Universal sets HHN rules Aug. 28

Universal Orlando has begun laying out the ground rules for Halloween Horror Nights 2026, with the event scheduled for select nights from August 28 through November 1 at Universal Studios Florida. The resort’s event pages say the separately ticketed event is not recommended for children under 13 and bar guests from wearing costumes or costume masks on regular event nights. Universal also says the event takes place rain or shine and that tickets are not eligible for rain checks, returns or refunds. The 2026 edition is billed by Universal as the event’s 35th year and will include 10 haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and select rides and attractions. Tickets and packages are already on sale, according to the company’s Halloween Horror Nights site. ### When does Halloween Horror Nights 2026 start? August 28, 2026 is the first regular event night listed by Universal for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. (universalorlando.com) The event runs on select nights through November 1, according to Universal’s “About” and main event pages. Universal is also selling “Premium Scream Night” on August 27 and October 19, 2026, as separate limited-capacity event nights with shorter waits than regular event nights, according to the ticket pages. (universalorlando.com) ### Can guests wear costumes or masks? Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights pages state in capital letters that “NO COSTUMES OR COSTUME MASKS ALLOWED” for the event. The company repeats that warning across the main event, extras and planning pages. (universalorlando.com) Universal’s broader clothing and costume policy also says guests may not wear costume masks, veils or long trains, and may not carry swords or weaponry. (universalorlando.com) The policy allows face coverings for medical or health reasons and says guests may be asked to modify makeup or remove facial coverings to meet entry standards. Premium Scream Night is the exception. (universalorlando.com) Universal says those guests may wear costumes on that event night, subject to the costume policy, but “no costume masks” are allowed there either. ### What does Universal say about recording inside haunted houses? Universal’s published event pages reviewed here do not prominently spell out the haunted-house recording rule in the snippets available from the official site. (universalorlando.com) But the resort’s planning materials and code-of-conduct framework make clear that entry is subject to Universal’s policies and restrictions, and the app is positioned as the main tool for maps, wait times and mobile functions during the event. (universalorlando.com) Because Universal’s official pages available in search results do not clearly display that specific line, guests would need to check the latest FAQs or on-site instructions for any house-by-house or in-event filming restrictions before attending. Universal does direct guests to its “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Know Before You Go” materials for current event guidance. ### What are the refund and weather rules? (universalorlando.com) Universal says Halloween Horror Nights “occurs rain or shine.” The same planning page says there are “No rain checks, returns or refunds,” and adds that dates, times, attractions, entertainment and experience details can change or be canceled without notice. Universal also says park access, attractions and entertainment may be restricted or unavailable because of capacity, closures or other factors. (universalorlando.com) That language appears alongside the event’s planning and policy disclosures. ### What should guests know about parking and age guidance? Universal’s event pages warn that Halloween Horror Nights “may be too intense for young children” and is not recommended for children under 13. (universalorlando.com) That notice appears on the main event page, the extras page and the seasonal events page. Universal’s parking pages say free self-parking after 6 p.m. is not valid on Halloween Horror Nights event nights. (universalorlando.com) The official parking page reviewed in search results does not show a specific Halloween Horror Nights parking price in the visible text, though it says parking fees and restrictions apply and offers prepaid regular self-parking for the Universal Orlando garage. ### Where can guests check the latest rules before they go? (universalorlando.com) Universal directs guests to its Halloween Horror Nights event pages, “Know Before You Go” planning page, FAQ section and Universal Orlando Resort app for current details. The app includes tickets, wait times, interactive maps and mobile food-and-drink ordering, according to the company. August 28 is the first regular event date now listed, and Universal says tickets and packages are already on sale. (universalorlando.com) The company’s event pages also list add-ons including Express Passes, R.I.P. Tours, Scream Early tickets and the Behind the Screams daytime tour. (universalorlando.com)