★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
- 00:34 Introduction
- 00:54 News
- 04:30 HHN Speculation
- 17:19 Main Topic: Universal Orlando for solo travelers
- 24:49 Closing
🔥 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 🔥
- Universal Orlando news
- HHN news & rumors
- Solo Traveling
Show Length: 26:05
🔴 *** Follow Along ***
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News
Lost Continent
Walls up, permits out, and the lost continent is finally coming down. What a shame, it’s the most beautiful land that had nothing in it. I shouldn’t say nothing, it has Mythos, you’ve heard me gloat about that before. It also has fire eaters grill, an excellent quick service option by the way, doesn’t get enough love. Of course we know All Hallows eve has been relocated to the front of the park. Now lets just hope they can keep Mythos open as late into the refurbishment as possible. The heavy hitting rumor here has been Pokemon, after hearing for years it would be Zelda. Time will tell.
Epic Universe fireworks
Not only have we seen the permits and seen the work in progress (thank you @bioreconstruct) on the permanent launch sites but now we see Universal has job openings for firework related jobs. I keep hearing people say they cant imagine when this would start, but come on, its America’s 250th anniversary on July 4th, its definitely got to be started before that. Additionally we know there was a trademark filed by Universal for the name “Celestial Goodnight”. If that wasn’t enough, we have seen some fan photos by people staying at Helios with some photos of what appeared to be a phoenix projected into the biggest fountain. Which by the way, the fountain is drained and lots of work going on there as well. Looking forward to it for sure. Can’t wait to see this from inside the park and from Bar Helios as well. That will also be amazing.
Additional permits in Epic area
If all those updates in progress weren’t enough, we have seen several permits moving around the Epic area. Not just the meeting space by the Chronos and Super Mario but also what most are expecting to be a huge attraction in the potter expansion spot. Its about the size of Ministry attraction so expecting it to be big, and another indoor attraction, which is significant for the park with its seasonal rains. Last but not least, there is a plot just outside the area that is getting some grading work done. Some are speculating more hotels, some speculating a CityWalk 2.0 and of course Universal is just saying ground maintenance.
5 Guys coming to CityWalk
Universal Orlando announced that the Burger King Whopper Bar will close on April 21, and Five Guys will take over the space later this summer.
Epic Preview Center
The Epic Universe Preview Center closed on April 13 to make way for the return of Universal Legacy Store. The Legacy Store will reopen in late April with retro Universal Studios Florida merchandise and photo ops.
Pat O’Brien’s speak easy returns
The speak easy first debuted during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration.
From Inside Universal: The speakeasy features indoor and outdoor seating, with great views of CityWalk from the 2nd floor of Pat O’s. The menu features small apps and era-appropriate cocktails, but they do have a beer, wine, and a traditional open bar as well.
HHN rumors and speculation
Sound stage 22
Jack & Oddfellow Chaos and control: our only confirmed house and we covered this in detail last week, so we can leave this one alone and just say, I am so looking forward to this house. You can just tell its going to be amazing.
Sound Stage 23A
We have a picture of a burning book. I have to go with the masses on this rumor and assume it has to be evil dead: burn. I would caution everyone that this property was supposed to happen in the past, and at last minute, it didn’t happen and they had to scramble with an original to take its place. My recollection was the movie premiere date was postponed and it wasn’t out in time and they didn’t want the house to spoil it for the fans.
There is a new Resident Evil movie coming out, directed by Zach Cregger. It is a reboot of the film series with an original story inspired by the early video games. The plot centers on Bryan, a medical courier who encounters a horrific outbreak in Raccoon City. The movie stars Austin Abrams and is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. That date is already late, if it slips at all, I cant see them continuing on with it. UNLESS its specifically focused on the the game, Resident Evil Requiem, which is also informally called Resident Evil Burns and was released in February. I apologize as most of this is straight up google as this is not a video game or movie series I follow.
Sound stage 23B
The heavy metal hand sign, or the devil horns, but we believe they accidentally posted the I love you sign, no matter. This rumor has been going in circles, last map we believe the matching symbol was two skeletons dancing, which most people were expecting it was a Lady Gaga house, but now it appears we are circling back on either and Ozzy Osbourne house or a Heavy Metal 3d house which would be inspired by the Slaughter Sinema 2 house from 2024. I am personally hoping for an Ozzy house for selfish reasons. This is someone who I had been listening to since I was a young teenager.
