MEGACON Orlando Throws an Epic Party at Universal

Photo Credit: MEGACON Orlando

MEGACON Orlando just dropped some seriously exciting news. The convention is teaming up with Universal Orlando Resort for an exclusive after-hours party on Friday, March 20, 2026. This isn’t your typical convention add-on. This is a full-blown, two-park takeover that runs until midnight. For fans already hyped about MEGACON’s legendary guest lineup, this after-hours event just cranked the excitement to eleven.

So what exactly do you get for your $109 ticket? Quite a lot, honestly. The evening kicks off with a mix-in period starting at 5 PM, giving attendees early access to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida while regular park guests are still around. But here’s where it gets interesting. Once the general public heads home, MEGACON attendees get exclusive run of both parks. Universal Studios Florida stays open from 7 PM to midnight, and Islands of Adventure keeps the lights on from 8 PM to midnight.

Two Parks, One Legendary Night at Universal Orlando

The ride lineup alone makes this worth the price of admission. Fans can hit up the Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. That means butterbeer in two locations and back-to-back magical experiences without the usual crushing daytime crowds. Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of the most intense roller coasters in Florida, is also on the menu. Then there’s The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a ride that still holds up as one of the best dark rides ever built. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D rounds out the featured attractions.

The $109 ticket also bundles in free parking after 6 PM, which is a nice touch considering Universal usually charges around $30 for standard parking. On top of that, every ticket comes with a $25 Universal Orlando Gift Card. Do some quick math and the actual cost of the party experience drops to around $54 when you factor in those perks. That’s a steal for exclusive after-hours access to two world-class theme parks.

This kind of event isn’t entirely new for MEGACON. The convention has partnered with Universal Orlando in previous years for after-hours experiences. However, this year’s offering stands out by including both parks simultaneously. Past events typically focused on just one park. Having access to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida in the same night gives fans way more flexibility. You can ride VelociCoaster with shorter lines and still wander through Diagon Alley before the clock strikes twelve.

MEGACON Orlando 2026 Is Already Stacked With Stars

The Universal party is just one piece of an absolutely loaded MEGACON Orlando 2026 schedule. The convention runs March 19 through 22 at the Orange County Convention Center. This year’s celebrity lineup reads like a pop culture dream. All four hobbits from The Lord of the Rings are reuniting for the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will take the stage together for panels, photo ops, and autographs.

Orlando Bloom joins his Lord of the Rings castmates at the event. John Cena brings his massive WWE and Hollywood following. William Shatner headlines the Star Trek contingent alongside Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, and Jonathan Frakes. Star Wars fans get John Boyega, plus Clone Wars voice actors James Arnold Taylor, Matt Lanter, and Ashley Eckstein. Comic book legends Jim Lee, Frank Miller, and Joe Quesada are also confirmed.

The anime community isn’t left out either. Justin Briner from My Hero Academia, Brian Drummond from Death Note, Colleen Clinkenbeard from One Piece, and Aleks Le from Solo Leveling are all set to appear. Hazbin Hotel voice actors Christian Borle, Joel Perez, Krystina Albado, and Lilli Cooper round out the animation lineup. Meanwhile, the Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale will crown champions from qualifiers held across North America.

Why This After-Hours Event Is a Must for Convention Fans

Let’s be real for a second. Theme park after-hours events have become increasingly popular, and they don’t come cheap. Universal’s own official after-hours events typically run between $70 and $90 without any of the extras MEGACON throws in. Getting a gift card, free parking, and convention community vibes on top of the park access makes this a genuinely strong value proposition. You’re essentially getting a premium Universal experience for less than a regular-priced day ticket.

The timing also works perfectly. March 20 falls on a Friday, right in the middle of the four-day convention. It gives attendees a chance to break away from the convention floor, hit some rides with fellow fans, and recharge for the weekend. There’s also the Anime After Dark event during MEGACON weekend, featuring anime voice actors, activations, music, and a dance party for fans who want even more nighttime entertainment.

For anyone traveling to Orlando for MEGACON, the convention center sits in the heart of the city’s tourism corridor. Universal Orlando Resort is just a short drive away. Several partner hotels, including the Rosen Plaza with its covered skybridge to the Orange County Convention Center, make logistics easy for out-of-town visitors looking to bounce between the convention and the parks.

Get Your Tickets Before They Vanish

MEGACON Orlando consistently draws massive crowds. The 2026 edition looks set to be the biggest yet. Between the Lord of the Rings reunion, John Cena, the Universal after-hours party, and the Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale, there’s genuinely something for every flavor of fandom. Tickets for both the convention and the Universal party are available now at megaconorlando.com. Given how quickly past Universal events have sold out, waiting too long might mean missing out on one legendary night.

This is the kind of event that reminds you why conventions exist. It’s not just about the panels and the merch. It’s about riding VelociCoaster at 11 PM surrounded by people who love the same stuff you do. That’s the magic right there.