2024 Halloween Horror Nights Tips and Survival Guide!
You poor unfortunate soul. Do you dare to venture out to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights?
If so, you are in for more than ghostly encounters.
This year’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) will take place on a record-breaking 48 nights from August 30th through November 3rd of 2024 at Universal Studios Florida.
That’s over two whole months!
I’ve been a huge fan of Halloween Horror Nights for almost 20 years with my very first visit taking place in 2005.
So, it is my honor to give you all of the little tips and tricks I’ve learned over the past two decades.
But first, I want to give you a few things that are new for 2024.
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What is Halloween Horror Nights?
Before we get into the Halloween Horror Nights tips, let’s understand what it is first.
HHN is an annual Halloween event held at Universal Studios Orlando on selects nights in fall after park closing.
Its rich history and quality production has transformed it into the World’s Premier Halloween Event!
This is due to the over-the-top scares, sets, and details put into this experience each year by the Universal Orlando Creative team.
What began as a 3-day event in 1991, will return stronger than ever to celebrate over 30 years of fear!
Halloween Horror Nights Dates 2024
HHN will take places on select nights from Friday, August 30th until Sunday, November 3rd 2024.
As you can see, HHN is not every night. So, be aware of the dates when choosing the day you’d like to go.
What time is Halloween Horror Nights?
You’ll be happy to know that the Halloween Horror Nights hours start at 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night.
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
What’s New for Halloween Horror Nights 2024
Let’s go over a few new things added to this year’s event.
1. Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night
Here you’ll get to conquer the demented haunted houses with shorter lines and entry staggered by group (which we all love).
You’ll also get to explore creepy scare zones, catch live shows, and hit up some cool attractions with little to no crowds.
And don’t miss out on the all-you-can-eat event food and drinks (non-alcoholic) for one night only on August 29, 2024.
It’s a Halloween Horror Nights fan’s dream: a sneak peek of the chills at this exclusive new event!
2. Exclusive Passholder Menu Items
As a Universal Orlando Passholder, you’ll get to enjoy exclusive HHN foodie treats. To order one of these items, just ask the venue Team Member for assistance.
These are the items to look for:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Creeper at Universal Studios Florida at Central Parks Crepes (NEW)
- Black Serpent Pasta at Universal Islands of Adventure at Confisco Grille (NEW)
- Witches Potion Tea at Starbucks (NEW)
Get up to 25% off of your Universal Orlando Vacation with Groupon TODAY!
3. Unlocks 6 Months of Peacock for FREE!
With your 2024 Halloween Horror Nights ticket, you’ll score 6 months of Peacock for free!
4. Get UP Close with the Monsters!
If you’re looking to experience maximum fear during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, staying at one of their hotels is the way to go!
Not only do you get access to a dedicated entry gate for the event with complimentary transportation back and forth between theme parks and CityWalk, you’ll get an exclusive HHN attraction!
Universal Orlando hotel guests will get exclusive access to limited-time Halloween Horror Nights displays at select Universal hotels with an alien twist this year.
WATCH NEXT: 13 Weird (but true) Halloween Horror Nights Secrets 🎃 (History of HHN)
5. New HHN Food
This year you’ll get to eat your way around Halloween Horror Nights with the all-new food & beverage items.
Some of them include the following items:
- Say “Cheese” Burger
- Poison Apple
- Abbott’s Farm Corn Chowder
- Mini Stay-Puft S’more
You’ll also be happy to know that many of your favorite foodie items will return like the Pizza Fries.
WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Food at Universal Studios UNDER $10!!! 🍟🍦🍻🍕
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 Houses
This year there will be 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and one live show based on some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture.
- A Quiet Place: You will feel the thrill all over again in those classic scenes from the first two movies as the growls of those massive predators will creep up on you at every scary twist and turn.
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: You are in for a wild ride alongside the Ghostbusters, as you run into iconic ghosts who slime and shady villains seeking revenge, all while trying to dodge a bunch of spooky creatures eager to crack bones and turn your veins to ice.
