Nope, Halloween at Universal Studios Singapore will not look like it did last year at USS (main photo, taken in 2019 and does not represent current operational and safety guidelines). For the first time in 10 years, the popular Halloween Horror Nights has been called off.

But it doesn’t mean that Halloween at USS is cancelled. There still are spooktacular — and safe-distanced — activities lined up at the theme park from Sep 17 to Nov 1.

Like last year, there will be meet-and-greet experiences with movie characters — including Gru and the Minions — decked out in their spooktacular best. Dracula, Frankenstein, the Sesame Street gang, and the Madagascar motley crew will also get all dressed up to join in the festivities.

But unlike last year, there are a few house rules to take note of this time. Guests must maintain a distance of 1m from others while standing in line for the meet-and-greet sessions, and will have to keep a distance of 1m between themselves and the characters when they're taking wefies with them. No better time to whip out that selfie stick again, we suppose.

Trick-and-treating is still a thing this Halloween. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for people decked out in orange aprons or pumpkin hats — these are Candy Ambassadors who’ll be doling out free, individually-packed candy and chocolates that you can store in the free pumpkin bucket that comes with your ticket purchase. They’ll be donning masks and gloves, and will use claw grabbers (all the better to keep a safe distance).

But don’t just keep stuffing your face with sweet treats — a balanced diet is important, okay? There’s also the usual Halloween-themed nosh on sale at selected eateries in the theme park. Mummified corn dog, anyone?

While guests have always not been allowed to dress up in costumes when they turned up for Halloween Horror Nights, this year, the theme park is encouraging folks to dress to impress. For the first time, a Halloween best dressed contest is happening at USS. Each day, one adult and one child will be spotted at USS to win prizes on the spot. They’re also on the hunt for weekly best-dressed winners: Just upload a photo of yourself in costume at USS (or RWS), tag and follow RWS on social media and add #HalloweenFunatRWS on your post.

Halloween Fun for Everyone is on from Sep 17 to Nov 1 at Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa. More info at http://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/promotions-and-events/halloween-fun-for-everyone.

[Update, Sep 17: We received an update on the safe distance that visitors have to adhere to while standing in line for meet-and-greet sessions, and have made changes in the story to reflect the latest information.]

Photos: Resorts World Sentosa