Because Universal Orlando had recently announced external auditions for Halloween Horror Nights 2020, it looked promising that it would happen this year despite COVID-19. However, as ClickOrlando.com put it: “It’s hard to scare the bejesus out of someone in a haunted house while socially distancing.”
That’s one way to put it. Another is, this social distancing stuff is really putting a damper on everything and Halloween won’t be any exception.
Here’s what Universal Orlando posted on their site about their decision to cancel Halloween Horror Nights 2020:
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have 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.
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.
Personally, I wasn’t sure how they were going to pull it off seeing how contagious this novel coronavirus is and all. However, I wanted them to find a way to do it.
But seeing as how other huge Halloween haunted attractions had canceled for Halloween 2020 already, like the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor and Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls, I suspected it was just a matter of time before Halloween Horror Nights bailed too.
They are already looking ahead to Halloween 2021, though. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to gather in crowds again by then.
For now, I guess we’re getting a sneak peek at how Halloween is going to look this year: very different from what we’re used to. Especially if you love haunted house attractions.
Check-In
What favorite Halloween season activity or event do you think won’t happen this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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