When Epic Universe opened its gates in 2025, Universal Orlando Resort was aiming high. The company wanted to show it could compete head-to-head with Disney, and the new park delivered plenty of hype.
Some rides blew audiences away with cutting-edge effects, while others left guests underwhelmed. Still, most agree that Epic Universe will grow into a powerhouse once the kinks are worked out.
And yet, even with such a bold move behind them, there’s one project Universal won’t commit to, even though it’s an attraction fans have whispered about for years.
An Experience Like No Other
The most obvious place for this attraction would be Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). Every fall, Universal Studios Florida turns into a celebration of all things scary. Haunted houses, scare zones, live shows—HHN has it all. Guests don’t just stroll through; they willingly pay extra to have monsters chase them, zombies lurk around corners, and nightmares come alive.
For years, HHN has mixed original houses with iconic franchises. Stranger Things, The Exorcist, Chucky, Halloween, and even Ghostbusters have all appeared. Nostalgia and pop culture meet head-on in an event that continues to pack the park.
But for some reason, Scooby-Doo has never been part of the lineup.
A Decades-Old Franchise
Since 1969, Mystery Inc. has been solving spooky cases and unmasking villains. Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne are instantly recognizable, with a fanbase that crosses generations. The show has spawned movies, crossovers, and endless spin-offs. Parents who grew up with it now share it with their kids.
That kind of legacy feels tailor-made for HHN. A Scooby house could distinguish between eerie and fun, offering a lighter scare that still delivers thrills.
Why 2026 Could Be the Moment
Universal may finally have the perfect excuse. Netflix is working on a live-action Scooby-Doo series with a darker tone that matches the Stranger Things formula. If that show takes off, interest in Scooby-Doo will surge again—similar to Wednesday’s for the Addams Family.
Universal has already proven it can capitalize on streaming buzz. The Stranger Things houses at HHN were among the most popular in the event’s history. If the new series lands, 2026 could be the year Universal finally brings Scooby to Orlando.
What a Scooby House Might Deliver
Picture guests wandering through creaky mansions, carnival funhouses, and abandoned theme parks. Monsters jump out at every turn, only to be revealed as humans in disguise. Scooby and Shaggy’s voices echo through the halls, adding comic relief to the scares. Velma loses her glasses, Fred sets a trap, and suddenly, guests are part of the mystery.
This kind of house wouldn’t replace the more terrifying options, but it would diversify HHN’s offerings and bring in fans who want something thrilling but not traumatizing.
A Leap Still Untaken
For now, Universal hasn’t taken the chance. Maybe they’re worried Scooby is too lighthearted, or perhaps they fear it won’t match the blood-and-guts of other houses. But that’s what makes it worth doing. Scooby could be the bridge between hardcore horror fans and families who want to test the waters.
If Epic Universe proved anything, it’s that Universal can gamble big. The question is, when will they finally take the same risk with Scooby-Doo?
