Universal is making Jurassic Park – The Ride even scarier for the Halloween season.
A long list of Jurassic Park rides have been added to Universal theme parks over the years, but nothing quite beats the original in our eyes. Jurassic Park: The Ride first opened at Universal Studios Hollywood in 1996, taking guests on an adrenaline-fueled river journey through the dinosaur-packed theme park.
Additional versions later opened at Islands of Adventure (where it’s known as Jurassic Park River Adventure) and Universal Studios Japan (Jurassic Park – The Ride). The original version in Hollywood has since been updated to Jurassic World – The Ride, and now Universal Studios Japan is set to give its version of the ride a revamp, just in time for Halloween.
Spookier Version of Jurassic Park – The Ride Unveiled
As part of its spooky celebrations, Universal Studios Japan will give guests the opportunity to experience Jurassic Park – The Ride in the dark.
Guests will be invited to take a nighttime tour of the ride—when the chaos hits harder, the power outage feels more real, and the escaped supersized dinosaurs seem even more terrifying in the dark. It’s a familiar thrill, but cranked up to a whole new level.
“One moment, you’re gliding through the water on a peaceful nighttime boat tour, surrounded by prehistoric giants … The next, chaos erupts,” the Universal Studios Japan website reads. “Jurassic dinosaurs break loose, the power fails—total darkness. Now, you’re adrift in a black void where every ripple, every breath, could mean danger. With your sight stolen, your senses sharpen. Unpredictable. Unrelenting. Scream if you dare.”
The experience will run nightly from September 5. It starts at 7 p.m. from September 5 to September 12, running until park closing. It then shifts to a 6.30 p.m. start from September 13 to October 10, and a 6 p.m. start from October 11 to November 3.
Other Halloween Experiences at Universal Studios Japan
In addition to Jurassic Park – The Ride, Universal Studios Japan has a stellar fall lineup confirmed for 2025.
One standout is the Factory of Fear – Despair Zombie Tour, a terrifying maze set in a zombie manufacturing facility. Guests navigate through encounters with chainsaw-wielding prison zombies and cyber-zombies, unraveling the dark origins of the park’s undead horrors. This maze operates at Stage 22 from 10 a.m. to park closing.
Another haunting addition is KATE Presents The Witch’s Mansion on 18th Street – The Mansion of Emotions. This maze, a collaboration with makeup brand KATE, immerses visitors in a mirror-filled mansion illuminated by eerie neon lights. Inside, four witches embodying different emotions challenge guests to confront their inner feelings, offering an Elixir of Emotions as a reward for those who embrace the trials. It will be located at Stage 18 and runs from 9 a.m. to park closing.
For fans of immersive horror, Resident Evil: Night of Heroes returns as a 360-degree live horror attraction. This fully outdoor experience plunges guests into a realistic Resident Evil scenario, encircling them with fear as they witness a terrifying incident unfold. The attraction promises an unprecedented level of immersion, bringing the game’s horror to life in a new way. It will be located near Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor runs from 6 p.m. to park closing.
Additionally, the Death Eaters: Crisis at Hogsmeade Power Up! experience allows guests to join the battle against dark forces in the Wizarding World. This interactive experience lets visitors wield wands and face off against sinister magic in a thrilling adventure. It will operate nightly from 6 p.m. to park closing. The Wizarding World is also bringing back Hogwarts Castle Walk in September.
The park will also feature Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D, a 4D attraction based on the popular anime series. Guests are immersed in a chaotic world filled with monstrous creatures and intense action sequences. This attraction runs from 6 p.m. to park close during Halloween.
For those seeking a lighter experience, the HAHAHA! Halloween Party offers family-friendly fun with costume parades, themed snacks, and interactive activities. This daytime event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing guests of all ages to enjoy the Halloween festivities.
What do you think of Universal’s Halloween plans?
