After weeks of rumors, it was confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel today that guests who visit Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights this year will be encouraged but not required to wear masks inside haunted houses at this year's event. However, in an effort to keep Team Members as safe as possible, masks will be mandatory for performers (including scareactors) and clear vinyl sheets will be used to “in key locations” of all haunted houses to allow for safe interactions.

This is similar to what we saw during 2020's daytime event, where guests were separated from performers by large sheets of plastic, and everyone inside the house was required to wear masks (performers and guests alike). And while the requirement has been since dropped for guests, it looks like the safety protocols that were in place for Team Members last year will be almost identical in 2021. 

This year Universal is celebrating the 30th anniversary year of Halloween Horror Nights with several new and returning haunted houses featuring both new storylines and ones inspired by years past. You can learn more about this year's event here. 

Halloween Horror Nights 2021 will kick off in just a few days on Friday, September 3 and run select nights through Sunday, October 31. All tickets, including Frequent Fear Passes, are on sale now.