Just like your recurring nightmare, Halloween Horror Nights returns year after year to haunt Universal Studios Florida. To get you ready for the nation's premier scare event, we bring you everything we know about Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Florida. From the terror-filled haunted houses to the sinister scare zones, learn what you should expect and how to navigate this popular event! Already itching to hop back into the fog? Get ready for 10 terrifying haunted houses, five sinister scare zones and live entertainment. Halloween Horror Nights 2024 tickets are on sale now!
Overview of Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Florida
We're already having nightmares about Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Studios Florida ... especially now that we know who's running the show this time around.
For 33 years, the screams of horror-lovers have collected within the shadowy depths of Universal Orlando Resort. These wails have festered beneath the fog up on the surface, forming a monstrous manifestation of the terror that lives within their hearts. An evil overgrowth has spread its wicked grasp throughout every crevice of the park's underbelly. As it expanded in size, its beating heart ripped a tear between our world and the vast universe of horrors that exists beyond our own. Within that universe are two distinct realms: one fueled by physical pain while the other plagued by psychological torment. At the helm of these worlds are two entities, SINIST3R and SURR3AL — our unholy icons for HHN 33.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights. But first, a word of warning: Halloween Horror Nights is an intense event not suitable for all ages. Read at your own risk! (Looking for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood information? Jump over to our full post about the opposite coast.)
Halloween Horror Nights Dates for 2024
What Are the Dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2024?
The event runs select nights from August through November at Universal Orlando Resort. In 2024, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida will kick off Aug. 30 and run until Nov. 3 — making this the earliest it has ever started and the longest Halloween Horror Nights season ever! The event runs every Wednesday to Sunday and on Halloween night. While all nights are popular, the crowds generally increase as it gets closer to Halloween.
What Is Premium Scream Night?
New this year, Universal Orlando announced its first-ever Premium Scream Night. On Aug. 29, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., the bravest of frogs experienced Halloween Horror Nights 33 with limited capacity, shorter wait times, haunted house entry staggered by group, select all-you-care-to-enjoy food and more. Tickets were $350 plus tax for regular guests and $325 plus tax for Universal Annual and Seasonal Passholders.
What Are the Best Dates to Attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida?
Unlike many other fall theme park events that generally bring in families for one night, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida scares up a good portion of guests, especially locals, who attend multiple nights throughout the season to experience the fear over and over. The nature of the event and the number of locals have a significant impact on crowds. Saturdays are the busiest nights, with Friday nights not too far behind them. The very best nights to attend as far as crowds go are Wednesdays. It is nearly impossible to see everything in one night without upgrading your experience (which we'll get into later). Still, picking the best night to attend, as well as following our tips below, will help you see and do as much as you can.
What Time Does Halloween Horror Nights Start?
We recommend getting to the park at least 45 minutes ahead of the official opening at 6:30 p.m. to make the most of your time. Typically, Universal opens the gates earlier than the official starting time. (If you're staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort properties — Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel or Universal Endless Summer — take advantage of the priority entrance gate until 8 p.m. to get in more quickly.) In our experience, the gates open for guests between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. On opening night this year, the gates opened precisely at 6:15 p.m.
What Time Does Halloween Horror Nights Close?
Halloween Horror Nights ends each night at 2 a.m. That means you can get in line for a house as late as 1:59 a.m. This is a great strategy to utilize for houses with notoriously long wait times since it means you won't waste any time during the actual event waiting in line for it! If you're planning to do this, we highly recommend sneaking in a (black) cat nap before arriving at the park so you don't lose steam early on in the night.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets for 2024
It's important to note that Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is a separately ticketed event. You can now get discount single-night tickets through us frogs!
A Halloween Horror Nights ticket will not get you into the theme parks during regular hours. No need to worry, though! We also offer discount tickets for Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Volcano Bay if you want to visit during the day. Universal Studios Florida generally closes at 5 p.m. for those not staying for the event (though Universal Islands of Adventure will maintain its normal closing time if you have a park-to-park ticket and would like to hop). You'll also need regular park admission or a Scream Early ticket if you want to take advantage of Halloween Horror Nights early entry. We've written a full post on how Halloween Horror Nights Early Entry works. And don't froget, you can bundle your hotel stay for an extra discount through us, too!
