Halloween Horror Nights 32 is underway at the Universal Orlando Resort, and we’ve done it all! Now, we’ve compiled a guide to help first-timers (and maybe even some pros) know what to expect this year. Let’s take a look at what’s happening at Universal Studios Florida for HHN!
Halloween Horror Nights 101
What is Halloween Horror Nights?
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event on select nights in the fall catering to adults. The event will be held at Universal Studios Florida and features 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, and live entertainment.
A ticket to Halloween Horror Nights includes access to all the haunted houses, zones, and entertainment, as well as select attractions around the park. The only attractions open during the event are Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (until 11 p.m.), Transformers The Ride 3D (until 11 p.m.), Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and Men in Black Alien Attack. Food and drinks, including alcohol, are available for purchase at the event and no outside food or beverage can go through security after 5 p.m. on event nights except for 1 sealed bottle of water per person. Empty water bottles can be brought in and refilled for free from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
How Scary Is It?
There’s not an easy answer to this question, unfortunately. The houses and scare zones rely heavily on jump scares, but also use more innovative ways to creep people out. Many of the sets are very elaborate and extremely detailed. Houses often use different scents to add to the immersion, and these smells can be overwhelming. It can be gory, and gross.
If you aren’t one to be spooked in the theater during a horror movie, you’ll probably be fine. If open wounds, disembowelments, or heavy violence make you squeamish, you may not have a good time.
Universal recommends that children under the age of 13 do not attend.
We recommend watching videos from last year’s event to gauge your tolerance. This year’s lineup is completely different, so the videos won’t spoil you but the general scare level is the same from year to year.
Our playlist of videos inside each house and more from 2022 can be found below.
Dates & Ticket Information
Dates
This year’s event will take place on select nights from September 1 through November 4.
The dates for the event this year are:
- September: 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, & 27-30
- October: 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, & 31
- November: 1-4
Tickets
Single night tickets start at $79.99 per person. Multi-night passes offer a better deal if you want to visit more than once. Compare to last year’s multi-night offerings here.
Ticket prices vary by date. A breakdown is available below.
- $79.99: September 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 27, & 28. No October dates are available at this price.
- $82.99: September 24 and October 1, 5.
- $84.99: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, & 31 and November 1 & 2
- $89.99: September 8 and October 15, 22, & 29.
- $92.99: September 15, 22, & 29
- $94.99: November 3
- $99.99: September 1 and October 6, 8, 13, 20, & 27
- $103.99: September 2, 3, 9, 16, 23, & 30
- $104.99: November 4
- $114.99: October 7
- $119.99: October 14, 21, & 28
Express Passes & VIP Experiences
Express Passes
Express Passes allow guests to use a dedicated line, avoiding the standby queue. They are available starting at $109.99 per person, with variable date-based pricing.
It should be noted that the Express Passes do not guarantee “front of the line access” but rather a shorter wait. Typically, half of the posted stand-by wait time can be expected.
Single-night Express Passes can be used once per house and attraction. Team Members will scan your pass at the entrance.
VIP and Behind the Scenes Tours
Halloween Horror Nights features two special VIP tour options.
R.I.P. Tours
R.I.P. Tours gives you a tour guide and direct access to houses and shows. The tour includes the following:
- Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating park attractions (once per house, based on itinerary) while on tour with the R.I.P. Guide. Tour inclusions are subject to itinerary and Houses toured are at the discretion of Universal Orlando Resort.
- Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard, and pin (one each per guest)
- Complimentary Valet Parking (one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
- Pre-Tour Reception in Cafe La Bamba
- Access to exclusive cash bar locations (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
- Universal Express Unlimited ride access (with R.I.P. credential) at all participating rides & attractions for the date of their tour (valid upon check-in at VIP Experience lobby to be used before or after tour during normal event operating hours; excludes Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses)
- Reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour
Regular R.I.P. tours combine your party and others, starting at $299.99 per person. A private R.I.P. tour gives your party of up to ten people the ability to have more freedom in choosing the itinerary and allows unlimited R.I.P. access to the haunted houses. Read our review of a private R.I.P. tour from 2021 for more information.
