Universal Orlando is changing how Stay & Scream will work during this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, allowing eligible guests to enter select haunted houses hours before the event officially begins.
The offering will provide early access for guests who have both valid daytime admission to Universal Studios Florida, including Annual Passes, or a Scream Early Ticket, and valid Halloween Horror Nights admission for the same night.
Unlike previous years, Stay & Scream guests will now be able to experience select haunted houses as early as 2 PM.
The rollout will take place in stages:
- 2 PM: Three haunted houses open
- 4 PM. Select haunted house queues open
- 5:15 PM: Additional select haunted houses begin opening
- 6:30 PM: Halloween Horror Nights officially begins, with all haunted houses open
Universal has not announced which haunted houses will open during each stage of the Stay & Scream schedule.
Eligible guests will need a wristband to take advantage of the offering. Wristbands will be available near Guest Services inside Universal Studios Florida beginning at park opening. Additional wristband distribution locations will open at 2 p.m. at Hogwarts Express: King’s Cross Station and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
The changes could provide Universal with a new way to spread out crowds during the event.
Halloween Horror Nights 2026 will officially begin at Universal Studios Florida on August 28, 2026, and will take place on select nights through November 1, 2026. Tickets are on sale, including multi-night options such as the Rush of Fear and Frequent Fear passes.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.
Attraction Insight is your one-stop destination for travel news, entertainment updates, and meticulously crafted travel guides.
