Universal Orlando’s Friday is split between daytime park touring and a separate-ticket Halloween Horror Nights operation, while a short Saturday celebration at CityWalk gives weekend visitors another firm time to plan around. A seasonal Springfield offering also remains available through early November. Here are the three developments most useful for visitors on September 18.
HHN changes the Universal Studios Florida plan tonight
Halloween Horror Nights is scheduled as a separate-ticket event at Universal Studios Florida, so daytime visitors should check the park’s posted closing time before building a late-afternoon itinerary. Universal’s official 2026 HHN guide recommends arriving early and notes that September event nights are often less crowded than October nights.
Guests who hold valid HHN admission for tonight can use Stay & Scream only when they also have valid daytime admission to Universal Studios Florida or a Scream Early add-on. Universal says those guests may enter as early as 2 p.m. and reach at least three haunted houses before the event officially begins. Standard HHN admission does not include parking, and some rides close before the event itself ends, so guests planning to mix houses and attractions should handle priority rides early.
The same official event guidance says costumes and costume masks are not allowed on regular HHN nights and warns that the event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for those under 13. For a practical touring order, Universal suggests beginning with houses toward the back of the park because the front-area queues tend to build first.
Toothsome’s anniversary celebration has a three-hour Saturday window
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen will hold its 10th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Universal CityWalk. Universal lists character appearances, a themed chocolate display, an interactive dipping station, a family-focused chocolate-origins presentation, a photo opportunity and an engraved chocolate coin among the scheduled features.
The restaurant’s actual anniversary falls Tuesday, September 22, while its limited anniversary menu remains available through September 30. The practical distinction matters: visitors interested in the activities need to be at CityWalk during Saturday’s narrow window; diners mainly interested in the menu have more flexibility, though Universal is recommending reservations.
Dufftoberfest offers a daytime seasonal stop
At Universal Studios Florida, Dufftoberfest continues through November 1 in Springfield, U.S.A. The official offering includes a seasonal Dufftoberfest beer at the Duff Brewery beer garden and Moe’s Tavern, along with Bavarian-style banners and décor around the two venues. Alcohol purchases and consumption require guests to be 21 or older with valid identification.
What to know before you go
Check TAQ’s Florida park-wait dashboard before leaving and again after arrival. Select Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe or Volcano Bay for a shorter individual-park view. During HHN, choose the dedicated “Universal Studios — HHN” selector for near-real-time posted waits at the haunted houses.
Universal also recommends its resort app for official showtimes and house waits. For broader planning across the region, visit TAQ’s Florida Theme Parks hub. The American Quorum is independent and is not affiliated with Universal Orlando.