Unmasking the Horror: Behind the Screams Tours
Unmasking the Horror is a daytime tour of a selection of houses. It does not include admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Admission to Universal Studios Florida or Halloween Horror Nights is not required to attend an Unmasking the Horror tour.
There is a 3-house tour and a 6-house tour. Click here for the full lineups.
The tours start at $119.99 for the 3-house tour and $169.99 for the 6-house tour. Guests are permitted to take photos only in select areas of the houses, as indicated by their guide. Behind-the-scenes information and details will be given for each house on the tour. Some photos are allowed, but video recording is not permitted.
HHN Stores
Tribute Store
The Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store is open to all guests during the day in the New York section of the park. This year, the highly-themed store resembles a comic book shop from the outside (featuring tons of HHN Easter eggs). Inside, guests step right into the pages of the Tribute to Terror comic book, each room telling a different story. It’s hosted by The Curator, a new Cryptkeeper-like character. One room features an unexpected tribute to Walt Disney World’s defunct Great Movie Ride. The store sells Halloween Horror Nights merchandise, plus you can buy the real Tribute to Terror comic.
All Hallows Eve Boutique
The All Hallows Eve Boutique is a year-round Halloween shop in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It gets new decorations each season. For Halloween Horror Nights 32, the boutique has become Dr. Oddfellow’s Traveling Oddities.
Airport Shop
Orlando International Airport has their first-ever Halloween Horror Nights shop featuring HHN 32 merchandise straight from the parks.
Early Entry – Stay and Scream
Daytime park admission is not required for the event, but guests who do have valid admission can opt to stay in “Stay and Scream” areas in the park between regular hours and Halloween Horror Nights. There are designated areas in the park, almost like corrals, where guests can wait while the park is being cleared of day guests. Typically, Universal Studios Florida closes to regular guests at 5 p.m. on event nights, with gates opening for HHN after 6:00 p.m.
Guests who choose to wait in Stay and Scream areas won’t have to exit the park to go back through the turnstiles, which can be a time saver. Valid Halloween Horror Nights admission is required to enter the Stay and Scream areas, so you will have your ticket scanned to enter. Guests often line up in advance outside the gates, so starting the night in the Stay and Scream area can offer an advantage.
Stay and Scream areas also let guests have access to select houses before the event officially begins, sometimes as early as 5:30 p.m. Each Stay and Scream area has access to different houses, so guests will typically choose their Stay and Scream location based on what houses they’re planning to line up for first. Here’s this year’s list:
- Central Park and Springfield Stay & Scream: access to The Last of Us and Universal Monsters: Unmasked.
- New York Stay & Scream: near Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, access to Stranger Things 4, The Exorcist: Believer, and Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate haunted houses.
- San Francisco Stay & Scream: near Richter’s Burger Co., access to Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count haunted house.
If you don’t have daytime admission, you can also purchase an add-on Scream Early ticket for $40 that allows you to enter the park at 3 p.m. and take advantage of the holding areas. Once you enter the park at 3 p.m., you still have 2 hours to enjoy all the attractions that are open around the park before scanning into a Stay and Scream area.
Some areas have access to food venues and restrooms. The New York Stay and Scream has several different food booths open early.
Opening Scaremonies
Halloween Horror Nights begins each evening with the opening scaremonies at the front gates of the park. This year’s opening scaremonies feature Dr. Oddfellow.
Houses
The event has 10 haunted houses. The map below highlights the entrances (and exits) of each house as corresponding to the list below. Our review for each house is linked, but beware; they do contain spoilers.
A: Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
Bleed for the Blood Moon
In a Colonial-era village, moon-worshippers witness a blood moon at their fall festival. They take it as a sign to hunt down any non-followers, including you and your scream squad.
Read our review of Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings.
B: The Exorcist: Believer
An Evil Reawakened
Two missing girls have been found with no memory of what happened to them. But wherever they went, the ultimate evil has returned with them. Enter the most terrifying scenes from the new Blumhouse film.
