Early morning guests at Universal Studios Florida may have noticed something curious forming along the water’s edge. Under the hush of construction tarps and steel, a skeleton of metal trusses is taking shape—right at the newly-refreshed lagoon.
While casual parkgoers might chalk it up to another maintenance project, Halloween Horror Nights superfans are buzzing with speculation. This isn’t just any setup—this looks like something familiar, something haunting, and perhaps… something that once told a ghost story through fog and fountains.
Could Universal be planning to resurrect a long-lost favorite?
The Lagoon Awakens at Universal Studios: Clues Point to the Return of a Fan-Favorite Show
Though Universal has yet to make an official announcement, the placement and design of the trusses strongly resemble the stage infrastructure used for Ghoulish: A Halloween Tale, the 2021 lagoon show that blended visual storytelling with horror-themed music, water projections, and an eerie narrative voice.
This truss is in the exact same spot that the sign for Ghoulish was on Could we be seeing the lagoon show return to HHN this year? – @HHN365 on X
This truss is in the exact same spot that the sign for Ghoulish was on 👀
Could we be seeing the lagoon show return to HHN this year? pic.twitter.com/Y2qA5PZLNA
— HHN 365 (@HHN365) June 18, 2025
That year, Ghoulish was met with praise from both casual guests and die-hard fans for offering something rare at HHN: a moment to pause, breathe, and still be completely immersed in the haunting atmosphere. But after its debut, the show quietly vanished from the lineup, replaced by the energetic and pyrotechnic-filled Nightmare Fuel stage production.
Now, with trusses rising from the lagoon’s edge, fans are hopeful Universal is bringing the ghostly tale back to life.
Could Two Shows Fix the Event’s Biggest Problem?
Halloween Horror Nights is undeniably popular—often drawing thousands of guests per night and selling out weekend events well in advance. But that success comes with growing pains.
In recent years, Nightmare Fuel has been the only live entertainment option during HHN. With limited showtimes and a small theater, guests have often found themselves waiting in line for over an hour, only to be seated in the back or turned away altogether. For some, it’s not worth the time, especially when haunted houses await across the park.
That’s where the return of a lagoon show could change everything.
Because it’s staged on the water, Ghoulish allows guests to watch from all around the lagoon—no lines, no ticketing, and no capacity limits. It spreads crowds out, reduces pressure on house wait times, and gives guests another high-quality experience without sacrificing other attractions.
In short, this could be Universal’s solution to the event’s most frustrating guest bottleneck.
Reading Between the Lines: Universal’s Long-Term Strategy?
While Halloween Horror Nights has always been a leader in themed entertainment, the event appears to be evolving once again—not just in scares, but in event design. Balancing intense haunted experiences with accessible shows helps Universal serve a broader range of guests, from thrill-seekers to families and casual fans.
And that may be the true meaning behind these mysterious lagoon trusses: a strategic shift toward a more immersive, flexible guest experience. Not just more screams, but more value for the price of admission.
With the full house lineup still under wraps and more announcements expected soon, fans are keeping their eyes peeled for signs—and ears open for any familiar whispers rising from the water.
Final Thought: Is “Ghoulish” Coming Back to Universal Studios?
Universal hasn’t confirmed anything yet. But if the steel rising near the lagoon is any indication, Ghoulish: A Halloween Tale may not be finished telling its story.
And if it does return? Guests this fall might find themselves not only running from monsters… but stopping in awe to watch them dance across the foggy lagoon once again.
