PHOTO BY GRIZZLEE MARTIN
Universal Studios Florida will begin closing earlier than usual to accommodate its annual Halloween Horror Nights (Website) event, beginning on select nights starting August 28 and running through November 2.
The park typically shuts its gates to daytime visitors around 9 p.m. But during Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), they will be shutting the doors at 5 p.m. instead of their regular evening closing time, to prepare for the transformation into a haunted nighttime experience. This separate, ticketed event generally begins around 6 to 6:30 p.m., with some “Stay and Scream” or “Scream Early” offerings granting guests access as early as 3 p.m.
Once the park closes to day guests, Universal staff will usher out non‑HHN ticket holders and direct them to the exits. Meanwhile, HHN ticket holders may stay in designated holding areas and sometimes re‑enter through event-specific gates or queuing zones.
With this schedule shift, Islands of Adventure will continue operating for several more hours into the evening, offering an option for guests without HHN access.
This year’s haunted houses include:
- Fallout – A post‑apocalyptic maze set in the year 2296, based on the Amazon Prime series and original video games by Bethesda.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s – Based on the iconic horror video game franchise.
- Jason Universe – A nostalgic summer‑camp experience themed around Friday the 13th.
- El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – An original storyline inspired by 19th‑century Spanish horror.
- Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – An original Western‑horror blend.
- Grave of Flesh – Newly revealed original house where you are welcomed to your very own funeral while entering your grave, and enter the Underworld.
- Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Another original haunted house with a toy‑themed twist. No thanks.
- Gálkn: Monsters of the North – An original house inspired by Norsdic demons.
- Terrifier – Inspired by the film series starring Art the Clown.
- WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks – A tribute to WWE featuring The Fiend and Wyatt Family.
