As Halloween draws near, one beloved theme park is turning up the terror, adding a spine-chilling new layer to an already thrilling experience. It’s a ride that has thrilled guests for years, but this season, the familiar thrill of dinosaurs, chaos, and adrenaline will take a darker, more intense turn. What was once a peaceful boat tour through prehistoric lands is now an unpredictable nightmare in the dark.
Jurassic Park: The Ride has long been a favorite among theme park enthusiasts. First debuting in 1996 at Universal Studios Hollywood, it quickly became known for its high-octane mix of thrilling drops, stunning visuals, and terrifying encounters with massive dinosaurs. While the Hollywood version has since been rebranded as Jurassic World – The Ride, the original attraction at Universal Studios Japan will receive a very special update for Halloween 2025.
A Nighttime Nightmare
This Halloween season, guests will experience Jurassic Park – The Ride in an entirely new light—well, actually, in no light at all. Starting on September 5, the ride will transform into a nighttime adventure, cranking up the terror with darkness, chaos, and an unexpected sense of vulnerability.
“One moment, you’re gliding through the water on a peaceful nighttime boat tour, surrounded by prehistoric giants… The next, chaos erupts,” promises Universal Studios Japan. As the dinosaurs break loose and the lights flicker off, guests will find themselves in complete darkness, the only sounds the splashes of water and the looming presence of creatures just beyond their reach. It’s a heightened experience that’s sure to leave even the most seasoned thrill-seekers on edge, where every sound seems amplified and danger lurks around every corner.
This revamped ride will run nightly, starting at 7 p.m. from September 5 to September 12, with the start time shifting to 6:30 p.m. from September 13 to October 10, and 6 p.m. from October 11 to November 3 (via Disney Dining). Whether you’re seeking an eerie adventure or simply craving the ultimate adrenaline rush, this darkened version promises to make your heart race in all the right ways.
More Haunted Adventures Await
While Jurassic Park – The Ride’s nighttime twist may steal the spotlight, Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween lineup is packed with spine-tingling experiences designed to make your blood run cold. One of the standouts is the Factory of Fear – Despair Zombie Tour. Here, guests wander through a zombie manufacturing facility, encountering chainsaw-wielding prison zombies and cyber-zombies. It’s a maze filled with thrills, and it’s sure to keep even the bravest adventurers on high alert.
For those looking to dive into a darker, more emotional type of fear, KATE Presents The Witch’s Mansion on 18th Street – The Mansion of Emotions provides an immersive experience that will leave you questioning your own feelings. A collaboration with KATE, the makeup brand, this maze offers a mirrored labyrinth where four witches embody different emotions, challenging guests to confront their innermost fears. Those who complete the trials are rewarded with the Elixir of Emotions, making this maze as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
For the ultimate immersive horror experience, Resident Evil: Night of Heroes returns, thrusting guests into a 360-degree live-action scenario that will surround them with terrifying creatures and the constant threat of a zombie outbreak. If that’s not enough, the Death Eaters: Crisis at Hogsmeade Power Up! experience offers a chance to wield your wand and take on dark magic in the Wizarding World. With experiences like these, there’s no shortage of chills and thrills this Halloween.
Whether you’re ready to face the darkness of Jurassic Park in a whole new way, brave the zombie-infested mazes, or join the fight against dark magic, Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween season promises thrills for all kinds of guests. From pulse-pounding attractions to family-friendly activities, it’s a month-long celebration where the only thing guaranteed is that things are about to get scary—really scary.
What do you think of Universal’s Halloween plans?
