UniversalParksBlog News for August 18th, 2024

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Universal Studios Hollywood has finalized its 2024 Halloween Horror Nights schedule.

Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort has announced the dates and details for some upcoming events.

Universal

Oh, and we just learned more about a roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe, if that sort of thing interests you.

Yeah, you’ll want to read UniversalParksBlog News. A lot is happening at the parks!

Hollywood Is Ready for HHN

Universal

On September 5^th, the West Coast version of Universal Studios will host its first Halloween Horror Nights event for 2024.

This year’s HHN will run through November 3^rd, giving guests two full months of terrifying fun.

Halloween Horror Nights

We already knew the dates, but USH had remained somewhat mysterious about the final houses. Now, we know why.

Park officials were keeping fans guessing about some of the last tidbits.

Jungle of Doom

Now that we’re just a couple of weeks away from the after-hours parties, USH went ahead and tipped its hand. And it’s The Weeknd.

Yes, the musical artist and HHN superfan will make his return. In case you’ve forgotten, he licensed After Hours Nightmare in 2022.

Credit: Universal

This year, we’ll get something called The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy as a fully immersive House.

If you didn’t experience After Hours Nightmare, it was oddly…dancy due to the musical backdrop. But the horror was real.

Credit:: Universal

So, I’d expect something similar on September 5^th, especially since The Weeknd is unabashedly a superfan of horror tropes.

USH also revealed this year’s Terror Tram. The new theme is Enter the Blumhouse.

Photo: OC Register

Thus, we can expect tie-ins with many of Blumhouse’s horror franchises, just as we’ve had at past events.

Based on the popularity of the M3GAN dancers last year, it’s fair to expect their presence.

The videos and marketing suggest that the killer from Freaky and The Grabber from The Black Phone will appear as well.

I’ve heard that Happy Death Day will also be a part of the Terror Tram, which thrills me, as I consider it Blumhouse’s best franchise.

Photo: Bloody-disgusting.com

You can expect plenty of videos here once the event begins in early September!

Mardi Gras Time

Photo: Universal

Don’t let the calendar confuse you, my friends. It may still say August, but February will come around quicker than you think.

That’s excellent news for Mardi Gras fans who love Universal Studios as Universal Orlando Resort will once again celebrate Mardi Gras in 2025.

Photo: Universal

This year’s party starts on February 1^st and will last through March 30^th.

The famous New Orleans get-together has become an iconic part of Universal Studios as well, with fans excitedly anticipating it all year.

Photo: Universal

For 2025, guests will enjoy two full months of revelries, which means jazz bands, silly outfits, and parades aplenty!

If you’ve never attended the event, the parades are quite the spectacle, with bead distribution happening on a grand scale.

Photo: Universal

Don’t worry, though! You don’t need to acquire beads in the conventional New Orleans manner! People on the float will just throw them to you.

Here’s the 2025 Mardi Gras announcement video, which provides you with a glimpse of what to expect:

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is back! Enjoy a spectacular parade, beads by the handful, live music, and food from around the world as well as New Orleans favorites. Feb 1 – Mar 30, 2025 💜 💛 💚 pic.twitter.com/Sz9inW0stX

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) August 13, 2024

Basically, everyone drinks, dances, and relishes life. I know some of you might be waiting for Universal Epic Universe to visit.

Photo: Universal

Even so, you should strongly consider a weekend getaway to Mardi Gras 2025, especially if you like one of the bands who will play at the event.

And yes! The International Flavors of Carnaval will return!

Stardust Racers

Universal

August 16^th was National Roller Coaster Day, and Universal Studios celebrated in style.

After all, what’s better than announcing a new coaster on the national day for these thrill rides?

Universal

Yes, after literally years of speculation, we finally gained some official word on Stardust Racers. Here’s a video:

While the hosts of the video are trying waaaaaay too hard, what they’re selling is something I’m buying.

Photo: Universal

The conceit here is thematic, with the “citizens of Celestial Parks” known as “Celestians” somehow harnessing the energy of comets.

So, they’ve developed the technology to ride comets, as it were.

Photo: Universal

UniversalParksBlog mentioned several years ago that this would be a dueling coaster with twin tracks simultaneously operating.

The video shows the “Celestial Spin” element wherein the two coasters came face to face.

Photo: Universal

During an epic turn, the riders will look up and realize that the people from the other coaster are right above them.

Moments later, the roles will reverse, with the formerly lower riders now on top. Then, it’s a race to the end to see who wins.

Photo: Universal

The competitive and somewhat connective elements of the coaster should elevate it into something unforgettable.

Stardust Racers will element at the same time as the rest of Epic Universe. So, it’ll debut next summer!

Universal Miscellany

Photo: universal

We’ve got a few other happenings to discuss.

First, Universal’s Passholder Appreciation Days have begun. This event runs from now through September 30^th.

Photo: universal

Generally speaking, Universal offers special treats and discounts for its most loyal fans.

This year’s event started with a giveaway of the passholder’s choice of a cookie or churro.

Honestly, Universal Studios Hollywood may be the place to be, though.

That park is giving away a Collectible Squishy Studio Tour Tram as a way of thanking passholders.

Image: Universal Studios

Supplies are limited, and the giveaway only occurs on certain dates, but…WOW!

This is a one-time thing as part of the celebration of the Studio Tour’s 60^th anniversary.

Image: Universal

So, you shouldn’t expect a gift this nice as a general rule during passholder days.

Also at Universal Studios Hollywood, Escapology, the franchised escape room, is coming to Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

Photo: Comicbook.com

Escapology has confirmed that some of its most popular experiences will be available on day one.

Thus, Universal fans can look forward to trying to solve Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure and Batman: The Dark Knight Challenge.

Photo: Universal

Polite suggestion: dress up in cosplay to maximize the experience!

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Feature Photo: Universal