Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Delivers a Creepy Good Time, 2023 Dates Announced!

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Creepy entrance to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando
The creepy entrance to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is not for the faint of heart (and is not recommended for kids younger than 13). It features 10 chilling haunted houses, 5 horrifying scare zones and 2 fantastically frightening live shows. Read on for our intrepid writer’s report on the 2022 event. But first, the just announced 2023 Halloween Horror Night details!

For 2023, Halloween Horror Nights dates are:

September 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, October 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 and, of course, 31. The event begins at 6:30pm each day, but ending hours vary by date.

Prices depend on the evening, but range from $79.99 to $119.99 per person, plus tax. A skip-the-line ticket is another $109.99 to $199.99 per person. It entitles ticket holders to skip the line once at each of the haunted houses and participating rides and attractions. A super special VIP pass adds another $299.99 to $449.99. The event happens rain or shine. No refunds. The ticket can only be used by the person who bought it on the date for which it was purchased.

Note that Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticketed event. You cannot enter the evening event with a daytime park ticket. Self-parking is free for Halloween Horror Night ticket holders after 6pm.

No costumes or masks are allowed.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Recover from your frights at one of these hotels close to Universal Orlando.

A Look at the Very Scary 2022 Halloween Horror Nights Event

Wondering if Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is really that scary? As a first-time Halloween Horror Nights attendee, my expectations were through the roof. As someone who loves a good scary movie, my fear of the unknown blended with pure excitement.

I was blown away by the theatrics and dedication of the scare actors as well as the beautiful scenery created by the Universal team. Not only was it a wonderful visual experience, but the extra passion and effort presented by the crew made for a memorable adventure.

Here’s what you need to know about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal for 2022 to have a spooky good time!

Spooky entrance to "Black Phone," one of 10 haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Spooky entrance to “Black Phone,” one of 10 HHN haunted houses from the 2022 event. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

What’s the Big Deal About Halloween Horror Nights?

Universal is known for its horror films. Universal Studios released its first horror film, “The Phantom of the Opera,” in 1925. From there, the studio went on to release some of the most well-known horror films in history, bringing to life characters such as Dracula, The Mummy and The Wolf Man.

In 1991, Universal brought the horror off screen and into the real world with the birth of Halloween Horror Nights. Since then, die hard fans have been gathering for that special time of the year when they get to become part of the experience!

The Universal team, which spends 365 days of the year planning for Halloween Horror Nights, is expected to wow us every year. And man did they wow me!

Terrifying Haunted Houses

One of the top reasons people look forward to this special event, is the creepy haunted houses.

The 2022 Halloween Horror Nights consisted of 10 of the spookiest haunted houses yet!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare

One of 2022’s most anticipated haunted houses! Experience what it feels like to have The Weeknd stalk you around this horrifyingly wacky house.

There are lots of colors and no shortage of flashing lights. So if you are sensitive to strobes, this would be the house to avoid. If you’re looking to jam to some of your favorite Weeknd songs while constantly checking over your shoulder, this is your kind of haunted house.

Halloween

Have one of Universal Studios’ most memorable characters chase you around this creatively crafted house. Michael Myers flashes his iconic mask and knife as you try to find your way out of his victim’s house. Be careful as you go around the corner; you never know where he could be lurking.

The Horrors of Blumhouse

This is two haunted houses in one! With two well-known Blumhouse movies, “Freaky” and “The Black Phone,” Universal gives guests a back-to-back experience. If the topic of missing children doesn’t appeal to you, this is the house to skip.

Universal Monsters haunted house atHalloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Universal Monsters: Legends Collide

Using the 3 original classic monsters — The Wolf Man vs Dracula vs The Mummy — you get to experience the battle of the century! Every night holds a new winner, which keeps this house completely unpredictable.

Spirits of the Coven

One of 2022’s best characters! Immersed in a 1920s speakeasy, guests are introduced to a coven of flapper witches that slowly reveal their true identities as you creep further into the house.

Wait time for a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Buying an express pass can come in handy when the wait for a haunted house is more than an hour! Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Bugs: Eaten Alive

This house is one of this year’s original concepts. If bugs are not your thing, it may be best to avoid this house. With creepy crawlers around every corner, the bugs slowly become life sized! Set in a 1950s home, guests experience what it’s like when a pest control experiment goes wrong.

