Though reports seemed to indicate that construction had previously been going on at Universal Orlando Resort in preparation for Universal Orlando Resort's annual Halloween Horror Nights (and Scareactors were being hired as recently as this past Monday), it looks like the resort has made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event. 

As you might expect, the event is cancelled not only at Universal Orlando Resort, but also at Universal Studios Hollywood, which has not been able to reopen due to state regulations in California designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

This is the first time the park will go without the popular event in 30 years, but in a statement Universal said that they must prioritize day guests and keeping the parks safe and open this fall. 

Though there will not be a Halloween Horror Nights event this fall, Universal will still be selling merchandise related to this event, spotlighting previous years' events with throwback merchandise, inside the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, which will be opening this weekend. Merchandise is also available at the Halloween Horror Nights online shop. 

Image: Diana Kelly, Flickr (license)

Though tickets were still on sale as of yesterday, they are no longer available, and Universal has not yet officially said what those who have already purchased tickets should do. However, Universal Team Members at the park's call center are saying that guests who have purchased tickets have three options:

• Get a full refund for event tickets as well as resort reservations (if applicable)
• Hang on to your ticket and roll it over to next year's event
• Use the Halloween Horror Nights ticket to visit Universal Orlando Resort as a day guest. 

Those with tickets should call (407) 363-8000 to discuss their options. No information about what happens to the included Halloween Horror Nights ticket for Premier passholders has been announced yet.