ORLANDO, Florida – Universal Studios announced that the theme park is canceling Halloween Horror Nights for the first time in its three-decade existence at its theme park in Orlando, Florida due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have made the difficult decision to not hold Halloween Horror Nights events this year. Universal Orlando Resort will be focusing exclusively on operating its theme parks for daytime guests, using the enhanced health and safety procedures already in place. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to face ongoing business restrictions and uncertainty around its opening timeframe,” Univeral announced it its Halloween Horror Nights website.

“We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests. We are disappointed, too. But we look forward to creating an amazing event in 2021.”

Guests who have purchased tickets or vacation packages to Halloween Horror Nights 2020 have the option to use their ticket or vacation package to visit next year’s Halloween Horror Nights event, or they can receive a refund.

These options also apply to R.I.P. Tours and Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tours. Guests who purchased tickets or booked a vacation package can call 877-801-9720 for assistance.

Guests who previously purchased a vacation package with hotel accommodations and theme park tickets can still use it to visit Universal Orlando Resort this fall and are eligible to receive a refund on their Halloween Horror Nights ticket, R.I.P. Tour and/or Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour.