Overview of Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
The 31st installment of Halloween Horror Nights has begun at Universal Studios Florida! This year's celebration, which is evocative of its anniversary, honors everything All Hallows' Eve, from the myth of the first Halloween to the current custom of trick-or-treating and everything spooky in between. Welcome to the nefarious realm of the Pumpkin Lord. To learn everything there is to know about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, keep reading. But first, a word of caution: This essay may include spoilers for Halloween Horror Nights, an intense event not appropriate for all ages. At your own peril, read!
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Dates and Tickets
From September to November, the event takes place on a few nights at Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights began on September 2 and will end on October 31 in 2022. The event now runs from 6:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. every Wednesday through Sunday (apart from September 14) and on Halloween night for the first time this year! All evenings are crowded, but as Halloween approaches, the numbers tend to grow. Although we anticipate a busier than usual season this year given that the event returns to "normal" for the first time since 2019, as well as the general trend of greater travel in 2022.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2022 Dates
It's crucial to remember that Halloween Horror Nights require different tickets. You may now purchase single-night tickets at a reduced price from us frogs!
You cannot enter the theme parks during regular hours with an HHN ticket. But there's no need to worry! If you wish to visit throughout the day, we also have discounted tickets for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. For visitors who aren't staying for the event, Universal Studios Florida typically closes at 5 p.m. However, if you have a park-to-park ticket and would like to hop between them, Universal's Islands of Adventure will continue to close at its regular time. If you want to take advantage of Halloween Horror Nights early access, you'll also require regular park admission (more on this below). Don't forget that you can also use us to book a cheap hotel! There are now multi-night tickets readily accessible directly via Universal Orlando if you can't get enough screams in one evening. Additionally, Universal currently offers scare actor dining experiences, HHN Express Passes, R.I.P. Tours, Behind-the-Screams Tours, and Scream Early tickets that are all sold directly.
Best Dates to Attend
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando scares up a substantial part of visitors, especially locals, who attend numerous nights throughout the season to relive the dread, in contrast to many other fall theme park events that typically draw families for one night. The type of the event and the population of the area both have a big impact on audiences. The busiest evenings are Saturdays and Fridays aren't far behind. Wednesdays are the greatest night to go in terms of crowds. Without enhancing your experience (which we'll discuss later), it is practically impossible to view everything in a single evening. However, choosing the finest night to go will help you see and do as much as you can. You should also pay attention to our advice below.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Special Experiences
Guests of the hotels of the Universal Orlando Resort have had access to a few restricted themed activities at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort during the course of the last few HHN events. This year, the villainous monsters from Universal are in charge. A photo opportunity with The Wolf Man, Dracula, and The Mummy is available for guests staying at any of Universal Orlando's eight hotels at "Universal Monsters: Gallery of Legends," an immersive themed adventure dedicated to these legendary figures from the silver screen. The hotel's Swizzle Lounge has also had a ghostly makeover. Simply approach the bar and choose from one of the spooky speciality drinks. From September 2 to October 31, 2022, hotel guests will have access to these activities.
If you want to get the most out of your Halloween Horror Nights experience, you should try one or two spooky good add-ons that put you through a maze of terrible monsters and numerous ominous maniacs. The R.I.P. Tour is a narrated excursion that gives VIPs access to all of Halloween Horror Nights' attractions. The tour includes a pre-tour reception in Cafe La Bamba, access to special cash bar locations, complimentary valet parking, a commemorative tour credential, lanyard, and pin, as well as one-time entry to all of the houses, reserved seating at some shows, Universal Express Unlimited ride access at all participating rides and attractions for the date of your tour.
Additionally, a Private R.I.P Tour option is available, which provides you and up to nine additional frogs with all the benefits of the Regular R.I.P Tour in addition to UNLIMITED Priority VIP Entry to All the Houses, a Customizable Itinerary, and a My Universal Photos 3-Day photo package.
The Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour offers visitors an exclusive, up-close look at the Art & Design team's method as they create haunted houses that embody our worst nightmares. A Behind the Screams: 6-House Unmasking the Horror Tour or a Behind the Screams: 3-House Unmasking the Horror Tour, both lasting two and a half hours, are available to visitors (four to five hours). The tours give you the chance to view the mansions lit up and capture every macabre detail of certain rooms in specific homes.
