Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have announced that they will not be holding their annual Halloween Horror Nights events in 2020, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.
In a statement, the attractions in Florida and California said they had “made the difficult decision to not hold Halloween Horror Nights events this year”.
“Universal Orlando Resort will be focusing exclusively on operating its theme parks for daytime guests, using the enhanced health and safety procedures already in place.
“Universal Studios Hollywood continues to face ongoing business restrictions and uncertainty around its opening timeframe.”
Universal is focusing on operating and reopening
this pain will be temporary. hhn is forever… and will come again. pic.twitter.com/72uyzTWDXE
— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) July 24, 2020
Universal is cancelling Halloween Horror Nights in order to focus on operating its theme parks for daytime guests, with health and safety measures in place.
Halloween Horror Nights will return in 2021. Guests who have already purchased tickets to HHN 2020 have the option to use their ticket for next year’s event, or can opt for a refund.
The statement ended: “We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests. We are disappointed, too. But we look forward to creating an amazing event in 2021.”
Halloween-themed events at theme parks tend to pack visitors into dark, close spaces and would be difficult to achieve with social distancing amid the coronavirus crisis.
Halloween Horror Nights are set to return in 2021
Update from Universal Studios Hollywood on HHN 2020.
To receive email updates on next year's event, please sign up at https://t.co/sT3jWwcEL7 pic.twitter.com/k3xNISkdEP
— Horror Nights (@HorrorNights) July 24, 2020
Meanwhile, Orange County commissioners have approved $5 million credit for Universal Orlando Resort to offset the construction costs of Universal’s Epic Universe.
The $5m will offset the costs of removing an old pipeline that currently runs through the construction site of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s fourth gate (via WDW News Today and Orlando Sentinel).
Universal Orlando reopened on June 5, but Universal Studios Hollywood is yet to reopen and has not set a reopening date.
