We are getting closer to the start of the Halloween season in Orlando! Disney World kicks off its Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on August 15th, and Universal Orlando isn’t far behind them with the start of Halloween Horror Nights on August 29th.

Keep in mind that these two events are VERY different from each other. Disney World’s Halloween Party is family friendly and NOT scary. On the other hand, Halloween Horror Nights is heavy on the horror and not recommended for children under 13 years old. Let’s take a look at the rules that are enforced at Halloween Horror Nights!

If you are planning on heading to Halloween Horror Nights this year, make sure you know about these rules that Universal Orlando will be enforcing!

Event Occurs Rain or Shine

While the haunted houses are indoors, much of this event will require you to be outside. Queue lines for the haunted houses are all outside, as well as the scare zones and food booths. Universal does not offer any rain checks, returns, or refunds. The good news is that as long as you come prepared for rain, you can still have a great night at Halloween Horror Nights. And often, the rain clears out some of the guests so you might even be able to enjoy shorter wait times!

The scare actors in the scare zones will seek shelter if there is lightning in the area, but as long as you are okay with standing in the rain/lightning, the haunted houses can usually operate as normal during stormy conditions.

Parking Is Only Free After Midnight

You might know that usually parking at the garages is usually free after 6 PM. However, it is important to note that during Halloween Horror Nights, parking is ONLY free after midnight. 

You will either want to budget for parking costs or plan on getting to the park much later. However, if you wait for free parking, you will be missing much of the evening.

No Costumes or Costume Masks

You may really be feeling the horror spirit but leave the costumes at home. Unfortunately, no costumes or costume masks are allowed during Halloween Horror Nights. There is ONE exception to the rule though. If you are dying to wear your favorite costume, you can wear one to the Premium Scream Night on August 28th. 

That is the only night that costumes are allowed though, and there are still some restrictions to those costumes. If you are attending the Premium Scream Night and want to wear a costume, make sure you check out Universal’s full rules.

Smoking Is Prohibited

This isn’t just a Halloween Horror Nights rule as smoking is also prohibited during normal operating hours, except for designated locations. Universal recently updated where their designated smoking locations are, and there is only one option for a smoking area at Universal Studios Florida.

The designated smoking area is located near the park exit, and it is the only location in the park you are allowed to smoke. This also includes vaping. If you are a smoker or a vaper, make sure you know where the designated area is and plan for breaks in your night’s activities.

Prohibited Items

When you are packing your bags to head to Halloween Horror Nights, there are a few items you will want to make sure stay at home. This list is not completely exhaustive, though, and Universal personnel cannot allow other items that they deem “inappropriate, disruptive or harmful.”

The following items are prohibited at Halloween Horror Nights: explosives, weapons, items that can be used as or has the appearance of a weapon, alcohol or drinks containing alcohol, marijuana or any item containing cannabis or related paraphernalia, illegal items, power driven or radio frequency-controlled devices (unless used as a mobility device), outside food or beverages (except items include bottled water (2 liters per guest max), any food required for medical purposes, medically indicated nutritional supplements, or for special dietary needs, and baby food/baby formula), coolers (only soft-sided cooler smaller than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep are permitted), glass, suitcases/Bags with wheels, and folding chairs.

Proper Attire Must Be Worn

In order to enter the park and Halloween Horror Nights, you must make sure you are wearing proper attire. Universal requires you to wear shirts and shoes at all times. Your clothing also can’t contain anything that is likely to incite a disturbance or that displays offensive language or content.

As well, your clothing can’t represent you as emergency personnel, make you look like you are a Universal employee, or be inappropriate for a family environment. You will not be allowed to wear costume masks, veils, or long trains. Additionally, no swords or weaponry will be allowed.

Some Activities Are Not Permitted

Universal also wants to make sure everyone feels safe and secure, and that they provide a pleasant environment for visitors. There are numerous activities such as picketing, line jumping, disorderly conduct, physically or verbally threatening or harassing anyone, wearing improper attire, smoking outside of designated area, possession of any weapon, and not securing selfies sticks on attractions. Universal wants everyone to have a great time, so there are certain activities that they don’t allow at their parks.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event at Universal Studios Florida. It happens on select nights from August 29th until November 2nd. The event features 10 highly themed haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and exclusive snacks and drinks. This event is intense, but it’s perfect for horror lovers or those looking for some scares this Halloween season. Tickets are on sale right now for the event!

Stay tuned to DFB for more Universal Orlando news and more details about Halloween Horror Nights 2025!

Check out EVERYTHING you need to know about Halloween Horror Nights 2025!

Are you planning on attending Halloween Horror Nights this year? Let us know in the comments!