My Visit To Halloween Horror Nights: 13 Must-Experience Moments At Universal Studios Orlando
By Megan Todaro|Published September 05, 2023
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Megan Todaro
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Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
This past weekend, I was lucky enough to experience all the thrills and chills encompassing Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando. For anyone unfamiliar with this event, Halloween Horror Nights takes place throughout the fall season every year, and this year runs from September 1, 2023, through November 4, 2023. During Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios transforms into a haunted playground featuring a variety of horror-themed experiences inspired by popular movies, TV shows, and original concepts. Visitors can expect to encounter iconic horror characters (it’s Chucky!), gruesome scenes, and intense scares throughout the event. This was my first time visiting, and I was lucky enough to partake in the Media Night, where guests from all different media outlets experience the new season altogether.
First things first, I was treated to an introduction to all of the horror that awaited from Lora Sauls, Assistant Director of Creative Development and Show Direction for Art and Design, Entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort.
It was at that moment, as I listened to Lora's captivating and theatrically astute narrative, that I became acutely aware of what I was getting myself into. The meticulous attention to detail and planning devoted to this season's events is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Contrary to the common perception that Halloween Horror Nights is simply a place for jump scares and gore, attendees are in for a pleasant surprise. The caliber of theatrical artistry on display here rivals that of the most compelling horror movies ever made, and to fully grasp and appreciate it, you have to see everything firsthand.
Fall at Universal Orlando transforms into an enchanting wonderland, where the thrill-seekers aren’t the only ones in for a treat—every nook and cranny of the resorts and hotels dazzles with festive decor.
So, are you ready to dive into the 13 must-experience moments awaiting you at Universal Studios Orlando? Buckle up because it’s about to be a rollercoaster of entertainment – no pun intended.
1. Take an iconic Halloween Horror Nights photo in front of the Universal Studios Orlando arches.
You've probably seen these arches before during the daylight, but there is something sinisterly wonderful after-dark that makes this the ultimate photo op. Snap a photo before entering or after leaving the park for a one-of-a-kind memory.
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2. Choose your top haunted houses to make sure you have enough time.
There are TEN chilling haunted houses this year, many of which are Universal Studios' very own creations. Five original haunted houses from the Universal Orlando award-winning Entertainment team, plus all-new fan favorites including “Stranger Things 4,” “The Exorcist: Believer,” “The Last of Us,” “Universal Monsters: Unmasked,” and “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count”.
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3. Appreciate all of the incredible themed food and beverage options throughout the park.
It isn't just the decor and the showmanship that Universal Studios excels at every Halloween. It's also the details that you'll find with food and drinks too. I loved all of the various food options throughout each concessions stand and restaurant and especially the fact they had vegan and gluten-free options, too. Nothing is worse than getting to a place and realizing they don't accommodate your dietary needs!
Indulge in an all-new food and beverage spread each tying into a haunted house like the Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta, and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, and returning fan favorites like Pizza Fries.
4. See how many times you can spot Dr. Oddfellow throughout the park.
Dr. Oddfellow is one of the most prolific characters created for Halloween Horror Nights, and this year, he is back with a vengeance. Not only does Dr. Oddfellow himself make appearances throughout the night in various zones, but there is also an original haunted house, “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins” where you’ll learn all about how this frightening character came to be.
5. Make it through all five scare zones in one piece.
As Dr. Oddfellow emerges at Universal Studios Florida for the very first time, scare actors will also roam in five haunting scare zones. For me, this was probably the most terrifying part of the entire experience, as you’re shrouded by a thick fog, swirling through the night, with spooky sounds in every direction. The actors, who are in full make-up and costume, try their best to get a jump out of everyone who passes by. If I’m being honest, this was probably some of the loudest I’ve yelled the entire night.
This was the haunted house I was most excited about. While I loved the HBO series, this haunted house, in particular, was constructed after the video game, which I have played countless times. The creators of this house brought to life an iconic scene from the video game, and I found myself navigating through the carnage and mayhem of Pittsburgh. Walking through the house, I watched Joel and Ellie battle a world overtaken by a fungal virus, complete with Clickers and Bloaters. Imagine being dropped into your favorite video game - 10/10. I would recommend this one.