Read our review of The Exorcist: Believer.
C: Stranger Things 4
Try to Escape the Curse of Vecna
You’ll need your squad to resist Vecna’s gruesome curse. Like Eleven, now’s your chance to stop him once and for all as you take on the scariest season of Stranger Things yet.
Read our review of Stranger Things 4.
D: Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
No Matter Who You Choose, You Lose
Two warlocks of great power were turned into dragons after trying to take Merlyn’s spell book. Now you and your friends are caught in their epic battle. You must choose a path and a victor.
Read our review of Dueling Dragons: Choose They Fate.
E: YETI: Campground Kills
Yeti or Not, Here They Come
You and your friends are about to venture into a 1950s campground overrun by huge, menacing yetis who rip apart anyone who gets in their way. You must flee to the ranger tower to escape.
Read our review of YETI: Campground Kills.
F: Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
Chucky’s Back for Even More Carnage
Chucky, the serial killer doll, is back for a new gorefest! He’s hijacked his own haunted house with all kinds of bloody hijinks. You and your friends must try to survive his ultimate kill count.
Read our review of Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count.
G: Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
Your Soul is a Price He’s Willing to Pay
You won’t be able to resist going inside Dr. Oddfellow’s menacing menagerie of twisted oddities. But the price for you and your friends is steep: the cost of your souls to feed his immortal power
Read our review of Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins.
H: The Darkest Deal
Fame is Fleeting. Fear is Forever.
Blues musician Pinestraw Spruce will have to face the music after meeting with The Collector and trading his soul for musical glory. You and your squad learn the terrible price of fame.
Read our review of The Darkest Deal.
I: The Last of Us
Step Into the World of The Last of Us
You and your squad will encounter the haunting and overgrown world of the video game in a brand-new, terrifying way. Stay silent if you want to survive a multitude of Clickers, Hunters, and more.
Read our review of The Last of Us.
J: Universal Monsters: Unmasked
Four Universal Monsters. One New Nightmare.
Descend into the Paris Catacombs, where you and your squad will face a new horde of Monsters: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Invisible Man.
Read our review of Universal Monsters: Unmasked.
Scare Zones
Scare zones are themed areas around the park where Scareactors roam. Some of them have short shows, such as a sacrifice ritual or the “murder” of a “guest” (a Scareactor in plain clothes).
Like the houses, Scareactors in zones are not permitted to touch guests and vice versa. They can, however, creep up behind you for a scare.
The zones are labeled as follows on the above map.
K: Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror (Park Entrance)
Dr. Oddfellow will lure you into Halloween Horror Nights with a promise of immortality. As he lifts the veil on all the horrors to come, you’ll soon realize you may not even survive the night.
Read our review of Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror.
L: Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood (New York)
At a 60s music fest in a small New York town, you’ll jam to popular bands with fellow concert-goers until Dr. Oddfellow unleashes vicious vampires on the audience. They’re out for your blood.
Read our review of Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood.
M: Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged (San Francisco)
Enter a 1940s San Francisco shipping yard full of mysterious crates and cages bearing Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol. Beware, his nightmarish oddities have now escaped, spreading fear and chaos in their wake.
Read our review of Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged.
N: Jungle of Doom – Expedition: Horror (Central Park)
In the 1920s, Dr. Oddfellow ventured deep into the darkest jungle, performing horrific experiments on nature. Now his monstrous creations are running amok and are coming after you.
Read our review of Jungle of Doom – Expedition: Horror.
O: Dark Zodiac (Hollywood)
Dr. Oddfellow has entered a dark dimension to harness the power of the Zodiac and live forever. He twists the signs into malevolent beings who foretell your doom. As his star rises, yours falls.
Read our review of Dark Zodiac.
Live Entertainment
Nightmare Fuel: Revenge Dream
Nightmare Fuel returns to the former Fear Factor amphitheater for a third year with a new story featuring a new dreamer confronting the creature that’s been turning her dreams into nightmares. This show is geared towards adults, but you can take a look at last year’s performance to get an idea of what to expect.
