Though summer is still going strong, many are looking towards the fall for one of Orlando’s most popular events: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. However, with only seven weeks to go until this event’s first night and no announcements made about mazes, houses, or changes due to COVID-19, many are starting to wonder if this event will still happen, especially as Walt Disney World has cancelled their own Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party event.
And though Universal hasn’t confirmed anything just yet, here’s everything we know so far about whether or not this event is happening.
1. PRO: Universal is hiring for this event
Image: Diana Kelly, Flickr (license)
Though we don’t know what this year’s event will look like, Universal has confirmed that they are currently hiring scareactors for the 30th anniversary edition of Halloween Horror Nights. However, unlike previous years, Universal is holding virtual auditions. Those interested in becoming a scare actor are asked to submit a video as well as a headshot, resume and full-length photo, and the deadline for applying is today.
Now while anything could change as the situation in Florida evolves, this seems like a very good sign that Halloween Horror Nights will still happen, as Universal probably wouldn’t be hiring scareactors if they were leaning towards cancelling the event.
2. PRO: Merchandise store is under construction in the park
In recent years Universal has constructed a special “Tribute” store in the park with photo-ops and Halloween Horror Nights merchandise in the New York area of the park. And some eagle-eyed park-goers have spotted a familiar structure in front of the usual location of the Horror Nights Tribute Store, which is a good indication that Universal is still getting ready to have this event.
3. NEUTRAL: Tickets are still on sale
Image: Universal Studios
Though Universal Orlando Resort’s hiring of scareactors and construction of the merchandise store are both very positive indicators that Universal is still planning to have this event, it is also worth noting that tickets are also still on sale for this event. Though tickets could potentially be refunded or rolled over to the next year in the event of a cancellation (and Disney definitely sold tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party before it was cancelled), this is still a good sign for this event, even if it isn’t the strongest.
4. CON: No announcements yet about house themes
Image: Universal
As mentioned previously, Universal Orlando Resort has not officially announced any haunted houses, scare zones or shows for this year’s event, which is strange considering by this time in most years past, we’ve had a complete lineup for the event. The absence of any type of announcement at all has fueled speculation that this year’s event may be either scaled down or not happen at all.
5. CON: No announcements yet about COVID-19 related changes
And speaking of scaled down, many are also wondering how Halloween Horror Nights 30 could happen at all, as the event has guests in close contact almost at all times through mazes and houses, and it may not always be possible for scareactors to distance and mask themselves from guests. Though Universal Orlando Resort was able to figure out the logistics of opening their theme parks back in June, Halloween Horror Nights is a completely different animal, and the fact that they have not released any kind of social distancing plan or strategy this late in the game is concerning.
Though we don’t know anything for sure yet, there seem to be equal points both for and against this event happening. What do you think? Will Universal proceed with this event, and announce houses, mazes, etc. soon? Or are they biding their time until cancellation becomes inevitable? Let us know what you think!