Currently, event upgrades including HHN Express Passes, R.I.P. Tours and Behind-the-Screams Tours are also available directly through Universal Orlando Resort.
If you can't get enough screams in one night, there are multi-night passes available directly through Universal Orlando. In 2023, all multi-night tickets did eventually sell out, so be sure to score yours ASAP! Multi-night tickets grant you access to: 1) the first 18 event nights with the Rush of Fear Pass; 2) every Sunday through Thursday, PLUS the first weekend with the Frequent Fear Pass; 3) every Sunday through Friday, PLUS the first and last Saturday with the Frequent Fear Plus Pass; or 4) EVERY night AND get free regular parking after 5 p.m. on all event nights with the Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass. When purchasing a multi-night pass, you'll need to select a start date. Your first visit using the pass MUST be ON or AFTER the selected start date.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Special Experiences
From zombie punk rockers at Hard Rock Hotel to creatures from the depths of the sea at Universal Endless Summer Resort to man-eating foliage at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, themed photo opportunities (and spooky filters) await you in the different Universal Orlando hotel lobbies. Also, be sure to drink in the spirit of the season at festively themed bars in Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel and Dockside Inn and Suites.
Those looking for an enhanced Halloween Horror Nights experience might consider one or two scary good add-ons that take you through the gauntlet of ghastly creatures and a multitude of menacing maniacs. The R.I.P. Tour is a guided experience that grants V.I.P. access to everything Halloween Horror Nights has to offer. The tour includes one-time entry to all of the houses, reserved seating at select shows, Universal Express Unlimited ride access at all participating rides and attractions for the date of your tour, a pre-tour reception in Cafe La Bamba, access to exclusive cash bar locations, complimentary valet parking and a commemorative tour credential, lanyard and button.
There's also a Private R.I.P. Tour option which grants you and up to nine other frogs all the same perks as the regular R.I.P. Tour. (The R.I.P. Tour can accommodate individual parties of up to six people, and will include multiple parties in a group. If your group has seven to 10 people, you would need to book a Private R.I.P. Tour.)
The Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour gives guests a unique, lights-on look into the Art & Design team’s process as they transform our deepest fears into haunted houses. Guests can choose from Behind the Screams: 3-Haunted House Unmasking the Horror Tour (two and a half hours, morning or afternoon) or a Behind the Screams: 6-Haunted House Unmasking the Horror Tour (five hours). The tours give you the chance to see houses with the lights on and a chance to photograph every gory detail of select rooms in select houses.
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Park Plan
The biggest draw of the event each year is the haunted houses. It takes months to construct these movie set-quality houses, and each one has a different theme. We probably don't have to tell you that lines can get very long for this event! If you want to make the most of your evening, you need to decide what is important to you. Do you want to just focus on houses? Would you like to see a few houses and a show? Would you just like to ride attractions since the wait times for them will be low? Since the houses are what most people come for — and see the highest waits! — they are our first priority.
Because of the number of houses and the popularity of the event, it is nearly impossible to see them all in one night. We recommend choosing four or five must-do houses and getting those in first. Then, see if you have any time left after you’ve checked them off the list. Those who are staying in the park or arriving ahead of the official opening could do five, six or perhaps even more houses. We have been able to get all 10 houses done by utilizing Stay & Scream and being very strategic with our night — getting the bulk of the houses done during both the early entry period and the last two hours of the event, while taking the middle of the night when wait times are highest to get on rides and see shows.
If you want to experience everything, not have to worry about waiting in long lines, be a little more lax with your night and even get the opportunity to go through a few houses a second time, either plan on visiting Halloween Horror Nights multiple nights, opt for a R.I.P. Tour (only sold through Universal) or purchase a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass (only sold through Universal). We cannot overstate how invaluable Express is.
This year, around 12:05 a.m. when Slaughter Sinema 2 had a 65-minute posted wait time, we got to the entrance in only six minutes with our Express passes. We also saved 80 minutes in the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire queue with Express around 11:10 p.m. and 60 minutes in the A Quiet Place queue with Express around 1:45 a.m.
Wait times started hitting their highest points around 7:30 p.m. when Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines peaked at 90 minutes. They started dying down by around 12:30 a.m. when Major Sweets Candy Factory was showing a 35 minute posted wait time. The highest wait time we saw all night was Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire around 11:10 p.m. when it peaked at 100 minutes. The lowest wait times we saw were during the Stay & Scream period when Major Sweets Candy Factory valleyed at five minutes around 5:55 p.m. and Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America also valleyed at five minutes around 6:05 p.m. AND at the very end of the night when The Museum: Deadly Exhibits valleyed at five minutes around 1:50 a.m.