Read our review of Nightmare Fuel: Revenge Dream.
Death Eaters
For the first time, Death Eaters are appearing in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. They perform a short show before roaming Diagon Alley, ready to duel and recruit guests.
David S. Pumpkins
The viral SNL character originally portrayed by Tom Hanks is appearing at Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar.
M3GAN Horde
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch this wandering horde of M3GAN dolls from the film of the same name scaring guests during HHN and performing a dance routine.
Lil’ Boo Trick or Seek
If you want something to do during the day before things get really scary, check out the Lil’ Boo Trick or Seek scavenger hunt available throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Merchandise locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort sell maps for the hunt with an ornament featuring Lil’ Boo. Just look for the hidden Lil’ Boo figure in each store to complete the scavenger hunt.
Food & Drinks
Many of the park’s regular restaurants are open during Halloween Horror Nights, such as The Simpsons’ Fast Food Boulevard and Minion Cafe.
There are also specialty food and beverage carts around the park featuring themed snacks and alcoholic drinks. Check out the full menus here and read our reviews:
The Last of Us Booths
Food
- Cordyceps Corndog
- The Infected Tater
- Twisted Taters, with choice of topping:
- Season Salt
- Garlic Parmesan
- Sour Cream & Chives
- Porcini Powder
- Ghost Pepper
Beverages
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review for The Last of Us Booths.
The Last of Us FEDRA Rations Distribution
Food
- Left Behind Ravioli
- Lakeside “Meat” Stew
- FEDRA Ration Bar
Beverages
- Salt Lake City Iced Coffee
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of The Last of Us FEDRA Rations Distribution.
Day of the Dead Booth
Food
- Walking Taco
- Vegan Walking Taco
- Al Pastor Torta
- Chicharróns de Harina
Beverages
- Feliz Muerte
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of the Day of the Dead booth. *The Vegan Churritos formerly served here are now available at the Expo Circle Food Truck.
Twisted Taters Booth
Food
- Twisted Taters, with choice of topping:
- Season Salt
- Garlic Parmesan
- Sour Cream & Chives
- Porcini Powder
- Ghost Pepper
- Twisted Tater Blood N’ Guts
Beverages
- Draft Beers:
- Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale, Nightmare Nectar Blonde Ale
- Crooked Can Bloody Murder IPA
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
- Wine:
- Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon
- Noble Vines Chardonnay
- Premium Cocktail mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito’s, Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Patron, Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, or Tanqueray
Read our review of the Twisted Taters booth.
Expo Circle Food Truck
Food
- Butternut & Duck Galette
- Witches Spell Cauldron Stew
- Vegan Churritos with Ice Cream
Beverages
- Ghoul Juice
- Electric Death
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of the Expo Circle Food Truck.
KidZone Pizza Company
Food
- Classic Pizza Fries
- Vegan Pizza Fries
- Sweet Potato S’mores Fries
Beverages
- Ghoul Juice
- Electric Death
- Voodoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- Truly Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of KidZone Pizza Company.
Yeti Returns Booth
Food
- Bloody Campground Poutine
- Vegan Burnt Ends Poutine
- Bloody Snowball
Beverages
- Ghoul Juice
- Electric Death
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of the Yeti Returns booth.
Stellar Bar
Food
- Cheddar Jalapeño Hellfire Club
Beverages
- Peanut Butter Smuggler (non-alcoholic)
- Peanut Butter Smuggler
- Murray’s Brain Tonic
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
- Wine:
- Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon
- Noble Vines Chardonnay
Read our review of Stellar Bar.
Surfer Boy Pizza
Food
- Surfer Boy Vegan Pizza
- Surfer Boy Hawaiian Pizza
- Surfer Boy Cheese Pizza
- Yuri’s Favorite
Beverages
- Surfer Boy Tropical Dream Punch (non-alcoholic)
- Surfer Boy Tropical Dream Punch
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of Surfer Boy Pizza.
Midway Delights
Food
- Dr. Oddfellow’s CarnEVIL Hot Dog
- Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries
Beverages
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of Midway Delights.
