UniversalParksBlog News for November 17th, 2024
We now know details about the year-round version of Halloween Horror Nights. And you’re gonna like ‘em!
I’ll explain in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Introducing Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo: Universal
In early 2023, Universal Studios announced that it would expand its theme park empire.
Universal will add a family-friendly theme park in Frisco, Texas, and it’ll create something decidedly more adult in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Image: Area15
Technically, Universal Studios won’t own the Vegas enterprise, though. Instead, it’s licensing the Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) brand.
The current AREA15 will expand with a second development currently entitled AREA16, and HHN will anchor that.
Photo: Universal
After an extended delay, Universal finally provided some details about what we can expect at the new Vegas installation.
The first thing you should know is that it’ll be a permanent, year-round version of HHN.
Stay & Scream Area
So, you can experience Halloween whenever you like! The scares will be there awaiting you in Vegas!
The name of this new experience will be Universal Horror Unleashed, and it’ll arrive much sooner than anticipated.
Photo: Universal
According to Universal Destinations and Experiences President of New Ventures, Page Thompson, the experience debuts in 2025.
Since we’ve nearly reached December, that likely means we’re less than a year away from the debut of Universal Horror Unleashed.
Photo: Universal
Here’s the applicable quote: “Universal’s rich history in the creation of the horror genre drove our desire to bring a year-round horror experience to the incredible entertainment offerings in Las Vegas.
“We’re thrilled to have our award-winning Creative and Entertainment teams working tirelessly to bring these terrors to life in 2025.”
About Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo: Universal
The timing here is interesting in that I’d expected Universal Studios to cede 2025 to Universal Epic Universe.
Ordinarily, a theme park company doesn’t like to split its marketing campaign across multiple ventures.
Photo: Universal
However, I presume that the standalone nature of Universal Horror Unleashed, combined with its being licensed, led to this decision.
Universal Studios will market Epic Universe, its new theme park, while AREA15/16 will handle the hype for HHN installation.
Photo: Universal
The new endeavor will feature four different standalone Houses, which I presume are semi-permanent.
They are: Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters, and Scarecrow: The Reaping.
Photo: Universal
We’ve obviously seen at least two of those Houses before and possibly even all of them. Here’s Scarecrow: The Reaping:
That’s from two years ago at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) but it was also a part of HHN 27 at Universal Orlando Resort (UOR).
Credit: Universal
And here’s The Exorcist: Believer from 2023:
USH also hosted a Texas Chainsaw Massacre House this year:
And we always get some version of Classic Universal Monsters. So, I understand why you may perceive this as Universal’s Greatest Hits.
Photo: Universal
Personally, I expect modified variants on these concepts, and I’m also working under the assumption that the Houses will change annually.
That’s sheer speculation on my part. Here’s what we do know about the upcoming installation.
The Basics of Universal Horror Unleashed
AREA16 will provide Universal Horror Unleashed with 110,000 square feet of space specifically for these four Houses.
Plus, we’ll get unique merchandise, food, and beverages with horror theming.
Photo: Insideuniversal.net
Here’s the official description for the hangout portion of this permanent HHN event:
“Surrounding the houses are four sinisterly themed and immersive areas, featuring unique live entertainment experiences.
“In select locations, guests can enjoy eerie eateries and bars featuring horror-centric food and drink offerings.
“Plus, guests can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise. Your deepest fears are closer than you think.”
Pizza Skull
Some (or possibly all?) of the live entertainment experiences apparently are the AREA15 version of Scare Zones.
Universal posted this video as part of its early promotional campaign:
I should also note that the official documentation now refers to the HHN expansion as a part of AREA 15, not AREA 16.
Mummy Pop
So, there exists the possibility that AREA 15 has decided to call its added space just more of AREA 15, which wasn’t the original plan.
From a marketing perspective, I think that makes the most sense. If you see conflicting information, that’s the reason why.
Universal Miscellany
We’ve got a few other stories to cover this week, starting with the Wicked experience currently taking over UOR.
Basically, you can enter the wonderful world of Oz, including some sights from Shiz University.
That’s the school that taught Elphaba and Glinda everything they know about magic!
In case you didn’t know, Wicked is tracking to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
Universal Pictures
The film should also earn some Academy Awards nominations. At a minimum, it’ll receive attention for its music and special effects.
So, you should explore the wonderful world of Oz while you can at Universal Studios Florida!
Here’s one of my favorite influencers, Super Enthused, experiencing it for the first time:
For Broadway fans, this one’s a must-do, but I strongly suspect there’s a little something for everyone available here.
I’m glad that Universal has really leaned into this one.
Speaking of Universal Studios Florida, the Christmas tree is up, and the holidays are officially underway at the park.
Photo: universal
Here’s Rix Flix showing some of the adorable decorations posted for 2024:
Universal Miscellany Part II
Photo: Universal
Finally, I should mention that the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience is back for 2025.
Universal’s official site states, “When you purchase this add-on ticket, you get a reserved spot aboard a Mardi Gras float to toss colorful, sparkling beads during the parade.”
Photo: Universal
The press release also notes that there is an expanded group of participating restaurants this year. Here are your choices:
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew
- Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
- Lombard’s Seafood Grille
- Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required)
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only)
- Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom (dinner only)
- Pat O’Brien’s (dinner only)
Photo: Universal Orlando
You should speak with an agent from Let’s Adventure Travel to learn more about the best values for you and your family.
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Feature Photo: Universal
