Universal Speaks Out On Why Old COVID-19 Measures Have Returned - Inside the Magic

Universal Orlando Resort has just welcomed back Halloween Horror Nights for its 30th year, but there are some changes that Guests may notice compared to previous years.

Last year, the pandemic forced Universal to cancel its Halloween Horror Nights event. Although Guests could enjoy a couple of the already completed houses during the day as an added perk, the event itself was canceled. This year, Halloween Horror Nights are running in full swing, but there are a few changes. Scare actors and Team Members are all masked, which has caused the event to move in a more full-face mask direction as opposed to special FX makeup to accommodate the change.

Within the houses, Guests will also notice that vinyl has been added in strategic areas of the houses for both Guests and Team Member safety. This change has been controversial amongst some Guests as they did not want to see Universal use vinyl once again after removing plexiglass from the queues of their attractions. The new clear barricades do allow Guests to anticipate certain scares, as you can see it from a distance, and it indicated where a person might be hiding, but some scares do not have any vinyl, which makes them even more frightening since you may think you are in the clear!

To see what the houses look like with the vinyl installation, check out in-house POVs from the event here! 

When discussing why Universal decided to implement this health and safety measure in their haunted houses, Universal stated:

Our Team Members will be wearing masks as they are required to do so, we’ve also installed clear vinyl in strategic places where its just important that we keep everybody safe but keep the scares coming. So, know that that’s happening and it just for everybody’s health and well being.

Guests are also recommended to wear a mask while indoors; however, it is a personal choice that Universal Orlando Resort respects. When going through the houses ourselves, we can say that although the vinyl is apparent, the scares are still terrifying, and it does not pull away from the overall event. Plus, with the rise of COVID-19 cases in Florida and the surging Delta variant, the change is not too surprising to see.

What do you think about Universal adding vinyl back into the theme park? Let us know in the comments below.