Chucky Killer Treats
Food
- Chucky’s Pop-Dead Corn
- Fried ‘Till the End Chicken
Beverages
- Heart of Damballa
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of Chucky Killer Treats.
Mel’s Die-In Booth
Food
- Peanut Blooder Burger
- Cheeseburger
- Hamburger
- Confetti Battered Cookies
Beverages
- Ghoul Juice
- Electric Death
- Tinseltown Torment
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
Read our review of the Mel’s Die-In booth.
Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar
Food
- Little Stevie’s Stuffed Pretzel: Spinach
- Little Stevie’s Stuffed Pretzel: Jalapeño
- Spicy Turkey & Squash Bun
Beverages
- Survivor’s Fizz
- Rotten as Chuck
- Peacocktail
- Canned Beverages:
- VooDoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider
- Miller Lite
- TRULY Vodka Seltzer
- Wine:
- Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon
- Noble Vines Chardonnay
- Premium Cocktail mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito’s, Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Patron, Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, or Tanqueray
Read our review of Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar.
Transformers Bar
Beverages
- Ghoul Juice – $16.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $12.50 for souvenir refill or 12 oz. single serve
- Electric Death – $16.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup, $12.50 for souvenir refill or 12 oz. single serve
- Voodoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler – $12.25
- Original Sin Crimson Chaos Cider – $10
- Miller Lite – $9.50
- Truly Vodka Seltzer – $11.25
Read our review of Transformers Bar here.
Mel’s Drive-In is not open this year as Mel’s Die-In (a food booth takes its place), but the neon sign is still lit.
Themed Coca-Cola Freestyle cups are available, offering free refills for the night. These can be found at most food and drink stands and restaurants. Souvenir “blinky cups” for alcohol can be found at most bars and themed food locations. You will get a discount on cocktails when using your Halloween Horror Nights 2023 blinky cup.
Merchandise
This year’s merchandise collections feature Lil’ Boo, Dr. Oddfellow, “Stranger Things 4,” Chucky, “The Last of Us,” Hello Kitty, and more. Here are all of our posts about HHN merch:
Lil’ Boo, Dr. Oddfellow, & More at All Hallows Eve Boutique
This was the first big merchandise drop for Halloween Horror Nights 32, and includes a variety of items inspired by Dr. Oddfellow, Chucky, and everyone’s favorite pumpkin, Lil’ Boo.
Halloween Horror Nights 32 House Lineup Shirts, Lil’ Boo Wall Sign, & More
This merchandise drop included more event T-shirts, specialty items like a Lil’ Boo backpack, and more.
Stranger Things 4, Hellfire Club, The Last of Us, and More HHN 32 Merchandise
We found a variety of items celebrating “Stranger Things 4,” Chucky, and more both in Universal Studios Florida and at Universal CityWalk Orlando.
More Stranger Things 4 & The Last of Us Merchandise
In Five & Dime at Universal Studios Florida, a variety of event items became available ahead of the event, featuring the iconic tagline, “Never go alone.”
Chucky Merchandise, Exorcist T-Shirt, Hellfire Club Walkman Bag, & More
As the event kicked off, more new merchandise rolled in, celebrating “Stranger Things 4,” “The Last of Us,” and more.
Hellfire Club Dice Rolling Tray, HHN 32 Throw Pillow, & More
There are even a few specialty items commemorating this year’s event, like throw pillows and dice rolling trays.
Hello Kitty Chucky Collection
One of the cutest merchandise collection is this one that combines Hello Kitty with Chucky.
More Hello Kitty Chucky Merchandise
Who would’ve thought something so cute combined with an iconic horror villain would turn out like this?
Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fates UOAP-Exclusive Merchandise
The Universal Orlando Annual Passholder-exclusive merchandise collection is inspired by Dueling Dragon: Choose They Fate. It includes a Dueling Dragons pin.
Some HHN merchandise is available for purchase online.
Where to Stay
Your preferred lodging will do, but there are certain advantages to staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel.