- Insidious: The Further: Here you’ll get caught up in The Further while creepy demons try to snag you as you step into the Red-Faced Demon’s hideout through The Red Door.
- Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines: Get ready for an awesome showdown where Saskia Van Helsing and the Bride of Frankenstein take on Dracula’s daughter and her creepy crew.
- Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America: Hang tight with La Muerte leading the way as you tackle the night alongside three spooky legends: Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza and El Silbón.
- Slaughter Sinema 2: Here you’ll go through a spooky movie marathon at the Carey Drive-in where you’ll scream your heart out during scenes from creature flicks, grindhouse gore, and so much more.
- The Museum: Deadly Exhibits: While you’re checking out this house, you’ll see that the folklore museum’s latest display, The Rotting Stone, has let loose a demented spirit that’s rotting everything in its path. And yep, it’s headed your way.
- Major Sweets Candy Factory: In this spooky maze, you’ll be leading a field trip to a candy factory when the free samples begin turning the kids into candy-coated crazies.
- Goblin’s Feast: In this quirky haunted house, you’ll step into a goblin village, where a big feast is getting ready for goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches. And guess what? You’re the main dish!
- Triplets of Terror: You’re invited to the Barmy triplets’ birthday bash! Just a heads up, their parties are all about reenacting the crazy murders of their whole family so be sure to stay out of the way.
Recommended: 35 Scary and Fun Things to Do in Florida for Halloween
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones 2024
If you think you can avoid the scares by avoiding the HHN houses, then you’re WRONG!
Throughout Halloween Horror Nights are five all-new scare zones:
- Enter the Blumhouse: Here you’ll try to escape a crazy lineup of Blumhouse characters. From the creepy villains of The Purge and Black Phone to M3GAN busting out some moves in your worst dreams, you’ve never experienced horror quite like this.
- Duality of Fear: When you step through the gates of Halloween Horror Nights, you’ve got a choice to make: go with SINIST3R, the embodiment of pure horror. Or take a stroll with SURR3AL, the face of otherworldly fright.
- Demon Queens: Step into a wild dreamscape straight out of your craziest nightmares. Four fierce queens, totally devoted to SURR3AL, reign supreme, backed by a bunch of obsessed fans.
- Swamp of the Undead: In the backwoods of Louisiana, you accidentally stroll onto someone’s private land, and suddenly you’re surrounded by zombies that came from other folks who trespassed and were dumped in a nearby swamp.
- Torture Faire: Here you’ll get to check out SINIST3R’s renaissance fair featuring a wicked twist of medieval torture. You’ll also see some seriously wild homemade torture devices that will make you go insane until you can’t take it anymore!
WATCH: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights!
Halloween Horror Nights Live Shows 2024
For HHN 2024, Universal will be debuting the fan-favorite shows to terrify you this year!
1. Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus
The sequel to last year’s fan-favorite “Halloween Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” show that featured the world-famous performance group, The Fuel Girls.
This show highlights a new Dreamer in the depths of a new nightmare set to an intense metal, rock and electronica score in a spooky circus.
Read NEXT: SMACKDOWN: 7 Best Halloween Horror Nights Icons EVER!!!
2. Bonus Universal Orlando Halloween Experience (Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle)
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll be excited to hear about the returning Dark Arts feature being placed over Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure (selects night in September and October of 2024). I cannot wait to see this again!
You will be able to enjoy the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle that usually starts select nights starting in mid-September.
According to Universal, the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will illuminate a darker side of the wizarding world as sinister creatures and villains – such as Dementors, Aragog, Mountain Trolls, Thestrals and more – cloak the castle through a mesmerizing display of light, music and special effects.
WATCH NEXT: 13 Weird (but true) Halloween Horror Nights Secrets 🎃 (History of HHN)
3. Death Eaters Take Over HHN
Returning in 2024, the Death Eaters will invade Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida once again!
