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David S. Pumpkins is Haunting Halloween Horror Nights: Any Questions?

Find out where the scariest Saturday Night Live character is making cameos during Halloween Horror Nights.

By Tara Bennett

Ever since David S. Pumpkins (Tom Hanks), first appeared in a sketch on Saturday Night Live in 2016, he's become Halloween's newest / oddest ambassador. Always wearing his pumpkin orange on black suit and supported by two skeleton dancers, Pumpkins has since appeared several times on SNL and even had his own animated Halloween special, The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special. And now, he's finally graduated from the "Haunted Elevator" to Halloween Horror Nights in both Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood, where's he's a meet-able character.

How to Watch

Watch Saturday Night Live Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and next day on Peacock.  

RELATED: Tom Hanks Reprised His Iconic David S. Pumpkins SNL Sketch, and It's Just as Hilarious

Representatives from both theme parks confirm that Pumpkins will be a random presence at Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar during the evening festivities at Halloween Horror Nights in both parks. In general, the area serves as a respite for visitors who are looking for a drink and/or food break during the event. The Horror Bar features themed libations, like the Purge Punch, Peacocktail, Charles Lee Ray, within an ominous nightclub vibe and includes photo opportunities. The drink and food menu for the Orlando bar is here, while the menu for Hollywood can be found here. And Pumpkins — sans beat box skeletons — will show up nightly to scare the hell out of you. Or at least, attempt to. 

Tom Hanks dressed as David S Pumpkins during the Rap Song sketch.

Those who are regular attendees of Halloween Horror Nights might remember that David S. Pumpkins actually made a cameo in the "Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure" live show during Halloween Horror Nights 27. His last appearance on SNL was last Halloween when Hanks and original sketch writers and performers, Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan, reprised their scare-o-ween personas in the October 29, 2022 episode. 

For those hoping to catch a peep at Pumpkins with your own peepers, check out the friendly bartenders at Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar when you arrive to see if, and when, he might appear from the ether. Just remember, it's hard work terrifying the masses so he doesn't have a fixed schedule. So be patient and don't ask too many questions. 

Halloween Horror Nights 2023 kicked off at Universal Orlando Resort Friday, September 1 and runs through Saturday, November 4. Universal Studios Hollywood let in the ghouls starting Thursday, September 7 and is going strong through Tuesday, October 31. You can peruse all ticketing packages right here.

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