Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023

by Leap on October 4, 2023 625 Los Angeles

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The heart-thumping highlight of the Halloween season is surviving the terrifying Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The annual event that runs on select nights in the fall takes thousands of guests through movie set-quality haunted houses, scare zones and a Terror Tram. This preternaturally popular event does sell out for most nights. Luckily, you've got us as your fearless froggy guides so that you can experience as much as you dare at this must-do event!

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Death Eater

Overview of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Halloweeen Horror Nights tickets are on sale now and are selling out quickly! Before we get started, there's a new Early Event Access ticket available for a separate purchase. The event starts at 7 p.m. and Early Access starts at 5:30 p.m. You can purchase Early Event Access separately, which means even if you purchase your discount Halloween Horror Nights ticket from Undercover Tourist, you can still purchase an Early Access ticket from Universal before they sell out. The Early Access houses are in the Lower Lot.

In case you missed it, there was a big change in the language last year. Perhaps you noticed that we now say "houses" instead of "mazes." The haunted house–style walk-through attractions formerly known as mazes in Hollywood have been renamed "haunted houses." This brings the term consistent with Universal Orlando's name for these signature attractions. Can we have a moment of silence for the slashing of a SoCal colloquialism? RIP, maze. (Have no fear, though; the term "maze" lives on at Knott's Scary Farm.)

Photos With Monsters

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Bride of FrankensteinIn 2023, guests can pose for photos with scare actors in designated areas of the park!

There are five places to snag a pic with an evil icon:

  • Laemmle Courtyard (by Waterworld) has a revolving photo-op that will alternate between the Bride of Frankenstein (from Universal's 2021 haunted house) and the legendary David S. Pumpkins.
  • Universal Plaza features both La Catrina and La Llorona (from the 2022 haunted house). (These characters wander around and might sneak up on you!)
  • The Hollywood sign photo-op at Terror Tram will be regularly visited by the Santa from "Violent Night."
  • Snap a photo with Norman Bates at the Psycho House during the Terror Tram.
  • Those on an R.I.P. Tour of the Studio Backlot can have a special encounter with Larry Larva, as well as The Grabber (and his black van) from "The Black Phone."

Let's go over the tickets, dates, a park plan and tips. Then we will uncover the houses, scare zones and other entertainment.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -La Llorona

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Tickets and Dates

Halloween Horror Nights kicks off Sept. 7, 2023, and continues on select nights through Oct. 31, 2023. Halloween Horror Nights tickets are on sale now!

There are 38 nights of Halloween Horror Nights 2023:

  • Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30
  • October 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31

Best Dates to Attend

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Doll scareactorSince most nights are likely to sell out, the crowds may be consistent. Generally, the earlier you go in the season, the lower the ticket price (the same goes for any dates after Halloween if they get added later). Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights are usually the least expensive, and Saturdays tend to be the priciest (especially Halloween weekend), followed by Fridays. Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood may add more dates as the season progresses, so those may make for a less-crowded night to visit. Most of the days do eventually sell out. Saturdays might be the easiest day to attend for people who work Monday through Friday, but Saturday costs more.

We usually attend opening night, which is a Thursday, and it is less crowded than dates later in the season. It is also much hotter than dates later in the season, so keep that in mind. (Want more deets on the best times to visit Universal Studios Hollywood? Jump here!)

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023 Ticket Types and Prices

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Entrance

Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticket from regular park admission. Universal Studios Hollywood also sells a Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Pass (formerly called Front of Line Pass). The HHN Universal Express Pass is good for one-time Express access for each house and ride. It includes priority seating for the live Purge: Dangerous Waters show and access to Blumhouse: Behind the Screams.

Savings Alert

SAVE UP TO $61

Discount Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets are on sale now!

Get Your Tickets

Halloween Horror Nights ticket prices vary per night. Keep in mind that ticket prices can continue to go up throughout the season, and even sell out for some nights. The key is to purchase as early as you can. You can purchase Early Event Access separately, which allows you to enter the park and access Early Access houses at 5:30 p.m.

Want to save more green? You can get discount general admission tickets or single-night HHN tickets from your favorite froggy friends. If you're not planning to arrive early and want to save up to $61 per ticket, our discount Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket is a screamin' deal! You can still add on Early Access (if not sold out) through Universal with these tickets.

Here are the one-day ticket options that are available in 2023:

(These are the initial prices but some prices will creep up as the dates approach and availability may vary throughout the season. The sooner you purchase, the better the price!)

  • Halloween Horror Nights General Admission - from $74 (does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights General Admission from Undercover Tourist - from $67.60 (Does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event. You may be able to upgrade to Express.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express - from $209 and includes admission to the event and one-time express access to each participating house, ride (excluding Mario Kart) and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Unlimited - from $249 and includes admission to the event and unlimited express access to each participating house, ride (excluding Mario Kart) and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. No Super Nintendo World access during the event.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night - from $149 and allows admission to the park at 2 p.m. and same-day evening admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Also includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - from $329 and allows admission to the park at 2 p.m. and same-day evening admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Ticket includes one-time express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day PLUS one-time express access to each house/ride/attraction during Halloween Horror Nights. Also includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)

The After 2 p.m. Day/Night tickets allow you to visit daytime attractions, some of which will be closed during Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. Since Secret Life Of Pets, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Kung Fu Panda, Studio Tour and shows are typically closed for Halloween Horror Nights, the combo ticket might be of interest to you if you have not yet experienced these attractions. Likewise, if you want to experience Super Nintendo World, this is the way to do it! Access to Super Nintendo World for this ticket is limited to 7 to 10 p.m. In fact, the Day/Night ticket is the ONLY ticket with access to Super Nintendo World during the event!

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Express in Lanyard

If you are in the park with a daytime ticket or your annual pass, you can check in inside the park. There is a check-in point near the Box Office and near the turnstiles so you can get a wristband to stay in the park after it closes to the public.

When you purchase the Universal Express ticket online via Universal, an option to upgrade to Universal Express Unlimited for an additional fee pops up (if available)! There is a Universal Express Unlimited ticket option on the main menu, as well.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -After 11 upgrade

We will let you in on a little secret. Even if Express is sold out, the park may offer an After 11 p.m. Universal Express for $79. (Price may vary.) If you visit on a crowded night and haven't hit many houses by 11 p.m. that might work in your favor. Check wait times before you purchase.

(New) Early Event Access Tickets (starting at $10)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Entrance signage

Early Event Access is a new add-on to any Halloween Horror Night ticket. These limited-capacity add-on tickets will sell out, well, early, just as Early Access tickets do for Super Nintendo World in the morning. People who purchase Early Access tickets can access select houses an hour and a half earlier than guests who arrive at 7 p.m. People with Early Access tickets must have an admission ticket for Halloween Horror Nights. You can purchase dated Early Access tickets through Universal Studios Hollywood, even if you purchased your discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets through Undercover Tourist. This might be a way to save money but hit a lot of houses if Universal Express is out of your budget.

