Spooky season is here, and Universal Orlando knows how to throw a haunted bash better than anyone else in Orlando. Their annual terror fest, Halloween Horror Nights, has consistently won Amusement Today’s “Best Halloween Event” award, with terrifying scarezones and haunted houses. But it may not be your fang, errr I mean, thing.
If you’re looking for some Halloween fun at Universal without all the scares, check out these fun alternatives to Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween at Universal
- Dead Coconut Club (Universal CityWalk)
- Halloween Bars (Universal Orlando Hotels)Volcano Bay Nights (select nights Volcano Bay)
- All Hallow’s Eve Boutique (Islands of Adventure)
- Halloween Tribute Store (Universal Studios Florida)
- Unmasking the Horror Tour (Universal Studios Florida)
- Universal Monsters: Gallery of Legends (Cabana Bay Beach Resort)
- Festive Halloween Treats (throughout the resort)
Dead Coconut Club
Universal CityWalk
If you've ever been to Universal CityWalk you may have noticed the Red Coconut Club located on the 2nd story of CityWalk. Tropical and modern-retro vibes are all around. Now during Halloween at Universal you can indulge in a Halloween bar with some of the best atmosphere you can find anywhere.
The Dead Coconut Club is open on Halloween Horror Nights event nights, 5pm – 2am. The best part? It is open to all guests. You DO NOT need to have tickets to Halloween Horror Nights to enjoy this cool Halloween themed tiki bar.
Sip on signature cocktails and admire all the amazing details. This is a great way to enjoy Halloween at Universal, without all the horror.
Halloween Pop-Up Bars at Hotels
Universal Orlando Hotels
Nightly through October 31
You do not need to be a guest of the Universal Orlando hotels to stop by and soak up the spooky vibes of the Halloween bars. Each hotel has some Halloween decor, however, some hotels have full fledged Halloween bars.
Our favorites include:
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Swizzle Lounge’s Pumpkin Overload
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Thirsty Fish Bar
- Hard Rock Hotel – Night of the Living Shred
More info and details about parking – click here.
Volcano Bay Nights
Universal's Volcano Bay
On Select Nights September 12 through October 31
Orlando is full of unique experiences any time of year, but especially during Halloween season. New for 2025 is Volcano Bay Nights. Enjoy after-hours access to all the water attractions at Volcano Bay, plus sip on free soda, nosh on free churros and popcorn, and enjoy a tropical Halloween beach party!
The gang from Scooby Doo is throwing a beach party with a slightly spooky twist, but keep an eye out for the pesky Ghost Clown trying to crash the party. Add about $20 – $30 per person into your budget so you can enjoy some themed food and drinks!
All Hallow’s Eve Boutique
Islands of Adventure
Also in Islands of Adventure, don’t miss the All Hallow’s Eve Boutique in the Lost Continent. This spooky-cute shop celebrates the Halloween spirit year-round, and its theme changes often to suit the season.
It was the “Voodoo Boutique” during Universal's Mardi Gras, for example, and it took on a fun classic monsters Tiki theme over the summer.
Right now, it has a fun vintage pumpkin patch feel, with cheerful ghosts and flickering jack-o-lanterns smiling down from every corner. This store tends to be cute and cozy, making it a cheerful and family-friendly alternative to the tribute store. Find the boutique in Lost Continent, just before you enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Halloween Tribute Store
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios has a killer tribute store in the New York area of the park, near Revenge of the Mummy. The store is completely revamped each season to reflect a new event, with brand new sets, merchandise, music, and more.
The Halloween tribute store generally consists of several highly-themed rooms with photo ops, merchandise, and delicious seasonal treats. I’m a big Halloween Horror Nights fan, and love discovering all the thoughtful little details throughout each room. Even non-event fans can enjoy this immersive shopping experience! After all, no one does Halloween better than Universal Studios Florida.
Unmasking the Horror Tour
Universal Studios Florida
Finally, if you are interested in the creative design process behind Halloween Horror Nights but not into the scares, you might enjoy an Unmasking the Horror tour. This exclusive lights-on, daytime tour takes guests behind the scenes of several haunted houses.
Learn about the history and design of each house on the tour and discover the practical magic behind some of the coolest show effects. Tours start at $99.99.
Depending on which tour you book, you’ll visit 3-6 houses and spend up to five hours exploring behind the scenes. Best of all? You don’t even need a park ticket to enjoy this exclusive experience. Book here.
Festive Halloween Treats
Throughout Universal Orlando Resort
If you’re visiting during the day you can find a few spooky sweets fix at select locations around the parks. Stop by the Tribute Store for a whole case full of delectable snacks, and check out the pastry and candy shops throughout the park for even more Halloween goodies.
Try the Halloween-themed food and beverage options at select venues in Universal CityWalk, including Voodoo Doughnut, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and Red Coconut Club (appropriately re-themed to Dead Coconut on event nights).
Even without Horror Nights, there is so much Halloween fun at Universal, you may want to stay at one of the Universal Orlando Hotels. With even more Halloween-inspired specialty drinks and themed lounges, it’s the best way to experience the World’s Premier Halloween Event.
Want more Halloween fun? 50+ EVENTS TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN IN ORLANDO
Originally written by Beth Bell, updated for 2025 by Dani Meyering
