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Your Screamin' Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2026 — Tickets on Sale!

by Leap on May 22, 2026
662 Los Angeles

Inside This Post

The heart-thumping highlight of the Halloween season is surviving the terrifying Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The annual event, which runs on select nights from Sept. 3 to Nov. 1, 2026, takes thousands of guests through movie set-quality haunted houses, scare zones and a Terror Tram. This preternaturally popular event can sell out most nights. Luckily, you've got us as your fearless guides so that you can experience as much as you dare at this must-do event! The 2026 details are lurking around the corner. We can't wait for them to reveal themselves! Here's everything we know so far about Halloween Horror Nights 2026 in Hollywood!

Q&A

  • When is Halloween Horror Nights 2026? Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from Sept. 3 to Nov. 1, 2026, at Universal Studios Hollywood.
  • What is offered at Halloween Horror Nights? Most years, there are eight themed houses, four scare zones, a Terror Tram, entertainment, themed food, drinks and merch, featuring popular horror IPs and original concepts.
  • What's the best way to do Halloween Horror Nights? With so much to cover in one night, we recommend taking advantage of an add-on Express Pass or Early Entry to maximize your time.
  • Does Halloween Horror Nights require a separate ticket? Yes, Halloween Horror Nights requires a separate ticket (and you can save up to $43 on HHN tickets through Undercover Tourist!).

Scareactor in black hoodie and neon glowing skull mask at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Overview of Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood main archway with Halloween Horror Nights signage on gate heroing Five Nights at Freddy's, Fallout and Terrifier

When does Halloween Horror Nights Start at Universal Studios Hollywood? 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. Alternatively, you can save on the After 2 p.m. Day/Night Combo Ticket, and that also gets you Early Event Access to the houses that open as early as 5 to 5:30 p.m. Ribbit!

Let's go over Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights tickets, dates, a park plan and tips for 2026. Then we will uncover the houses, scare zones and other entertainment as the details trickle in and update once we attend opening night.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 Tickets and Dates

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets are on sale now! As mentioned above, Undercover Tourist can help you save on two types of Halloween Horror Nights tickets:

2026 Halloween Horror Nights Dates

Halloween Horrors Nights Hollywood 2026 calendar of event dates

Halloween Horror Nights takes place on select nights in September, October and sometimes early November.

Best Days to Attend

Since 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 least crowded, and Saturdays tend to be the priciest (especially Halloween weekend) and most crowded, followed by Fridays. Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood may add more dates as the season progresses, so those new dates may make for a less-crowded night to visit. Most nights 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 noticeably 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 2026 Tickets and Prices (coming soon)

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 - Scareactor

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 also includes priority seating for the live events.

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 at Undercover Tourist. If you're not planning to arrive early, our discount Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket is a screamin' deal! You can still add on Early Event Access (if not sold out) through Universal with these tickets.

Here are your one-day ticket options available in 2026:

(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 $77 (Does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Fast & Furious access during the event.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights General Admission from Undercover Tourist - from $76. The savings on this ticket become larger as the season goes on. (Does not include Early Event Access but can purchase separately. No Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift access during the event.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express - from $249 and includes admission to the event and one-time Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift access 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Add-On - from $172, this exciting new add-on is combinable with your discount Undercover Tourist ticket! It includes admission to the event and one-time Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift access 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) Separate event admission for the same date required.
  • Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express Unlimited - from $289 and includes admission to the event and unlimited Express access to each participating house, ride and attraction. (Does not include Early Event Access but can be purchased separately. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift access 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night - from $114.96 through Undercover Tourist, and allows admission to the park at 2 p.m. and same-day evening admission to Halloween Horror Nights. Also includes Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift access 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night Universal Express - from $309 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 Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift access 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Includes Early Event Access houses at 5:30 p.m.)

We highly recommend the discount Halloween Horror Nights After 2 p.m. Day/Night ticket. 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. Did you catch the BIG news in these details?! This year, that includes the all-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coaster! Likewise, 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. If you want to experience Super Nintendo World, this is the way to do it!

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Wristband

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. Annual passholders no longer get Early Event Access included with their pass.

For a limited time, Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day FREE for General Admission Tickets at Universal Studios Hollywood! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026

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. Keep an eye out for Add-On tickets. You can purchase a separate Express pass for your ticket! This means you could combine Express from Universal with your discount HHN ticket from Undercover Tourist.

We will let you in on a little secret. Even if Express is sold out, the park may offer it in the park if you ask. You can always ask about a full Express upgrade at the Box Office when you arrive for the night. Even if it's sold out in advance, you might get lucky and get to upgrade, especially if other members of your party already have it.

