It’s an annual tradition in my circle of friends to make the pilgrimage to Universal Studios Hollywood each October to take in the “Halloween Horror Nights” mayhem. Who better to put on a ‘haunted house’ than the makers of “Psycho”, “Drag Me to Hell” and “The Purge”. The experts deliver an event designed to cater to horror enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and anyone seeking a thrilling and immersive experience.

Read a backgrounder on the History of Halloween Horror Nights found here. There are other Universal Studio parks around the globe hosting Halloween Horror Nights; however, I’ve only attended the Californian/Hollywood location.

Overview

This highly acclaimed event transforms the entire Universal Studios theme park into a nightmarish wonderland, featuring elaborately themed haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and heart-pounding live entertainment. Sounds scary? Well, what does ‘transforming the entire Universal Studios” actually mean?

In this article, we’ll go through the Halloween Horror Nights (HHN):

• How to Attend (what are the dates, the tickets types, etc.)
• Haunted Houses (what Universal’s flavour of ‘haunted house’ means)
• Scare Zones (what’s the difference between ‘haunted house’ and ‘scare zones’)
• Terror Tram (why is this special during HHN)
• Universal Rides (what ‘regular’ rides at Universal Studios remain open during HHN)
• Food and Merchandise (what goodies are special to HHN)
• Tips

How to Attend

Let’s talk about time of year and weekdays: Generally, Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) runs for select evenings in September and October. While weekends are likely, not every weekday has a HHN event running on it (for example, Mondays typically don’t have HHN running). The closer to Halloween means the more weekday evenings start having HHN running so double check the day you are planning to visit has HHN running. if you want to know when the park is open when you are visiting, visit the Universal Studios “Calendar and Hours” webpage.

Let’s talk about time of day: Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) in Hollywood is a nighttime affair. On a regular, non-HHN day, the regular Universal Studios typically has running/open hours from 8:00am to 10:00pm. During the magical season of HHN, the daytime operations shut down in late afternoon and the theme park changes over to the scary Halloween event. The typical ‘official’ start time for HHN is 7:00pm (opening hours area also posted on Universal’s “Calendar and Hours” webpage); however, that may be different depending on what ticket you purchase.

Let’s talk about tickets: The Halloween Horror Nights event is completely separate and ticketed separately from the regular morning/afternoon ‘daytime’ park operations – so separate Halloween Horror Nights tickets will need to be purchased separately. There is a separate website to even purchase the tickets:

Single Night Tickets – Typical Tickets

These are the tickets which the majority of people will be purchasing for HHN:

• General Admission: This ticket allows one (1) entry into HHN event on opening at 7:00pm.
• Universal Express: This ticket includes “General Admission” plus one-time (per day) express access to each haunted house, Universal rides operating during HHN (except SUPER NINTENDO WORLD) and attractions.
• Universal Express Unlimited: This ticket is the same as “Universal Express” but with unlimited express access to each haunted house to each haunted house, Universal rides operating during HHN (except SUPER NINTENDO WORLD) and attractions.

General opinion: I have seen line ups for haunted houses being over 2 hours long. If you are getting into the park at 7:00pm, simple math tells you that you won’t make it through all the ‘haunted houses’ with those wait times. Plus, the ‘haunted houses’ aren’t right next to one another so you near to roam the entire park to get to each one which takes time. While it’s over twice the price of general admission, I would recommend the “Universal Express” ticket to ensure you’ll see everything once – and that will take most of the night. While we are all Halloween enthusiasts at the event, you likely don’t need to see a ‘haunted house’ more-than-once – but its typically a nominal upgrade fee to go ‘unlimited’ if you really, really want to zip through a ‘haunted house’ multiple times.

Single Night Tickets – Special Tickets and/or Add-ons

These tickets are above and beyond the regular HHN event – with special access and add-ons:

