“Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have made the difficult decision to not hold Halloween Horror Nights events this year,” the post reads.
“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.”
Massive changes were planned to make this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 10 to Nov. 1, safer in the face of the coronavirus pandemic — but the mounting daily toll in Florida certainly must have affected this decision.
The state on Thursday reported a record-high 173 deaths from the prior day. Friday’s newly reported fatalities were 135.
Online auditions to find scare-actors to staff the event ended on Monday.
“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.”
Walt Disney World canceled the 2020 edition of their annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party add-on back on June 19.
Please follow CDC guidelines and Orange County advisories to stay safe, and please support this free publication. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you news on how coronavirus is affecting Central Florida. Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. Every little bit helps.
Related Stories
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2020.