Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show Reportedly Closing May 12 for Reimagining

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show is reportedly closing at Universal Studios Florida on May 12, 2026, with a reimagined version planned to return later in 2026.

The strongest public attribution so far comes from multiple theme park news outlets citing Universal Orlando’s official Annual Passholder social channels. Theme Park Shark could not verify a permanent Universal Orlando blog post or attraction-page notice as of publication time, so the closure date is being presented with source attribution.

What has been reported

Inside Universal reported that Universal Orlando announced the long-running show will temporarily close on May 12, 2026, for a reimagining, with the updated version expected to debut later in 2026.

Attraction Insight says the announcement was shared via Universal Orlando’s official Annual Passholder social channels, with Story posts appearing on Facebook and Instagram. The screenshot text published by Attraction Insight says the show “will temporarily close starting May 12, with a reimagined show coming later this year.”

Attraction Insight also says Annual Passholders will have reserved seating available from May 4 through May 10, on a limited first-come, first-served basis.

WDWNT reported that Expedition Theme Park shared the May 12 closure date after Universal communicated the update to Annual Passholders. WDWNT also noted that earlier reimagining plans had been delayed, not canceled.

Why it matters for guests

Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show is located in the Pantages Theater in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida. The show blends comedy, audience participation, and practical effects demonstrations tied to Universal’s horror history.

For guests visiting before May 12, the practical takeaway is simple: make time for the current version if it is a priority. If the reported timeline holds, guests visiting after May 12 should expect the show to be unavailable until Universal opens the reimagined version later in 2026.

What Universal has not posted publicly

Universal Orlando’s public attraction page for Horror Make-Up Show remained live when checked by Theme Park Shark, and it did not show the May 12 closure date in the accessible page text. Universal also has not published a detailed public description of the reimagined show, a reopening date, or a final list of any new horror properties expected to appear.

That means the core guest-facing facts are the reported May 12 temporary closure, the Annual Passholder reserved seating window from May 4 through May 10, and the expected return of a reimagined version later in 2026.

What to know

If you are planning a Universal Studios Florida visit in May 2026, check the Universal Orlando app and the official show page before your park day. Show schedules can change, and a social-channel announcement may take time to appear across every public Universal planning page.

Source: Inside Universal, WDWNT, and Universal Orlando