• Early Access Ticket: For a small fee, this add-on allows for early access ‘General Admission’ to ‘haunted houses’, typically starting at 5:30pm, prior to the scheduled start of HHN at 7:00pm. Since this is an add-on, this would be purchased in addition to one of the above tickets (“General Admission”, “Universal Express”, or “Universal Express Unlimited”).
• After 2PM Day/Night: This ticket is really three things combined into one:
  • One (1) entry after 2:00pm as a “General Admission” into Universal Studios. This gives the “regular” daytime “General Admission”. In 2023, it also included “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD access during HHN evening hours.
  • One (1) “Early Access Ticket” mentioned above; and
  • One (1) “General Admission” ticket into HHN starting at 7:00pm.
• After 2PM Day/Night Express: This ticket includes “After 2PM Day/Night” plus one-time (per day) express access to each haunted house, Universal rides (except SUPER NINTENDO WORLD) and attractions.
• R.I.P Tour: If you have done the daytime V.I.P Tour with Universal Studios, you’ll quickly understand that the R.I.P. is very similar. One ticket includes one (1) R.I.P. Tour admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Ticket includes a guided walking tour of the event; one-time R.I.P. entry to each haunted house as well as select rides and attractions, reserved VIP seating at a live show while on the tour with R.I.P. Tour Guide, and Universal Express Unlimited access at select haunted houses, rides, and attractions for the night of your tour. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time at each participating haunted house/ride/attraction. Keep in mind that if your group is less than 12, you likely will be grouped together into a shared tour (up to 12 people). The ticket also includes complimentary valet parking for one vehicle.

General Opinion: None of these options were fitting my needs since I have visited Universal Studios during the day separately:

• Early access is a great option for a nominal fee but keep in mind its is ‘in addition’ to a general HHN admission ticket and there is no express access during the early access timeframe.
• The 2pm options are great if you have a short stay and want to visit both day/night events but it does make it a VERY long day.
• The R.I.P. is twice the cost of a “Universal Express” but you get fed and hand-held through the entire evening.

Multiple Night Tickets

There were two multiple night tickets available which provide ‘General Admission’ for multiple nights. The “Frequent Fear Pass” had blackout nights and “Ultimate Fear Pass” had no blackout nights.

Haunted Houses

Haunted houses are the centerpiece of Halloween Horror Nights. Each year, the theme park transforms various sound stages and areas into haunted attractions that feature intricate sets, detailed props, and skilled actors to bring the terrifying stories to life. Delightfully completing the scare scene for horror enthusiasts. These haunted houses are meticulously designed and crafted to transport guests into the nightmarish worlds of iconic horror movies and TV shows.

Ok, so what does that mean? Basically, Universal Studios converts some of their sound stages and empty park space into ‘haunted houses’. This could be within a temporary tent (if not in a permanent sound stage) or even open-to-the-air. There is the typical ‘line up’ and snaking queue to get into each house (with an ‘express line’ for appropriate ticket holders) with staff at the entrance managing the flow of guests into the house.

Once in the house, guests make their way through a path of the ‘haunted house’. They aren’t mazes and they are not intended to confuse nor trap guests within. The straight forward but twisting paths through the haunted houses are always filled with hidden scares, eerie settings and iconic scenes from classic and contemporary horror franchises. The 2021 edition had the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” haunted house had the trademark ‘dinner table’ scene which delighted the movie’s fans, but I swear that even the smell of cat urine and raw flesh were incorporated into the house.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s haunted houses are also known for their use of cutting-edge technology and innovative scare techniques. State-of-the-art lighting, sound, and visual effects work in harmony to manipulate guests’ senses and evoke visceral reactions. From sudden jump scares to creeping suspense, the haunted houses provide a rollercoaster of emotions that leave guests with adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Scare Zones

“Scare Zones” are a captivating element of their Halloween Horror Nights event. Scare Zones are designated areas within the theme park that are transformed into haunted territories, where guests must navigate through terrifying scenes and face menacing characters.

Ok, so what does that mean? Since the ‘Haunted Houses’ are spread out across the theme park, guests need to walk around the park quite a bit. It would be quite boring to walk between houses with bare walkways so Universal Studios spruced them up with Halloween Horror Nights themed decorations and with scare actors as well.

Unlike the confined spaces of haunted houses, Scare Zones offer a more open and immersive experience, where fear lurks around every corner as visitors venture through the park’s streets and walkways. The concept of Scare Zones revolves around creating a sense of unease and vulnerability. As guests walk through these areas, they become part of the horror story, surrounded by elaborately themed sets, eerie lighting, and fog that obscures visibility. Talented scare actors roam the Scare Zones dressed in elaborate costumes and frightening makeup, skillfully jump out from the shadows to startle and terrify visitors, further blurring the line between reality and the fictional horrors that surround them.

Rides

During Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, some regular rides and attractions within the theme park typically remain open, providing guests with an opportunity to experience non-horror-themed entertainment amidst the spooky atmosphere. While the primary focus of the event is on haunted houses and scare zones, the continuation of certain rides offers visitors a chance to take a break from the intense frights and enjoy the park’s usual offerings.

