Universal Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights is your spot for chilling scares and all things spooky.

and we’ve checked out all the spooky and scary things Universal Orlando has to offer this year!

Introduction | Dates & Tickets | Haunted Houses | Scare Zones
Entertainment | Food & Merchandise | Tips |

INTRODUCTION

Universal Studios has been the headquarters for all things terrifying and downright spooky since 1991. After the park closes for regular guests, it is a special ticketed event that transforms into a park filled with nightmares and terrors to scare and delight from Wednesday-Sunday starting at 6:30PM until 2AM. A word of warning: Halloween Horror Nights is an intense event not suitable for all ages.

DATES & TICKETS

Experience the ultimate scarefest at Universal Orlando Resort with Halloween Horror Nights, happening on select nights from August through November. In 2024, the spooktacular event begins on August 30th and continues thrilling guests until November 3rd, marking its earliest start and the longest season ever! With frights awaiting every Wednesday through Sunday, including Halloween night itself, brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the macabre. As Halloween approaches, expect the crowds to intensify, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this frightfully fantastic event!

You can choose between four different ticket types, so let’s take a look at what each of them has to offer!

First, you can snag the Halloween Horror Nights Single-Night Ticket! This ticket allows you to select one night to attend the event and all it has to offer. These start at $82.99 per person.

Next, you can purchase the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass. This is an add-on to the single-night ticket that allows you to skip the regular lines once at all of the haunted houses, and other participating rides and attractions. Prices start at $129.99. Remember, you need to purchase your single-night admission separately!

Do you want a look behind the scenes? Well, the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour add-on may be for you. This add-on comes with a guided walking tour of the event so that you can get a more intimate look at the event, and can be a super unique experience! It is pricey, though — starting at $359.99. You will need to purchase your single-night ticket to utilize this add-on.

If you want to see what the haunted houses are like during the day with the lights on, then the Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour might be for you. This ticket will give you the opportunity to see what things are like during the day before everyone comes out to play at night. You do not need a valid park admission to take part in this tour. You can choose between a 3-hour and 6-hour tour with this ticket. These start at $99.99.

For those craving more thrills than just one night can offer, Universal Orlando typically offers multi-night tickets. However, it’s essential to note that in 2023, all multi-night tickets eventually sold out. These multi-night tickets come with various perks, granting access to different nights of the event:

1. The Rush of Fear Pass: Provides entry to the first 18 event nights.
2. The Frequent Fear Pass: Access to every Sunday through Thursday, plus the first weekend.
3. The Frequent Fear Plus Pass: Includes entry every Sunday through Friday, plus the first and last Saturday.
4. The Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass: Grants access to EVERY night of the event, along with complimentary regular parking after 5 p.m. on all event nights.

For the optimal Halloween Horror Nights experience, we suggest arriving at the park at least 45 minutes before the official 6:30 p.m. opening time. Typically, Universal Orlando opens its gates earlier than scheduled. (Guests staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort properties – such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, or Universal Endless Summer – can utilize the priority entrance gate until 8 p.m. for quicker access.) Based on our observations, gates tend to open for guests between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., allowing you to maximize your spooky adventures!

HAUNTED HOUSES

The main attraction of Halloween Horror Nights each year undoubtedly lies in its meticulously crafted haunted houses. Constructed over months to resemble movie set-quality, each house boasts a unique and immersive theme. As expected, queues for these spine-chilling experiences can stretch on for quite a while! To ensure you make the most of your evening, it’s crucial to prioritize your preferences. Are you solely interested in exploring the houses? Or perhaps you’d like to catch a few houses along with a live show? Alternatively, with shorter wait times, focusing on rides might be your preference. Given that the haunted houses draw the most crowds and consequently have the longest waits, they should be your top priority when planning your night of frights!

In 2023, there were ten Haunted Houses. Though all were intense and drew crowds, The Last of Us and Stranger Things houses were the most popular and had wait times of 2+ hours during some evenings. Stay tuned for updates on the Haunted Houses for 2024!

Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings: Step into a colonial-era village where moon-worshippers partake in a sinister fall festival. They commemorate the blood moon by sacrificing those who refuse to join their dark rituals. With the villagers fervently seeking their next victim, narrowly escape the clutches as you traverse the treacherous streets.

The Exorcist: Believer: Prepare for an unexpected thrill ride in this house, delivering surprises at every corner. True to its theme of exorcism, it’s a visceral journey filled with grotesque scenes and gruesome encounters. From the haunting dead animal corpses in the Haitian market to the malevolent demons lurking in the shadows, brace yourself for a chilling experience that’s not for the faint of heart. The intense battle for Angela and Katherine’s souls is both harrowing and captivating, showcasing the sheer talent of the scream team behind this unforgettable house. Get ready for an exhilarating ride that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat!

Stranger Things: Embark on an electrifying journey as Henry Creel emerges from the depths of the Upside Down, determined to breach the barrier between dimensions in Hawkins. This house stands out as a fan favorite from 2023, delivering an immersive experience beyond compare. From the iconic Munson trailer to the heart-pounding clash between Hawkins and the Upside Down, every moment is a testament to meticulous detail and impeccable casting. Prepare to be swept away by the astonishing sets and engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions as the battle unfolds before your eyes!

Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate: Do you recall the former Dueling Dragons roller coaster at Islands of Adventure? Well, in this house, we were transported back to the captivating tale of Fire and Ice, two formidable warlocks whose fierce rivalry led to their transformation into mighty dragons, all sparked by their dispute over Merlyn’s spell book. Offering a delightful expansion on the story of this beloved attraction, the house brimmed with enchantment and chaos at every twist and turn, featuring fairies, orcs, ogres, princesses, and magical mayhem. As the title suggests, we faced a crucial decision towards the climax of the house: freeze or burn. Our choice determined whether we successfully saved the kingdom or became a meal for our dragon of choice.

YETI: Campground Kills: Prepare for a spine-chilling adventure as bloodthirsty monsters unleash terror upon a 1950s campground nestled deep within the mountains, mercilessly tearing apart anyone who crosses their path. This house transports guests into a serene campground that quickly descends into a scene of horrifying carnage. From the wreckage of wooden cabins to the rugged, tent-lit by fireplaces, to the serene patio overlooking a picturesque pond, there was no escape from the wrath of the colossal and murderous yeti.

Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count: This thrilling house brings to life iconic scenes from the SYFY & USA TV show, including the unforgettable Christmas chainsaw kill, and introduces beloved characters like Glenda — the diabolical offspring of Chucky and Tiffany. Charles Lee Ray, better known as Chucky, goes all out in this terrifying maze. The experience kicks off with Chucky disposing of the original house designers before leading you through a twisted labyrinth of his own making. Prepare yourself for a blood-soaked, spine-chilling adventure

Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins: While many are familiar with the origin tale of Jack the Killer Clown, this house delved deeper into the sinister backstory of his malevolent ringleader and puppeteer, Dr. Oddfellow, along with his nightmarish troupe of twisted oddities. Stepping into this macabre circus tent of horrors, we were both mesmerized and repulsed by the ghastly spectacles unfolding before us. From the bloodthirsty caged wild animal to the ominous puffs of air signaling the hurling of knives, every moment was a spine-chilling thrill. Furthermore, the house hinted at the possible murder or origin story of the infamous clown prince of pain. Dr. Oddfellow’s grip on our souls grew stronger as he wielded his newfound power to sow chaos far and wide, his ominous presence lingering in each scare zone.

The Darkest Deal: In a nod to the urban legend of Blues guitarist Robert Johnson, this house takes us on a journey inspired by the classic song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Our adventure begins in the vibrant atmosphere of Bub’s Lounge, where Pinestraw’s lively performance sets the stage. From there, we traverse to the chilling depths of a dark cemetery, where the grim fate of the ill-fated musician unfolds before our eyes. Finally, we descend into the fiery depths of the infernal realm, where Pinestraw’s pact with the Devil is sealed, ensuring his eternal damnation as the Devil and his imps revel in their newest acquisition.