As for those three fan-favorite houses: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire had its lowest wait of 25 minutes during the Stay & Scream period up until about 5:45 p.m. Insidious: The Further had its lowest wait of 35 minutes around 1:10 a.m and its highest wait of 90 minutes around 9:30 p.m. Slaughter Sinema 2 had its lowest wait time of 10 minutes during the Stay & Scream period around 6:05 p.m. and its highest wait time of 90 minutes from about 11:10 p.m. to around 11:25 p.m.
Overall, we saw that, once again, Early Entry and the last hour of the event are the best times to hit up the most amount of houses as it's undoubtedly when you'll find the lowest wait times. While Insidious: The Further was by far the busiest Stay & Scream house, that was also when it was at one of its lowest timeframes. If you're using the New York Stay & Scream area, we highly recommend trying Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire first and then jumping in the Insidious: The Further queue.
Taking advantage of Early Entry at any house, however, is key. Not only did we notice Major Sweets Candy Factory jumping considerably around 6:05 p.m. when guests finished their first Early Entry house in New York and started making their way toward the back of the park, but we also saw both Triplets of Terror and Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America jump to 60 minutes upon park opening at around 6:50 p.m.
As for the Early Entry strategy we tested out, we went to the World Expo Stay & Scream Area and conquered Goblin's Feast first. That area felt way more manageable than New York and both that house and Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodline didn't have very long waits. You can easily do them both back-to-back (since they're right next to each other and to avoid walking along the long path backstage twice in one night) or do one and then hop over to Slaughter Sinema 2 and The Museum: Deadly Exhibits. If you can, we recommend avoiding Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines either directly before and after a Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus showtime since the entrance to that house is located right next to the theater.
This is the current event map for Halloween Horror Nights 33:
Haunted Houses
A. Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
B. A Quiet Place
C. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
D. Insidious: The Further
E. Triplets of Terror
F. Major Sweets Candy Factory
G. Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
H. Goblin's Feast
I. Slaughter Sinema 2
J. The Museum: Deadly Exhibits
Scare Zones
K. Duality of Fear
L. Torture Faire
M. Enter the Blumhouse
N. Swamp of the Undead
O. Demon Queens
Live Entertainment
P. Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus
Rides & Attractions
3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts — closes prior to event end
DE. Death Eaters Encounter
Halloween Horror Nights Haunted Houses
This year, you can look forward to conquering 10 horrifically haunted abodes at Universal Studios Florida. From power-hungry poltergeists to iconic monsters ripped from the silver screen ... danger lurks around every corner. Here are the haunted houses coming to Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
Watch (but don't make yourself known) as Saskia Van Helsing — daughter of Abraham Van Helsing — faces off against Dracula's daughter, Countess Marya, who has risen from the dead to avenge her father and destroy the vampire hunter bloodline for good. To do so, the Countess forges an alliance with the She-Wolf and Anck-Su-Namun ... but she isn't the only one with a monster ally!
Universal Monsters houses are always hauntingly beautiful, and this one is no different. From the first scene of a somber snowy Van Helsing mausoleum (we recommend keeping your mouth closed in here!) to the majestic castle of Count Dracula, the grandeur of this house is second to none. What we absolutely love about this house, however, is that it shows that it truly is a woman's world. Not only are all the monsters inside this house butt-kicking females, but the score for this house was composed by Emmy-nominated Sara Barone and the show director of this house is also a powerful female herself! (Note that the story of this house doesn't relate to the upcoming Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe, but it does tie into previous Universal Monsters houses.)
Insidious: The Further
Prepare to face your demons in an all-new haunted house inspired by the successful "Insidious" film franchise. Tortured souls and demonic entities lurk around every corner in "The Further" — an ethereal paranormal dimension that lies just beyond an iconic red door. Walk in the footsteps of the Lambert family as you come face-to-face with the evil Red-Faced Demon who will attempt to lure you into his lair, the grim KeyFace who will stop at nothing to lock his victims away in this dark dimension, the ghastly and dangerous Bride in Black and the vengeful Man Who Can't Breathe. As you make your way from door to door, you'll descend deeper and deeper into a timeless astral world. Evade this collection of sinister creatures or your soul will be trapped forever. Remember, the further you travel, the darker it gets.
