10 Dates to AVOID Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando in 2026

While the Halloween season feels like it’s still a world away, Universal Orlando is already preparing for the season, because Halloween Horror Nights tickets are on sale right now!

If you’re planning ahead on what days you want to visit, but you know you want to stay away from the biggest crowds, you’ll want to be strategic. There are a few days we recommend staying far away from if you want fewer crowds, lower wait times for the haunted houses, and less time being shoulder to shoulder. These are the dates we recommend AVOIDING, if you want to avoid all of that.

Larger Crowds

There are a few days that are bound to be higher in crowds at Halloween Horror Nights, even if they’re not the most expensive days to attend. Even though prices may be lower than other dates, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, we recommend avoiding:

Opening Weekend (August 28th, 29th, and 30th; all currently priced at $114 each)
Closing Weekend (October 30th, 31st, and November 1st; priced at $110, $120, and $100 respectively)

Most Expensive

If you’re looking to save money, we also recommend avoiding the days that are the most expensive. Now, these often will fall on the easiest days for most people to attend (usually Saturdays), so keep that in mind. If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, though, we recommend avoiding:

Saturday, October 3rd ($123)
Saturday, October 10th ($130)
Saturday, October 17th ($130)
Saturday, October 24th ($130)

Best Value

On the flip side, if you’re looking for the dates that will offer you the lowest crowds AND are the least expensive, you’ll want to go during the middle of the week. Yes, it doesn’t work for everyone’s schedule, but if you can make it work for you, you’ll be rewarded on these dates!

September 2nd ($88)
September 3rd ($88)
September 9th ($88)
September 10th ($88)
September 13th ($88)
September 16th ($88)
September 17th ($88)
September 23rd ($88)
September 24th ($88)
September 30th ($88)
October 1st ($91)
October 7th ($93)
October 8th ($93)

Carl Cupcake at Halloween Horror Nights (2025)

As you look further into October, you’ll find that tickets get more expensive, as it’s mostly considered the true Halloween season by many people. However, still going on a Wednesday or Thursday will give you the best deals!

More Recent Halloween Horror Nights News

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Halloween Horror Nights news, as well as other Universal Orlando updates, so stay tuned to AllEars!