What to Get Excited for at Universal Orlando in 2020

There's enough to keep you well entertained at Universal Orlando with its myriad of rides and attractions, but throughout the year, the parks go above and beyond with an array of special events-not to mention new openings planned throughout the resort. Here's a roundup of all the things to be on the lookout for at Universal Orlando this year.

This past year was an exciting one for Universal Orlando. In June alone, the theme park opened a new value hotel-Universal's Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn & Suites; a new restaurant at CityWalk-BigFire; and a brand new ride at Islands of Adventure-Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure. They also carried on the fan-favorite event of Halloween Horror Nights with new haunted houses. But perhaps their biggest news of the year was the plans for their fourth theme park and what they are planning for 2020.

Every year, Universal hosts one of the biggest Christian Music festivals-Rock the Universe. This year the event will be returning to Universal Studios at the end of January with an impressive lineup featuring Christian music's top artists including Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Unspoken and more.

Have you ever wanted to run through the theme parks and receive a medal for it? Universal is hosting its annual Epic Character Race 5K and 10K in early February. Runners will get a load of swag and get to meet their favorite park characters from Jurassic World, Illumination's Minions, DreamWorks and more.

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida lasts a lot longer than just a week. This daily event is marked by its iconic nightly parade and well-known artists giving live performances on sixteen select nights. There will also be Cajun-style cuisine and even a tasting tent.

The sister resort to Universal's Endless Summer Resort, Surfside Inn and Suites is scheduled to open mid-March. Bookings are now open for the newest hotel and visitors will be impressed by how much bang for their buck they can get at these two value resorts.

Universal Studios is pulling out all the stops for their newest stunt show featuring none other than Jason Bourne. With thrilling feats, live-action stunts and the perfect meddling between on-screen action and live entertainment, your heart is sure to be pumping after witnessing this new show.

Every year Universal Orlando likes to celebrate high school seniors at their annual Grad Bash. The parks stay open late with live DJs, entertainment and access to all the rides. There's even a pre-party at CityWalk where participants get access to an unlimited buffet dinner for the price of admission.

For those younger students who are graduating Middle School and making the leap to high school, there are also a few Gradventure events in May where the parks stay open until midnight.

Halloween Horror Nights might just be the fan-favorite event of the year. Now in its 30th year running, Universal Studios Florida is transformed to including a whole host of haunted houses, frightening scare zones and live performances. This year there will be 10 all-new haunted houses for visitors to enjoy.

If scary is not your thing, don't worry-holiday celebrations will liven up the parks through the months of November and December. A special Holiday Parade with well-loved characters from "Despicable Me," "Shrek" and "Madagascar" make their way through the air in this Macy's-style parade.

Ever wanted to try hot butterbeer? During 'Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,' visitors will get to try all sorts of specialty food and drink items while also enjoying the holiday season in a truly magical fashion. Hogwarts Castle is lit as though covered in snow and icicles and a special night show illuminates the building.

At Universal's Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing turns into Whoville for 'The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular' with festive food offerings and quirky Christmas decorations reminiscent of Whoville. There's even a live retelling of the classic story featuring The Grinch himself.

Universal Orlando does an epic celebration for the New Year known as EVE. With live DJs, dance parties, VIP lounges, fireworks and a whole host of entertainment, this is the party you'll want to be at to ring in the New Year.

One of the biggest announcements from this past year was the unveiling of Universal Orlando's plans for a fourth theme park. As the year unfolds, we can't wait to get all the details on what this Epic Universe will hold, but for now, all we can do is speculate at the possibilities.