From the moment you step inside the gigantic red door at the entrance to this house, you know there's no turning back. Created to be one of the most terrifying houses to ever grace Halloween Horror Nights with THREE "boo holes" for every ONE scare actor, the darkness of The Further holds you in its grasp for a whopping six and a half minutes and doesn't let go. (Despite the urge, I would not recommend holding your breath through the whole house.) From corridors of curtains hanging in your face to hallways filled with mirrors and mannequins, it can be very easy to get lost in this house. My biggest piece of advice is to not leave any room between you and the person in front of you. They are your guide as you "tiptoe through the tulips" back to the light.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Who you gonna call? Inspired by the latest film, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," this haunted house will transport you to New York City where the Spengler family joins the original Ghostbusters at their new high-tech lab and containment facility. When a new spirit, Garraka, escapes from an old relic and threatens to freeze everyone to an icy death, new and old Ghostbusters must save the world from a second Ice Age. Navigate your way through Ray's Occult Books shop to the NYC sewer system while dodging icy spears and Garraka's army of ghosts.
Out of all the houses this year, this one without a doubt goes the hardest in terms of set design. From the 1904 Manhattan Adventurers Society gathering that got iced over to the frozen facade of the famous firehouse headquarters, there are so many jaw-dropping moments in this house. One we particularly love is the top-secret Ghostbusters research lab with hundreds of Mini-Pufts causing mischief. (Get a good look at all the incredible detail in this set as you make your way through it past Lucky Domingo and a ghost-walking Phoebe Spengler.) Of course, we have to give love to the Ecto-1 which makes a killer appearance in this house and a Terror Dog, the Library Ghost and good ol' Slimer who just couldn't stay away. (If you're a self-proclaimed Scaredy-Frog, we can't recommend this house enough! Super fun and very light on actual scares!)
A Quiet Place
Whatever you do, don't make a sound. Based on the critically acclaimed horror franchise by director John Krasinski, this chilling haunted house will follow the Abbott family as they try to survive the aftermath of the apocalypse. With sightless creatures who possess a sharp sense of hearing constantly lurking about, even the slightest noise will draw these predators to their prey. Relive the deafening tension as you travel through the farmhouse that serves as the family's shelter and into the root cellar where Evelyn escapes to give birth as the Death Angels close in.
The snarls of the larger-than-life monsters will be alarmingly amplified as this house will embrace unique sound design, special effects and adept performances from the scare actors to convey the ominous sense of dread depicted in "A Quiet Place" and "A Quiet Place Part II." Additionally, for the first time ever, Halloween Horror Nights will incorporate the use of American Sign Language within the house to capture the authenticity of the films. Remember, silence is survival ... and if they hear you, they hunt you.
As dark as it is quiet — seriously, one of the first things you encounter is a pitch black hallway (just keep walking straight!) — this house beautifully recreates all the most memorable moments from the first two films — from the rocket on a store shelf that changes this family forever to the sound-proof vault door and its all-important towel. The Abbott family is so easy to root for and so it's truly a treat seeing Regan, Marcus, Evelyn and her new baby (and Lee for a brief moment before ... well, you know ...) all over this house. We here at the pond love a good water scene so walking on the dock where Emmett and Regan run into some trouble was definitely a highlight. The finale, though, is where this house really shines as Regan broadcasts the feedback from her cochlear implant processor, weakening the creatures (portrayed by incredibly impressive puppets throughout the house!) stalking her and Emmett and her brothers and mother. And yes, a certain song (or, rather, a signal) is playing as you exit ...
Slaughter Sinema 2
In 2018, unsuspecting cinephiles were treated to the ultimate B-movie horror marathon. This year, the Carey Drive-in will open once again for a double feature that's sure to haunt your nightmares. Prepare to scream your way through eight new creature features, spaghetti westerns, grindhouse gore and more (including Mardi Gras Murders with music from Universal's own annual celebration!) as fear flickers on the silver screen. Talk about your sinister sequel.