Sound stage 24B
Definitely confusing to me. It looks like makeup and the lipstick has a hazardous waste symbol on it. Most people are saying BZZZcon house is back, and I even hear people saying it will be a merge with BZZZcon and the vanity ball scare zone from 2019. BZZZcon is a fictional, sinister corporation that first appeared in HHN 31 (2022) and has a dark backstory that stretches back to the 1920s. In the lore, BZZZcon is known for producing toxic chemicals and pest control products that cause horrific mutations and disasters. While the tie in seems solid, for some reason it just sounds like a weird choice, so this is one of the houses I’m expecting to change honestly in maybe the next version of the spec map.
Sound Stage 24A
An upside down grandfather clock. I mean, I would be stunned at this point if Stranger Things is not in the event this year. We’ve had the other years covered, and it all just makes too much sense, so lets move on.
Fast & Furious queue
I am loving this one, the icon is guts and blood. The rumor mill is saying this is a reference to HR Bloodengutz. H.R. Bloodengutz is an original HHN character introduced in Halloween Horror Nights 21 (2011) as the deranged TV horror host of the haunted house H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Holidays of Horror. The house became a fan‑favorite for its dark comedy, over‑the‑top gore, and twisted takes on classic holidays.
Lawrence “Larry” Kurtzberg, A former Broadway actor from the 1930s whose career fizzled out, leading him to work in his uncle’s taxidermy shop. He was later offered a low‑budget hosting gig for the WKNB Midnight Horror Show, Larry embraced the persona “H.R. Bloodengutz” a little too seriously. As his holiday‑themed horror episodes became increasingly disturbing, ratings tanked. When the producer canceled the show, Bloodengutz snapped—kidnapping and torturing crew members during one final broadcast.
This house was so much fun, Each room dedicated to a different killer holiday. This is one of my most memorable houses of all the years I’ve been going now. Bloodengutz and his WKNB studio reappeared in Welcome to Scarey: Horror in the Heartland at HHN 30.
This original alone, would be enough to make me excited for HHN 35, so please Universal, don’t hurt me.
Tent 4
The icon is 2 cigarettes and a lighter. While I have not seen the movie sinners, everyone is convinced that this is what it is. It received 16 nominations at the Academy Awards, and had 4 wins (including Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay). When it comes to Horror, this is a pretty incredible feat. The icon connection is apparently because of two twin brother characters named smoke and stack. I do see concerns from some of the fans that the movie sets make them wonder how it could be represented in a house, but I have no doubt that Universal knows how to show off vampires.
Tent 3
The icon is a pincushion, and so we all can only think of one thing related to that and horror. Pinhead. Clive Barker created the Hellraiser franchise. The Cenobites are not demons in the traditional sense, but explorers of sensation. At the heart of the franchise is the Lament Configuration, a puzzle box that opens a gateway to another dimension. Those who solve it summon the Cenobites, extra dimensional beings who explore the extremes of sensation, often through brutal, ritualistic torture. The stories typically include, someone seeking forbidden experiences, opening the box, and a descent into a world where pain and pleasure blur. This is one of those properties that have been rumored several times of the years, and now its starting to look like Universal finally landed the property as it has been in the rumors now since before Christmas. Rather than picking very specific movies or stories out, I hope they just use that basic premise and let Universal run with it. There is a lot of world building potential with twists on horror and sexuality.
Tent 2
The icon looks like a cage, with an animal maybe cooking a person. I figure on the last map this would have been the paw print. So now all the Cat lady rumors have died off, and people are talking about this maybe the animals take over and are after the humans. Seems like a basic concept, but sometimes its those simple concepts that hit so hard.
Tent 1
Another strange icon, an alien looking being, wearing a cowboy hat. The 2011 space‑Western action thriller film directed by Jon Favreau seems so obvious everyone seems to be looking past it. There seems to be a strong opinion in the community that this is an original. With that in mind, people are wondering if it isn’t maybe a mash up of a couple of original ideas they had done before. In 2016, there was a house, absolutely gorgeous house called Ghost Town, the curse of lightning gulch. A western cowboy town theme that you still hear people talk about today whenever the concept of a beautiful haunted house comes up. The following year, 2017, in San Francisco, a scare zone called invasion. You get the idea, an alien invasion is underway and humans are being captured and so forth. So why not Invasion versus ghost cowboys right? I mean it makes sense to me.