This year, the scary actor dining experience is back! A photo opportunity with a scare actor and one digital download of one photo shot throughout the experience are both included in the buffet price. The scheduled sitting time is listed on the back of each ticket, and patrons are advised to come at Louie's Italian Restaurant 15 minutes early.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Park Plan
The haunted houses are the main attraction of the festival every year. These movie set-quality homes are built over several months, and each one has a unique theme. You undoubtedly already know that there may be incredibly long lineups for this event. You must select what is important to you if you want to make the most of your evening. Do you want to concentrate only on homes? Would you be interested in seeing some houses and a show? Would you prefer to simply enjoy the attractions' short wait times? The houses are our top focus because they are what most visitors come for and experience the longest queues for.
To make the most of your time, we suggest arriving at the park at least 45 minutes before it opens to the public at 6:30 p.m. Usually, Universal unlocks the gates before the scheduled start time. (Use the priority entrance gate until 8 p.m. to enter more quickly if you are staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort properties, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal's Endless Summer.) According to our observations, the gates are open for visitors between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. The gates opened on opening night at 5:55.
While Bugs: Eaten Alive experienced its longest wait of 100 minutes at 11:20 p.m. on opening night, Universal Monsters: Legends Collide experienced its longest wait of 100 minutes at 6:50 p.m. All night long, the queue for Hellblock Horror never exceeded 50 minutes. Wait times for Descendants of Destruction were short at the start and conclusion of the night and only abruptly increased to 90 minutes at about 7:10 p.m. While Hellblock Horror, Halloween, and The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare all had their lowest wait times at the end of the night, Bugs: Eaten Alive, Dead Man's Pier: Winter's Wake, Fiesta de Chupacabras, and Spirits of the Coven had their lowest wait times at the beginning of the night (the latter two of which only went under 45 minutes during the last hour of the night). The Horrors of Blumhouse did experience a pause when the audience left at around 6:15 p.m., but The Weeknd, Halloween, and other houses appeared to be the ones that individuals with early entrance hurried to.
Utilizing Stay and Scream, also known as Halloween Horror Nights Early Entry, is the greatest strategy to get more done at the event. Having both regular park entrance and a Halloween Horror Nights ticket is one method to accomplish this. It makes sense to use this option if you plan to spend the entire day in the parks! A Scream Early ticket can also be purchased, allowing you to visit Universal Studios between 3 and 5 p.m. The details of Halloween Horror Nights Early Entry are covered in a comprehensive post. This year, we finished the most well-liked house before the scheduled opening time!
It is impossible to see all of the houses in one night due to the sheer quantity of them and the popularity of the event. We advise picking four or five homes that must be completed and completing those initially. When you've crossed them off the list, check to see whether you still have time. People who are staying in the park or who come early to the event can complete five, six, or even more houses. Plan on going to Halloween Horror Nights numerous times, choose an R.I.P. Tour (only available through Universal), or get a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass if you want to see everything (only sold through Universal).
We can't emphasize enough how important Express is. Using Express, we had the least wait time of 5 minutes for The Horrors of Blumhouse and the largest wait time of only 21 minutes for Descendants of Destruction, which had a listed wait time of 90 minutes. Additionally, Bugs: Eaten Alive, which had a 35-minute wait, was literally within our reach. The most amazing usage of the pass that evening was for Fiesta de Chupacabras, where we only had to wait 6 minutes instead of the 75 minutes that had originally been listed (it had dropped down to 50 minutes when we exited the house).
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Haunted Houses
Beware of everything, including enormous insects, ghostly fisherman, the largest monsters in horror movies, and the biggest celebrity in music. Every turn leads to danger.
Spirits of the Coven
You've gone back in time to the Roaring '20s and are now enchanted by a seductive group of flappers. You had no idea that these seductive women were really a coven of evil witches. As they cast a sinister spell in this vibrant speakeasy, watch in horror as they reveal their actual haggish shape and beg for pardon.
Enter the Salem Meatpacking District to discover what evil is simmering there. A swinging speakeasy and cheerful jazz music set the tone for this house's joyful opening. Things then take a sinister turn when the witches reveal their gorgeous personas, and your sole concern is preventing fermentation.
Bugs: Eaten Alive
Why, it's the best of the best! You've been asked to take a tour of a futuristic house built in the 1950s, but when an infestation of insects moves in, what at first seems like a utopian paradigm rapidly becomes a nightmare. Being bitten is the least of your concerns when you're covered with creepy crawlers and are surrounded by slime. Get ready for impending extinction.
This home is swarming with insects of all sizes, living up to its name (literally). The idea is incredibly inventive as Bzzzcon Industries' Extermin-Air display goes horribly wrong. It has been dubbed this year's "comedy house." This home is not for those who are afraid of spiders.
