Universal Destinations & Experiences can’t stop, won’t stop expanding its themed entertainment offerings not only in the United States, but around the world. This year has already seen the successful opening of Epic Universe, a state-of-the-art new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Two more theme parks are already in different stages of development, with Universal Kids Resort currently under construction in Texas, and a U.K. Universal Studios park approved for development and expected to open in 2031.
But even that’s not all. In just about two months, we’ll see the opening of Universal Horror Unleashed. The brand-new experience will bring a permanent version of the theme park’s popular Halloween Horror Nights event to Las Vegas. Universal seems quite certain it will be a hit, as a second Horror Unleashed location was just announced for the Midwest.
Universal Horror Unleashed Is Coming To Chicago
popular original concept Scarecrow: The Reaping. The houses are designed to be replaceable over time, so even if the Chicago location opens with houses identical to Las Vegas, which honestly seems unlikely, they may have changed somewhat by the time it’s ready to open.
Universal’s Fast Expansion Is Great News For the Themed Entertainment Industry
I’m not a particularly big horror fan personally, so Horror Unleashed isn’t really my bag. That said, I’m incredibly excited that Universal Horror Unleashed is already expanding. Seeing Universal expand its global footprint so quickly means more people will have access to high quality-themed entertainment, which could, in turn, lead to competition, more options and more locations.
Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas will be part of Area15, a massive themed entertainment venue which is home to offerings as diverse as Meow Wolf’s mind-bending Omega Mart and the excellent John Wick Experience, which puts you in the world of Keanu Reeves’ perfect assassin.
Earlier this year, Universal Studios ran its first Fan Fest Nights, an event similar in structure to Halloween Horror Nights, but using non-horror IP, like Star Trek, Back to the Future and Dungeons & Dragons. I wonder if Horror Unleashed continues to be successful, similar locations not based on horror are also possible.
With two locations down, and a lot of the country, never mind the world, left, will there will be even more Universal Horror Unleashed locations built? We’ll have to wait and see.