A Crash Course to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights draws inspiration from Universal Studios’ early history of monster movies during the golden age of cinema.

Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at Universal Orlando this Friday, and we’re ready to dive headfirst into the nightmare.

The annual event drops guests right into their own personal horror movie, with haunted houses, scare zones, and plenty of chilling overlays, from entertainment to snack menus.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights actually started as Fright Nights at Universal Studios Florida back in 1991. It drew upon the studio’s famed history of horror films dating back to the 1930s and beyond, when monster movies and fantasy came together in classics like Dracula and Bride of Frankenstein.

The three-night scream-fest was so popular that it was revived in 1992 and rebranded as Halloween Horror Nights. On select evenings during each fall season, the park is transformed and comes “alive” with creepy characters and jump scares.

Halloween Horror Nights has earned a cult following since its inception, thanks in part to fresh new themes each year that inspire the haunted houses, scare zones and live performances.

We spoke with MVT Agent and resident HHN superfan, Sandra, to get a firsthand account of what makes this event a must-do for spooky season.

A San Antonio resident, Sandra first visited Universal Orlando back in 2019, and has returned at least twice yearly ever since. She and her family will be attending Halloween Horror Nights in October this year, and they’re eagerly crossing days off the calendar until travel day arrives.

“I’m looking forward to taking my son for his first experience,” she said. “I hate being scared, but this event is really fun. The food is great and themed to the event, and there’s great merchandise.”

The new Stranger Things and Last of Us houses are at the top of her list, along with the Nightmare Fuel show. “I am not looking forward to the Exorcist house,” she qualified. “These houses are so well-done, I’m scared to think of how intense it will be!”

This year, Halloween Horror Nights will run on select nights from September 1 – November 4. The scares start at 6:30pm and last all the way until 2am.

Guests can pick and choose from 10 themed haunted houses and five scare zones, sprinkled with new and classic horror characters to dodge (or seek out!)

Some attractions will remain open during the night – like Revenge of the Mummy, MEN IN BLACK and Diagon Alley – but be sure not to miss out on the fiery aerial performers and musicians at the Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream show.

It’s a ticketed event, so you’ll need to purchase one in advance if you hope to stay in the park once it closes to day guests. If you’re spending the day in the parks and don’t have an event ticket, you may want to adjust your schedule so you can cover Universal Studios attractions before it closes for HHN.

On the flip side, you don’t need a separate park ticket to attend Halloween Horror Nights.

And while we always recommend staying on Universal property to get the most out of your experience, Sandra has the inside scoop on the hot spots for this year’s event.

“While I’m partial to the Premier hotels at Universal, this year I think Cabana Bay is ‘the’ resort for Halloween Horror Nights. They’ll have a Chucky’s Twisted Playground photo op, which requires a room key for entry. Plus, they’ll have some spooky-themed drinks available.”

If you’re debating between Walt Disney World and Universal, it’s important to know that there’s a marked difference between Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Nights. HHN leans into the fear-inducing side of Halloween season, but Sandra still thinks it can fit a wide variety of guests and their families.

“I think HHN could suit a wide audience during the early hours, since it’s not so scary for kiddos who want to dip their toes in,” she said, “But I think it’s up to parents to use their discretion and know what their kids can handle.”

“The characters aren’t allowed to touch you, and if you wear a Halloween Horror Nights shirt and act like you’re not scared, they’re less likely to focus on trying to scare you,” she said.

Plus, if you ARE afraid of what lurks in the dark, you still have options.

“They have an ‘Unmasking the Horror’ tour, which I’d recommend either way,” Sandra said. “You get to tour the houses with the lights on, and even take some pictures.”

Just like many ticketed events of its kind, there’s so much to do at Halloween Horror Nights, that it can be difficult to get it all done. It’s important to know what you can do, and how you can take it to the next level.

“If you’re staying at a Premier Hotel, your Unlimited Express Pass won’t be valid during the event,” Sandra said. “If you like the idea of an Express Pass for the haunted houses and attractions open during the event, I’d urge you to add one to your HHN package so you can get more done.”

“Even better, if you want to be taken straight to the front of the line, add the R.I.P. Tour to your package. Not only do you get to skip the entire line, but you’ll have Express passes after your tour for the remainder of the night.”

With the R.I.P. Tour, you’ll also get a pre-tour reception, an exclusive tour credential and lanyard, as well as preferred seating for the Nightmare Fuel show.

It’s never too late to get on board with a fright fest like Halloween Horror Nights. If you’re hesitant, have questions, or need recommendations, be sure to reach out for firsthand experience and tips to tackling the fan-favorite event this season.