People with Early Access do not have daytime access to the rest of the park included in this ticket. We go over the pros and cons of Early Access and other ways to get in early in a separate Early Access post.

Frequent Fear Passes include:

  • Halloween Horror Nights Frequent Fear Pass - from $209 and allows users to experience the scares over and over with General Admission to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for up to 30 nights. No blackout dates for the first visit, then choose from a selection of dates for the next 29 visits. Return visit blackout dates are Oct. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29.
  • Halloween Horror Nights Ultimate Fear Pass - from $329 and allows users to experience the scares over and over to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for access to ALL nights. This pass has no blackout dates.

Special Experiences — R.I.P. Tour - from $379

For a killer experience, spring for the R.I.P. Tour. The 2023 R.I.P. Tour offers the following:

  • Admission to Halloween Horror Nights (no daytime admission or Early Event Access)
  • Guided walking tour of the event
  • One-time R.I.P. entry into each house as well as select rides and attractions while on tour with a guide (based on tour itinerary)
  • Reserved seating at a live show (based on tour itinerary) while on tour with R.I.P. guide
  • Express UNLIMITED access (per day) to select rides, houses and attractions
  • Complimentary valet parking (one vehicle)
  • Special VIP entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood where you will receive your commemorative R.I.P. credentials and lanyard
  • Exclusive Universal Backlot Halloween experience with private VIP trolley transportation
  • Gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room
  • Access to cash bar locations available during the tour (must be 21 years old or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages with a valid photo ID)

The tour does NOT include access to Super Nintendo World or Mario Kart. Daytime park access is not included. R.I.P. Guests have a separate line for the houses that is even shorter than the Express line!

Arrive at R.I.P. Reception 30 minutes early. Tours are mixed parties with up to 12 people per tour. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while taking part in any R.I.P. Tour. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. HHN Universal Express tickets can sell out scary-fast, so buy them well in advance.

Are you a Universal Studios pass member? Annual pass members can take advantage of special pass member pricing for themselves and friends for some tickets. You can check out available deals here.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Park Plan

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Death Eater in fog

One of the most terrifying parts of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood is not getting to experience all of the houses because of the lines. There is more to do this year, so Express is even more critical. Most Universal Halloween Horror Nights sell out. Save your terror for the houses and cut the lines with a Halloween Horror Nights Front of the Line ticket. Buy in advance because Universal only offers a very limited number of Universal Express passes for each night, and they sell out as quickly as the potential victims flee Michael Myers with a knife. You'll want to look at the park map to get a sense of where things are and map out your plan of attack.

Don't froget — guests are able to pose for photos with scare actors this year! In designated areas of the park — including Laemmle Courtyard, Universal Plaza, along the Terror Tram route and parts of the Studio Backlot — guests can meet and take photos with iconic horror entities!

You can get a jump start on the fear … oops, we mean fun! The event usually begins at 7 p.m. and ends at either 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., depending on the night.

There are three or four houses and sometimes the Terror Tram is open during Early Access. Early Access houses are usually in the Lower Lot. Even those lines get long during Early Event Access, especially for Stranger Things 4 and The Last of Us. You'll want to arrive as soon as you can and make your way to the houses.

People with the After 2 p.m. ticket have a HUGE advantage in being able to line up earlier than the Early Event Access guests. Arriving early can save your night because you can visit several houses before the event officially begins and then move on to the other houses as other guests make their way down the escalators. There are a few pros and cons to early arrival.

Pros:

  • If you do not like scare zones or the dark, you can start your night much more gently.
  • You start in the light.
  • Experience shorter lines for an hour and a half.
  • You can get through more houses and maybe even do a favorite house twice.
  • You can make it an earlier night.
  • With a new The Purge water show and Blumhouse: Behind the Screams, there is more to tackle this year, so going early gives you more time to see it all.

Cons:

  • The scare zones are not open until 7 p.m.
  • There is a less eerie/dramatic effect walking into the park.
  • You might miss the Opening Scaremony in the Upper Lot. (In 2023, there was no Opening Scaremony. The monsters do get released at once but it's not a huge moment. Instead, there are moments throughout the night when the monsters gather and then get released once again into the crowd. We saw that hoppen in the Ghostz scare zone at the entrance.)

Having Universal Express means no stress. You can easily do it all in any order you want, even if you do not arrive early — although arriving early can mean doing some houses twice. Just do not scan the Universal Express Pass the first time you go through, and then use the pass later when there is a line you want to skip. With Early Event Access and Universal Express, you can hit most or all of the Early Event Access houses before 7 p.m. If you have R.I.P., then you have unlimited Universal Express access.

Universal no longer distributes lanyards for Universal Express. Instead, you have to pull the paper ticket (about the size of a credit card) out each time to have it scanned. Bring a lanyard with a clear plastic pouch to make your life toadally easier, or wear clothing with a secure pocket. Universal also sells lanyards. We bought a lanyard in 2019 and have brought it back each year. It was well worth it. We put two tickets back to back in it for easy scanning at each house and ride.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Dia de los Muertos central plaza

If you can’t get Universal Express and you miss Early Event Access, save the year-round rides for after you have done your favorite houses and scare zones (you can ride the rides any other day of the year).

A longer line does not always represent the quality of the house. A house based on a popular show can get a long line, but it doesn't mean it's the best house. Sometimes we find that the houses we are least excited about are among our favorites, and the ones we most look forward to are not at the top of our list. last year, we enjoyed most of the mazes. But all houses are usually pretty good. Try as many as you can and do not stress if you miss one.

Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app so that you can check wait times and showtimes. Select Halloween Horror Nights from the pull-down menu to access the wait times and food options. There are also displays throughout the park for status updates. You are going to want to follow the shortest lines.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Infographic

We created a park plan with a plan of attack for the night. Be sure to download the full version here, which also provides advice for arrival and general tips for the night.

Complete everything you want to do while you are down in the Lower Lot and then move back up after that. If special menu items are in those areas, you might want to grab a bite while you are down there, as well. You don’t want to spend valuable time going up and down the four long escalators to and from the Lower Lot more than once in each direction. For even more tips, hop over to our full post on how to maximize your time at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood.

What if I don't have Universal Express or Early Event Access?

Lines are really long this year. You will need to cut some houses, so be sure to identify your priority houses. Most people are already in the park when Early Access starts to fill the lines in the Lower Lot, so we suggest starting in the Upper Lot and hitting the Lower Lot last. Just keep an eye on wait times and leave enough time to do your priority houses and dining in the Lower Lot.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Houses

There are eight confirmed houses in total this year at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. On signs out front, you can view wait times for general and Express.

