RUMOR: Mel’s Die-In Neon Sign Won’t Be Turned On for Halloween Horror Nights 32

Shannen Ace

RUMOR: Mel’s Die-In Neon Sign Won’t Be Turned On for Halloween Horror Nights 32

Shannen Ace

RUMOR: Mel’s Die-In Neon Sign Won’t Be Turned On for Halloween Horror Nights 32

Earlier this month, we reported on the rumor that Mel’s Die-In would not be open during Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Studios Florida. Now it seems the Mel’s Die-In light-up sign won’t even be turned on.

Mel’s Die-In

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Mel’s Drive-In, located in the Hollywood section of the park, is one of the most popular restaurants during Halloween Horror Nights. It’s not the food that draws the crowds, though. Every year during HHN, two of the lit letters from the sign are turned off, making the neon sign read “Mel’s Die-In” instead of “Drive-In.”

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Earlier this year, there was a rumored closure of Mel’s Drive-In for refurbishment. The refurbishment was said to begin in late May but was delayed until mid-June. It remains closed, meaning it likely won’t be open for Halloween Horror Nights 32, which begins in just a few days on September 1.

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It was thought that though Mel’s Die-In wouldn’t be open, the light atop the restaurant would at least be changed — but it is reported the power has been cut to Mel’s Drive-In and will remain turned off for a few weeks, if not for the entire run of Halloween Horror Nights.

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The sign certainly isn’t illuminated right now.

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When the restaurant closed, we took a look through the windows and saw the booths and tables being removed. The restaurant is getting completely refreshed, from the dining room to the kitchen.

There is still a chance the refurbishment could be completed during the Halloween Horror Nights, and Mel’s Die-In may open later in the season, but as of now, the list of restaurants open during the event this year does not include Mel’s.

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HHN 32 Battery Park Menu 4

You won’t have to look too far to find spooky food, though. Battery Park is located directly across from Mel’s Drive-In and will be serving food during the event. Last year, Battery Park was themed to the Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar, but this year it will be a food booth. The booth is themed to Mel’s Drive-In, perhaps to serve as a temporary replacement.

Minion Cafe should be open during the event as well as plenty of other locations to grab food from, though. Take a sneak peek at some of the items coming to Halloween Horror Nights this year in our Taste of Terror review, and see the full event menus here.

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