There’s a certain comfort that comes from knowing some things at a theme park will always be there. You don’t rush to experience them. You don’t build your whole day around them. They’re just… reliable.
That’s exactly why the upcoming closure of Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show feels so jarring.
Universal has confirmed that the current version of the show will end its run in January 2026, with a reimagined edition planned to debut later in the year. It’s a change that sounds simple on the surface, but for longtime fans, it marks the end of something deeply familiar.
The Horror Make-Up Show has never tried to be the star of the park. It lives inside the Pantages Theater, quietly doing what it has always done best: breaking down the magic behind movie monsters while keeping the mood light and self-aware. Guests wander through a prop-filled lobby, take their seats, and settle in for a performance that blends humor, audience participation, and hands-on demonstrations.
What makes the show special isn’t just the content — it’s the energy. The hosts riff off the crowd. Volunteers react unpredictably. Small mistakes become punchlines. It feels alive in a way that pre-recorded or heavily scripted shows rarely do.
That’s why the word “reimagined” carries so much weight.
Universal has stated that the new version will feature both classic and modern horror properties while staying true to the comedic tone guests expect. For some, that’s exciting. For others, it raises questions. Will the show still feel loose and spontaneous? Or will it become more polished and brand-driven?
Universal has been evolving rapidly in recent years, especially as Epic Universe reshapes the resort’s future. In that context, updating the Horror Make-Up Show makes sense. The challenge will be preserving the spirit of the original while making room for something new.
For guests visiting before January 2026, this announcement turns an often-skipped attraction into a must-do. There’s suddenly value in experiencing it one last time, exactly as it is — imperfections and all.
For those arriving later, the reimagined show may become a new favorite. Or it may take time to earn that status. Either way, it won’t carry the same history.
The Horror Make-Up Show doesn’t need a grand farewell to be meaningful. Its legacy lives in shared laughs, awkward volunteers, and the simple joy of seeing movie magic happen right in front of you. And when that curtain falls in January 2026, Universal won’t just be updating a show — it’ll be saying goodbye to a small but important piece of its identity
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
At least we’ve seen it 100+ times. And each time a different experience. Maybe their insurance company had a chat with them about the audience participation. Best wishes to the actors, we hope they return too.