Stranger Things

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Stranger Things trailer park

Once again we take a trip to Hawkins, Indiana, where we will encounter the newest "Stranger Things" villain, Vecna. Vecna is hell-bent on destroying the barrier between the Upside Down and the real world in an attempt to take over both worlds. Welcome to season 4 of "Stranger Things." Are you ready to make a deal with God? You'll be hypothetically "running up that hill" in this house.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Eleven

This Lower Lot house immerses you in a heart-pounding experience alongside characters from the series, including Eleven, Max, Eddie and more. You'll find yourself on the front line of Vecna's deadly attacks on the citizens of Hawkins. Travel through iconic scenes, such as the notorious Hawkins Lab, the Creel House and Vecna's chilling mindscape. You will confront your deepest fears and come face to face with creatures such as demobats and even Vecna himself.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Clock

Is that the clock chiming? You'll find yourself in a race against the clock, striving to escape Vecna's blood-red Mind Lair. Can you save mankind from his deadly curse?

This is one of the more popular houses. At times, team members may temporarily close the line when it reaches capacity. You can see in the app if the line is open or paused.

The Last of Us (listed under Virtual Line)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Entrance to Last of Us

This is another popular house in the Lower Lot. Enter the world of this fan-favorite NaughtyDog video game — a post-pandemic, ravaged civilization where the Infected run rampant. Alongside the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, you'll encounter Runners, Clickers and Stalkers, as well as the hostile Hunters group.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Last of us

Guests will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the abandoned Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark tunnels, to escape and survive.

The Exorcist: Believer (listed under Virtual Line)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Exorcist

Inspired by Universal Pictures’ New Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment Film (in theaters Oct. 6, 2023), "The Exorcist: Believer" terrifies guests on a new, elevated level. It is completely different from past Exorcist houses. It's also one of the most popular houses. The line may get paused temporarily if it's too full.

In this Lower Lot house, guests are transported to a street market in Haiti, where the purchase of an old folk doll sets off the reawakening of evil spirits. As a result, a demonic portal opens and two 12-year-old girls in the U.S. disappear. Found three days later, the girls begin to exhibit strange behavior and it is determined that they can only be saved by an exorcism. Everyone who encounters these girls — including frightened guests — is at risk of losing their souls to these demonic forces!

Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Chucky

Wanna play? This Good Guy doll is the ultimate bad guy, despite being only 28 inches tall. Chucky, a truly twisted tot-sized killer, is tired of not being taken seriously. In search of some respect from his peers, Chucky plans to turn this haunted house into a living slaughterhouse by killing everyone who enters. It doesn't sound like child's play anymore! Get your nose ready for some scents in this house.

This popular house is located past the Wizarding World next to Universal Monsters. Head here first at event opening if you can.

Universal Monsters: Unmasked

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Monster Unmasked

Classic monsters return to Halloween Horror Nights this year — with a revealing, new twist! Set in the dark underground Catacombs of Paris, guests can explore ancient burial grounds and uncover their secrets. Some of Universal's most nefarious monsters and villains rest deep within these ancient tombs — including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll (and his deranged alternate personality Mr. Hyde), and Dr. Jack Griffin (aka The Invisible Man) — and are seeking long-awaited vengeance against unsuspecting guests.

Grammy Award-winning musician, SLASH, collaborated with Universal Studios Hollywood to create an original score for this haunted house. This house was full of scares and surprises. We really liked it.

This house is located next to Chucky, past the Wizarding World.

Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Monstruos entrance

A new, original house is at Halloween Horror Nights in 2023! This special house features the terrifying myths and legends of Latin American folklore. This is the bloodiest and goriest of the houses. If you had to skip one, this might be it if you are not into that scene. It's located in the middle of the Upper Lot.

Evil Dead Rise

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Evil Dead interior

For this all-new house in 2023, guests are transported into New Line Cinema's newest addition to the iconic "Evil Dead" cinematic horror franchise — "Evil Dead Rise." Experience new bone-chilling haunts based on this terrifying tale. This is a really elaborate house with a lot of detail. It's located in the Upper Lot where The Walking Dead used to be.

Holidayz in Hell

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Skeleton in glass

First featured as a scare zone in 2018, this terrifyingly terrific theme returns to welcome the holidays in a hellish way. Find demented Christmas characters and experience a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations in this house. Look for a creepy Cupid and a lecherous Leprechaun. We don't even want to talk about the terrifying Easter Bunny situation going on in there. There are a lot of smells associated with the holidays to make this a full sensory experience.

This house is located in the Lower Lot after you exit The Exorcist.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Scare Zones

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Toyz zone

We frogs jump (even higher than usual) in terror at Halloween Horror Nights — usually when we least expect it in a scare zone. Be prepared for the unexpected ghoul to emerge from the darkness. This year, there will be three new scare zones.

El Terror de las Momias

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Scare zone

This Latin-themed scare zone acts as an extension of the Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America house. Guests must escape from an ancient army of mummies to get away from Muerte and the Goddess of Death.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Scare zone

Ghostz

There's no escaping this horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding supernatural spirits as soon as you arrive at the entrance of the park.

Toyz

An evil toymaker is using dark magic to bring his toys to life, including a porcelain doll, teddy bear, nutcracker and ballerina.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Entertainment

Here are the must-see shows, moments and experiences outside of the actual scare zones and houses.

Terror Tram at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Terror Tram motel

In 2023, the Terror Tram is infested with evil pests! Terror Tram: The Exterminatorz will transport guests down to the Universal backlot, where Larry Larva's plan to exterminate humans using his insect army is in full swing. You'll also be able to walk along Jupiter’s Claim set from "Nope" and encounter The Tethered from "Us."

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Bug

The tram that takes guests on a daytime Studio Tour of the Backlot turns into a Terror Tram at night, transporting guests to scenes of unspeakable horror as they wander the Backlot past the Bates Motel, Psycho House and airplane crash site from "War of the Worlds." The regular Studio Tour is not operating during Hollywood Horror Nights hours. Walk past an infestation at the Bates Motel. Stop at the Psycho House to take a picture with Norman Bates. Then encounter more creatures in the "War of the Worlds" set. But the terror continues.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Bugs

The Terror Tram experience from initial boarding to exiting back at the station took about 35 minutes (and we stopped for our Norman Bates photo). We encountered a short wait in the first half of the event.

The Purge: Dangerous Waters 

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Show

This all-new live show brings "The Purge" franchise into unfamiliar territory — uncharted waters. A politician and his entourage escape to a deserted island to avoid The Purge, but freedom is fleeting when a group of Purgers finds them. The fiery EDM show features adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, lighting and laser effects, high-fall fire burns and massive explosions.

The show has great special effects and offers a place to sit and rest ... or escape the scares. But if you have to cut something from the night, we feel like this could be it. The seats fill up, so you want to arrive about 20 minutes early to get a seat. We arrived 20 minutes early and the wait and show combined took about 40 minutes from our night. The show does have some graphic violence.

There are four shows a night. You can find show times in the Universal Studios app.

