"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."
this pain will be temporary. hhn is forever… and will come again. pic.twitter.com/72uyzTWDXE
— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) July 24, 2020
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 affected the decision.
The state's report on Thursday reached a record-high 173 deaths from the prior day. Friday's newly reported fatalities were 135.Online auditions ended on Monday to find scare-actors to staff the event.
"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."
Aerial view of #HHN tents at Universal Studios Florida, where construction is underway for the entry facades.
Unfortunately, Halloween Horror Nights has been cancelled this year due to #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/dUgPrL5Km7
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 24, 2020
This article was first published at our sister site Orlando Weekly.
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This article appears in Jul 23-29, 2020.