There aren’t many things I can say I’ve tried in Disney World or Orlando that I would never, EVER do again, but last year, I found one that landed on the top of my list.
I love visiting Universal Orlando Resort and checking out all their exciting attractions (especially looking at you, Villain Con Minion Blast), but I discovered last Halloween season that Halloween Horror Nights is NOT for me. Quincy and Sage absolutely love this event, as do many other members of the AllEars team, so I wanted to give it a try, even though I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it. Turns out, I was VERY right, but just because I hated it, doesn’t mean it’s not right for you!
Halloween Horror Nights has been happening annually in Universal Orlando for the past 33 years each Halloween season. Beginning in 1991, it’s been a source of terror for Orlando residents and visitors in the form of haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and more.
I’ve never had any interest in going, but Quincy and Sage have both been going every single year, on their own time, for about a decade or more now. I’ve heard them talk about it throughout our years of friendship, and when the opportunity came up last year to experience the event with Quincy, I figured it was time I try and face my fear.
Logically, I knew the whole time that nothing could hurt me (even though it feels like some of the scare actors get really close) and that I was safe, but oh boy did my heart and anxiety not get the memo! I’ll admit, I only made it through 3 haunted houses before I tapped out and Quincy did the rest for content, but I was proud of getting through those — it’s more than I ever thought I’d do!
So what about it made me hate it so much? To be honest, I’m not a fan of being scared, so the adrenaline that was pumping through my body every time we got jump scared (which was a lot, more than I preferred), my heart would shoot into my throat and cause me loads of anxiety. Since I don’t enjoy that feeling, it basically was just miserable for me.
However, if you’re a fan of being scared, like Quincy and Sage are, and you don’t mind that anxious/heart pounding/what’s-going-to-happen-next feeling, then this event may be something you love! And the haunted houses and scare zones aren’t the only parts of Halloween Horror Nights to experience — going to the event also means you’ll get to ride some of the park’s most popular attractions with little to no wait, try some amazing unique snacks that are only available at the party, and you’ll get to immerse yourself in the worlds of some of your favorite horror films. If all of that sounds right up your alley, then it’s definitely worth checking out.
If you’re prone to anxiety or just don’t enjoy being scared though like me and some of the other members on our team, I do recommend skipping this event and maybe heading over to Disney World for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party instead.
Be sure to stay tuned to the AllEars blog and our YouTube Channel to see all the latest Universal and Disney news!
If you’re heading to HHN this year, here’s the team’s ranking of ALL the haunted houses!
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Are you a fan of Halloween Horror Nights? Tell me in the comments below!
I completely agree with Emma! I have all the same anxieties about haunted houses so I haven’t gone to HHN in almost 20 years. Back when I was in college, HHN used to open both parks and there were tons of rides open for those of us who just wanted to enjoy the spooky atmosphere without the houses. There was an amazing stage show with Bill & Ted that was hilarious and so fun too. It’s just become too intense now for casual Halloween lovers. Bring back Bill & Ted!
Hi Emma, I completely get what you are saying about HHN. My husband has gone every year since it opened and he’s dragged me to 27. I keep counting the minutes until this nightmare is over every time I go. Nothing personal Universal, just not my thing. I don’t like when the scare actors get in my face and the houses are terrifying. I’ll take MNSSHP any day of the week.