Entrance Zone
The carnival symbol on the icon and the location being up front has to be the Infernal Carnival Of Nightmares, which we already learned is part of the cohesive theme in this years event. Maybe we can see Jack, Oddfellow here, or maybe even both. But for sure their minions at the carnival will be welcoming us into the event.
New York
We have a clown face for the new York scare zone. We knew that rumor about maybe Killer Clowns and Art the clown and any other clowns we could find was a rumor so here is where it may happen. I would be pretty excited to see all of these clown IP’s here, but that just doesn’t seem right due to licensing etc, but we do know the relationship between Universal creative and Killer Clowns and Terrifier properties are in a good state. We’ve seen them all interact on twitter and so forth. Maybe we will be lucky enough to have all that, and while we are at it, send in IT.
Central Park
Central park has a banana icon, which apparently leans in heavy on the Fortnightmare rumor heavily. I can’t believe how angry some of the community is over this rumor. I have seen some meltdowns but not like this one. We always have one or two weak scare zones at minimum honestly. So if you hate this idea so much, what is the big deal, let other people have some fun right?
Hollywood
Hollywood has the 35 in the logo, which has to mean a 35th anniversary zone. I personally love this idea, and this is a great location. This could be a call back to so many of the things we have seen over the years and while the event is beloved because it lacks repetitive, we of course miss some of those classic icons from years past. I personally am hoping for some stages, and maybe little shows and I don’t care if it becomes a photo spot either.
Fear Factor Stage
This is a big surprise to me, a really big surprise. I was just assuming nightmare fuel would be back. We had heard the contract was up, but it was so popular just figured it would be renewed. I think most other fans thought the same because nobody seems to know what this is. Its 4 boxes? Someone thought maybe jack in the boxes, but honestly they don’t even look square so while a carnival show featuring jack would be amazing, I just don’t think this is a way to represent it.
Lagoon Show
Additionally the map seems to indicate that club horror, Mel’s zombies and the death eaters will all be back which is no surprise, and a lagoon show will be happening. I have heard a rumor of people implying the lagoon show might actually be based on a single IP. That sounds a little weird to have an entire show based on one property but when you start looking down the line up, Stranger Things is a big enough property to probably pull that off. If this pans out, this will be a very popular show and I have to imagine it will pull more people out of the lines than usual. Maybe a double win here.
Universal Orlando For Solo Travelers
Benefits of solo travel
Total freedom & Spontaneity
One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is you have complete Control Over Your Schedule: You can operate on your own timeline, deciding when to start your day, whether to “rope drop” or sleep in, and which attractions to prioritize. You have the liberty to change plans on a whim, such as stopping for a Butterbeer or re-riding a favorite roller coaster multiple times, because you have “no one to answer to”. Solo travel relieves the pressure to hurry, allowing you to slow down or speed up based on your personal comfort and energy levels. You can choose the specific style of rides or shows you enjoy most and skip experiences that a group might otherwise insist on.
There are also some real personal growth opportunities when traveling solo. Successfully navigating a solo trip can build courage and confidence, serving as a gateway to further solo adventures. Traveling alone provides a rare opportunity to reflect on your experiences and “truly relax” without worrying about the needs of others.
Additionally, without the distractions of a group, you may be more likely to notice “hidden gems,” such as unique views, interactive elements, or themed details that others often overlook. While you are traveling alone, you are “never truly alone” and may find it easier to strike up friendly conversations with staff or fellow park goers.
One of the most practical perks is the ability to use free Single Rider Lines, which can significantly reduce wait times for popular attractions. How could you not feel welcome as a solo traveler when they literally have a line designed for solo travelers.
Hotel choices
Budget Friendly
Choosing your hotel as a solo traveler can be anything you want it to be. You don’t have to try and please everyone with trying to negotiate across different vibes and budgets. Only 1 person to please and you know your budget. If you want to go maximum savings because you don’t intend to spend much time in your room, consider Endless Summer: Surfside Inn & Suites. Surfside is a little smaller, cozier than Dockside.