The Last of Us: Step into the post-apocalyptic realm crafted by Naughty Dog’s vivid imagination as this house immerses you in the eerie setting of the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone. Prepare to encounter Runners, Stalkers, Clickers, and the menacing Hunters as you embark on a perilous journey to evade and outlast the dangers lurking around every corner. One of the highlights of this chilling experience is the atmospheric effect of cordyceps spores, inducing an unsettling feeling as they drift through the air. While the makeup for the Clickers is undeniably impressive, it’s the formidable Bloaters that steal the show, leaving an indelible mark on your haunted house adventure.

Universal Monsters: Unmasked: Descending 60 feet below the infamous burial grounds, we encountered the iconic figures of The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Invisible Man, seething with fury at the invasion of their labyrinthine domain. Clinching the silver medal as our second favorite house, the Universal Monsters once again demonstrated why they are silver screen legends. Our journey began on a rainy Parisian street, where a constable forewarned us of the terrors lurking beneath. From the grand Theatre de L’Opera, where the Phantom made his ominous entrance, to the towering bell towers of Notre Dame, where the Hunchback plotted his vengeance from above, every moment was a spectacle to behold. With epic effects for The Invisible Man adding to the allure, this house captivated us until the very last triple scare.

Due to the sheer quantity of haunted houses and the immense popularity of the event, it’s practically impossible to experience them all in a single night. Our suggestion? Prioritize four or five must-see houses and make them your top priority. Once you’ve explored these key attractions, if time permits, you can venture into additional houses. For those staying within the park or arriving before the official opening, squeezing in five, six, or even more houses might be feasible.

SCARE ZONES

Following closely behind the haunted houses, the scare zones are pivotal to the terror-filled atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights. These open areas of the park are transformed into immersive environments, complete with unique sets, eerie sounds, and even distinct scents, all designed to terrify and unsettle guests. Prepare to be confronted and intimidated by creatures of the night as scare actors emerge unexpectedly, disregarding personal boundaries (though physical contact is strictly prohibited). Last year, the streets were overrun by Dr. Oddfellow and his malevolent minions. Stay tuned for updates on the scare zones for 2024!

Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror: Come face to face with the evil mastermind himself, offering promises of immortality to those bold enough to join his macabre troupe. Positioned in a slightly altered locale right in front of TODAY Cafe, the opening scare zone will greet you with the sinister presence of the doctor on our journey.

Dark Zodiac: In his quest for immortality, Dr. Oddfellow ventured into a dark dimension, where he breathed life into the signs of the Zodiac, transforming them into terrifying horoscope creatures that herald doom for all who encounter them. And while we may have missed the familiar lullaby of chainsaws, our spirits were lifted upon discovering them in the Hollywood scare zone, accompanied by a chilling assortment of Zodiac creatures. Each of these abominations embodies the darkest traits of their respective star signs, ensuring a nightmarish experience for all.

Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood: Picture yourself at a 60s music festival in a quaint New York town, where concert-goers groove to the tunes until chaos erupts with the arrival of Dr. Oddfellow’s bloodthirsty vampires. From timeless hits like “Sweet Caroline” to the iconic “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” the music echoing through this eerie New York festival adds an unforgettable dimension to the night’s terror. Amidst the frightful frenzy, the vibes remain undeniably groovy, capturing the essence of the swinging sixties. And who could resist the sight of a vicious horde of hippie vampires breaking into a conga line? It’s a scene straight out of a nightmare!

Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror: During the 1920s, Dr. Oddfellow delved into the depths of the jungle, conducting twisted experiments on both Mother Nature and innocent animals. Fast forward to 2023, and his nefarious creations now set their sights on the lowest rung of the food chain: humans. Within this jungle setting, unimaginable creatures of terror lurk, each more terrifying than the last. Unearthing an ancient idol, Dr. Oddfellow unleashed a legion of unholy monsters straight from the depths of our worst nightmares. Brace yourself for a harrowing journey through this jungle of horrors, where danger lurks behind every shadow.

Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged: Transport yourself to a 1940s San Francisco shipping yard, where the discovery of mysterious crates and cages bearing Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol has unleashed havoc. The nefarious creatures within have broken free, unleashing terror and pandemonium throughout the city. From menacing monsters to corrupt creatures from distant realms, the streets are teeming with formidable foes. Beware of crossing paths with these beasts, as you definitely don’t want to end up on their bad side.

ENTERTAINMENT

Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream: For the past two years, Halloween Horror Nights has been set ablaze by a fiery spectacle, showcasing nocturnal creatures, aerialists of the night, and bone-chilling fire performers. Accompanied by heart-pounding rock, metal, and electronica tunes, this epic show resonated with intensity, drowning out even the loudest screams of terror. In the most recent iteration, a new protagonist faced off against a creature straight from her darkest nightmares. 

Death Eaters Encounter: Prepare your wands, because something magical is happening! For the first time ever, the nefarious Death Eaters prowled the streets of the London waterfront, wandered through the iconic Diagon Alley, and skulked in the shadows of Knockturn Alley. We were thrilled to witness their chilling debut performance on the stage in Carkitt Market, sending shivers down our spines.

Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus: Step right up to a dark circus, a new nightmare that carries with it a sinister curse. It’s a thrilling spectacle of pyro and aerialists, and we can’t wait to see it for ourselves.

FOOD & MERCHANDISE

We got a peek at the first pieces of merchandise for this year’s event. The merch was announced on April 5th, and we spotted this display in Universal Studios. Right now, the collection has three different items. You can pick up this “Where Horror Lives!” bright orange t-shirt.

You can also get a matching hat. The hat is black with the “Where Horror Lives!” logo on the front.

Finally, you can grab this tumbler. The tumbler features the “Where Horror Lives!” logo and the Universal Studios main entrance.

We are still eagerly awaiting the announcements for this year’s haunted houses, scare zones, food, drink, and live entertainment. We are keeping our eyes and ears open for any more announcements from Universal Orlando, and we will let you know when we have more updates.

You can usually find T-shirts, sippers, candles and other ghoulish delights at Five & Dime and the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk and the Islands of Adventure Trading Company and the All Hallows’ Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure.

Other Universal Studios Florida shopping venues open during the event are:

• Supply Vault
• The Film Vault
• Sahara Traders
• San Francisco Candy Factory
• Diagon Alley Shops
• Borgin & Burkes
• MIB Gear
• Simpsons Games
• Kwik-E-Mart

TIPS

Consider the Express Pass. If you’re attending an event Friday through Sunday, that’s when crowds will be at their highest and the Express Pass will come in handy to experience the most activities and attractions. You can get this by adding it onto your ticket or staying at one of the participating Universal Resorts.

Get there Early. Arriving early is the single best way to ensure you make the most of your night. The event typically begins at 6:30 p.m., but Universal often lets guests in up to half an hour early. Early arrival can help you get to those most popular Haunted Houses before the lines get too long.

Consider the Weather and Stay Hydrated. Halloween Horror Nights starts in August, but let’s be real, even in October, Orlando is still hot and humid. Have fun and get into the spooky spirit with a costume, but keep in mind how warm it will be, and dress accordingly! And while all of the cocktails and snacks are fun, make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and stave heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Grab Snacks Early. Universal will have a ton of fun and tasty seasonal snacks, and the lines for these will grow just as long as for some of the Haunted Houses. Be sure to get in line and grab your favorite snack before you get too hungry or those lines get too long.

Appreciate the Actors. Absolutely, it’s essential to honor and respect the actors who bring these experiences to life. Their dedication and talent create the immersive and thrilling atmosphere that makes Halloween Horror Nights so unforgettable. Let’s appreciate their hard work and commitment to ensuring guests have an amazing and safe time at the event.