5 Reasons to Visit Halloween Horror Nights

Each year, the terror takes over at the Universal Orlando Resort with the arrival of the Halloween season! There are so many reasons to consider a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort. Now, let’s talk about 5 reasons to visit Halloween Horror Nights!

The Spooky Vibe

Each September, Universal Studios is transformed on select nights for Halloween Horror Nights. Fog fills the streets and terror is unleashed in every section of the park, from Minions Land to Diagon Alley! Like the rest of the destination, this event brings your favorite movies and TV shows to life in an unforgettable way. However, there are also always unique features, specific to the event such as shows and the Scare Zones.

The Haunted Houses

Enjoying haunted houses is a popular activity for the fall season, regardless of where you are! If you love Halloween, chances are that you love heading to the various events designed to thrill and terrify guests. However, Universal Orlando takes these houses to a whole other level. The themes change each year but the screams are always consistent! Plus, the attention to detail is truly amazing and it feels like you are immersed in some of your favorite horror movies or reliving your favorite scenes from Stranger Things.

This year, the haunted houses are as follows:

• Stranger Things 4
• The Exorcist: Believer
• The Last of Us
• Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
• Universal Monsters: Unmasked
• Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
• Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
• YETI: Campground Kills
• The Darkest Deal
• Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings

One huge benefit of spending time in the theme parks prior to the event is the ability to use the Stay and Scream Zones. These zones allow guests who have a theme park ticket, not just an event ticket, to stay in the park and get earlier access to the most popular haunted houses. There are three houses in each zone and you can choose which one to wait at. This is a great way to get ahead of the crowds! Plus, you will often have shorter wait times and experience those first three houses quicker so that you can enjoy different ones the rest of the night!

Scare Zones

Are you looking for a great “jump scare”? Scare Zones, each with a different theme and vibe, are found throughout the park. These areas are filled with Scareactors, roaming around with the intent to SCARE you! They will chase, get in your face, and provide plenty of entertainment as you walk through!

Dr. Oddfellow is the Halloween Horror Nights icon and host of this year’s event. He is found near the entrance to the park at one of the first Scare Zones. He interacts with guests throughout the evening and encourages you to face your fears in the fog!

Death Eaters

Have you ever wanted to explore a practically empty Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? You might just get lucky if you head there toward the beginning of this event! While many people run to the haunted houses, this area of the park often remains empty! However, this year, beware of Death Eaters and dark magic! Death Eaters have arrived in Diagon Alley for Halloween Horror Nights. Guests can watch a brief show and then Voldemort’s followers are set free to roam! They are looking to find those who are loyal to the Dark Lord, or punish those who are trying to fight against him!

The arrival of Death Eaters in Universal Studios is a first this year and an exciting new addition to the event. In previous years, Voldemort’s most loyal followers might be found in Universal’s Islands of Adventure during the evening show, Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle.

The Perfect Night Out

Halloween Horror Nights is always a fun night out during the Halloween season. Whether you want to go with your “scare squad” or a significant other, there’s a reason they say “Don’t go alone!” It’s easy to make a whole day, or trip, of it if you’d like to. Spend some time in the theme parks before the event, grab some food or a drink at Universal CityWalk, and enjoy all the frights throughout the evening. There are even some festivities at some of the onsite hotels! There are various themed food booths and bars to enjoy in the park as well.

Rides & Attractions

While the haunted houses and Scare Zones provide so much to do throughout the event, there are also several attractions open! You may even find that the wait times for these attractions are shorter during the event.

The open attractions include:

• Revenge of the Mummy
• Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts™
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Food & Drinks

Each year, there is an exclusive menu released for Halloween Horror Nights. If you get hungry during the event, there are plenty of fun, themed options to choose from. There are several food booths offering options inspired by the Haunted Houses too. If you are looking for a snack inspired by everyone’s favorite creepy doll, head to the Chucky food booth for the Fried ’til the End Chicken!

This event is designed and recommended for guests 13 years of age and older but sometimes you may see younger kids in attendance.

It’s Not Too Late

Are you ready to face your fears? Halloween Horror Nights is available on select nights from September 1 through November 4, 2023. Tickets are still available and it’s highly recommended to book a vacation package. There are even HHN packages available!  Your Key to the World Travel advisor can help you find the perfect option so that you can experience all of the screams!

Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.

Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.