Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge is the Halloween tiki bar I’ve been waiting for
Universal Orlando Resort has mixed its classic Monsters with tiki-bar imagery before, but Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge finally places the concept inside the tropical setting it deserves.
New for the 2026 Halloween season, the limited-time lounge has taken over Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon appear to be enjoying the island setting of the Royal Pacific, surrounded by bamboo, tropical flowers, nets and glowing paper lanterns. Attractions Magazine was invited by Universal Orlando Resort to preview the lounge and sample its seasonal food and drinks.
Universal Monsters take over Jake’s American Bar
Universal describes Laguna Lounge as a classic monster hideaway inspired by mid-century modern tiki. Inside, the Monsters appear in colorful scenes with the kitschy atmosphere of an old-fashioned tropical lounge. Nothing scary here, just kooky, spooky and tiki.
All photos by Dani Metering
As we arrived, my husband and I made it a point to snap a photo with the Creature from the Black Lagoon. His figure sits in a wicker chair beneath a green neon Laguna Lounge sign.
Once inside Laguna Lounge, The Mummy holds a tropical cocktail nearby, while the Invisible Man poses behind the bar with a cocktail shaker. We stopped and lingered at this display for a few minutes to take in all the props and details at this vignette.
Facing the main dining area, an elaborate stage scene advertises a one-night-only appearance by the “Crypt Crooners.” The display features the Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster holding a ukulele and the Wolf Man seated behind bongos. A caped silhouette appears on the illuminated screen behind them.
The Crypt Crooners occupy the main stage inside Jake’s American Bar.
Fishing nets, bamboo poles, tropical greenery, flower garlands, carved figures and multicolored lanterns extend the theme at the bar, though not much is extended further into the broad dining area.
Though limited to the bar and the stage scene, the bright colors and playful character scenes create a campier atmosphere than the scares found inside Halloween Horror Nights.
Royal Pacific’s existing South Seas-inspired architecture suits the concept particularly well. The resort’s lush landscaping, lagoon and water taxis allow the tropical setting to continue beyond the decorated restaurant, helping Laguna Lounge feel like a secluded vacation spot for Universal’s horror icons.
Appropriate music is crucial in a tiki bar, especially for Halloween, and for the most part Laguna Lounge delivered. Though some tunes sounded like generic jazz, most of the tracks are on theme.
Halloween food and drinks at Laguna Lounge
Seasonal food and cocktails are available alongside the Universal Monsters displays at Jake’s American Bar.
Universal’s promotional images spotlight Buffalo Chicken Dip served hot in a cast-iron dish with tortilla chips. A white spiderweb design across the top completes its Halloween presentation. This was the hit of the evening! Just spicy enough and easy to share.
Courtesy of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort
Photo by Dani Meyering
The Spiced Island Spirit Mule is presented in a hammered copper mug with a cinnamon stick and dried citrus garnish. Other Halloween cocktails advertised at Jake’s include the Black Sand Margarita and Blood Moon Spritzer.
We preferred the Spiced Island Spirit Mule over the margarita. The Blood Moon Spritzer seemed to be the most popular among guests.
Courtesy of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando Resort
Photo by Dani Meyering
The Black Sand Margarita combines tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, orange juice, agave syrup, black food coloring and a black sugar rim. The Blood Moon Spritzer features prosecco and Campari, with the red liqueur presented in a syringe. Most cocktails were listed at $18 each.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Prefer a mocktail over a cocktail? We were able to order both drinks with alcohol and without.
How to visit Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge
Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge is located inside Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, 6300 Hollywood Way in Orlando.
The experience is part of a larger collection of limited-time Halloween offerings across Universal Orlando’s hotels. These include an alien takeover of barVentura at Universal Aventura Hotel, the returning Pumpkin Lord Bar at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and several new or expanded hotel displays. These takeovers will be offered for the duration of Halloween Horror Nights.
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Guests should check Jake’s American Bar’s current operating hours before visiting, as hours are subject to change. Visitors arriving by car should also account for the hotel’s parking procedures.
To have your parking validated, you will need to spend at least $40 on food and beverage and are subject to time limits. Complimentary water taxis connect Royal Pacific Resort with Universal CityWalk, as does a winding walkway leading from the edge of CityWalk near Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant.
Universal has explored Monsters tiki bars before
Laguna Lounge is not Universal Orlando’s first Halloween bar to combine classic Monsters with tiki influences.
The original Dead Coconut Club opened at Universal CityWalk during the 2022 Halloween Horror Nights season. The seasonal transformation of Red Coconut Club paired Universal Monsters with tropical cocktails, live entertainment and the venue’s existing tiki-chic design.
The concept returned in 2023 as “Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club,” which placed the Monsters on the set of a campy science-fiction movie. Red Coconut Club has continued to receive new seasonal overlays during subsequent Halloween celebrations.
The Laguna Lounge name first appeared at All Hallows Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure during summer 2024. That merchandise display imagined the Monsters relaxing inside a fictional tropical bar, with the Invisible Man serving drinks, the Wolf Man playing bongos and the Creature from the Black Lagoon enjoying the hideaway.
The Royal Pacific version expands that visual idea into an operating restaurant and lounge. Its resort location also supplies the surrounding tropical environment that earlier installations could only recreate indoors.
I wouldn’t recommend making a dedicated trip just for Laguna Lounge, but it’s awesome for guests on site or as the main stop for a Halloween bar crawl. I’d recommend Royal Pacific and using the Garden Walk to explore Cabana Bay and either Aventura or Sapphire Falls. Among the hotel bars we visited, Laguna Lounge and Portofino Bay’s Frozen Wharf Bar offered the most extensive theming.
The Universal Monsters finally appear to have found a vacation home that suits them.
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