Universal Orlando is making progress in bringing Halloween Horror Nights to life, with the installation of lighting trusses, platforms, and more. In addition, work is ongoing for the replacement of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. This photo report highlights these updates and provides additional coverage throughout Universal Orlando.
Parking Garage
The moving walkways located at the south parking garage, just before the security rotunda, were blocked off for maintenance.
The digital signs above the moving walkways leading into CityWalk now showcase various animated advertisements, including for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, on-site hotels, and annual passes. We did not see any advertisements for the new Epic Universe theme park. Previously, these signs featured static advertisements only.
Universal CityWalk
The descending escalator in CityWalk has recently resumed operation after being out of service since at least early April 2025. We’re unsure of the exact date of its reopening, but it was still non-operational in late June 2025.
Trusses have been installed in front of the Red Coconut Club, presumably in preparation for its transformation into the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights.
The large circular wand display in the Wizarding World section of the Universal Studios Store at CityWalk has been removed and replaced with a more compact stand.
The photo attached below is a comparison featuring an image from before the change.
And here’s what the new display looks like.
The reassembly of Jimmy Buffett’s seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, at Lone Palm Airport, which is located directly across Margaritaville, has recently been completed. A new sign has been added nearby, sharing a brief story of the aircraft.
Next to the Hard Rock Cafe, construction crews have been excavating land at the far end of the site close to the former Blue Man Group building.
Although this site is still technically part of Universal CityWalk, this construction is connected to the replacement of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida. Based on documents previously submitted by Universal about this development, the construction in CityWalk includes a small structure next to the Hard Rock Cafe, at the plot shown in the photo below, along with modifications to the surrounding area. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is still open; the ride’s final day of operation is August 17, 2025.
The excavated earth is being stacked at the front of the site; however, the mound is noticeably lower than it was in our previous photo report.
The area shown in the following images is situated along the waterway in CityWalk. A guest walkway divides this site from the area adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe. The stairs and much of the pavement have been removed. When completed, this will become a sloped walkway instead.
Islands of Adventure
There haven’t been many changes at Islands of Adventure; however, as noted in our previous photo report, facade renovations are currently taking place in the Port of Entry.
The facade renovation at the Rental Services location has been extended to encompass an additional facade. Additionally, the scrim now displays an image of the facade.
The brown scrim is still in place at the Guest Services/First Aid location shown in the photo below.
Universal Studios Florida
In the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, the Metropolis Tribune sign has been taken down from its facade. It’s unclear whether the sign is undergoing refurbishment or if its removal is tied to a different project.
Construction walls remain in place around Gramercy Park, located in front of the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon ride, due to ongoing refurbishment.
The renovation of the Blues Brothers stage has been finished.
The Palace Arcade is currently closed in the New York area. Curtains prevent anyone from seeing inside through the doors.
Access to the arcade from Revenge of the Mummy‘s exit gift shop, Sahara Traders, is blocked.
The Jaws food booths in the San Francisco area that were set up to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary on June 20 have been taken down.
However, props and photo ops remain. Additionally, Jaws 50th anniversary merchandise is still available for purchase.
Lighting has been installed on the trusses in the San Francisco area, and a new platform has been set up.
The renovation of the lower section of a column at the London waterfront has been completed.
Additional side panels have been added to the restroom between the London waterfront and the former Fear Factor Live auditorium, and the top section has been painted. We’re assuming that Universal is aiming to have this renovation finished before Halloween Horror Nights begins.
Since our last photo report, speakers have been installed at the former Fear Factor Live auditorium, along with additional trusses for lighting, all in preparation for Halloween Horror Nights.
Here’s the latest look at the renovation of the bridge that crosses the Universal Studios Florida lagoon, located near the London waterfront and The Simpsons Ride. This project started a few weeks back. It remains unclear whether Universal intends to finish it ahead of Halloween Horror Nights to help with crowd flow.
Construction can be seen for Halloween Horror Nights haunted house facades at the two tents situated nearest to MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack and The Simpsons Ride.
Trusses, lighting, and a platform have recently appeared in front of Animal Actors On Location! in preparation for Halloween Horror Nights.
Speakers and power distribution units have been placed along the Central Park walkway, and green coverings obscure various items. These preparations are for a Halloween Horror Nights scare zone.
String lights have been hung between the trusses in the courtyard next to Cafe La Bamba.
In Battery Park, situated along the lagoon across Mel’s Drive-In, trusses, lights, and TV cases have been set up. This space regularly serves as a bar during Halloween Horror Nights and includes photo opportunities with scareactors.
We’ll keep you informed with further updates from Universal Orlando. Props for Halloween Horror Nights will begin to emerge soon in preparation for the event’s opening on August 29, 2025.
If you’re heading to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, our FREE planning guide provides comprehensive details about the event, anticipated crowd levels, a touring plan, and more, allowing you to get the most out of your visit.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.
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