While you’re in Diagon Alley, you’ll witness a spine-chilling atmosphere complete with ominous green light and fog throughout the village.
And if you’re a fan of the Potter series, then you know this is a sign that Death Eaters have arrived!
This was one of my favorite things at Halloween Horror Nights this year and something you can’t miss.
Merchandise (Return of the ICONIC HHN Tribute Store)
The fan-favorite Halloween Horror Night Tribute Store is returning this year with brand-new themed rooms, unique treats to try, and special merchandise for the event.
You can explore an elaborate Halloween shopping experience right in the heart of Universal Studios Florida.
Discover a world of mystery as you step into the dystopian underground world in NYC.
Prepare to be intrigued by the intricate storytelling and captivating urban artwork that bring this horror story to life.
Every room reveals a new twist, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you navigate through the haunting atmosphere with an evil monster waiting for you at the end.
WATCH NEXT: Go ALONE! Scaredy Cat’s Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 🎃 (Solo Travel Tips for First-Timers)
25 Beginner Halloween Horror Night Tips for 2024
If you’re brave enough to handle the number one horror event in the world, then I’ve gathered the best tips to help you survive Halloween Horror Nights.
1. Get to Halloween Horror Nights Early
I cannot express this enough. This is my top Halloween Horror Nights tips!
Unless you’re spending your cell phone money on an Express Pass, I would suggest you get to Universal Studios at least an hour early before the start of the event.
If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to get early entry into the park and knock out two to three houses within one hour.
Halloween Horror Nights Universal officially begins every night at 6:30 p.m.
You are allowed to remain in one of the Stay & Scream spots:
- Springfield area
- New York near Finnegan’s Bar area
- San Francisco area near Richter’s Burger Company
Just know that the locations can change at anytime so be sure to double check them when purchasing this upgrade.
Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!
2. Go with a Group of Friends
Halloween Horror Night is for scaredy cats…
…not saying that you’re one, but don’t be afraid to go to this event.
Going to HHN with a group of friends makes it so much fun as the night goes on. However, going with your significant other is fun too, since you’ll have someone to protect you.
3. Know the Child Policy
One of the main questions I get is:
Are Kids allowed at Halloween Horror Nights?
According to Universal, this event may be too intense for young children. Adult discretion is strongly advised.
You should also know that there are no child ticket prices available for this event. This means that your child ticket will be the same price as a general/adult ticket.
4. Know What to Wear to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando
Should you choose Style, Comfort, or Both? I choose comfort over style, but I’m trying to get better at combining the two.
What I do recommend is wearing comfortable sneakers for all of the standing, walking, and running you will be doing. Trust me, you will thank me later.
Be sure to have your Halloween Horror Nights Shirt
- AWESOME FIT: Fits True to size, great fit and feel – Wash with cold water, inside out. Who loves a great fitting and super soft graphic tee. This shirt has a great look and cool fit. This men’s funny t shirt fits great and is great for men, teenagers and kids. Makes A Great present for someone who loves zombies, halloween or just a great horror movie. Those who love shirts will understand the shirt and it many meanings. There is nothing that beat a great graphic tee.
- TOP QUALITY: Our Graphic Tees Professionally screen printed designed in North Carolina. Nothing beats our selection of funny graphic sarcastic tshirts! This amazing t shirt is soft, fits correctly on the shoulders and feels amazing. Everyone needs a little humor and sarcasm and this shirt fits them. You will love our buttery soft shirts when you check out our selection of funny t shirts. Big and Tall, youth, and more….something for everyone.
- GREAT FEEL: Our Shirts are 100% preshrunk cotton exceptions; AshGrey is 99/1cotton/poly; SportGrey is 90/10cotton/poly: Heathers are 50/50 if available. Available in 2XL 3XL 4XL 5XL Tee will bring adult humor out. Graphic tees for men makes gift for dad or your favorite gamer. We know them, they wear headphones and stare at the screen all day long. Great gift idea for teenagers, boys and girls, dads, uncles and best friends. Most designs have options for big and tall.
