7. Universal opens Beetlejuice house for one weekend only

Universal Studios Florida surprised guests Saturday with the opening of a new Beetlejuice house at the park. Though this opening was not announced on social media, it had been rumored for weeks, and guests showed up in droves, flooding the park and filling the virtual line to capacity in minutes after park opening.

Though this is a very limited-time experience, Universal confirmed that the Beetlejuice house will be available Sunday too. While the move was certainly instantly popular with guests at the theme park today, many annual passholders expressed disappointment online after Universal sent them an email advising to stay away this weekend, and then opened a limited time experience for guests. 

8. First Halloween Horror Nights house for 2021 announced

This week Universal released a brand new behind-the-scenes of one of its original IP houses that was built for the 2020 Halloween Horror Nights:  Puppet Theater: Captive Audience. This house is based on a terrifying original story created exclusively by the twisted minds of Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team, and brings the demented side of puppetry and theater into the spotlight. And though this new house has not been a part of the "slimmed down" Halloween event happening during regular operating hours this year, Universal has confirmed that this already-constructed house will be a part of 2021's event.

Interestingly, Universal has posted a partial walkthrough of this house (complete with scareactors) as well as behind the scenes discussions with Award-winning Executive Producer Greg Nicotero, Mike Aiello, Universal Orlando’s Senior Director of Creative Development, and Charles Gray, Senior Show Director. In the video, fans can see exactly what it takes to bring the horrifying immersion of the world’s premier Halloween event to life, from special effects to the art of scaring and more, and see how some of the effects in this upcoming house are achieved. You can check out the full video below:

9. Lowe's Portofino Bay to reopen for the holidays

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel was previously announced to be staying closed for the remainder of 2020, but it looks like there has been a change in plans as this hotel is now accepting reservations beginning December 1st. Unfortunately Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites remain closed with no reopening date currently available.