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After missing our chance on opening night of HHN 35, we finally got to meet HamiKuma at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal hosted us Wednesday night for a Halloween Horror Nights media event, and while we were in the park, we made our way over to the Five & Dime in Hollywood for one of this year’s most unique character encounters.
HamiKuma comes to Orlando from Universal Studios Japan, where the creepy-cute zombie bear has become one of Halloween Horror Nights’ most recognizable characters. His story is considerably darker than his fuzzy exterior suggests. HamiKuma began as a sideshow performer in a traveling circus, but jealous performers eventually attacked him and burned down the big top. In the afterlife, a parasitic demon known as Death Bringer took up residence inside his open belly, bringing HamiKuma back to the living world while leaving his soul behind. Basically, this is not your average theme park teddy bear.
The meet and greet fits that backstory perfectly. HamiKuma waits inside Five & Dime surrounded by crates, barrels, curtains, and a glowing HamiKuma sign, creating a setting that feels pulled straight from his twisted circus history. The character himself is fantastic up close, balancing the adorable teddy bear look with the giant opening in his stomach and everything lurking inside. After seeing HamiKuma merchandise and references throughout this year’s event, finally getting face-to-face with him made this one of our favorite little detours during the night.
Related: Halloween Horror Nights UOAP Magnet Revealed Featuring Jack the Clown and Dr Oddfellow
HamiKuma is scheduled to meet beginning around 6:45 p.m. during Halloween Horror Nights 35, with the queue typically remaining available late into the evening. HHN 35 continues on select nights through November 1, giving guests plenty of chances to meet Universal Japan’s undead bear for themselves. Thanks again to Universal Orlando Resort for hosting us during Wednesday night’s media event and giving us another chance to dig deeper into everything HHN 35 has to offer.
If meeting HamiKuma and taking on all 10 haunted houses are on your Halloween Horror Nights bucket list, our partners at Get Away Today can help you plan your Universal Orlando getaway.