One disadvantage of the Endless Summer Resorts is they are located outside of what we consider the Universal bubble. As a solo traveler maybe security is an important factor and staying in that bubble is a priority. Choose Aventura or Cabana Bay in that case.
Premiere options
Maybe you want to be pampered at your hotel. Maybe you want to take advantage of more premiere amenities. If you did want to focus on a mixture of better amenities and budget, then Sapphire Falls or Helios Grand would be great options.
Express pass might be something your traveling group never seems to be on board with and this is your chance. Now you can be looking at Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific and Hard Rock Hotel as your choices.
Split stay
A split stay might be an incredible opportunity for you to focus on convenience during your vacation. Split stays are complicated for groups, but significantly less for Solo Travelers. Imagine a scenario where you stay at Portofino Bay for the first 2 nights and you spend 3 full days park hopping between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with unlimited express and a short boat ride back and forth. Follow that up with 2 nights at Helios grand and spend the next 2 mornings stepping out of your park and into Epic Universe.
The emerging pattern is simple, whatever you want, and remember you have the right to change your mind. Universal has a very easy cancellation period, you can book, cancel and re-book to your hearts content, or at least up until 5 days before.
Dining for solo travelers
Sit at the bar
Over the years a lot of questions I have been asked are related to what seems to be a general anxious feeling to the idea of dining alone. Let me assure you there is a very simple solution. Take advantage of bar seating. The idea of sitting alone at a table in the center of a restaurant is probably scary to quite a lot of people, but nobody thinks twice about a person who arrives at the bar alone. Sitting at the bar even has some advantages, most notably, you can eat when you want without a reservation. No guessing when you might be hungry, you just go when you are hungry. What a novel idea. Universal Orlando has so many bars and that includes almost all of the sit down restaurants. Some of the hardest reservations at the resort, are typically walk up bar friendly like Toothesome, Vivo or Big Fire.
Another benefit, most bartenders are skilled conversationalists. They typically know how to engage with anyone, as little or as much as the patron engages. You don’t have to sit there in silence, unless you want to. Bars tend to be a generally safe space for other patrons to engage as well. This isn’t a night club, you won’t typically get the wrong type of engagement from other guests, but in the event you do, you are in a very safe space where the team members and security are close by.
If these were the sort of concerns that prevented you from solo travel in the past, welcome to your new future.
One final note on dining as a solo traveler, don’t forget there is nobody with you to judge you. If you want ice cream for breakfast, go for it. If you want no meals and nothing but snacks, not a problem. What happens at Universal Orlando, stays in Universal Orlando.
Safety & practical tips
Universal bubble
Safety is definitely the concern that comes to mind when thinking about solo traveling, but Universal Orlando is setup in a manner that should address most concerns. Particularly in the northern campus, where you really have a bubble that keeps most of the outside world and its problems away. The northern campus consists of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, Aventura, Cabana Bay and Volcano Bay. In this bubble you can walk, bus or boat and always be “on property” in that safe zone. Universal has security constantly patrolling the entire resort including the garden walk walkways.
If you limit yourself to only bussing and not walking, then you can add the Endless Summer resorts, Terra Luna, Stella Nova, Helios Grand and of course Epic Universe to your itinerary. Stella Nova, Helios and Epic Universe are also in their own smaller bubble. It’s not that Tera Nova is far away, in fact its only about 10 minutes to the crosswalk where Epic is, but it is definitely more out in the public streets that might make some people uncomfortable.
One final safety precaution you can take as a solo traveler, is making sure you do have a portable battery. In the event you use up your phone battery, pretty common when on vacation with all the pictures and videos you may take, you will still have your communication options that can help you feel more safe.
In closing
I do frequently travel solo to Universal Orlando, its part of being a fanatic. I do enjoy going with friends and family as well, they are just very different types of trips. Generally we all go for a big HHN trip every year, and sometimes I convince my wife, or one of my kids to go with me separately, and then I like to fill in the gap and take some smaller trips by myself. It’s a very freeing experience, and as we covered, you only have one person to please. Yourself. I strongly recommend it if you haven’t done it. I will be doing it once again soon, so I will definitely provide some updates after my next solo adventure.