Fiesta de Chupacabras
A violent creature from Latin American folklore known as the chupacabra is described as appearing when the moon rises and feasting on the blood of any animal that dares to get in its way. When these hungry monsters lay their eyes on you and your friends, what begins as a vibrant celebration turns into a gruesome bloodbath.
This might be the most graphic thing ever. You are pursued by masked peasants who want to feed you to the nocturnal beasts. The many chupacabra puppets, whose bark may even be worse than their bite, are exquisitely made, as are the masks. Take in the aroma of roasted flesh and raw meat. Brave wanderer, take care.
Hellblock Horror
This prison is not your typical jail. The inmates are the very worst; they are monsters without a clue what the word mercy means. Enter with caution because if these animals escape, every hallway will turn into a mess hall. You are now a menu item.
An escape from a secure prison is undesirable. When the inmates are ferocious creatures, the situation is even worse. Many of the creatures in this will be familiar to longtime Halloween Horror Nights viewers. Be ready for a pitch-black hallway, a confusing fog, and some dramatic strobe effects at the conclusion.
Dead Man's Pier: Winter's Wake
This kind of sleepy, small-town New England fishing community is typically rife with ghost tales. Do you possess the necessary skills to endure one? Fishermen washed ashore after being sucked up by the seas and are eager to exact revenge. Avoid their hooks and avoid getting caught in their nets. To get their live human bait, they will do everything.
This house has one of the most beautiful set designs we've ever seen at HHN, making it without a doubt our favorite of the year. Your trip will take you from a deserted seaside community to a spectral fishing boat lost in time, and the way each scenario transitions into the next is incredibly creative. I don't want to give too much away, but there is a violinist scene that is really amazing. Check out our walkthrough below to view the mansion in all its eerie glory:
Descendants of Destruction
Hordes of ravenous mutants are hidden deep inside New York's subway system's abandoned, dark tubes. You enter their feeding area against your better judgment. Trains are not a reliable means of escape. They have not been operating for a substantial amount of time.
Another home with a standout set, notably the crumbling exterior of the subway station and the cramped train that feels like it belongs in New York City. This post-apocalyptic nightmare is genuinely terrible, and as you move down the tunnels, it just grows darker and trickier.
The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare
As you enter The Weeknd's nightmare universe, be prepared for "blinding lights," slashers, bandaged maniacs, and horrifying toad-like animals. This spooky mansion will be modeled around his album "After Hours" and the associated music videos. You'll first enter the Nightmare Extraction, where you'll see a lifelike statue of The Weeknd strapped into a chair with a headset, with the horrifying images from his mind being pulled out of his head and flashing onto monitors all around. After that, you'll have to deal with these horrors throughout the rest of the house.
This home is one enormous music video, with you as the lead actor, set to some of The Weeknd's most well-known songs. The pop artist puts you through the ringer and doesn't hold back, subjecting you to a madcap masquerade, a dizzying mirror maze (yes, that one), and even a terrifying train that comes dangerously close to turning you into roadkill. (Warning: There are a lot of strobe lights in this house.)
The Horrors of Blumhouse
You'll need to evade TWO serial killers: The Grabber, a deranged magician, and The Butcher, who has switched bodies with a teenage girl. Both of these killers were inspired by the recent spooky thriller "The Black Phone" and the horror comedy "Freaky." Get out of The Grabber's "fun" mansion where ghostly voices are trying to help you, and be on the lookout for The Butcher who is looking for her next prey.
This house is really two independent residences, but each segment walks you through a terrifying movie virtually scene-by-scene. The Butcher is out for blood and has a variety of tricks up his red leather sleeves, so first, enter Blissfield. Then, enter 1978 Denver, where you are abducted by The Grabber and your only means of escape is that strange phone on the wall. We believe that this home, particularly "The Black Phone" section, was the most frightful of the evening.
Halloween
We do know one thing about Michael Myers, though: he always makes a comeback. Frogs will slither through this maze, which will take you through The Shape's run-down home as you experience memorable scenes from John Carpenter's 1978 slasher movie. Be on the lookout because this lunatic with a knife will do anything to exact his long-awaited retribution. Do you possess the necessary skills to endure a confrontation with the "embodiment of pure evil"?
Are you ready to remember the moment when he returned home...? This house begins with Michael's early years, when he cruelly murdered his sister, and then skips forward in time, putting you in the middle of the killer and the brave Laurie Strode's cat-and-mouse game. There is no escaping The Shape, which may be found in every nook and eventually encircles you from all sides.