Early Event Access Tickets (starting at $20)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 - directory

Early Event Access is an add-on to any Halloween Horror Nights 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 and 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 $179 and allows users to experience the scares over and over with General Admission to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights for up to 35 nights. No blackout dates for the first visit, then choose from a selection of dates for the next 34 visits.
  • Halloween Horror Nights Ultimate Fear Pass - from $299 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 $439

For a killer experience, spring for the R.I.P. Tour. The 2026 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
  • Special themed photo opportunities
  • 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 includes access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Daytime park access is not included. R.I.P. This ticket does not include Early Access. 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.

Platinum Annual Passholders get one free night to Halloween Horror Nights. In 2026, Platinum Annual Passholders must reserve their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights visit in advance.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Houses

Sinners Key Art Halloween Horror Nights Orlando

We have our first 2026 house announcement! This year, you'll be able to join Stack and Smoke at Club Juke, as the four-time Oscar-winning and highest grossing horror film, "Sinners," comes to life at Halloween Horror Nights on both coasts. Think you can survive the night trapped in the juke joint as a horde of bloodthirsty vampires lurk outside?

While we await additional 2026 house details, we've left in 2025's details to give you a taste (see what we did there?) of what might be coming!

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Jason Universe

You can read more in-depth about the houses in our guide to the Halloween Horror Nights houses. Here's a list of the 2025 houses:

  • Fallout — Based on the hit Prime Video series and iconic video game, the Fallout experience drops guests into the year 2296, when nuclear war has turned the world into a violent, mutant-filled Wasteland. Located in the Upper Lot.
  • Jason Universe — Jason Universe takes guests deep into the cursed summer camp where the "Friday the 13th" franchise all began. Every turn reveals brutal scenes from Jason’s bloody legacy as he stalks, slashes and reminds everyone why the legend of Camp Crystal Lake never dies. Located in the Lower Lot.
  • Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America — La Llorona is back to haunt Halloween Horror Nights alongside La Muelona and La Siguanaba! Monstruos 3 is the third iteration of this fan-favorite Latin American monsters house. Located in the Upper Lot.
  • Terrifier – Art the Clown from the "Terrifier" franchise brings his blood-soaked chaos to Halloween Horror Nights in a twisted house packed with gruesome kills, familiar faces and carnival-sized carnage. Located in the Upper Lot, behind Hogsmeade.
  • Scare Crow: Music by Slash — The Scare Crow theme returns, but this time featuring music by Slash. Located in the Lower Lot.
  • WWE Presents: The Horrors of Wyatt Sicks — Plunge into the dark and twisted nightmares of the WWE, where Uncle Howdy and his eerie crew stalk and terrorize anyone brave enough to enter. Located in the Lower Lot.
  • Five Nights at Freddy's — Murderous animatronics run rampant in an abandoned pizzeria. Prepare to be hunted by Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy. Located in the Lower Lot.
  • Poltergeist — Welcome to the Freeling family's haunted home, where you'll be pulled "into the light" and face nightmarish spirits from the iconic 1982 film. Located in the Upper Lot, behind Hogsmeade.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Scare Zones

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Carnival of Carnage

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.

2025 Scare Zones (2026 Scare Zones announced soon)

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Clown

  • Chainsaw Clownz– Beware a troop of chainsaw killers! Located at the front of the park.
  • Murder of Crowz – Ever thought crows were a little ominous? Well, they are terrifying when you enter their territory at Halloween Horror Nights! A murder of giant crows might just peck your bones clean as you navigate their scare zone. Located in front of the entrance to Hogsmeade.
  • Carnival of Carnage – Escape a maniacal fun house! Located in Center Plaza. Catch the scaremony every 45 minutes!
  • Noche de Brujas – Brave this dimly lit street filled with Latin American witches and nightmares. Located by the Moulin Rouge.

There is an extra surprise scare zone just underneath of the Studio Tour sign. A few creatures stake out a spot to scare you from your left while you're admiring the giant clown statues to your right. Those bushes may move if you don't keep your eye on them! Be aware that the only path to the Terror Tram is through this scare zone.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 - Art the Clown

Art the Clown from "Terrifier" is found roaming the entire event. When we say entire event, what we mean is entire event. You might see him in a store, while you're making your way to the Lower Lot, when you're eating or just when you're feeling (wrongly) safe!

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Entertainment

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

2025 Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse 

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Houses 2026 - Blumhouse on the Terror Tram

2025 welcomed us back into the Blumhouse on the Terror Tram with new scenes, more scares and more terror. We can't wait to see what 2026 has in store for us!

"M3GAN." "The Black Phone." "Freaky." "The Purge." "Happy Death Day." Blumhouse has become synonymous with horror, and on the Terror Tram, you encountered characters from these frightening films. The moment you stepped off the tram, you were greeted by M3GAN. She then told you, "This is the part where you run," and a bunch of her Blumhouse friends appeared with chainsaws to chase you away with. Talk about terrifying!