Without a doubt my favorite original content house this year, Slaughter Sinema 2 is firing on all cylinders! This house is one mind-blowing "WOW" moment after the next. From the heavy metal rockstar skeletons bathed in blacklight to the sensual mummy dancers to the GIANT BLOODTHIRSTY SHARK, the B-movies of this house win As across the board! We also love that it featured some nostalgic callbacks to its predecessor. Oh ... and be prepared to get ... wet ... in the first film, "Mardi Gras Murders" ... (I don't remember what my biggest scare of the night was but I do remember physically recoiling at the splash.)
Goblin's Feast
Come one, come all! You've been invited to the goblin village where a lavish meal is being prepared for goblins, orcs, hobgoblins and witches. Oh, you're looking for a chair? Did we froget to mention you're the main course? Bone appetit!
Goblin's Feast is a jolly good time. With lively tavern music playing throughout the entire house and a host of hungry goblins threatening to turn you into stew at every corner, this short and sweet house clocks in at just three and a half minutes and is another one that's perfect for Scaredy-Frogs. Impressive elements in here include a spinning water wheel and a giant goblin puppet toward the very end. Oh, and we can't froget the two hilarious goblins who bookend this house! (You'll know them when you see them.)
Major Sweets Candy Factory
In 2022, innocent trick-or-treaters were introduced to Major Sweets and his cursed confectionary. This year, you've been invited to chaperone a field trip to the corrupt candyman's factory ... and he's out for some "sweet revenge." The deviously delicious treats have once again turned the kiddos into crazed killers. Try as you might, there's no way out. Good luck escaping this sugar-coated nightmare!
Turns out ... there is a thing as too much sugar. Maniacal munchkins are on the loose as you walk deeper and deeper into this chaotic candy factory. Keep your guard up as you're shuffled through Major Sweets' office, into the trash compactor and through the taffy puller and keep your eyes peeled for the big red glowing buttons — our guest-activated triggers for 2024. From puke-soaked mirrors to mutilated bodies of teachers, this house is disturbing from start to finish ... and us frogs wouldn't have it any other way.
The Museum: Deadly Exhibits
The new folklore museum has debuted a frogciting brand new exhibit, The Rotting Stone. What the ignorant curators don't know, though, is that this archaic artifact holds dark secrets. When you decide to visit, an ancient evil escapes from within the stone, destroying everything in its path. Will you be able to survive this violent night at the museum?
The biggest thing you need to know upon walking into this museum is that everything has come to life ... and I do mean EVERYTHING. From the statues to the tribal masks to the furniture to the WALLS, there isn't a single thing that isn't out to get you. As you make your way from exhibit to exhibit, the rot grows bigger and bigger ... and it isn't long before you find yourself face-to-surface with the ancient Rotting Stone itself.
Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
After scaring HHN fans over in Hollywood last year, La Muerte (aka Death himself) will guide you and your squad, as you try to survive the night with three legendary monsters — Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza and El Silbón.
In a year full of massive and terrifying puppets, the ones in this house might just take the cake. This chilling collection of "scary tales" will shake you to the bone. (Just be sure keep all 206 of them intact. El Silbón does not play around.) As you make your way from a somber graveyard to an unsettling slaughterhouse and beyond, you'll encounter Latin America's most petrifying creatures of legend. I wouldn't bet on making it out of this one alive ...
Triplets of Terror
The Barmy triplets have quite the bizarre birthday tradition. Every year on the anniversary of their birth, the sadistic siblings celebrate by recreating their family's gory murders. At this party, the piñata is filled with guts and the cake is iced with blood. Don't froget to RSVP.
A gore-fest from start to finish, these triplets are truly any parents' worst nightmare. Enacting kill after kill after kill (and not even showing four-legged friends mercy), three sadistic slashers is enough to make anyone's blood curdle. This is yet another house that those with sensitive stomachs should be weary of ... especially since I remember getting wet at one point but do not remember what from ...
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones
Second to the houses, but central to the terror, are the street experiences, more commonly referred to as "scare zones." The scare zones are in various open areas of the park with their own sets, sounds and, yes, even scents. Expect to be terrified and harassed by creatures of the night. These scare actors come out of nowhere and have no illusions about respecting your personal space (although they are not allowed to touch you, and you are not allowed to touch them)! Here are the scare zones awaiting your arrival for Halloween Horror Nights 33. (Keep this blog bookmarked as announcements begin to emerge from the fog.)
