
At the time, many guests understood why the park needed the space. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion would completely change Universal Orlando forever. Diagon Alley became one of the most successful theme park lands ever built.
Still, the closure marked the end of a major chapter in Universal history.
That is why these new summer experiences matter more than they might initially appear. Universal could easily ignore JAWS entirely outside of merchandise references. Instead, the company continues finding ways to bring the property back into the spotlight.
The franchise has also become increasingly visible in recent years through seasonal offerings, tribute stores, anniversary merchandise, and entertainment. Now, Universal is once again putting JAWS directly into the guest experience this summer.
Ghostbusters Continues Its Universal Resurgence
Ghostbusters has had a fascinating relationship with Universal Orlando over the years.
The franchise originally appeared in the parks during the early Universal Studios Florida days through live entertainment experiences and street shows. Later, Ghostbusters became deeply connected to Halloween Horror Nights, where the property evolved into one of the event’s most beloved haunted house franchises.
Now, the IP appears to be gaining even more momentum again.
The Universal Mega Movie Parade has become one of the clearest signs of that resurgence. When the parade debuted in 2024, many fans were surprised to see Ghostbusters positioned alongside some of Universal’s most recognizable cinematic properties.
The franchise’s inclusion again this summer suggests Universal sees lasting value in the property rather than treating it as a one-off nostalgia play.
The hotel sand sculpture initiative also reinforces that idea. Universal could have focused only on current blockbuster brands or newer properties. Instead, Ghostbusters is receiving major visibility across the resort.
For longtime fans, that feels intentional.
Universal’s Entire Identity Is Shifting
What makes this even more interesting is how it reflects Universal Orlando’s broader direction.
For years, Universal aggressively pushed toward newer intellectual properties. Harry Potter transformed the resort. Nintendo changed the game again. Epic Universe expanded the company into an entirely new category of immersive destination entertainment.
But while all of that expansion continues, Universal has also started celebrating its film legacy more openly.
The Mega Movie Parade itself is built almost entirely around classic Universal films and nostalgia-driven franchises. JAWS, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future (1985), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park, and other iconic properties have become central to Universal’s entertainment strategy again.
Even the Summer Movie Series at Universal CityWalk is leaning heavily into those classic films this year, including screenings of JAWS and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
The Spielberg Summer Blockbuster exhibit has opened at Universal Studios Florida, featuring displays for Jaws, ET, Jurassic Park and Disclosure Day. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/QesPSB1qg6
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) May 16, 2026
That shift feels deliberate.
Universal appears to understand that nostalgia has become one of the most powerful tools in theme park entertainment. Fans do not just want the next big thing anymore. They also want connections to the attractions, movies, and experiences that originally made them fall in love with the parks in the first place.
Could Bigger Returns Eventually Happen?
Naturally, this has already sparked speculation among fans.
Whenever Universal increases the visibility of dormant franchises, discussions immediately begin about future attractions, haunted houses, immersive experiences, or permanent entertainment offerings.
Could Ghostbusters eventually return in a larger way? Could JAWS someday receive a more substantial tribute experience beyond temporary summer offerings?
Right now, Universal has not announced anything close to that.
Still, the company clearly understands the emotional connection guests still have to both franchises. That alone makes this summer notable.
For years, many fans assumed JAWS and Ghostbusters had largely been left behind at Universal Orlando. Instead, both are now becoming central parts of the resort’s summer entertainment lineup.
After decades away from the spotlight, these iconic Universal properties are officially back inside the parks again.