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Terror Tram photo op guest with the Grabber

R.I.P. Tour guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet and scream with select characters featured on the Terror Tram. General Admission guests will encounter a special photo op after disembarking the tram.

Chainsaw Man: The Chaos

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Chainsaw Man sign

"Chainsaw Man: The Chaos" made its Hollywood debut at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights inside the DreamWorks Theatre in 2025. This all-new horror anime short, brought over from Universal Studios Japan, is inspired by the hit manga and anime series now streaming on Crunchyroll. The film follows Denji and the Devil Hunters as they face off against the Halloween Horror Nights Devil and his zombie horde. When Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man, a devil-human hybrid with chainsaws bursting from his body, he leads the fight in a blood-soaked battle for survival. It’s a wild clash of chaos, screams and gore that only the bravest guests will endure.

The Purge: Dangerous Waters

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Show

A new live show in 2023 brought "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 of our night. The show does have some graphic violence.

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

What Rides Are Open During Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood?

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2026 - Hogwarts Castle illuminated with Death Eaters projections

Some of the regular rides dare to operate during Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. NEW in 2026, select ticket holders will have exclusive access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift! Other attractions close to daytime guests as of 5:30 p.m. If you need to escape from the houses, get your thrills on Transformers 3-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World (closes at 12:15 a.m.) or the Simpsons Ride. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (closes at 11:15 p.m.) and Flight of the Hippogriff are open in the Wizarding World, and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is open in Super Nintendo World.

As mentioned above, the normal Studio Tour will not be running. Instead, you get the Terror Tram.

Regular shows, Kung Fu Panda, Secret Life of Pets and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem are closed.

Hogwarts Castle has special projections forming in front of your eyes. Listen for hissing voices. You'd have to speak Parseltongue, to know what they are saying.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Food and Merchandise

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

There are always treats to die for at Halloween Horror Nights. We've got a full guide on all the treats and eats here. Last year’s terrifying menu included vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite. 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. You could check out SLASH-themed cocktails and bites at Jurassic Cove.

You can purchase a refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup. It's $19 (plus tax) for one or $17 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).

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

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Dia de los Muertos pop up games

Check out the Universal Plaza for a pop-up food, drink and game spot! The Little Cocina has a food stand, drink stand and even an authentic, made-to-order margarita bar. There is an entire pay-to-play carnival game set up and Dia de los Muertos character opportunities as well.

Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Merchandise

You can find shirts, glow items and other new items for sale from apparel and accessories to souvenirs and homeware. Enjoy a variety of new merchandise collections featuring your favorite fiends and haunted houses.

We always return with our Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights lanyard to hold our Express Passes. If you do not have a lanyard, we highly recommend getting one, especially if you use Universal Express.

You could purchase SLASH: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2 on vinyl (along with themed food and cocktails) above Jurassic Cove.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - HamiKuma merchandise

HamiKuma made his debut in the United States at Halloween Horror Nights (Hollywood and Orlando) in 2025! This scary/cute teddy from Universal Studios Hollywood Japan was the perfect addition the event. Grab the popcorn bucket, the plush or the headband.

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - HamiKuma

In fact, you could say hello to HamiKuma over by Filly Foodstuffs during the event! He's so cute and fluffy, and he loves to dance!

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood -Terrifier merchandise

Terrifier is somehow even more terrifying in merchandise form. The brand-new Art the Clown popcorn bucket, headband and shot glasses might just be the perfect memento from Halloween Horror Nights.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Tips

Your Screamin' Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Norman 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 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. Follow a Park Plan

In order to really maximize your time at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, it's a great idea to follow a park plan. We have a whole bunch of posts, such as HHN for scaredy-frogs and a first-timer's guide to HHN, that will help you decide which plan works best for you.

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. Halloween Costumes and Masks

There are new costume guidelines!

As of 2024, guests may wear costumes while attending Halloween Horror Nights in both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

There is, however, a lengthy list of guidelines for said costumes:

  • Guests must be fully clothed, including shoes and shirts.
  • Guests may not wear clothing or accessories that may create a false impression that guests work for Universal or as emergency personnel, including, without limitation clothing or items identified with law enforcement, security, firefighters, emergency responders or the military.
  • Guests may not wear any covering that fully or partially obscures a person’s face, including costume masks, facial coverings, and face applications.
  • Face painting is permitted only if it covers no more than one-half of the face (applied vertically only) or is applied in a pre-approved design by professional artists at Universal.
  • No prosthetic makeup is permitted.
  • Clothing that Universal determines is indecent, exposes excessive portions of the skin, or that Universal views as inappropriate for a family environment is prohibited.
  • Service animals may not wear or be part of a costume.
  • No weapons of any kind are permitted. Any item that resembles a weapon or is manufactured in the shape of a weapon is not permitted.
  • No special or atmospheric effects, including, without limitation, balloons, smoke, fog, powered effects, and sound effects, are permitted.
  • No veils, long trains, stilts, or oversized costumes that could pose a safety hazard to guests or team members are permitted.
  • Costumes may not interfere with security screening. Costumes cannot exceed 25 inches wide x 80 inches high to meet Universal’s metal detection regulations.
  • Universal reserves the right to preclude any costumes that may cause confusion that the guest is part of the Halloween Horror Nights experience. Impersonating a theme park entertainment or character or performing, frightening or otherwise disrupting other guests or event operations is prohibited and may result in expulsion from Universal’s property.

You can see the full costume guidelines and Code of Conduct here.

5. 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.

6. Eat Early

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood - Five Nights at Freddy's Cupcake

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.

Some of the foods specifically for Horror Nights are available in the park all day! You can grab a Freddy Fazbear's pizza or Cupcake in the Lower Lot. Jason Universe Barbecue opens at 5 p.m. Filly Foodstuffs in the Upper Lot is only open during Halloween Horror Nights.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Be Aware of Accessible Options

Your Screamin' Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2026 — Accessibility Signage

If someone in your party uses a wheelchair, most standard wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) can go through the houses. (But you may be asked to transfer to a manual wheelchair.) Ask an attendant if you need assistance.

Universal recently updated their Attraction Accommodation Program for guests with disabilities. Hop over to our post on the latest protocols guests with disabilities must undergo before picking up an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) at the park. 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 some houses and the Terror Tram. You can find alternate transport on the path past the Wizarding World and in the Lower Lot.

Your Screamin' Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights - Return times for the Lower Lot in 2025

You can get AAP return times from the Upper Lot Houses directly. A podium outside the Wizarding World offers return times for the two houses past the Wizarding World. There is another podium to get return times for near Isla NuBar in the Lower Lot.

The Upper Lot queues are accessible, so people with wheelchairs or mobility devices will join the regular queues. The Lower Lot queues are not accessible, so you need to collect return times to use the Express lane. You can get return times for all the Lower Lot houses at once if you like. You'll get a timed card to hand to the attendant at each entrance.

The way you approach each house is different when it comes to wheelchairs. If you can and want to walk through the houses, ask if where you should park before you get in line. For some houses, you can stay in the chair in line and then park and walk in the house if you prefer. Some you have to stay in your chair if you use it in line. Clarify the rules for each house before you get in line.

10. Consider Your Daytime Visits With Small Children During This Time

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights -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 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2026 — Little Cocina HHN sign

Every day of the season during regular park hours from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1, you'll encounter props from Halloween Horror Nights — something to consider for trips during September and October (as well as reduced park hours) with kids.

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

Related: How to Maximize Your Time at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 2026

Related: A First-Timer's Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Keep hopping!

Written and reviewed by the Undercover Tourist Content Team
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Comments

301–305 of 305 comments
Oct 10, 2015 at 6:44 p.m.
Jacks Says...

Do you need an ID to enter horror night Hollywood???

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 12:22 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jacks,

It's possible you would be asked for ID, but no one was checking names or IDs when we went.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 10, 2015 at 7:14 a.m.
stevied Says...

plan on going on oct 31 will it be super packed? would nov 1 be a better day to go?

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 10:24 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

Yes, Nov. 1 would be a better day, but keep in mind, that this day may also sell out too.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 10:24 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

Yes, Nov. 1 would be a better day, but keep in mind, that this day may also sell out too.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 9, 2015 at 12:02 a.m.
andrew Says...

Can you bring a backpack inside? i need something to carry my portable charger and jacket.

Reply
Oct 14, 2015 at 10:09 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Andrew,

Yes, you can.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 6, 2015 at 1:40 p.m.
Tammy Says...

Planning on a day visit Friday, 10/9, will it be crowded due to Horror Night? Is a front of love be pass worth it?

Reply
Jul 28, 2017 at 9:26 p.m.
April McClaughry Says...

Due to the very long lines and short amount of time the event operates, I would highly recommend front of the line passes. We didn't do that last year and only were able to get through 4 mazes, tram and Jabawokees. Time flies and lines are super long. We will be doing front of the line this year. Well worth it!!

Reply
Oct 8, 2015 at 10:54 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tammy,

It should not be that bad on a Friday during this time, but arrive early to get it all in before the park closes for Halloween Horror Nights.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Oct 5, 2015 at 5:03 a.m.
Sandra Says...

will the aactors of horror night touch you ???

Reply
Oct 5, 2015 at 6:26 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sandra,

No, they will not, at least not intentionally.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply

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