Meet HamiKuma at Halloween Horror Nights 2026 at Universal Orlando
Halloween Horror Nights fans will have a new character to meet this year as Universal Orlando Resort brings HamiKuma to Universal Studios Florida for the first official meet-and-greet featuring the “scary cute” bear during the annual event.
In early August, we had a feeling Universal wasn’t quite finished revealing surprises for the Halloween Horror Nights 2026 lineup. Alongside a wave of new merchandise announcements, the resort confirmed that fan-favorite HamiKuma will make his first official meet-and-greet appearance at Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando.
Hamikuma appears at Premium Scream Night
Hamikuma greeted guests at Universal Orlando during Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night on Aug. 27, marking an early opportunity to meet the Universal Studios Japan character in Orlando. Attractions Magazine contributor Philip Hernandez encountered Hamikuma during the limited-capacity event.
Follow our Halloween Horror Nights 2026 live updates for more photos, videos and discoveries from Premium Scream Night and Friday’s official opening night.
Orlando’s new meet-and-greet joins the returning HamiKuma character experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, while the fan-favorite horror mascot continues expanding globally with appearances at Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Horror Unleashed.
Check out HamiKuma’s show at Universal Horror Unleashed in our YouTube video below.
Meet HamiKuma during Halloween Horror Nights
Beginning with Halloween Horror Nights 2026, guests visiting Universal Studios Florida can meet HamiKuma inside the Five & Dime store during event hours. Universal has not yet announced specific appearance times.
The character will also headline an expanded merchandise collection arriving Aug. 24, including apparel, plush accessories, backpacks, and themed bags inspired by the fan-favorite horror icon.
Photo from Matt Roseboom
Who is HamiKuma?
Originally created for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, HamiKuma has become one of the event’s most recognizable original characters. The half-bear, half-zombie mascot blends horror with an intentionally adorable design inspired by Japan’s “kowa-kawa,” or “scary cute,” aesthetic.
After making his U.S. debut through merchandise and entertainment experiences last year, HamiKuma continues expanding internationally with appearances at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Horror Unleashed, Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Japan this Halloween season.
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