Blumhouse: Behind the Screams

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Megan dancers

This original concept breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore upcoming and fan-favorite Blumhouse horror films with authentic props, costumes and killer character encounters. (The empty Invisible Man display was pretty funny.)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Blumhouse

You can see the actual animatronics from "Five Nights at Freddy's." If you are a fan of "M3gan," this is a can't-miss experience. Plus you get a chance to sit down in the DreamWorks Theater for a bit.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Death Eater near castle

Death Eaters in Hogsmeade

As huge Harry Potter fans, we jumped for joy and a little fear at seeing Death Eaters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Death Eaters, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted and dark followers, roam Hogsmeade village during Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood. They are looking to find witches and wizards loyal to the Dark Lord. Will you join them or try to escape? Better bring your wand to duel. You can pass through the alleyway for thrilling fun or encounter them anywhere in the Wizarding World.

The Death Eaters in Wizarding World emerge at about 7 p.m. This is toadally cool for these Harry Potter fans. If you want photos of them, visit when they first emerge while there is still light out. Once it's dark, video works better than photos. The Wizarding World is almost like an additional scare zone.

Rides Open During Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Castle projection

Some of the regular rides dare to operate during Halloween Horror Nights. If you need to escape from the houses, get your thrills on Transformers 3-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World (closed early) or the Simpsons Ride. The Wizarding World is open in 2023, with Death Eaters on Patrol! Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (closes early) and Flight of the Hippogriff are open!

As mentioned above, the normal Studio Tour will not be running. Instead, you get the all-new Terror Tram, which includes walking through the "Nope" set.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Us at Nope

Regular shows, Kung Fu Panda and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are closed. Secret Life of Pets ride and Super Nintendo World will not be open. (Guests with a day/night combo ticket have exclusive access to Super Nintendo World during Halloween Horror Nights.)

Hogwarts Castle has special projections forming in front of your eyes. Listen for hissing voices. We do not speak Parseltongue, so don't ask us what they are saying. And, have we mentioned the Death Eaters? It is toadally awesome.

Access to Super Nintendo World During Halloween Horror Nights

Super Nintendo World is closed to most ticket types during the event. Only two tickets grant access to Super Nintendo World:

  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. but may be subject to virtual line. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - Includes admission to Super Nintendo World only from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Also includes Early Event Access to select houses at 5:30 p.m.) This ticket does not include Express access to Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.

These tickets do not include daytime access to Super Nintendo World. Access is just offered during Horror Nights.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Food and Merchandise

There are always treats to die for at Halloween Horror Nights. Some devilish delights and concocted drinks have already been announced for 2023!

Here are just some of the offerings for 2023:

  • "Stranger Things” fans can enjoy treats from multiple iconic show locations, including Surfer Boy Pizza, Scoops Ahoy, and a new ’80s-themed Stellar Bar.
  • Hollywood & Dine is transformed into a Chucky-themed BBQ restaurant, featuring brisket and Nashville popcorn chicken sandwiches, pulled pork macaroni and cheese, funnel cakes and themed drinks.
  • The Carl Laemmle Patio features Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar with themed cocktails from "The Purge" and “Chucky," as well as photo opportunities with the scare actors.
  • In honor of Dia de Los Muertos, Universal Plaza offers a Lil Cocina Taco Stand, a margarita bar and an array of Latin Folklore-themed cocktails.

The park map shows themed dining locations in the Upper and Lower Lots.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Scoops Ahoy

Keep an eye out for the light-up Sugar Skull popcorn bucket, which includes free refills. Keep an eye out for the Chucky popcorn bucket as well. The Halloween Horror Nights menus include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. You can also conjure some spooky treats at Minions Monster Cafe.

Most restaurants and shops offer themed treats such as decorated cookies and cupcakes. Additional dining locations are found around the park. The Universal Studios Hollywood app has more details for the day of your visit.

The following dining locations may be open for your visit:

  • Three Broomsticks
  • Hog's Head
  • Butterbeer carts
  • Starbucks Upper and Lower Lot
  • Krusty Burger
  • Cletus' Chicken Shack
  • Luigi's Pizza
  • Moe's Tavern
  • Lard Lad's Donut
  • Phineas Q. Butterfat's Ice Cream
  • Suds McDuff's Hot Dogs — "Dufftober Fest" at Duff Gardens and Suds McDuff's
  • Panda Express
  • Studio Cafe
  • Mummy Eats
  • Jurassic Cafe
  • Isla Nu-Bar
  • Many temporary snack locations throughout the park and near houses, including the ones with a long walk.

You can purchase a souvenir refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup. It's $17 (plus tax) for one or $16 each if you buy two. It's refillable throughout the day (every 10 minutes).

Some Universal CityWalk restaurants offer discounts before you enter HHN. Re-entry is allowed. (Get a hand stamp when you exit).

Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Hello Kitty Chucky

You'll find shirts, glow items and other items for sale. There are some fun "Stranger Things" items and the cutest Hello Kitty Chucky merch. We always return with our Halloween Horror Nights lanyard to hold our Express Passes.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Tips

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Psycho House with Normal Bates

Follow these tips to have a frighteningly good time:

1. Leave the Kids at Home

This terrifying event is recommended for very brave 13-year-olds and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Of course, in 2019, we did come across the cutest Ghostbuster who was brave enough to visit the house for his most-favorite movie. You know your kids, so use your best judgment. If horror movies are their jam, then they may be able to handle it. The teenage years are a good time to visit for most kids.

2. Leave Your Costumes and Masks at Home

Keep in mind that, usually, no costume masks or costumes are allowed (although we have previously seen leniency with some Harry Potter robes)! No horseplay or items that resemble weapons are allowed.

The park announced a change in its costume guidelines for select dates of Halloween Horror Nights 2023. On Oct. 18-22, 25-29, and 31, guests attending the event may wear costumes as long as they abide by the park’s new guidelines.

3. Dress Light and Stay Hydrated

Be sure to dress for the weather so you will be comfortable (layers are your friend). Early September dates can be surprisingly hot the whole night. You may bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll find that there is a lot of walking — our devices usually measure between 13,000 and 17,000 steps!

Stay hydrated — all of that screaming can dry you out like a mummy! (You can purchase water bottles but you can also get free water at restaurants with fountain drinks.) You can bring an empty water bottle into the park with you. You'll have to dump any liquids out.

4. Only Bring the Necessities 

We recommend traveling light, especially since you'll be walking through crowded houses and being spooked in scare zones. You wouldn't want anything spilling out of your bag or pockets if you fall to the ground ;)

Also, note that you cannot bring in food or drink — not even water. Do not bring gum into the park either.

5. Eat Early

Arrive with a full belly if you can. Food lines are scary long! You don't want to waste precious time waiting for food. However, if you do get hungry, we recommend the Little Cocina food stand in the Central Plaza.

6. Follow the Rules or Beware

You may not record, take flash photos, or bring laser pens, food and drink into the houses. Do not touch or harm the actors or jump the lines unless you want to be sent out of the park in a body bag without your ticket.