Okay, maybe he wasn’t my favorite childhood doll, but more like the doll I always feared would just happen to pop up in my closet late at night or grab my ankles from under the bed. As I walked through “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count,” I was brought back to the first night I watched this 80s classic and was horrified all over again. But in the best possible way, of course. Guests will get to enter a living slaughterhouse inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films.
Take a break from the screaming and enjoy a few uniquely curated experiences throughout the park. Enjoy a high-octane pyro and aerial stunt show known as “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream.” With various showtimes, make sure you carve out time to sit and watch all the theatrics up close.
Also, there is an all-new Tribute Store taking guests back to a 1960s NYC Comic Shop where they step into the pages of their own truly terrifying comic.
9. Visit the original haunted house, “Universal Monsters: Unmasked."
“Universal Monsters: Unmasked” was one of my top haunted houses, as it brought to life a scene out of historic Paris where some of my favorite literary characters came straight out of the pages - but in the scariest possible way. I maneuvered an underground labyrinth below the streets of Paris filled with iconic characters from the Universal Monsters canon, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man. Just when I thought these literary greats couldn’t scare me to death, I was corrected.
10. Find the Peacock Channel Halloween Horror Bar and see a surprise character.
Whenever you’re ready to take a break and enjoy some libations, head on over to the Peacock Channel Halloween Horror Bar. There are tons of photo opportunities, plus, keep an eye out for a beloved Saturday Night Live character David S. Pumpkins!
11. Grab a themed drink cleverly curated and oh-so-tasty.
At Halloween Horror Nights, themed drinks are a popular part of the experience, adding to the festive and spooky atmosphere of the event. These beverages are often creatively crafted to match the event's Halloween and horror themes. Make sure to snag a souvenir cup to take home!
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11. Brace yourself for the "Stranger Things 4" house.
As a huge fan of the Netflix series, especially season 4, I was beyond excited to go through this haunted experience. It was ripped straight out of the pages of the season, with key moments with the most iconic characters. Without giving too much away, not only did I watch Chrissy float up to the roof of the trailer and Eleven's origin story unfold...
It wouldn't be Halloween without some sweets, right? With various concessions throughout the park, you can find Mummy Cheesecake Pops, Bloody Snowballs, Créme Caramel Flan, FEDRA Ration Bars, and so much more.
13. Check out another original concept house - “The Darkest Deal.”
This might’ve been my favorite original Universal House, because just walking up, I felt like I was in a movie. The sounds of the crickets in the bayou, the fog swirling all around - it created the perfect introduction to the story - musicians selling their souls for fame and quickly learning the deal with the devil was way more than they bargained for.
Overall, this experience was one for the books. I had an absolute blast and would visit this season again before November rolls around. I will say I was there on opening night, and it was VERY crowded, as expected for such an event like this. But, I highly recommend, if you can swing it, purchasing an upgrade to your ticket like the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P Tour. While it is more money per person, you’ll have exclusive perks like your very own tour guide, priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating park attractions, complimentary valet parking, access to exclusive cash bar locations, and reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour. For me personally, not having to wait in line for two hours at the most popular haunted houses – is well worth the price tag.
Another perk of visiting Halloween Horror Nights this year is having the horrors spill over into eight different hotels. For the first time ever, the fun has spread into various hotels with exclusive activations and experiences for guests inspired by all the seasonal fun. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the place to stay, in my opinion, simply for the exclusive “Chucky’s Twisted Playground” photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series. In addition, Cabana Bay also has a Halloween-themed Spooky Swizzle Lounge, with a huge cocktail menu of intricate Halloween drinks.
I hope you have a chance to check out Halloween Horror Nights 32 and remember this year’s theme: Never Go Alone.
Have you been to any Halloween Horror Nights seasons in the past? We’d love to hear about your favorite experiences in the comments section!
Note: I was given entry to Halloween Horror Nights and an overnight stay at Universal Studios Cabana Bay Beach Resort in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the developing company in any way.
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