The biggest benefit is the convenience. There is continual bus service from each resort hotel and back through the end of the event each night. If you’re planning on indulging in cocktails or pulling a full day at the park before HHN, the complimentary bus is a relief.
While some Universal Orlando hotels offer daytime Express Pass, it should be noted that these are not valid during Halloween Horror Nights. Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that requires its own Express Pass.
If you’re not planning to Stay and Scream, resort guests have a dedicated entrance to the event, which may save time at the turnstiles. The entrance for hotel guests is by the Hard Rock Cafe in CityWalk, to the left of the Universal Studios Florida archway.
Our top recommendation for your HHN stay is Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. We pick it over the other hotels during a regular stay, but it has added perks during HHN. For the last couple of years, a special experience has been held in the rec room at the hotel, featuring props and photo ops. This year is Chucky’s Twisted Playground.
Additionally, themed cocktails and special decor can be found at Swizzle Lounge, the bar located in the lobby, which is decorated with jack-o’-lanterns including Lil’ Boo.
Bayliner Diner stays open with grab-and-go meals through the end of the event (but we do not recommend the pizza).
Tips and Tricks
- The Universal Orlando app will show you wait times for the haunted houses.
- A few attractions are open during the event. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, and Men in Black: Alien Attack are open until the end of the night. Transformers The Ride 3D and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts are both open for the majority of the night, but close early.
- An Express Pass for after 11 p.m. is sometimes available for purchase inside the park.
- If you’re planning to purchase alcoholic drinks in CityWalk, be aware you cannot bring them inside Universal Studios Florida with you. You’ll need to finish them before entering the park. You also cannot take them into the houses (but you can drink them in the queues).
- Crowds tend to die down at the end of the night. When the crowds are at their worst, we suggest taking a break at Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club in CityWalk.
- Do NOT touch the Scareactors, and always be respectful! Universal does not tolerate guests behaving badly during Halloween Horror Nights!
- Premier Annual Pass valet benefits are not valid on event nights. Parking can be an absolute nightmare, so we suggest you arrive early!
- Premier Annual Passholders receive a complimentary ticket for a select night. This ticket is non-transferable and can only be used on one of the nights listed. Simply show up and scan your annual pass to use your free night.
- There is a lot of walking during Halloween Horror Nights. Wear comfortable shoes! The queues are very long, and they’re outdoors, so prepare for all weather. Pack a poncho and umbrella for rainy nights. Scare zones may not have Scareactors during inclement weather, but haunted houses will remain open.
Halloween Horror Nights Lore: Know Before You Go
Halloween Horror Nights is fun no matter what, but it helps when you’re familiar with the subject. Original concepts are a core part of the event, but sometimes it can feel like you’re missing something. Fear not! (Until you’re in the fog, at least). We’re going to give you a brief rundown of everything returning this year.
Icons
Icons are characters created by Universal for Halloween Horror Nights. They serve as a mascot and usually feature heavily in the marketing and the event itself. This year, the Icon is Dr. Oddfellow.
Dr. Oddfellow
Oddfellow was introduced in 2000 for the tenth anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights. Before now, his only appearance was in The Fearhouse that year. He was created as part of the backstory for Jack the Clown, and their tales are still intertwined.
In expanding Oddfellow’s history to bring him to the front of the story this year, some of the old lore has been altered. We won’t spend much time on it, but here are the essentials that stayed the same: Oddfellow ran a carnival where Jack Schmidt worked. After Jack killed a baker’s dozen children, Oddfellow began to worry that the authorities might look a little too closely at his own twisted operations. He had Jack killed, stuffed his remains in a Jack-in-the-box, and went on his way.
HHN fans will know that is not where Jack Schmidt’s story ended. But we’re not here to talk about Jack. (Okay, we might a little. But you can’t really have one without the other.)
The new, extended story gives us more of Dr. Oddfellow. The night he killed Jack, back in 1939, he was also responsible for a gruesome massacre of the members and patrons at his circus in a twisted ritual to gain the power of the dark zodiac. After using the power to become immortal, he dealt with Jack, and in their scuffle, Jack scratched Oddfellow’s face. Not only did the blood gift immortality to Jack, but the scratch remains on Oddfellow’s face, no matter what form he takes.