7. Need to Escape? 

If you need to leave the park, ask about re-entry before you leave. Take your ticket with you and you may need to get a hand stamp! If you want to escape while inside the park, the monsters do not follow you into stores, restrooms or restaurants (some special event dining zones do have scare actors in them though). The Lower Lot has no loose scare actors. Springfield U.S.A. does not have a scare zone in the Upper Lot.

8. Be Aware of Accessible Options

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Sign for return times for disabilities

If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, most standard wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) can go through the houses. Ask an attendant if you need assistance. Universal recently implemented a new Attraction Accommodation Program for guests with disabilities. Hop over to our post on the new protocol guests with disabilities must undergo before picking up an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) at the park. The line can be long just to get the pass! Arrive early and take care of it as soon as you can. Then you may receive return times for the houses. There is alternative transportation available for those with physical disabilities to access the houses that are through the Wizarding World and in the Lower Lot.

You can get return times from the Upper Lot Houses directly. A podium outside the Wizarding World offers return times for Chucky and Universal Monsters Unmasked. There is another podium to get return times near the Stellar Bar entrance in the Lower Lot.

9. Reconsider Your Daytime Visits With Small Children During This Time

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Minion monsters

Even though no scary monsters are out during the day, except for the likes of Beetlejuice, Frankenstein and Monster Minions, there are some scary props you cannot avoid. We get a lot of questions about what the park is like during the day.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -daytime props

Every day of the season from Sept. 7 through Oct. 31, you'll encounter props from Halloween Horror Nights. They can be scary to some people. So if you are planning a trip of a lifetime and definitely do not want to see Halloween stuff, avoid September and October.

Follow these rules and tips, and you will survive Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Most of all, have fun!

Have a question about Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood? Share it in the comments below! Get a hoppin' discount on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets anytime with Undercover Tourist.

Related: Best Times to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Keep hopping!

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101–150 of 285 comments
Oct 10, 2019 at 3:15 a.m. Brittany Says...

Hello!

Do you know if we purchase a day/night combo ticket if we can stay in the park the whole time, or do we have to leave once the park is closed to the general public and re-enter? Thank you for your guidance!

Reply
Oct 10, 2019 at 12:14 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brittany!

You can stay in the park the whole time. If you do leave for some reason, be sure to re-enter before 7 p.m. because they do not allow re-entry after 7 p.m.

Keep hopping!

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Oct 6, 2019 at 8:19 p.m. Danny Says...

Hello! So, my girlfriend and I bought the 2pm day/night combo ticket. Problem is that they claim to not allow any re-entry. We have to go get our hotel before they transition to horror night, and we want to freshen up, and change into our outfits for the Thursday 80's theme.

Will we be allowed to re-enter as long as we haven't stayed for the Horror Nights start? As well, we have regular street clothes that we're using to look like Marty McFly and Jennifer Parker. Given that they're passable for street clothes, do you think they'll give us any trouble? Especially considering its Thursday's 80's night.

Thanks for any info!

Reply
Oct 7, 2019 at 1:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Danny!

People who have a 2 p.m. ticket and leave the park must re-enter before 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., they will not allow re-entry. Your costumes should be toadally fine (and are so fun!). Have a great time!

Keep hopping!

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Oct 6, 2019 at 11:35 a.m. Brittney Says...

Hello,

I know water bottles arent allowed, but apparently empty ones arw fine. Does an empty thermus count aswell?

Reply
Oct 7, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brittney!

An empty thermos is toadally fine.

Keep hopping!

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Reply
Oct 2, 2019 at 10:18 p.m. Paula Says...

Hi. I am a platinum pass holder, so I know I get a complimentary ticket. However, could I then upgrade while in the park to an Express? I can't seem to find this info anywhere. Thank you.

Reply
Oct 4, 2019 at 10:11 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Paula!

If Express is sold out for the night, then you will not be able to upgrade. If it is still available, you can upgrade in the park!

Keep hopping!

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Sep 30, 2019 at 11:16 p.m. Darcy White Says...

HIya!

First time EVER, to Universal studios, I got us the HHN express pass for Nov 2...how much to upgrade to a season pass (we are CA residents)??

Reply
Oct 1, 2019 at 12:48 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Darcy!

Since the HHN tickets are special event tickets, they may not be upgradable to season passes. There are different level season passes, and two of them cost less for the year than one night at HHN with Express! The California Neighbor Pass is $149 and Silver pass is $189. Gold is $319 and the Platinum pass includes a free night at HHN (but without Express) and costs $619.

Keep hopping!

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Oct 2, 2019 at 2:39 a.m. ava Says...

were thinking about going to universal studios for halloween horornights

Reply
Sep 30, 2019 at 12:54 a.m. Rachel Says...

So here’s the thing. I have bought the HHN after 2pm day/night combo ticket for 10/5/19. I need to know exactly what time The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section of the park closes for me. Will I be able to stay there at the night time because I’ll have a wrist band? Or will I be kicked out at 4pm or another time? Im not sure if the HP section cloese for everyone. Very helpful page, I just dont want to believe the HP section closes :,(. Lol

Reply
Sep 30, 2019 at 11:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rachel!

The Harry Potter area should be open to you until 6 p.m. It is just not open for HHN guests who do not have the 2 p.m. entry. HHN guests are encouraged to go to the mazes because the Harry Potter area is not part of Halloween Horror Nights.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 28, 2019 at 3:46 p.m. Elle Says...

Hi,

My cousin and I are both going to the Universal Studios Hollywood and Haunted Horror Nights next week. We were planning to do the “stay and scream” so we will not be getting out of the park, does this mean we have to buy parking ticket for Halloween horror nights? Thanks.

Reply
Sep 30, 2019 at 11:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elle!

Your car can stay in the original spot without a problem. You do not need to purchase additional parking.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 27, 2019 at 2:03 p.m. giuseppe francesco Says...

Hi, We want to go to los angeles, universal studios at thu end of october, I have see that the same day is horror night, the "normal" park has open to 10 pm ? (so is written in universal studios website). thanks for the answer !

Reply
Sep 30, 2019 at 11:41 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Giuseppe!

We just checked the park hours for October on the Universal Studios Hollywood site, and the park closes at 6 p.m. every day in October since Halloween Horror Nights is taking place, though CityWalk, the entertainment area outside of the park with restaurants, will be open later. You can find the online schedule here.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 21, 2019 at 5:19 a.m. Jeremy Says...

Hello,

I purchased an express pass for HHN Hollywood this year and I am wondering if I qualify for early access with this ticket.

Reply
Sep 24, 2019 at 2:09 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jeremy!

You sure do - enjoy!

Keep hopping!

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Reply
Sep 19, 2019 at 7:35 a.m. Lauren Says...

What constitutes a 'costume', do you think? I have a Slytherin cardigan & skirt I was planning on wearing, or a video game character (tank top & skirt w/ a fanny pack & empty holsters), would they count those as costumes do you think?

Reply
Sep 23, 2019 at 8:48 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lauren!

That should be fine. We’ve seen many other in Harry Potter clothing at the event. If your clothes are generally something you can pull from your closet to make a “costume,” you should be fine. Have fun!