The concept of keeping select rides open during Halloween Horror Nights is to strike a balance between thrills and scares. Guests who may not be as inclined to experience the horror-themed attractions can still have a great time with the park’s standard rides and attractions. It also caters to families and visitors looking for a more well-rounded experience, ensuring there is something enjoyable for everyone.

Universal Studios Hollywood typically features popular rides like “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “The Simpsons Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” and “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” These rides continue to operate during Halloween Horror Nights and provide guests with a mix of action, adventure, and fun without the intense scares found in the haunted houses and scare zones.

By keeping some regular rides open, Universal Studios Hollywood maintains its status as a family-friendly theme park while offering an alternative option for those seeking a reprieve from the terrifying attractions of Halloween Horror Nights. This thoughtful approach ensures that guests can create their own unique experience, making the event accessible to a broader audience with varying preferences for thrills and frights.

Entertainment, Food and Merchandise

During Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, the food and merchandise offerings are often creatively themed to match the spooky and horror-filled atmosphere of the event. The concept behind these offerings is to enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to indulge in delicious and thematic treats while also providing them with a chance to take home memorabilia that commemorates their visit to the event.

Food offerings during Halloween Horror Nights may include a variety of specialty snacks, drinks, and meals that reflect the event’s horror themes. Vendors and food stalls throughout the park may offer items like “monster” burgers, “zombie” hot dogs, “blood” red beverages, and other creatively named treats. Additionally, seasonal favorites like caramel apples, pumpkin-spiced treats, and eerie desserts may also be available. The idea is to not only satisfy guests’ hunger but also immerse them further into the Halloween spirit through these themed food options.

The merchandise available during Halloween Horror Nights is an essential part of the event’s experience. Visitors can find a wide range of products, such as themed t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories featuring the event’s unique logos and designs. Additionally, guests can purchase collectible items inspired by popular horror franchises or specific haunted houses and scare zones featured during the event. These items serve as souvenirs and mementos, allowing guests to take home a piece of the Halloween Horror Nights experience and cherish the memories for years to come.

The concept of themed food and merchandise at Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood is to create a fully immersive and cohesive experience for guests. The attention to detail in the food and merchandise offerings helps to transport visitors into the world of horror, from the moment they enter the park until they leave. Whether it’s enjoying spooky snacks or purchasing a keepsake to remember the event, the food and merchandise contribute to making Halloween Horror Nights a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attend.

Tips

When visiting Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, there are several valuable tips to ensure you have the best and most enjoyable experience at this thrilling event. The concept behind these tips is to help you make the most of your visit while navigating the scares and excitement of the Halloween-themed attractions.

1. Arrive Early: Halloween Horror Nights draws large crowds, so arriving early allows you to get ahead of the lines and experience more attractions throughout the night. Be sure to check the event’s schedule in advance, as the operating hours may differ from regular park hours.
2. Purchase Tickets in Advance: To avoid long lines at the ticket booths, it’s recommended to purchase your Halloween Horror Nights tickets online in advance. Consider getting the Universal Express Pass to enjoy shorter wait times for select haunted houses and rides.
3. Dress Comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and possibly running, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable during the fall season.
4. Stay Hydrated and Refuel: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated and eat. Drink plenty of water throughout the night and grab a bite to eat at one of the themed food stalls to keep your energy up.
5. Plan Your Must-See Attractions: With limited time and many attractions to experience, plan which haunted houses and scare zones are at the top of your list. Prioritize the ones you don’t want to miss and make a route to maximize your time.
6. Observe Age and Health Restrictions: Halloween Horror Nights can be intense and frightening, so be aware of any age or health restrictions for certain attractions. Some haunted houses may not be suitable for young children or individuals with certain medical conditions.
7. Embrace the Atmosphere: Allow yourself to fully immerse in the horror experience. Engage with scare actors, interact with the themed environments, and let yourself be a part of the event’s thrilling narrative.
8. Take Breaks if Needed: If you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take a break in one of the less intense areas of the park or sit down for a while. Halloween Horror Nights can be intense, and it’s essential to listen to your body and mind.
9. Be Respectful: Respect the scare actors and other visitors. Avoid touching or harassing scare actors, and be mindful of personal space and boundaries.
10. Capture Memories: Lastly, don’t forget to take photos and capture memories of your Halloween Horror Nights experience. Many of the themed settings and scare zones make for excellent photo opportunities to remember the night by.

By following these visitor tips, you can make the most of your visit to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and create lasting memories filled with fright and fun.