Universal Monsters: Legends Collide
"Universal Monsters: Legends Collide" saw Universal return to the world of their cherished grotesque creatures. In this brand-new, unique maze, you'll step back in time to the 19th century and face off against three horror movie icons: Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Mummy. The Amulet of Ra, a potent artifact that might free The Wolf Man from his curse as well as aid The Mummy and Dracula in establishing human dominance, is being sought by this trio of terrifying villains as the full moon rises. A gory collision course of disaster has been set in motion by pitting all three creatures against one another, and you are about to be trapped in the crossfire.
You will adore this home if you enjoy Revenge of the Mummy. The Egyptian tomb in which it is located is breathtaking. In the line, pay great attention to what The Wolf Man says to learn how he discovered the amulet. Every night, a different monster emerges victorious in this conflict, and on opening night, it was The Mummy.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Scare Zones
The street encounters, often known as "scare zones," are the most terrifying yet come in second behind the residences. The park's fear zones are scattered around open spaces and each has its own atmosphere, soundtrack, and yes, even scents. Be prepared to be startled and bothered by nocturnal creatures. Although they are not permitted to touch you and you are not allowed to touch them, these scare actors appear out of nowhere with no regard for your personal space.
Horrors of Halloween
You might smell something else as you enter Production Central in addition to the fog. Halloween Horror Nights is now a place of terror as the evil Pumpkin Lord makes his much-anticipated comeback. Visit His Gourdliness while navigating the vines. (Hello Li'l Boo from us!)
The Pumpkin Lord welcomes you to his land as you make a spectacular entry to the occasion. Despite the fact that this fear zone is quite small, one of our favorite details is that if you look closely enough, you can see pieces of all the other scare zones tucked away within the vines. Additionally, it boasts an amazing soundtrack that unquestionably creates a rocking and dramatic atmosphere for the evening.
Scarecrow: Cursed Soil
In Central Park, something is being reaped that has nothing to do with the harvest. At this deserted farm, evil scarecrows have awoken and are dying to exact their long-awaited retribution. Are you able to avoid their scythes and sickles?
We may have never seen this event make better use of Central Park than with this fright. The abandoned barn you pass through to get from Hollywood to Springfield isn't really abandoned after all; it actually resembles a little dwelling. You are being pursued by mutated stalks of corn, rotting pumpkins, and scarecrow sentinels fashioned of pig heads.
Sweet Revenge
In the streets of New York, Major Sweets has opened a store. Unfortunately, his customers get more than just a sugar rush. His cursed candy has transformed young toddlers into psychotic killers. Your parents must have told you that candy is unhealthy, don't they?
The fright zones of New York are legendary, and this one is no exception. It's tough to avoid being snuck up on here between the costumed corrupted children and the terrified citizens pleading for assistance. The largest Halloween parade floats are what make this area unique; aboard one of them, we saw Major Sweets obtain the city's key before brutally killing the mayor.
Graveyard: Deadly Unrest
Nettlewoods Cemetery, a moss-covered graveyard where mourners congregate, is now located in the glitzy streets of Hollywood. On Halloween, though, a dreadful storm moves in and brings back long-dead souls. Friends, don't ask for whom the bell tolls since it tolls for you.
This fear zone is exquisitely lighted and delightfully unsettling, filled with everything from restless spirits to live sculptures to even the reaper himself. While this area is pleasantly eerie all through the night, for the best experience, we suggest visiting after sunset. Just keep your distance from the crypts
Conjure the Dark
On the first All Hallow's Eve, a devious sorceress called forth supernatural beings from a shadowy realm. These frightening beasts, all of whom have an insatiable taste for human blood, are lurking on the streets of San Francisco.
This area excels with its gnarly and horrifying creature design. It is another terrifying zone with a wonderful soundtrack that ranges from loud metal to gorgeously ethereal. We also enjoyed watching the vile sorceress use her nasty spell to send her devoted followers scurrying across the streets. Do not provoke these devils. They'll attack without hesitation.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Entertainment
Every year, Universal puts on two breathtaking productions that are the ideal venues to escape the horror. One is at the lagoon and features a fantastic fusion of water, music, and projections; the other is on the former Fear Factor Live stage. Here is a glance at the spooky entertainment that will be present at the event this year:
Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale
Come together by the lagoon for a ghost tale you won't soon forget. This ominous new production uses ominous water, horrifying projections, and ominous music to bring ghosts to life.
