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Universal Orlando Weekly News: Express Now Launches, Preview Center Closes, and Big CityWalk Changes (Week of April 13, 2026)
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Universal Orlando Weekly News: Express Now Launches, Preview Center Closes, and Big CityWalk Changes (Week of April 13, 2026)

Michael Travels
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Published
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Updated

Universal Orlando Resort had a packed week. Pay-per-ride Express access went live across all three parks, the Epic Universe Preview Center wrapped up its run on CityWalk, a longtime CityWalk burger joint is heading for the exit, and Islands of Adventure quietly refreshed one of Toon Lagoon's original dining spots. Here's your quick-scan rundown for the week of April 13, 2026.

Universal CityWalk Orlando at Universal Orlando Resort Image: Inside Universal

1. "Express Now" debuts — pay-per-ride Express Pass

Universal has rolled out Universal Express Now, a new one-time-use version of its line-skipping service. Unlike the traditional all-day Express Pass, Express Now lets guests buy a single Express entry for a specific attraction and redeem it in a set return window — functionally similar to Disney's Lightning Lane Single Pass.

Universal Express Now in-app flow screenshot Image: Inside Universal

Key details reported by multiple outlets:

  • App-only, day-of, in-park. Passes are sold exclusively through the Universal Orlando Resort app once you're inside a park, with location services enabled.
  • Per-ride pricing varies. Inside Universal spotted early prices of $19.99 for Yoshi's Adventure and $24.99 for Hiccup's Wing Gliders at Epic Universe. Universal hasn't said whether pricing will flex with demand.
  • Return windows are capacity-limited and pop up throughout the day. Passes can't be swapped for a different attraction once purchased.
  • Available at select attractions across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe.

Sources: WDW News Today, Inside Universal, Orlando ParkStop.

2. Epic Universe Preview Center closes; Universal Legacy Store returns

The Universal Epic Universe Preview Center at CityWalk — home to the detailed park model that walked guests through Celestial Park and the four themed portals before Epic's opening — closed for good on April 13, 2026.

Universal CityWalk Orlando storefront that housed the Epic Universe Preview Center Image: Inside Universal

Taking over that real estate: the returning Universal Legacy Store, which Inside Universal reports will open "later in April" with exclusive retro merchandise and photo ops inspired by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Classic Universal Monsters. No firm opening date has been announced yet.

Sources: Inside Universal, Inside the Magic.

3. Burger King Whopper Bar closing April 21; Five Guys moving in

The Burger King Whopper Bar at CityWalk, a fixture since 2009, will serve its last Whopper on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Universal has confirmed that Five Guys will take over the space, with an opening targeted for summer 2026.

Burger King Whopper Bar storefront at Universal CityWalk, soon to become Five Guys Image: Inside Universal

It's the latest in a string of CityWalk updates: the Legacy Store is returning next door, and Universal has separately teased additional new CityWalk experiences for 2026 and 2027.

Sources: Inside Universal, WDW News Today, Orlando ParkStop.

4. Comic Strip Cafe gets its first big menu refresh in 27 years

Over at Islands of Adventure, Comic Strip Cafe in Toon Lagoon — a quick-service spot that's been running since the park opened in 1999 — has unveiled a substantially updated menu. The new lineup blends the theme park staples (burgers, pizza, mac & cheese) with more globally inspired options, including:

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Toon Lagoon at Universal's Islands of Adventure Image: Inside the Magic
  • Wellington Double Stack Cheeseburger
  • Grilled Tuscan Chicken Sandwich
  • Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl
  • Chicken Tikka Masala Bowl
  • Refreshed pizza and salad offerings

As Inside the Magic notes, this isn't a full re-theme — just "measured, practical" updates to keep the nostalgic Toon Lagoon land relevant alongside Universal's broader post-Epic resort evolution.

Source: Inside the Magic.

5. Butterbeer Season is back at The Wizarding World

Butterbeer Season has returned to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and runs through May 31, 2026. The annual celebration brings back the full lineup of Butterbeer flavors, spotlights new variations on the classic, and adds exclusive Butterbeer-themed merchandise across the Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) locations.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort Image: Inside Universal

Source: Inside Universal.

Quick hits

  • Yoshi's Adventure refurbishment — Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World ride is down April 21–23, 2026. (Inside Universal)
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure — Islands of Adventure's classic boat ride remains closed for a major refurbishment; current reopening target is November 20, 2026. (Inside Universal)
  • Harbor Nights: Primavera — The Italian-themed evening at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is set for Friday, April 17, 6:30–10 PM, with food, wine, and live music. Tickets via Eventbrite. (Inside Universal)
  • 2027 coaster progress at Epic Universe — Aerial photos show foundation work and ride-building construction near the Hard Rock Cafe entrance, with concrete cylinders being poured for coaster supports. (WDW News Today)
  • Photo-validation testing at Epic Universe portals — Stanchions with what appear to be biometric or photo-ID scanners have been spotted at the four themed-land entrances in Celestial Park, fueling speculation about a future Celestial-Park-only ticket tier. (Inside the Magic)

Image & reporting credits

This roundup summarizes and links to original reporting by the outlets credited above. Photos appearing in this article are credited to their original publishers — Inside Universal, WDW News Today, Inside the Magic, Orlando ParkStop — and Universal Orlando Resort. Click through to each source story for the original reporting and additional photography.

Have a tip, correction, or story you'd like us to cover? Drop us a line via the contact page.

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