Guests planning late-night visits to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort may need to budget for parking this year, as parking after midnight is no longer free.
No Free Parking After Midnight
Universal Orlando Resort has updated its Halloween Horror Nights web page to state that parking will be charged on event nights until 2 a.m.
In previous years, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights’ parking policy typically allowed free self-parking after midnight on event nights. That meant guests arriving late — whether to meet friends at CityWalk, catch the final few hours of HHN, or make a last-minute run through haunted houses — could often avoid the standard parking fee by waiting until after 12 a.m.
That appears to be changing for this year’s event. According to the updated HHN FAQ language, parking will remain paid through 2 a.m., effectively meaning paid parking is required for the full duration of HHN event nights, no matter how late you show up.
Universal Orlando’s current posted regular self-parking price is $35 per vehicle at the parking toll plaza. Guests can also pre-purchase regular self-parking for $32 before the day of arrival.
This change will mostly affect guests who do not have an Annual Pass or ticket package that includes self-parking.
Universal Orlando Resort currently offers free regular self-parking for Preferred and Premier Annual Passholders after the first visit, while Power Annual Passholders receive 50% off regular parking after the first visit. Premier Passholders also have additional Prime and valet parking benefits, subject to availability and restrictions.
Some Halloween Horror Nights ticket products have also historically included parking perks. Tickets for Premium Scream Nights also include self-parking, while the event’s most expensive package, the R.I.P. Tour, includes valet parking.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 takes place at Universal Studios Florida on select nights from August 28 through November 1, 2026. The separately ticketed event will feature 10 haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and more.
This year’s first announced haunted house is based on Sinners, bringing the vampire horror film to the event.
Will this parking change affect your Halloween Horror Nights plans? Let us know on social media.
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