Universal Studios dropped a reel on March 13, 2026 with one simple challenge: “Next time you’re in the park, look a little closer.”
It is a challenge worth accepting. Universal Orlando Resort, spanning Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, is packed with hidden references and in-jokes that most guests walk right past. Here are some of the best-documented ones.
Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
Diagon Alley has JAWS references tucked into its storefronts. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida was built on land that previously housed the JAWS attraction, which closed in 2012. Universal kept small tributes to Amity in the area’s window dressing and signage for guests who know the history.
Race Through New York at Universal Studios Florida
A Twister Cola window is visible near the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon attraction. The old Twister: Ride It Out show previously occupied the same soundstage area. It is a quiet callback to a beloved attraction that was retired to make room for the Jimmy Fallon experience.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure
The queue for Hagrid’s runs through a Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and a Dueling Club mural is painted inside. This is some of the most detailed queue work in any theme park. Most guests move through it quickly, but slowing down reveals serious craft in the artwork.
E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida
PB, a wooden mallard, has lived in the E.T. Adventure queue since the attraction opened. The duck has its own reputation among Universal regulars and is easy to miss if you are not specifically watching for it.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure
Stan Lee cameos appear in the Spider-Man ride’s video footage. Lee made appearances in Marvel content throughout his life, and several are worked into the attraction. It is a tribute that holds up decades after the ride originally opened.
Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios Florida
The MiB Immigration Tour is a free side experience accessible off the main queue. Most guests head straight for the ride and never see it. The immigration processing area is fully themed and adds context to the whole attraction for anyone who takes the time.
Fast and Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida
The Fast and Furious: Supercharged queue contains Easter eggs referencing the Disaster! and Earthquake attractions that previously used that soundstage. Look for vintage panel switches labeled with names tied to those older rides.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe, which opened May 22, 2025, has been building its own layer of hidden details across its five themed worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. Guests are still finding details months after opening that are not part of the official guided experience.
Universal’s prompt to look closer is worth taking literally. The parks reward attention.
Related Articles
- Universal Horror Unleashed: Save Up to $50 This Spring
- King Kong 360 Drops 3D at Universal Studios Hollywood
- MAR10 Day 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood: Everything New
Source: @unistudios on Instagram
