Dining during HHN

[superzeddie]

Hello, we will be visiting Universal in mid-October, during HHN. The park will close at 5pm, and we are not paying the premium for the Halloween stuff. Is it possible for us to grab a table and food at the Leaky Cauldron at 4:45? I imagine it'll be pretty empty then, and we could really soak in the scenery.

Not sure if we'll get run off, or if the restaurant closes temporarily. Does the park get totally emptied out at 5pm? Not sure if anyone has any advice as to whether this'll work.

Thank you, friends

 

[atricks]

They may close it down early to prevent that, if you have park to park they may let you take the train over to Islands, but my guess they'll just stop allowing new folks in to the restaurant around 4pm. The holding areas for those staying from daytime into the Halloween event are at Finnegan's Restaurant/bar across from Mummy, the front by Hello Kitty, and the Springfield/Simpsons area. If you aren't in the holding areas with a scanned ticket security will sweep you out (nicely) starting from Diagon working toward the front of the park at 5pm.

In short, you can try, but be prepared with a backup plan.

 

[nkereina]

They do empty out the park completely so I don't think they will allow you to do this. Those that have Halloween party tickets are hurriedly ushered to the holding areas at 5pm, and those without tickets are ushered to the exit. They only have an hour to turn the park over getting everyone out and getting all the props out, and they don't want any non-HHN goers loitering.

 

[MikeNamez]

Was inside of Finnegans last year waiting for HHN to start and they went to each table eating and scanned their Horror Nights tickets so i would assume it would be similar in Diagon.

 

[macraven]

Last year I went to Louie's at 4:30 and was able to order.
They were closing up at 5:00 due to the park closing early for hhn.
(They reopen when HHN begins)

I was only allowed to order what was still out and available.

Finnegans has always allowed people to finish eating.
I think the last seating is about 3:30 or 4:00 during hhn nights to the public.

Once those with not having a hhn ticket leave, Finnegans will serve anyone that comes in to the resturant for food.

I found it was a great place and empty to go to at 10:00 pm during hhn.
Not many at all inside ordering food.

Most of the eateries stop taking new orders half an hour prior to park closing.