Fiesta de Chupacabras

This gruesomely gorgeous haunted house is one of the goriest of all the houses. The legend of the Chupacabra comes to life as you walk through a Latin American village just to find out that you might be the next sacrifice.

Hellblock Horror

One of the more tame houses of the season. If you’re looking for spooks and creativity, this is a great house to explore! Guests get the opportunity to experience the make-up and costume designs that make it all feel so real! This house is a prison for monsters. Find your way out fast as they begin to escape from their cells!

Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake

By far my favorite house of 2022! Guests get to experience the amazing storytelling and set design skills of the talented crew at Universal. The most beautiful house of the lineup. Explore a New England fishing village as the fisherman of a shipwrecked crew begins to emerge from the sea. See how a lonely fisherman’s widow plays her beautiful violin as she mourns her husband who’s been lost at sea. This house is a chillingly dazzling adventure.

Descendants of Destruction

Another original concept developed by the genius minds of Universal Studios. Descend into the New York subway tunnels and try not to get caught by the creepy mutants lurking in the darkness.

Creepy scare zone at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
One of the 5 creepy scare zones from the 2022 event. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

And Those Scare Zones

The creep vibe doesn’t end when you walk out of a haunted house. Traveling between haunted houses means walking through the 5 sinister scare zones.

Each scare zone has its group of scare actors that are always one step ahead of you…or behind you!

Each scare zone contains its own creative theme:

  • Horrors of Halloween: Hosted by the Pumpkin Lord himself, guests get to experience all the terrifying creatures he has summoned from the darkness.
  • Scarecrow: Cursed Soil: Watch out as scarecrows begin to rise from the soil and terrify guests! This scare zone is a quick one, but worth the screams.
  • Sweet Revenge: Nothing goes together better than candy and Halloween…right? This story plays on a crazed candy company that turns children into killers! This scare zone is colorful, creepy, and oh so sweet.
  • Graveyard: Deadly Unrest: Experience the awakening of the dead as spooky figures begin to rise from the cemetery, ready to feast upon the living.
  • Conjure the Dark: This scare zone is a show within itself! Watch as an evil sorceress conjures her horrifying monsters and sends them off to gather blood sacrifices! Better watch out!
a live show at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Spooky Live Shows

The 2 wildly spooky live shows in 2022:

  • Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire: This show is full of fire, fun and adrenaline. It is worth the wait if you’re not afraid to get a little toasty.
  • Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale: This is a beautiful water show on Universal Studios’ lagoon. Each hour, there’s an extravagant ghost story told right on the water. No line to wait in, just find a spot near by the lagoon and you’re sure to get a great view.

Rides Too!

Universal is a theme park, after all. It wouldn’t be the same if there weren’t some thrill rides to provide a different kind of scare.

My favorite is also Universal’s most thrilling ride of them all: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. For a little Halloween flair, click and hold the logo at the top of the screen for 10 seconds. When the keypad pops up, press ‘666’ and experience the horrors of Chucky as he talks to you through the whole ride!

Front gate to Universal with a sign forHalloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

How Much Does Halloween Horror Nights Cost?

This is a ticketed event not included in regular theme park admission.

Is it worth the extra cost? The worth depends on what you are looking for! How much horror can you handle? Maybe one night isn’t enough for your family?

Ticket Options for 2023

There are a ton of ticket packages and options. Pricing varies by date and availability.

  • Halloween Horror Nights Single-Night Ticket: Starting at $79.99 per person
  • Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass: Starting at $109.99 per person. Skip the long lines once at each haunted house, ride and attraction. Event admission is required and not included in this pricing.
  • Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P Tour: Starting at $299.99 per person. This is a V.I.P walking tour of the entire event and includes V.I.P entry into all haunted houses, once per house, and a pre-tour reception in Cafe La Bamba. Separate event admission is required.
Someone looking scare at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Halloween Horror Nights Hours and Dates for 2023

For 2023, Halloween Horror Nights dates are:

September 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, October 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 and, of course, 31. The event begins at 6:30pm each day, but ending hours vary by date.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy your tickets online and download the Universal app so you can pass the ticket line and start getting scared sooner!

A pumpkin display at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Not everything looks scary, at least not during the day! Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Is Everything Scary at Halloween Horror Nights?