Duality of Fear
As soon as you enter the fog, you're forced to choose your fate. Bear right to follow SURR3AL, the incarnation of unearthly terror, or keep straight to follow SINIST3R, the manifestation of visceral horror. Remember ... fear comes in all forms.
Our otherworldly icons appear in this zone and the very beginning and very end of the night to welcome and bid adieu to their loyal worshippers. Oh, and if you're looking for those iconic roaring chainsaws, well ... you don't have to search far.
Demon Queens
Ah, Hollywood. An otherworldly nightmare if there ever was one. Be prepared to meet and bow down to four merciless queens loyal to SURR3AL rule — surrounded by hordes of fanatical follows — in a scare zone ripped from the darkest corners of your mind. All hail.
This is where you'll find the goddess of psychological torment throughout the majority of the night. Word of advice: Don't let your guard down in here. SURR3AL's reign extends further than you think.
Swamp of the Undead
In the dark, murky and dank backwaters of Louisiana (a.k.a. Central Park), you unwittingly wander onto a bog-dweller's private property. Get out while you can because the toxic and terrifying remains of trespassers before you have arisen from the dead to make roadkill of you. Will you escape alive or end up swimming in the swamp for all eternity? (If you need us frogs, you know where to find us!)
Torture Faire
The Renaissance may be known as the Age of Rebirth ... but there's no rebirth without gloriously gory death. Enter SINIST3R's Renaissance faire in the streets of New York where plague doctors, jesters, friars and executioners are just dying to meet you. Mingle with the Italian elite and be sure to make a good impression. You're one lost joust away from the Iron Maiden or Brazen Bull. Do you have what it takes to brave these malicious, medieval torture devices or will you be begging to be put out of your misery?
Don't miss out on the tongue-cutting and waterboarding ceremonies with the King and Queen on the main stage. And if you see SINIST3R in here, be prepared to show your unwavering loyalty.
Enter the Blumhouse
Get ready to face a terrifying gauntlet of Blumhouse's creepiest characters in the streets of San Francisco. Think you can outrun the deranged Grabber, the short-circuited M3GAN, the brutal Blissfield Butcher (in both bodies) and the vengeful Bayfield Babyface Killer? Enter the Blumhouse and see for yourself.
Not only were the villains out and about in this zone, but our heroes, too. We always love seeing the axe-wielding Tree from "Happy Death Day" and Finney and Vance from "The Black Phone!"
Halloween Horror Nights Entertainment
Every year, Universal produces electrifying entertainment so you can take a break from the terror. Here's a look at this year's ominous offerings.
Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus
A fiery show has ignited Halloween Horror Nights the last two years, featuring nocturnal creatures, aerialists of the night and frightful fire performers. Set to pulse-pounding rock, metal and electronica music, this epic performance is loud enough to drown out the screams. This year, the nightmares continue. Step right on up to a dark circus that carries with it a sinister curse.
On this All Hallow's Eve night, The Hero witnesses his beloved fall to her death in a heart-stopping aerial act. Trapped in a torturous nocturnal circus, he must relive her death over and over and over again until he can save her. Will he ... ? Well, you're just going to have to catch the show to find out.
Death Eaters Encounter
Once again, a group of Voldemort's most devoted followers will be roaming Diagon Alley on select dates looking to find others willing to join the Dark Lord's cause. Wands at the ready, witches and wizards, because they just might challenge you to a duel. Their sets hoppen about every 20 minutes with opening and closing performances on the Carkitt Market stage. Be sure to roam around Diagon Alley during their set to see them casting spells and recruiting followers. (Don't froget your [temporary] Dark Mark tattoo.)
Can't wait to see this dastardly bunch? Catch them in Diagon Alley Wednesdays through Sundays at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Halloween Horror Nights Food and Merchandise
Universal's culinary artists always go all out for All Hallow's Eve. We loved devouring deviously delicious dishes themed to this year's houses, such as "Ghostbusters"-inspired Mini Stay-Puft S'more and The Frozen Death Chill, "Insidious"-inspired "Last Key" Pop and The Red Door and "Universal Monsters"-inspired In the Fog Fish 'n Chips and The Bride's Cake.
New this year, frogs got to enter The HHN Bar, a wicked watering hold featuring themed librations and photo opportunities with original content characters! The Tribute Store also offers some more sinfully sweet treats, such as the Cookies and Cream Top Hat.
