Universal Orlando’s newest ticket offer is the most immediate planning opportunity for Florida residents, while Friday-night visitors should account for Halloween Horror Nights operations at Universal Studios Florida. Epic Universe has also expanded its after-hours calendar, and two future dates are now worth saving.

Florida residents get three park days for $255

Universal Orlando has introduced a Special 3-Day Florida Resident Ticket priced at $255 plus tax—effectively $85 per day. It provides three days of admission across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe and is valid for eligible visits through December 23, 2026, subject to blockout dates.

The base version permits one park per day. Unlike many multi-day products, the three admissions do not have to be used on consecutive days; residents can spread them across the promotional period. A park-to-park upgrade is available for the two days covering Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, while Epic Universe receives its own dedicated day. Proof of Florida residency is required.

Universal is separately advertising savings of up to 35% on select Sunday-through-Thursday hotel stays through December 24 at participating properties. Travelers should compare the full package, parking and transportation costs before assuming the deepest advertised discount applies to their dates. Availability and eligibility can be checked through Universal Orlando’s official Florida-resident offers.

Halloween Horror Nights is scheduled tonight

Friday, September 11, is one of the published event nights for Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Studios Florida. HHN is separately ticketed and is not included with standard daytime park admission. Day guests should verify Universal Studios Florida’s regular closing time in the Universal Orlando app before fixing evening dining or attraction plans.

The 2026 event includes 10 haunted houses, including experiences based on Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Hellraiser, Ozzy Osbourne and Evil Dead Burn, plus the original Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control house. Four scare zones and two shows round out the principal nighttime lineup. The season continues on select nights through November 1.

Waits can diverge sharply between houses, especially after the initial entry rush. Readers can use TAQ’s dedicated HHN view described below to compare Universal’s posted house waits during the event rather than moving blindly from one end of the park to the other.

Universal Nights adds three Epic Universe dates

Universal has expanded Universal Nights, its limited-capacity after-hours event at Epic Universe. October 24, November 6 and November 20 have joined the original October 3 and October 17 dates. The October 17 event was reported sold out as of September 2, while the other dates remained available at that time.

The events run from 9 p.m. to midnight, with ticket holders permitted to enter at 7 p.m. Universal says all five worlds are included, along with attractions, entertainment, character interactions and complimentary specialty snacks and beverages. Tickets start at $179.99 plus tax; current availability and terms should be confirmed on the official event page.

Save two dates: November 2 and January 22–23

Animal Actors On Location is scheduled to give its final performance November 2 before closing permanently. Universal said the space will be used for a new experience but has not announced what will replace the opening-era show. Visitors who consider it part of their Universal Studios Florida tradition now have a firm final-date marker rather than an open-ended closure window.

Looking farther ahead, Rock the Universe returns January 22–23, 2027. The announced lineup includes Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen, Jamie MacDonald, CAIN and Katy Nichole, among others, with a Sunday service scheduled January 24. Ticket and vacation-package sales are set to begin September 15.

What to know before you go

For shorter near-real-time posted waits, open TAQ’s Florida park wait-time tool and choose Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure or Epic Universe individually. During HHN, select “Universal Studios — HHN” for the dedicated haunted-house wait view. Continuing regional coverage is available through the Orlando Parks hub.

The American Quorum is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Universal Orlando Resort or NBCUniversal. Hours, attraction availability, prices and event details can change.