Keep hopping!

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Reply
Sep 19, 2019 at 12:51 a.m. Joseph Perez Says...

Do you think it’s possible to bring medication, like Advil or Ibuprofen into the park? All that screaming and excitement sometimes causes headaches

Reply
Sep 19, 2019 at 8:50 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Joseph!

Absolutely - it's a must in our bags, and we've never had any issues. Just make sure to bring the medication in its original bottle so that it's clearly labeled. We like to pack a travel-sized bottle so it doesn't take up too much space.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 18, 2019 at 12:15 a.m. John C Says...

If I get the Platinum Annual Pass, it comes with one free Halloween Horror Nights ticket. Do you know if that HHN ticket comes with Universal Express privileges for the mazes?

Reply
Sep 18, 2019 at 1:47 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi John!

Express privileges are not included for Horror Nights. You can call to see if you can upgrade. Most nights sell out of Express tickets in advance, so you cannot count on upgrades in the park. Also, be sure to park before 6 p.m. to get your free parking. After 6, you’ll have to pay.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 17, 2019 at 6:32 p.m. Jane Says...

If I buy a general admission ticket for the park to spend the whole day in the park, do I have to buy a separate ticket to go to HHN on the same day? If I buy them separately, can I remain in the park and access the mazes early by showing them my ticket for HHN?

Reply
Sep 17, 2019 at 3:07 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jane!

You are correct; you need separate park entry to enter the park during the day, and you also need a separate HHN ticket to attend the event in the evening. If you buy them separately, you can remain in the park for Early Entry; there will be kiosks set up by Guest Relations to scan your ticket and get you a wristband.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 17, 2019 at 2:27 a.m. Janet Says...

Can I get in at 2pm with the R.I.P. entry? Or would I also need the Day/Night pass?

Reply
Sep 17, 2019 at 2:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Janet!

RIP Check in begins at 5 p.m. each night, so you would need another ticket to enter sooner than that.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 16, 2019 at 4:22 p.m. Patty Says...

Can we take pictures with the characters??

Reply
Sep 16, 2019 at 12:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Patty!

As long as there's no flash! We recommend saving photos for the roaming scare actors so as to not interfere with the atmosphere of the mazes and houses as you walk through. But the "no flash" rule is the biggest one to keep in mind!

Keep hopping!

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Sep 15, 2019 at 9:14 p.m. Karina Says...

If I purchase General Admission passes, can I upgrade to Express Passes at the park? (if there is any left) If so, how much does it cost to upgrade?

Reply
Sep 16, 2019 at 12:33 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karina!

Because Express tickets are limited and popular, those tickets usually sell out in advance. Try calling Universal in advance to see if you can upgrade. The cost difference can vary per night, but it will be the difference between a regular ticket and the Express ticket for that night.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 22, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. Mona Reid Says...

Hi there,

My husband and I would like to go on a Sunday in the next week. Do you think we will be ok with a general admission ticket for HHN or should we spend the extra money on a FOL pass ? Also, if we don't buy the FOL Pass, can we upgrade AT the park for the same price it would've been online . It would just be a waste if we spend the extra money on the FOL pass and don't really need it...especially on a Sunday. Thank you for any advice.

Reply
Sep 23, 2019 at 8:56 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mona!

That day looks to be a 6/10, so crowds should be reasonable. If you're looking to hit every house, we'd recommend splurging for the Express Pass, though, as there is so much to do in such a short period of time! If you don't purchase the Express Pass, you can upgrade in the park - though the price may vary, and these tend to sell out well in advance, so if it's going to be a must-do, we recommend purchasing before you go.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 15, 2019 at 5:22 p.m. Kendra Says...

Hello! I was wondering if it’s possible to get the express ticket even if you already purchased the general admission? Like would I be able to go in person to ask for express pass?

Reply
Sep 16, 2019 at 12:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kendra!

We'd suggest that you try calling in advance to see if you can upgrade your ticket. Most nights sell out of Express tickets in advance, which means that you may not be able to upgrade in the park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 12, 2019 at 7:34 a.m. Jeanneatte Says...

Hey! I would like to know something about the dress code, are like pocket-wallet chains able to be worn to HHN? I'll be going to fan preview night and I'm not sure if I'm able to bring my small chain.

Reply
Sep 13, 2019 at 1:34 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jeanneatte!

Pocket chains are not permitted.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 11, 2019 at 4:16 a.m. R Ruiz Says...

Do you know if they will have the 80's Throwback Thursday on the Fan preview night?

Reply
Sep 11, 2019 at 12:58 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

We aren't quite sure, as it isn't stated. What we do know is that there will be performances by Figure, who is known for his Monsters series of music tracks mixed with horror movie music. And we did hear that Slash will be a guest on the panel!

Keep hopping!

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Sep 9, 2019 at 6:50 a.m. Jorge Paz Says...

Looks like this year early entry will be at 6pm, just one hour before the official HHN event starts. At least that's what the FAQ section of HHN Hollywood says... Can you confirm?

Reply
Sep 9, 2019 at 4:21 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jorge!

Confirmed! Universal updated the information and we have updated our post accordingly. You may enter at 5:45 and the mazes will open at 6:00 p.m. (except for Fan Preview Night.)

Keep hopping!

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Sep 9, 2019 at 6:06 a.m. Erin Says...

My family was planning on going to Universal Studios (Hollywood) on a day that just happens to be a Halloween Horror Night. Is it business as usual before 6pm or do we have to worry about our young kids being scared because of HHN stuff around them during the day? Need to know if we should cancel our plans.

Reply
Sep 9, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Erin!

You may see some decorations, but the parks are otherwise business as usual during the day ... no scare actors will be out prior to the party - safe for tadpoles!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 5, 2019 at 1:27 a.m. Ismael Garduno Says...

Will the universal studios rides and attractions still be open during horror nights for those wanting to stay in the park

Reply
Sep 6, 2019 at 2:50 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ismael!

Not all rides will be open for Halloween Horror Nights, but a few, including Jurassic World - The Ride, The Simpsons, Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers, will remain open during HHN.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 4, 2019 at 9:19 a.m. Fernando Jaime Says...

HELLO! I was planning to take a trip down to HHN this October 2019 which is actually my birthday! But I just had one quick question, I am getting regular standard admission and wanted to know how the lines would be, though I am going on Thursday night which I heard that those are one of the least busy days? Thank you for the help! Can't wait to go this Halloween!

Reply
Sep 4, 2019 at 11:39 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Fernando,

Expect the lines to be bad. While a Thursday night might not be as crowded as a Saturday, it will still be very crowded for this popular event. The toadally cool thing about Thursdays in 2019 is that you can wear costumes or 80's wear for the dance party. You are in for a horribly good birthday celebration!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Aug 21, 2019 at 2:58 p.m. Jessica Says...

Thanks for such a great write-up!