Is your stomach growling already? Hop on over to our Halloween Horror Nights foodie guide where we shared everything you need to know about all the Halloween food and drink offerings resort-wide, from right outside the haunted houses to safe inside the hotels.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
Each year, the event’s merchandise typically features all of the haunted houses and scare zones, so you’ll be sure to find a nice memento (whether it’s a sweatshirt or a souvenir cup) for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. Pop into Universal Studios' Tribute Store to get all your ghostly goodies.
This year, an all-new Tribute Store will have guests wandering through a dystopian city where an ancient evil has been unleashed. Fans visiting the highly-themed retail space will venture through a variety of haunted urban-themed locations, from an abandoned warehouse to a creepy subway station and beyond.
You can usually find T-shirts, sippers, candles and other ghoulish delights here, as well as in Five & Dime and the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios, the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk and the Islands of Adventure Trading Company and the All Hallows' Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure.
Other Universal Studios Florida shopping venues open during the event are:
- Supply Vault
- The Film Vault
- Sahara Traders
- San Francisco Candy Factory
- Diagon Alley Shops
- Borgin & Burkes
- MIB Gear
- Simpsons Games
- Kwik-E-Mart
Tips for Attending Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Florida
Before you read any further, be sure to hop on over to our Halloween Horror Nights planning tips blog to get all the must-know info as you're preparing for your descent into the fog. Additionally, check out our terrifying tips to maximize your time. The night goes fast and every sinister second counts!
1. Consider an Express Pass
We always get asked if the Express Passes are worth it. Our answer is that it really depends on when you're going and if you want to hit all 10 houses in one night. We'd definitely recommend it on Fridays and Saturdays in October, especially closer to Halloween. Wednesdays and Thursdays are less busy days, and if you take advantage of early entry (see our next tip!), you have a better chance of hitting all 10 houses without an Express Pass.
Universal does sell Express Passes at kiosks throughout the park. So if you change your mind while you're there, you have that last-minute opportunity. You can also buy an Express Pass that's half the original price but it only works after 11 p.m. Just keep in mind that both of these Express Pass options are subject to availability.
2. Arrive Early
We can't stress this enough: Arriving early is the single best way to ensure you make the most of your night. The event typically begins at 6:30 p.m., but Universal often lets guests in up to half an hour early. Universal Resort hotel guests also have a dedicated line from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the left side of the entrance. Even better is staying in the park after it closes for early entry, so you can hit a few houses before it gets super busy later at night.
3. Dress Light and Stay Hydrated
Is it just us, or is September in Orlando hotter than ever before? Despite taking place mostly after dark, we were still sweating our 'lil frog legs off all weekend at Halloween Horror Nights 33. Wear cool, comfortable clothes.
On top of being deceptively hot and humid, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is a pretty intense event. Bring a water bottle to make staying cool a breeze and save money (make sure it's empty before going through security or else they'll ask you to dump it; can fill it up once inside the park) or purchase the HHN Freestyle cup for a fun souvenir. Aside from that, only bottled water is available for purchase.
4. Eat Early
You'll find snacks for sale, as well as alcohol in abundance, throughout the park. Look for carts set up along the streets. Lines for food and drinks can get long at times! Fuel up before you leave or early in the evening, and you can spend more time getting the daylights scared out of you. We noticed food lines started to decrease after midnight.
5. Splurge on Snacks
If you have time to dedicate to fun food and drinks, check out the event-exclusive goodies. Eating (and Instagramming, TBH) these goodies is always enjoyable.
6. Watch Out for the Creatures of the Night!
If you want to avoid the street creatures, although we can't imagine why you'd want to, they largely stick to the streets and leave guests on the sidewalks alone.
7. Respect the Scare Actors
Last but not least, please remember that the scare actors are people too! No matter how monstrous they may seem, the scare actors will not actually touch or hurt you ... so please treat them with the same respect! Keep your hands, food, drinks and any unkind words to yourself for the best experience for everyone involved. This event is all about having FUN! Avoid using flash to photograph any "creatures" in the scare zones, and just ask if you really feel the need. They'll usually be happy to pose for (or with!) you.
Are you planning on attending Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Florida? What questions do you have for us about the event? Share in the comments below.
Related: Early Entry at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando — How Does It Work?
Keep hopping!