Between the house and the five scare zones, guests are transported through the decades of Oddfellow’s pursuit of power and immortality.
Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol can be seen below. You may notice it around the scare zones and in the original houses.
Jack the Clown
Jack Schmidt was a carny with a murderous streak. He killed 13 children before being killed by his boss, Dr. Oddfellow. His corpse disappeared mysteriously. The story goes that Universal bought props from Dr. Oddfellow’s carnival to use for Halloween Horror Nights. Someone opened the Jack-in-the-box and released Jack. He took over HHN in 2000.
Jack has returned to Horror Nights many times. Most notably, in 2007, he became the Ringmaster of his Carnival of Carnage after killing Dr. Oddfellow. In 2010, he returned again, taking his place as Fear’s Herald, Chaos. He was trapped with Fear and the rest of the Heralds at the end of the event.
Then, in 2015, Jack was freed from the lantern by a mysterious individual. He returned for the 25th anniversary event along with a revamped version of his Carnival of Carnage in a stage show called The Carnage Returns. The other four Heralds were also released, but Fear was not.
His most recent appearance was at HHN 30 in HHN Icons: Captured. He is not expected to appear in person this year but may cameo in other forms for Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins. References to Jack can be found on merchandise and in the All Hallows Eve Boutique.
Chance
Chance debuted as the second-hand to Jack the Clown for his Carnival of Carnage in 2007. Whether because she wasn’t initially intended to become an Icon or for other unknown reasons, Chance hasn’t been given a fleshed-out background.
While not originally part of Jack or Oddfellow’s stories, she is referenced on the Traveling Oddities poster. It may be just an Easter egg.
Dr. Mary Agana
Dr. Mary Agana, also known as Bloody Mary, was the Icon of 2008. Universal can no longer use the Bloody Mary moniker for legal reasons, and as such, Dr. Agana has only appeared in recent years through vague references, such as a dark room full of mirrors in HHN Icons: Captured.
This year’s Tribute Store has brought other story elements from 2008 into play, such as references to some of her victims/patients. Most notably, the fake comic book shop serving as the theme of the store is a reference to Charlie McPherson.
Other Important Characters
Charlie McPherson
McPherson was introduced in 2008 as a victim of Dr. Agana. He worked as a photographer for an investigator named Boris Shuster.
McPherson began seeing terrible creatures in the shadows when his flashbulb fired. He sought treatment from Dr. Agana, and her unorthodox (read: torturous) treatment methods led to him becoming trapped in her mirrorverse. A haunted house in 2008 called Dead Exposure was based upon his terrors, with the only light through the house coming from his camera’s flash.
Shuster began investigating Dr. Agana after McPherson disappeared,
Boris Shuster & Legendary Truth
Legendary Truth is the name of a Collective of individuals who have devoted their lives to investigating the evil behind Halloween Horror Nights. Helmed by Boris Schuster in the 1960s when he famously pursued Bloody Mary, the Collective has grown.
Unfortunately, sometimes the Collective hurts more than they help, such as when they released Fear from his Lantern. Legendary Truth has its own cadre of lore, mostly grown through games and viral campaigns.
Shuster’s legacy was explored in Case Files Unearthed: Legendary Truth at HHN 30. The house followed detective Tim Foyle as he dug through Shuster’s records in pursuit of the Legions of Horror.
Madam Basiel
Madam Basiel is a psychic whose fortune-telling shop is directly beneath Boris Shuster’s Delancey Street office. She is away helping Dr. Oddfellow.
Lil’ Boo
Lil’ Boo was one of hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns on the facade for The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin who fans became attached to. Universal’s social media team posted about the pumpkin to join in on the viral fun and named him Lil’ Boo. He returned in 2022 and has since been featured on a lot of merchandise.
Want our full review of Halloween Horror Nights 32? Read our thoughts here, or check out Annie and Tom’s honest review below:
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For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.