If scary isn’t your thing, Halloween Horror Nights might be a difficult place for you. With scare zones weaved throughout the park, it’s hard to avoid a scare or two when getting from point A to point B.

Universal says the event is best suited for children 13+ due to the scary scenes, gore and intensity of the haunted houses.

Still, there are some tame areas to escape the horror. One of them is near Diagon Alley. This area is clear of scare zones, which makes it a great place to take a seat and remind yourself that all the scares are just for fun!

Nobody is required to enter the haunted houses, so if you are interested in going just for the scare zones, rides, creepy atmosphere, deliciously haunting treats and incredible live entertainment, then you can still have a fantastic, much less scary time.

You might want to ask yourself beforehand, “If I can’t make it through a mildly scary movie, is Halloween Horror Nights the place I want to be?”

Halloween-themed merchandise at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Halloween-themed merch is available throughout the theme park. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Halloween Merch

The 2022 Halloween Horror Nights Event consists of well-thought-out and chilling merchandise. The clothing ranges from t-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies, jackets, hats and flannels. Each t-shirt has a unique design. Some sport the original Universal monsters such as Dracula, The Mummy, The Wolf Man, and Michael Myers.

The logo and designs have an old-school retro art theme that makes the merchandise seem less flashy. Which is my preference!

There’s also a large selection of water bottles, shot glasses, key chains, coffee mugs, collectible pins and so much more!

If you’re looking to build a collection of Halloween Horror Nights 31 apparel, this season’s merchandise selection is perfect.

The Coconut Yuzu Eyeball. One of many horrifyingly delicious treats at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
The Coconut Yuzu Eyeball. One of many horrifyingly delicious treats during the 2022 event. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Halloween Horror Nights Treats to Eat

There is no shortage of scary good foods and drinks around the park!

The Coconut Yuzu Eyeballs are a must try! They have a creamy pudding-like texture with a fruity sweet taste.

There are also fun treats like Pizza Skulls, African Lentil Coffins, Lil’ Boos Spicy Pumpkins and Meetz Meats 100% Ground Princess (aka a raspberry flavored rice crispy treat) that make the Halloween experience so much more exciting.

There are specialty spooky cocktails that you can purchase throughout the park as well! One of my favorites is the Electric Death. It is a gin cocktail with Bols blue curaçao, lime juice, BR Reynolds orgeat, simple syrup, pineapple juice and pimento bitters. It’s delicious, a fun color, and it lights up!

There is also a non-alcoholic mocktail called the Un-Tipsy Tiki. It consists of a blend of pineapple, orange and fresh lime juice, a splash of tonic water and orgeat.

Halloween-themed games at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Sudios Orlando.
Play Halloween-themed games and win prizes. Photo credit: Chandler Wagner

Tips for Visiting Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

  • Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App for maps, wait times, show times and more. The app also features a new Halloween Horror Nights Trivia game where guests race against the clock (and other players) coast-to-coast in an interactive, multi-level mobile experience inspired by some of this year’s haunts.
  • Purchase tickets in advance and use the Universal app to speed your entry and get you to the scares that much faster.
  • If you’re looking for smaller crowds, consider visiting on weeknights or early in September.
  • The best way to experience Halloween Horror Nights is with a stay at a Universal hotel. Hotel guests receive loads of exclusive benefits like the opportunity to get to the scares faster with access to a dedicated entry gate for the event.
  • Keep the nightmares going with a selection of Frequent Fear Pass options that include the opportunity to experience the scares again and again.
  • Take advantage of event upgrades to take the fear to the next level, including the guided Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour, which provides front-of-the line access to all haunted houses. The Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass is also available, which allows guests to skip the regular lines one time at all haunted houses, plus at participating rides and attractions.

About Chandler Wagner

Chandler Wagner

Hello! I’m Chandler, a dedicated and hard-working individual with a burning passion for the world of digital marketing. As I embark on my journey to pursue a digital marketing career, I bring with me a robust work ethic and an unyielding commitment to growth. My insatiable hunger for knowledge and my unwavering determination to expand my skill set are my driving forces. I believe that in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, the willingness to learn and adapt is just as valuable as experience. I am confident that my enthusiasm for digital marketing, my strong work ethic, and my dedication to continual improvement make me a promising candidate in this dynamic field. I am excited to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from their experiences, and contribute to the exciting world of digital marketing. Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.


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