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Extra Security Added to Halloween Horror Nights After Problematic Incident

Illuminated entrance of Universal Studios Florida decorated for Halloween Horror Nights 30. The archway displays spooky light patterns and a large circular sign with event details. It is nighttime, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.
Credit: Universal

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights 34 is known for pushing the limits of horror, with its terrifying scarezones and immersive experiences. However, one particular scarezone, Catlady of Crooked Lane, located in Central Park, is now the subject of controversy after reports surfaced that certain guests were harassing the scare actors in an attempt to capture content.

During Universal Horror Nights, a person wearing a hockey mask and holding a weapon chases a frightened woman clutching someone's arm in an eerie, dimly lit environment. Green and yellow light adds to the spooky atmosphere.
Credit: Universal Studios

An Unfortunate Trend

As Halloween Horror Nights continues to be a favorite haunt for thrill-seekers, the event has consistently featured some of the most creative scarezones, with each one having a distinct theme that amps up the fright factor. Catlady of Crooked Lane, one of the four scare zones in this year’s event, features cat-themed scare actors, including a woman dressed as a twisted version of a cat enthusiast, often interacting with props like cat toys to add to the immersive experience.

However, things reportedly went too far when some guests were upset after the actors in the scarezone refused to play with their cat toys or interact in ways that would boost online content. “Yikes – Cat Lane is going to have extra security measures because apparently people got pissed that those cat scare actors wouldn’t or couldn’t play with their cat toys for content. Stop being assholes,” one user commented online, calling out the disrespectful behavior from a few attendees.

What Comes Next?

As a result of these incidents, Universal Studios has reportedly assigned additional security to ensure that both the safety of the scare actors and the integrity of the experience are maintained. It is understood that certain interactions are meant to enhance the guest experience, but when those boundaries are crossed to the point of harassment, it compromises the safety of the performers and the enjoyment of all attendees.

The Catlady of Crooked Lane scarezone has been lauded for its eerie atmosphere, playing with the theme of creepy, cat-loving characters lurking in the shadows of Central Park. It is one of the standout scarezones this year, but Universal’s response to the behavior of a small group of guests highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing entertainment with respect for performers.

Guests run away from a monster at Halloween Horror Nights
Credit: Universal Studios

While Universal has not officially commented on the added security, it’s clear that the park is taking measures to protect both the talent and the experience for all guests. The message is clear: guest behavior should always be respectful, and the magic of Halloween Horror Nights should remain an enjoyable experience for everyone, not just those looking to create viral content. Fans can expect smoother interactions with scare actors moving forward, with a renewed focus on maintaining the immersion and fun that make Halloween Horror Nights one of the best Halloween events in the country.

About Eva Merrill

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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