Universal Orlando recently launched its 32nd Halloween Horror Nights event, set to run for an astonishing 48 nights until November 4th. This year’s edition features 10 haunted houses, including some inspired by popular TV shows and iconic horror movie franchises. It also incorporates five scare zones scattered throughout the park, live entertainment, and a variety of chillingly themed food and beverage choices. Taking place within Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood, this spooky gathering enjoys a substantial and dedicated fan following. Each year, enthusiasts of horror eagerly anticipate the house and scare zone themes, with speculations circulating online for months before their official release. These devoted fans then line up for hours in their ghoulish attire when September finally arrives, heralding the commencement of Horror Nights.
For those eager to assemble their “scream squad” and witness this spine-tingling spectacle firsthand, here’s a rundown of what you need to know about Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights this year. DrScreams, YouTube’s resident pop culture mad scientist, has concocted a spine-chilling video unveiling all the hair-raising details of Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and their Haunted House trailers. Dive into the madness with him as he dissects the scare zones, explores the fiendishly themed houses, and reveals the eerie food and drink offerings that await thrill-seekers. Get ready for a heart-pounding preview of the event you won’t want to miss. Watch DrScreams’ video for an electrifying sneak peek into the world of Halloween Horror Nights!
Halloween Horror Nights Haunted Houses
This year, the event boasts ten spine-chilling houses strategically placed around the park. Five of these houses draw inspiration from beloved horror shows, films, and franchises, including “Stranger Things 4,” “The Exorcist: Believer,” “The Last of Us,” “Universal Monsters: Unmasked,” and “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count.” The other five are original creations devised by Universal’s Entertainment team, with each house offering a unique and outrageously designed setting. Within these haunted dwellings, live actors bring to life macabre scenes, while others lie in wait in the shadows, poised to terrify passing guests.
- Stranger Things 4: You must band together with your squad if you want to resist Vecna’s gruesome curse. Take on the scariest season of Stranger Things yet. Like Eleven, now’s your chance to stop him once and for all as you have the ultimate showdown in Vecna’s blood-red Mind Lair. Every ending has a beginning.
-
The Exorcist: Believer: Angela. Katherine. Two missing girls have been found with no memory of what happened to them. But wherever they went, the ultimate evil has returned with them. Witness a chilling chain of events as you enter the most terrifying scenes from the new Blumhouse film.
-
The Last of Us: You and your squad will encounter the haunting and overgrown world of Naughty Dog’s video game in a brand-new, terrifying way, as you make your way through an abandoned Pittsburgh. Join Joel and Ellie, and don’t make a sound if you want to survive Clickers, Hunters and more. No matter what, keep finding something to fight for.
-
Evil Dead Rise: An ancient curse rises in a new setting: an L.A. apartment building. The Book of the Dead is about to unleash unimaginable horrors on you and your scream squad. Evil has come home.
-
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count: Chucky, the serial killer doll, is back for a new gorefest! He’s hijacked his own haunted house with all kinds of bloody hijinks. You and your friends must try to survive his ultimate kill count.
-
Universal Monsters Unleashed: Descend into the catacombs, where you and your squad will face a new horde of monsters: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Invisible Man.
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones and Shows
This year’s event revolves around the malevolent Dr. Oddfellow and his chilling exploits. The scare zones, each themed to a different era of his story, include “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror,” “Dark Zodiac,” “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror,” “Vamp ‘69: Summer of Blood,” and “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged.” Each zone features central set pieces and roaming scare actors adorned in frightening costumes that align with the zone’s storyline. A favorite is “Vamp ‘69,” a groovy and campy apocalyptic tales with hippie vampires and catchy music, perfectly encapsulating the essence of campy horror. Keep a lookout for the mob of dancing M3GANs scattered throughout the park and Death Eaters lurking in the Diagon Alley area.
In addition to the scare zones, “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” is a show that combines aerial stunts, magic, pyrotechnics, gymnastics, and more, all set to a pulsating metal/pop/electronic soundtrack. While several rides are accessible during the event, it’s advisable to dedicate your time to savoring the Horror Nights houses, scare zones, and shows since these experiences are exclusive to nighttime visitors.
Eerie Food and Beverage Offerings
One of the highlights of Halloween Horror Nights is undoubtedly the creatively themed food and drink offerings that can be found throughout the park. In addition to specialty items available at existing dining locations, the event features dedicated booths serving imaginative culinary creations. The “Last of Us” booth stood out with its savory “Left Behind Ravioli,” sweet “Peanut-buttery Fedra Ration Bar,” and boozy “Salt Lake City Iced Coffee.” For those with a sweet tooth, the “Stranger Things 4”-themed booth offers “Yuri’s Favorite” peanut butter mousse dessert and “Surfer Boy Tropical Dream Punch,” along with a vegan French bread pizza. For a comprehensive list of food and beverage options at this year’s event, you can refer to the Universal Orlando website.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that takes place within Universal Studios Florida. Visitors have various options to choose from, starting with the basic single-night ticket, with prices beginning at $79.99 per person. Alternatively, you can opt for multi-night passes such as the “Rush of Fear” or “Frequent Fear” passes, which vary depending on the number of nights you plan to attend and when you want to visit. If you wish to bypass the regular lines at the haunted houses and attractions, which can often result in wait times exceeding an hour for the most popular houses, you can consider adding an Express Pass, starting from $119.99 per person.
It’s worth noting that the event is not recommended for children under the age of 13 due to the presence of jump scares, graphic content, violence, adult language, and other themes that may be unsuitable for younger attendees. For additional details on tickets, as well as any available deals and packages, you can visit the Universal Orlando website or the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
Halloween Horror Nights RIP Tours
For the most dedicated fans seeking to maximize their time and enjoyment, the premium RIP Tour is an excellent choice. This exclusive experience provides front-of-the-line access to haunted houses, access to a private reception, a knowledgeable guide, and more. The RIP Tour is an exceptional way to explore nearly everything that Halloween Horror Nights has to offer in a single evening. Alternatively, for hardcore fans and those looking to gain insight into the world of Horror Nights, the “Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror” VIP tour offers a lights-on tour inside the houses and is a thrilling option.
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights offers a spine-chilling and immersive experience for horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. With its meticulously designed haunted houses, captivating scare zones, live entertainment, and delectably themed food and beverages, it’s no wonder this event enjoys a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting its annual return. Whether you’re a seasoned Horror Nights veteran or a first-time visitor, the event promises a memorable and hair-raising adventure that will leave you screaming for more.