Universal is reopening Halloween Horror Nights tonight

Universal Orlando is resuming its Halloween Horror Nights event Friday at 5 p.m. for all guests with existing tickets.

The seasonal event, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays in September and October, closed with the rest of Universal Orlando resort this Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian.

The larger Universal Orlando resort reopened Friday to hotel guests only but will let in all guests starting Saturday. Visitors are also able to purchase new tickets to Saturday’s Halloween Horror Nights, though Universal is not selling new tickets for Friday.

Some prospective visitors, who were not hotel guests, were turned away from trying to access the theme parks Friday. Staff were seen asking for visitors’ hotel keys before letting them into the CityWalk entertainment district leading to the theme parks early Friday morning.

Universal’s Volcano Bay water park reopened to all guests Friday too, according to the resort.

“Our hearts continue to be with all those impacted by Hurricane Ian and we are grateful for the hard work of our Team Members during this challenging time,” the resort said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming back all our guests and team members.”

Photos and videos taken during Hurricane Ian showed flooding on roads near the resort. At least one Universal attraction, Jurassic Park River Adventure, sustained damage to its show building during the storm.

krice@orlandosentinel.com and @katievrice on Twitter