With a little over a week to go before the start of Halloween Horror Nights 31 at Universal Studios Florida, the terrors that await are starting to look more complete. Let’s see what’s new! 1
Horrors of Halloween
Throughout Production Central, the Pumpkin Lord is making his presence known.
Wooden sets have been erected near the trusses, with a 31 branded on them to mark both the 31st edition of the annual event and the fact that Halloween takes place on the 31st of October.
At night, Scareactors may lurk behind these walls, but during the day, they’re part of another harrowing event: the search for stroller parking.
When we passed by the next day, vines had begun to creep up the trusses.
Also, one of the sets now had a display of traditional Halloween items, all covered by sinister roots.
Something tells us the Pumpkin Lord isn’t a fan of trick or treating.
There may have also been an unsuccessful attempt at cutting down the vines, as evidenced by this bloody hatchet.
Masks and candy could also be seen. (I wonder if the Pumpkin Lord has met Major Sweets.)
Conjure the Dark
Over in San Francisco, the main show set for Conjure the Dark looks ready for some dark magic.
Green grass-like curtains have been installed on both sides of the set, so Scareactors can make a dramatic entrance.
A grassy area has also been set up to the left of the stage.
Additionally, wooden crates containing even more grass are now in place on opposite ends of the street.
A cart has been set up with plenty of items that should satisfy occult needs.
There are plenty of pots, pans, and even a small cauldron.
And then there’s this mysterious skull. Nothing concerning about that!
One of the barrels next to the cart features the logo of Holladay, noting that it was for corn whiskey.
Several crates containing more spooky items can be found near the entrance to Lombard’s Seafood Grille.
Included is this unusual bat-like dragon piece.
There’s also this antler. Could it have gone to the skull in the cart?
A third display is up right next to the Lombard’s entrance.
This display features a fur and plenty of cages.
The following day, we found a mysterious object wrapped up on the stage.
What could it be? We’ll certainly know by next Friday!
Scarecrow: Cursed Soil
Moving into Hollywood, an ofrenda (or altar) has been set up to celebrate Dia de los Muertos near the corresponding food booth.
It features a gorgeous display of marigolds and candles to remember loved ones lost.
Peeking into the food booth, a popcorn popper and freezer are now in place. Who knows what goodies await?
A manual indicates that this will indeed be called a “Dia de Muertos” booth.
Meanwhile, a large set piece is covered in a worn canvas, likely for scarecrows to stand on.
Throughout the area, old-looking fence posts are up to evoke imagery of abandoned farmland.
On one end of Central Park, a bar has been set up themed to the new house, The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare.
The counters have the same artwork being used to promote the house.
Sweet Revenge
Over in New York, the entrance of the Tribute Store is looking nearly ready to open.
Lights have been added to the marquee to help guests find the shop during the nighttime event.
Strings of black and orange flags have been hung from the top, matching the festive look of the scare zone.
Heading into Louie’s Italian Restaurant, a temporary wall has been set up as the restaurant prepares for the Scareactor Dining Experience.
Through a gap, we could see old-looking barrels and an Egyptian sarcophagus, suggesting that the experience will be themed to Universal Monsters: Legends Collide.
Finally, the food booths scattered around New York have all been given scary looks, including ones with skeletons, zombies, and ghosts.
The large rectangles are likely where menus will be added.
Of course, at least one house looks ready to dine on some guests.
Halloween Horror Nights 31 kicks off September 2 and runs through Halloween night, October 31.
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