The biggest Universal Orlando news this month: Halloween Horror Nights 35 revealed its full 10-house lineup and kicks off August 28, fall vacation-package and ticket deals are live (including a buy-2-days-get-2-free ticket offer and Florida-resident savings through September 30, 2026), and Universal confirmed Epic Universe’s first-ever holiday season for winter 2026. Here’s what it means for your family trip.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 full lineup announced
Universal Orlando has revealed the complete lineup for Halloween Horror Nights 35, running 48 select nights from August 28 through November 1, 2026 at Universal Studios Florida. According to the official Universal Orlando press release, the park transforms into the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” hosted by returning icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
This year brings 10 all-new haunted houses, including a Stranger Things 5 finale house, an Evil Dead Burn house, and a house based on the Academy Award–winning film Sinners, plus scare zones such as Killer Klowns From Outer Space and Fortnitemares. Single-night tickets start around $87.99 as of August 2026 (prices vary by date).
Wondering whether to bring the kids? See our new parent’s guide to visiting Universal during HHN season — it covers which parks stay family-friendly at night and how to split your group.
Fall vacation package & ticket deals are live
Universal Orlando’s fall offers make this a strong value window for family trips:
- Buy 2 days, get 2 free: Purchase a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket and get 2 extra days free, per Universal’s current deals page.
- Vacation package savings: Up to 30% off stays of 5+ nights (up to 25% off 1–4 nights) at official Universal hotels with tickets.
- Florida residents: Buy one day, get a second day free on select tickets, valid for visits through September 30, 2026.
- Multi-day Park-to-Park tickets continue to include access to all three parks, including Epic Universe.
Our Premier Vacation Package pairs these deals with free Universal Express Unlimited at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, or Loews Portofino Bay — often the single biggest time-saver for families.
Epic Universe’s first holiday season confirmed
Universal confirmed its destination-wide Holidays celebration returns November 21, 2026 through January 4, 2027 — and for the first time, the festivities extend into Universal Epic Universe. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will get a holiday makeover, and Celestial Park will glow with seasonal lighting. Elsewhere, Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s rolls through Universal Studios Florida.
Because Epic Universe’s debut holiday season is expected to draw big crowds, families planning a December trip should lock in hotels early. Compare all on-site options in our Universal Orlando hotel deals guide.
What this means for your trip
Fall and early winter are shaping up to be one of the best value-and-experience windows Universal Orlando has offered in years — strong ticket deals, a stacked HHN lineup for the horror fans, and a brand-new holiday season at Epic Universe for families. The Pixie Vacations family-travel team plans it all at no extra cost to you. Request a free quote or call 678-815-1584, and browse more planning tips on our Universal Orlando blog.
Last updated: August 2026. Compiled by the Pixie Vacations family-travel team — Universal Orlando specialists and Disney College of Knowledge–certified planners, hosts of the 15-year Mouse Chat travel podcast, featured in USA Today, NBC, ABC, and CNN. Offers and dates verified against Universal Orlando’s official newsroom and deals pages; promotions change frequently, so confirm current terms when you book.
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