This show was such a great break in the middle of our evening. The music is excellent and the graphics are quite creepy, especially the ragtime rendition of "Disturbia" by Rihanna and the unsettling rendition of "Blinding Lights" (which makes sense when the show is formatted as a visual version of a phonograph record). But what at first seems wacky and humorous, quickly becomes nefarious and sinister. We can't wait to play this vinyl record repeatedly.
Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire
Halloween Horror Nights 30 was sparked by a scorching new show that featured terrifying fire performers, nocturnal animals, and nighttime aerialists. This tremendous performance, which was set to heart-pounding rock, metal, and electronica music, was audible above the screams. We're overjoyed that it's back this year with a brand-new nightmare that's hotter than ever!
This year's production of the show is a roarin' good time with songs like "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" or "Ready or Not," and the story is pretty similar to last year's version with a man seeking to escape his greatest nightmares (still with the same mind-blowing magic feats).
Rides Open During Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
Some of the rides are open even if the night's main focus is on horror. If you don't care as much about the houses, this is a perfect time to explore them because there are almost any waits. (Note that an HHN Express Pass is required if you wish to skip the ride line during Halloween Horror Nights; the standard Express Pass is not valid during the event.)
The rides that are still operating during Halloween Horror Nights 31 are as follows:
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3D
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (type code 666 for a playful surprise)
- Men in Black Alien Attack
- Revenge of the Mummy (now in technical rehearsals!)
Reminder: If you want to ride the rides, get at the event early because they do close up to two hours before it ends.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Food and Merchandise
Eat the renowned Twisted Tater, the iconic Pizza Fries (crinkle-cut fries topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and sausage), or its sibling snack, the S'mores Fries (sweet potato fries, marshmallow, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs). All of these snacks can be found in Kid Zone.
As usual, a lot of the residences and famous HHN figures even have their own special food stand. The Tamales de Los Muertos and Roasted Sweet Potato & Mushroom Street Tacos, two typical Mexican dishes with a sinister twist, can be found at the Dia de Los Muertos stand. In Gramercy Park and San Francisco, chow down on time-tested favorites like the No "Chance" in Hell PB&J and Fried Oreos® as well as brand-new, spooky delicacies like the Pepperoni Pizza Skull and the Tombstone Red Velvet Cake Pop (both of which were amazing!). Test your stomach by eating the Fresh Ground Princess and Spoiled Angry Bear Meat in Sting Alley. The Good Guys Burger and the Chili Lee Ray are just a couple of the bizarre food options available at the Chucky Booth. Choose either the Maggot Covered Cheese Dog or the Churro Dog on a Stick at the Bridge Food stand to feel comfortable or frightened (a Korean-style corn dog, rolled in puffed rice, topped with gochujang drizzle and black sesame seed).
You ask, what about alcoholic beverages? There are several liquid bravery mixtures available to quench your dread. The Weeknd has loaded his After Hours Bar with a selection of ciders, ales, wines, and cocktails like the Save Your Tears cocktail. The Burning Skull and Michelada cocktails are two additional smokin' hot alternatives at the Dia de Los Muertos bar. Other event bars with the specialty drinks Ghoul Juice and Electric Death can also be found at other food booths and throughout the park. The Chucky booth's Dirty Valentine was the ideal combination of sweet and fruity!
The Today Café, the San Francisco Pastry Company, and the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store are all selling other sinful treats like the Coconut Yuzu Eyeball and the Hallow's Eve Caramel Apple Pop Tart in addition to the store's abundance of sweets. These include the Spirit Board Blackberry Cheesecake and the Witches Cauldron Brownie.
The horror continues into Universal CityWalk, where you can find the Chucky doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut, the Black Magic Milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and a few new nefarious drinks at the rethemed Dead Coconut Club (on event nights only), like The Java Monster and The Haunted Isle.
Here are the Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2022 dining options (in addition to food and beverage carts):
- TODAY Cafe
- Bone Chillin'
- Finnegan's Bar & Grill
- Häagen-Dazs
- Louie's Italian Restaurant
- Richter's Burger Co.
- Mel's DIE-IN (Mel's Drive-In)
- Starbucks
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
- Coke Refresh
- Fast Food Boulevard
- Twisted Tater Tent
- KidZone Pizza Company
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
Every year, all of the haunted houses and scary zones are featured on the event's merchandising, so you can be sure to find a cool souvenir (like a sweatshirt or a souvenir cup) to remember Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2022. This Halloween, visit the Tribute Store at Universal Studios for a celebration unlike any other. Keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the car as you "ride" through a pumpkin patch where evil scarecrows lurk, a spooky cemetery where restless spirits have awakened, and a witch's cottage where a strong sorceress is concocting something awful before entering Haunted Hollow Hills' Halloween Festival, where the tricks are just as fun as the treats. In addition to Five & Dime and the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk, the Islands of Adventure Trading Company, and the All Hallows' Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure, you can typically find T-shirts, sippers, candles, and other spooky delights here.