Groupon just posted a "deal" for HHN. Am I missing something here because the Groupon is more expensive than if I just buy tickets from Universal. I'm looking at the day/night off-peak combo ticket. On the date I would go in October, a regular ticket is $109 but Groupon is charging $169? I confirmed with Groupon that their ticket does not include universal express and it seems the maximum for a day/night combo is only $147 for peak dates. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Reply
Aug 21, 2019 at 11:23 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jessica!

We don't think you're missing anything - way to go reading the fine print and doing the math! :) We'd just go through Universal as you noted since the deal won't be worthwhile for your dates.

Keep hopping!

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Aug 22, 2019 at 1:23 a.m. Jessica Says...

Thank you!

Reply
Aug 16, 2019 at 6:58 p.m. Patty Says...

Hi! i just bought ticket for hhn for sunday 22, do you know if we can take pictures inside the maze? Outside?

thank you

Reply
Aug 19, 2019 at 5:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Patty!

The official policy is no photography or filming inside of the maze; outside should be fine as long as there's no flash.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Aug 16, 2019 at 4:03 a.m. Stephanie Says...

Thanks for the helpful article! You mention that if you get the 2pm tickets for HHN, you wear a special wristband, and aren’t able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Is this a general rule, or only after a certain time? Thanks!

Reply
Aug 19, 2019 at 10:33 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stephanie!

It's our pleasure - thanks for hopping by! If you arrive at 2 p.m., you can access Wizarding World. If you arrive for Early Entry, which is about an hour before park closes, your HHN ticket does not allow access for Early Entry.

Keep hopping!

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Aug 14, 2019 at 8:17 a.m. Lucas Says...

Hello,

We are french and we go to LA in october. All family is fan of stranger things and want to see the mazes but my children are 8 and 10 years old. If i buy a 2 pm tickets, do you think it's possible to visit the mazes and left the park before it become too scary for my kids ? Thank you and sorry for my very bad english.

Reply
Aug 14, 2019 at 10:59 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lucas!

Only you know how scary things can be for your kids. Some kids may be fine at Horror Nights. Others will need to leave. If you get the 2 pm entry ticket, you can enjoy other parts of the park and may be able to access the maze and several other mazes during the hour before the Hollywood Horror Nights event officially opens. That first early hour is still light out and the scare zones may not be open, so it is less scary than after 7 pm. We won’t know which mazes are part of early entry until the first night. Hop back to see if Stranger Things is part of early entry. Last year it was. We highly recommend the Universal Express ticket to get the most done in a short time. Last year the Stranger Things maze had a LONG line before early entry even started. With Express, we hopped right past the long line. Have a great time!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Aug 12, 2019 at 2:46 a.m. Carolina Gomez Says...

If I purchase a general ticket for Halloween Horror Nights ... can i also go on rides such as The Revenge of the Mummy during horror nights hours?

Reply
Aug 12, 2019 at 1:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carolina!

Your Halloween Horror Nights admission will be all you need to ride the rides available to you! Several of Universal Studios Hollywood's favorite rides and attractions will remain open for the nighttime Halloween Horror Nights experience. Specifically, Jurassic World – The Ride, Transformers: The Ride - 3D, The Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy- The Ride. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Studio Tour, DreamWorks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda, WaterWorld, Universal’s Animal Actors, and Special Effects Show will not be opening during Halloween Horror Nights.

Keep hopping!

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Aug 5, 2019 at 9:33 p.m. Az_Guy Says...

I thought I read that at the Hollywood location, filming in the mazes was permitted in the past (just not in Orlando). Is the 'no recording' in mazes rule new for 2019 for Hollywood, or am I misinterpreting the rule?

Reply
Aug 7, 2019 at 10:01 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

The "no filming" rule has been in place for a while, though it often gets more strictly enforced when it comes to cell phones since the light can be distracting to other guests. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

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Jul 27, 2019 at 9:04 p.m. Art Says...

Great post!. This answered all the questions I had from the Universal email I received. I want to go not on preview day, but the days after and was confused on what the Universal Express Pass meant. I remember paying a lot more for it last Halloween season. It is a lot more affordable this year. Thanks again for this post. It helped tremendously.

Reply
Jul 29, 2019 at 9:58 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

So glad to hear it, Art! Thanks for hopping by!

Keep hopping!

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Jul 26, 2019 at 6:49 p.m. Dot Says...

I’m planning on visiting with two 10 year old kids the third week of October 2019 for our first time. I have FREE general admission tickets. Should I visit that Tuesday so I can see all of the day attractions or come on Thursday (pay extra) to see the Halloween show but possibly miss out on the Harry Potter or Minion stuff? Thank you for your advice.

Reply
Jul 29, 2019 at 1:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dot!

With two 10-year-olds, skip the very scary Halloween Horror Nights (recommended 13 and up) and visit all day on Tuesday for free! A better use of money (than the party ticket) would be to upgrade to Universal Express once you are in the park if you want to skip the lines.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 16, 2019 at 8:18 a.m. Nayeli Says...

Hey there! I love how useful your information is! I was just wondering how the express pass works for HHN? Do you buy them online and they send you the pass via mail? or is it something you have to pick up at the park? :)

Reply
Jul 16, 2019 at 4:20 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nayeli!

You can buy an Express ticket online when purchasing tickets. They always sell out, so buy Express early, and do not count on being able to upgrade in the park. You will not regret having Express at this very crowded event. We won’t go without it! You will print out the ticket and they will give you the small paper Express ticket when you enter the turnstile.

Keep hopping!

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Sep 9, 2019 at 1:17 a.m. CHris S Says...

Are you guys selling the Express tickets? I can't seem to find them.

Reply
Jul 9, 2019 at 11:58 p.m. Grace Says...

I’m planning a trip to Universal for a weekend in September and didn’t realize parks would close early for HHN. For regular daytime guests, how early would we have to leave once the event starts? Also, are there any rides that are closed even during the day to make room for halloween attractions? i have never been to universal and don’t want to miss out on anything because i came at the wrong time.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 at 9:11 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Grace!

Last year, the park closed at 6 p.m. for regular guests. Everything should be operational when you go!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jun 25, 2019 at 12:55 a.m. Janet Says...

This blog post is sooooo helpful! Thank you for all the details and helpful hints. We wanted to get the day/night combo, but also the R.I.P. Tour. Do you know if RIP folks can still enter at 2pm? Or how could we work that?

Reply
Jun 26, 2019 at 9:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Janet!

Universal Studios has not released any of the details for tickets for 2019, so keep hopping back later this summer for the details. In the past, the RIP tour allowed guests to enter as early as 5:00 p.m.

Keep hopping!

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Reply
Jun 18, 2019 at 4:26 p.m. Yasmine Says...

Hey! Me and my boyfriend are looking to go to universal in September however not sure if it would be worth getting a 1 day ticket or 2 day?

we are also looking into halloween horror nights too. How would i go about purchasing a ticket for that? and if we were to do that would you suggest just one day at the park?

Thanks!

