As Halloween Horror Nights approaches at Universal Orlando, set to kick off on August 29, 2025, props are already appearing throughout the streets to bring the event to life. Meanwhile, construction crews are busy preparing for the replacement of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. This photo update highlights these updates along with other developments around the destination.
Parking Garage
The moving walkways located at the south parking garage, just before the security rotunda, are now open. In our photo report from July 20, 2025, they were blocked off for maintenance.
Jaws Sipper
The Jaws sipper is back in stock and is available at various locations throughout Universal Orlando, including the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk. The sipper has been out of stock for weeks. This 16 fl oz bottle, part of the film’s 50th anniversary celebration, costs $24.
Universal CityWalk
The Universal Cinemark movie theater is now promoting the upcoming DreamWorks film The Bad Guys 2, set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025.
Adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe in CityWalk, construction crews are working on the replacement ride for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Although this attraction will be part of the Universal Studios Florida park, the construction is taking place in a section of CityWalk. This ongoing work is connected to the ride’s replacement, as indicated by documents from Universal. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is still open; the ride’s final day of operation is August 17, 2025.
In our last photo report, which was published just a few days ago, we documented that the rear of the site, near the former Blue Man Group building, had been excavated. Since that time, a large portion of the site has been filled in.
Below is another view of the site from a different angle. This development in CityWalk consists of two locations. The large dirt mound is situated next to the Hard Rock Cafe, while the other site is located right beside the waterway in CityWalk. These two locations are divided by a guest walkway.
In the area next to the water, more pavement has been removed, and a large portion of the dirt has been leveled. Stakes are visible in the ground. This area previously featured a walkway with stairs, but it will be transformed into a sloped walkway upon completion. This construction is to facilitate Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s replacement.
Islands of Adventure
There are no significant updates to report inside Islands of Adventure; however, we did notice construction walls near the park entrance with signs stating “set enhancement in progress.” These walls are located on the right side of the entrance area, by the restrooms.
Universal Studios Florida
At Universal Studios Florida, various props and decorations are popping up around the park for Halloween Horror Nights, such as these newly added red and blue string lights hanging above the extended queue for TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D. This space is typically used for a bar at the event.
In our previous photo report, we covered the removal of the Metropolis Tribune sign from its facade in the New York area. A blue tarp has since been placed above the overhang. It remains unclear whether the sign is being refurbished or if its removal is associated with another project.
The Palace Arcade in the New York area is still closed, and the “arcade” sign has been removed from the marquee. The outline of where the lettering was positioned is still visible. It’s unclear whether the arcade is undergoing renovations or if Universal has alternative plans for the space, possibly in relation to Halloween Horror Nights; however, this is purely speculative.
A truss has been placed next to Auntie Anne’s at one of the alley entrances in New York.
New theming has been added in the former Fear Factor Live auditorium, including pennant banners and string lights. Universal announced the dance show “Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay” for Halloween Horror Nights, and you can spot the circus-themed elements here.
Located backstage at one of the tents close to The Simpsons Ride, there’s an exterior structure that will serve as the entrance facade for a Halloween Horror Nights haunted house. Since our previous update, roofing and walls have been added to the framework.
Beside that tent is another tent designated for a Halloween Horror Nights haunted house. Only the rear of the entrance facade is visible from this perspective, making it difficult to ascertain what changes have occurred since our last visit, though it seems that painting has been done.
There is another tent located further back, which features a sign confirming that it will be used for the Fallout haunted house. Next to the Fallout tent is an additional tent. Although we didn’t manage to photograph the sign for this tent, aerial images confirm it’s designated for “Gálkn: Monsters of the North,” an original haunted house.
Here’s an updated view of the ongoing renovation of the bridge over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon, situated near the London waterfront and The Simpsons Ride. New wooden pieces have been installed over the pillars. We’re not sure if Universal plans to complete this refurbishment before Halloween Horror Nights begins to assist with crowd flow.
In the Central Park area, new props were set up this week for the “The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane” scare zone.
The columns located by Cafe La Bamba indicate one of the entrances to the scare zone. One of the columns displays a sign that says “9 Crooked Lane” and includes two cats.
Additional props are scattered throughout this walkway.
We also observed several new concrete footings in this area. These may have been constructed to offer a more stable foundation for trusses that support lighting and other effects.
Near Animal Actors On Location, a new walk-through set has appeared for “The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane” scare zone.
There are “boo holes” found within the walk-through area. They’re currently covered with scrim.
Here’s the backside of some of the “boo holes.” They’re also covered with scrim.
Cat scratch marks can be seen throughout the set.
Here’s a look at the stained glass, designed to look like a cat.
The opposite side appears to have lighting directed toward the stained glass to illuminate it at night.
The Hollywood area is receiving Halloween Horror Nights elements as well, including themed bases for several trusses.
This area is expected to be used for the “Masquerade: Dance with Death” scare zone. Four stages have been added to the streets of Hollywood, each showcasing different stained glass windows.
There’s a themed column near Mel’s Drive-In.
Across Mel’s Drive-In in Battery Park, speakers have been added to some of the trusses. This space regularly serves as a bar during Halloween Horror Nights and includes photo opportunities with scareactors.
Here’s a look at the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. This year, during Halloween Horror Nights, the lagoon will come alive with a new nighttime show called “Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey.”
This concludes our photo coverage from Universal Orlando.
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.
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