Other stores open during the event at Universal Studios Florida are:
- Supply Vault
- The Film Vault
- Sahara Traders
- San Francisco Candy Factory
- Diagon Alley Shops
- Borgin & Burkes
- MIB Gear
- Simpsons Games
- Kwik-E-Mart
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Tips
1. Buy Your Tickets in Advance
In addition to regular theme park entrance, a special ticket is needed for Halloween Horror Nights. Make sure you order ahead of time (bonus: you can save money too). You don't want to stand in more lines than necessary!
2. Consider an Express Pass
We are frequently questioned about the value of the Express Passes. It actually depends on when you're visiting and whether you want to see all 10 houses in one evening, is our response. On Fridays and Saturdays in October, especially during Halloween, we'd highly recommend it. You have a higher chance of visiting all 10 houses without an Express Pass on Wednesdays and Thursdays if you take advantage of early access (see our next advice!).
At booths located all across the park, Universal does indeed sell Express Passes. So you have that last-minute chance if you decide to change your mind while you're there. A discounted Express Pass is also available, although it is only valid after 11 p.m. Just be aware that both of these Express Pass choices depend on availability.
3. Arrive Early
We cannot emphasize this enough: The single best way to make the most of your night is to arrive early. Although the event usually starts at 6:30 p.m., Universal frequently allows visitors to arrive up to 30 minutes earlier. Additionally, there is a designated queue on the left side of the entry for visitors of the Universal Resort hotels from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Staying in the park after it shuts for early access is even better, as you can visit a few houses before it gets really crowded later in the evening.
4. Leave the Kids at Home
Lily never attends Halloween Horror Nights; she always stays home. For small children, this event is too intense. For individuals who are younger than 13, it is not advised. Leave them with a babysitting service or the kids' club at the resort. (However, strollers are not permitted inside the homes if the tadpoles do come along.)
5. Leave Your Costumes and Masks at Home
You cannot enter Universal with them. Additionally, the park has plenty of dressed monsters!
6. Dress Light and Stay Hydrated
Are we the only ones who notice that September in Orlando is hotter than ever? We worked up a sweat all weekend at Halloween Horror Nights 30, despite the fact that it was primarily done at night. Dress comfortably and coolly.
In addition to being intense, Halloween Horror Nights is also surprisingly hot and muggy. Bring a water bottle to remain hydrated and save money, or buy the HHN Freestyle cup for a memorable memento. Other than that, the only thing you can buy is bottled water.
7. Only Bring the Necessities
You will pass through metal detectors at Universal as with any other visit, so we usually advise packing lightly, but this is truer than ever for Halloween Horror Nights. You won't want to be carrying a lot with you when you're startled by scare actors in the streets and walking through packed haunted houses. We advise carrying a tiny bag that can be closed tightly because you don't want anything crucial to spill out when you jump out of fear!
8. Have a Plan
This is crucial to the event, particularly if you want to see the majority of the residences. Prioritize your goals in advance. Based on where and when you'll be starting, plan your evening.
9. Eat Early
All across the park, there are refreshments and alcoholic beverages for sale. Find carts positioned along the streets. Food and beverage lines can occasionally be very long. If you refuel early in the day or before you depart, you will have more time to spend being terrified out of your wits. After midnight, we observed a decrease in the length of the food queues.
10. Splurge on Snacks
Check out the event-only treats if you have time to devote to interesting food and beverages. Eating (and Instagramming, to be honest) these treats is always fun.
11. Watch Out for the Creatures of the Night!
The street creatures mostly stay on the streets and don't bother people on the sidewalks, though we can't see why anyone would want to.
12. Respect the Scare Actors
Last but not least, keep in mind that the fright performers are also humans. Despite how terrifying they may appear to be, the scare actors won't actually touch or damage you, so treat them with courtesy. For the benefit of everyone concerned, keep your hands, food, beverages, and any harsh remarks to yourself. The main goal of this event is to have fun! When taking pictures of "creatures" in the fright zones, stay away from flash and ask if you absolutely need to. They'll typically be delighted to pose for (or even with!) you.