Reply
Jun 19, 2019 at 5:39 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Yasmine,

Tickets for Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights will go on sale later this summer. You can purchase directly from Universal Studios, and we highly recommend Universal Express tickets for that event. If you are attending HHN, then you can get by with one full day in the park to experience the daytime rides and shows.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 30, 2018 at 2:23 p.m. dan Says...

we want to see marilyn Manson at the hardrock aswell as visit Halloween horror nights. are we able to go to Halloween horror nights, bounce out to see marilyn Manson and then re enter Halloween horror nights with out buying another ticket?

Reply
Nov 1, 2018 at 9:26 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dan!

Sorry we couldn't get back to you sooner - we were busy looking into the re-entry policy for HHN. This should have been fine. Hope you had a blast!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 29, 2018 at 4:23 p.m. Maria Says...

The weather calls for rain when I will be attending, i have a choice between going Wednesday (Halloween) or Thursday, do you think any of the mazes/rides would be ruined due to the rain?

Reply
Oct 29, 2018 at 10:09 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Maria!

Luckily, all of the houses are indoors and should remain open regardless of weather. The scare zones and outdoor rides may be temporarily shut down if the rain gets too heavy.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 29, 2018 at 12:52 a.m. fortnite_is_dead Says...

Do you know if Rip Ride Rockit will be open durning HHN in Orlando?

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Oct 29, 2018 at 10:01 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You can check out our full guide for Orlando, but to answer your question, YES - Rip Ride Rockit is open during the event :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 26, 2018 at 6:08 p.m. Ethan Says...

Hello!

I was concerned about the costumes/masks policy. I am a huge HP fan and I really want to wear my Hogwarts uniform tomorrow when I go to Horror Nights. I plan to wear the robe, a white dress shirt with a tie and dress pants. Would Universal make an exception to this outfit? Especially since I bought it in the park?

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Nov 3, 2018 at 5:45 p.m. Cindy P. Says...

Hi Ethan! I was wondering if you could let me know if you had any trouble getting in with your uniform! I am going tonight and want to wear my robe too!

Thanks!,

Cindy

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Oct 26, 2018 at 4:21 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ethan!

This is a great question. We don't think it should be a problem!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 24, 2018 at 3:16 p.m. TeddyRage Says...

I know that there are hidden treasures with HHN. Are they doing a secret pin in hollywood?

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Oct 26, 2018 at 9:02 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Teddy!

We're not familiar with what you're referring to, but welcome the Frog Pond to chime in :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 15, 2018 at 7:29 p.m. Griffin Says...

We love Halloween but quit going to haunted houses because of the “close” rooms and tight spaces due to being a little claustrophobic. Do we need to worry about this at any of the scare zones or haunted venues?

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Oct 15, 2018 at 3 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Griffin!

The scare zones are out in the open, so no need to worry there. However, most of the walkways in the haunted houses are quite tight. Depending on the severity of your claustrophobia, this might not be for you ... but it is an AMAZING event.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 11, 2018 at 6:03 a.m. andrea Says...

Hey im going to HHN in orlando and i wanna take my long champ backpack.. i dont know if i can or if its too big.. its pretty small but if you dont know you can google and please let me know thanks:)!

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Oct 12, 2018 at 10:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andrea!

We have brought in a standard size backpack to hold our camera, water bottle and other goods and had no problems. As long as it's not oversized, you should be fine!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 9, 2018 at 12:14 a.m. David Says...

Universal’s Halloween Horror Night has always been my go to Halloween attraction. I’ve been able to put up with the crowds, but this year is different. I I purchased tickets for 2 different nights because I was going with my friends that always go and another night with a group of friends that have never gone. This year the crowd was completely different than other year. They are selling alcohol this year. There are a lot of drunk people bumping into you, being rude and basically ruining the night. My new friends enjoyed the mazes but won’t come back because of the drunks. I think we will stick with Knott’s from now on.

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Oct 24, 2019 at 10:22 p.m. Karla Says...

You're not wrong to get bothered by people being belligerent and knocking into you. I drink too, and plan to while I'm there. But I also plan to be respectful to other people. You could always tell an employee if someone is being overtly agressive or hurting you.

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Oct 16, 2019 at 8:49 p.m. Mallory Says...

They sell alcohol at Knotts Scary Farm as well, at many more locations than Universal -- And you can walk anywhere in the park with it, sooo.... maybe you should just stay home. ;)

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Oct 5, 2018 at 5:18 p.m. HorrorQueen Says...

How can I purchase the Halloween horror nights unlimited express pass on the website

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Oct 9, 2018 at 8:46 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Unlimited Express is not an option for the party - the Express tickets include Express entry once per house.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 4, 2018 at 10:24 a.m. Leissa Says...

Hi, we are travelling from Australia and hope to get the day night tickets. I was just wondering if there is a taxi rank at universal that would be open at closing to get us back to Anaheim as we have absolutely no idea of LA’s public transport system especially at midnight. Thanks.

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Oct 4, 2018 at 11:58 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Leissa!

There are two taxi stands at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Uber or Lyft are always good options as well!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 3, 2018 at 10:23 a.m. adriana Says...

if i brought my ticket online for HHN but soneone else ordered them for me. will i still be able to get my ticket ? they will not be going with me nor dropping me off.

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Oct 4, 2018 at 5:19 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Adriana!

Hmmm - try reaching out to Universal at 866-258-6546. In our experience, the credit card or ID of the person who purchased the tickets is required to pick them up.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 3, 2018 at 5:05 a.m. Brittany Says...

Hello!

I’m thinking about getting my girlfriend and I the RIP tickets. Do you think they are worth it? I went last year with general admission ticket and I vowed this year to get an express pass at the very least this year.

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Oct 4, 2018 at 5:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brittany!

OMG - So worth it! We leapin' LOVE this tour! And this is one of our favorite years of HHN so far :) Enjoy ... your girlfriend will love it!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 2, 2018 at 7:53 p.m. Andrea Says...

Hi there, I won’t be attending horror nights and was wondering for people with regular entrance, does the park close early and we have to leave early? Or is horror nights a specific area in which we won’t have access to and can stay in the park as usual? Thank you!

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Oct 4, 2018 at 4:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andrea!

Yes, the park closes earlier for "regular" daytime guests on nights that HHN is taking place.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 2, 2018 at 5:42 a.m. Priscilla Says...

Are you allowed to bring a backpack to horror nights?

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Oct 4, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Priscilla!

Yes, you are.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Sep 30, 2018 at 1:29 a.m. julie Says...

how long does it take to get thru the HHN event?

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Oct 4, 2018 at 5:12 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Julie!

That can vary based on when you arrive, how many mazes or rides you do or if you have Universal Express. Without Universal Express and early entry, you can be there the entire time and not do it all. With Universal Express and Early Entry, you can complete all the mazes, Terror Tram, and Jabbawockeez show in about 6 hours at a relaxing pace. Add an hour if you go on rides. Utilizing the 5 p.m. early entry is key to getting the most done because you can access five mazes in that time.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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