- HAVE FUN: Life is short, have fun. The best funny tshirts for everyone on your list. Great stocking stuffers. Sarcastic, graphic and novelty, humor in one tee shirt. Birthday tshirts for only the best of friends Who doesn’t love a great cotton tee. Great ice breaker. Love the soft feel probably wear it day and night nothing beats tshirts you can sleep in. This cool and stylist t shirt is professional printed. Christmas, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, gift, friends, brother or sister.
- BIG AND TALL, YOUTH AND MORE: Most designs have options for big and tall guys. Talls are about 2 inches longer than regular shirts. We have graphic Large Talls, XL Talls, 2XL Talls, 3xl Talls and 4xl talls for those that look down upon us. Also reg shirts up to 5xl. Super soft and feels great against your skin.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
5. Have a Game Plan (HHN Map + Itinerary)
Route your path around the park in advance by retrieving the Halloween Horror Nights 33 map.
This is one of my best Halloween Horror Nights tips! You’ll want to review the park map and make a list of what houses you want to do and in which order.
Hipster Power Tip: Start with the haunted mazes towards the back of the park and make your way towards the front on your trip.
Can you ride the rides at Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes you can, but I recommend saving the opportunity for riding the permanent attractions for another visit.
You can also do them towards the end of the night once you have done the HHN mazes.
6. Know the Best Days to Go to Halloween Horror Nights
Attend Halloween Horror Nights on off peak nights.
Visit Universal HHN Sunday through Thursday to take advantage of the cheaper days (especially for Florida residents or Annual Passholders) and the smaller crowd.
Please avoid weekends and holidays if you can.
These are the worst days to go because you will not be able to enjoy all the houses. You will also have to fight through extremely crowded streets.
Hipster Power Tip: The best time to attend Halloween Horror Nights is during the middle of September or last few days of the event (Halloween is hit or miss).
7. Purchase Halloween Horror Nights Tickets in Advance
It’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time. This prevents waiting in the ticket line once you arrive at Halloween Horror Nights.
The line to buy tickets can be long and on super busy nights it can exceed the usual ticket queue you may notice during regular theme park hours.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets (Single Night Price)
You can now save money and grab your HHN ticket online. HHN tickets start at $82.99 when purchased in advanced, but you can save up to $52 on select nights by purchasing yours in online. This will save you a lot of money.
Get YOUR DISCOUNTED Halloween Horror Nights Tickets TODAY!
8. Buy a Frequent Fear Pass
If you want to visit HHN on multiple occasions, then be sure to review the multi-pass breakdown.
The Halloween Horror Nights Rush of Fear Pass is the BEST value for your money.
You’ll be able to go on multiple days allowing you to see and do all that the event has to offer.
Plus, if you get the HHN Rush of Fear Pass, you won’t need to get an Express Pass.
Mainly due to the fact that you’ll be able to take your time going through the haunted houses throughout your multiple visits.
The Rush of Fear Pass and the Frequent Fear Pass allows you to visit HHN on many of the nights throughout the event for ONE PRICE! Below are the current options:
Rush of Fear Pass
Rush of Fear Pass
This HHN ticket is $179.99 per person and allows you to visit the event on August 30, 31, September 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.
Frequent Fear Pass (SOLD OUT)
For this pass you will pay $239.99 per person and get up to 30 nights. You are also able to come EVERY Sunday through Thursday of the event PLUS the first weekend.
The HHN Frequent Fear Pass includes the following dates:
- August 30, 31
- September 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29
- October 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31
- November 3
Frequent Fear PLUS Pass
This HHN pass is $289.99 per person and you get up to 40 nights. You’ll be able to come EVERY Sunday through Friday of the event PLUS the first and last Saturday of HHN.
The HHN Frequent Fear PLUS Pass includes the following dates:
- August 30, 31
- September 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29
- October 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31
- November 1, 2, 3
Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass
For $399.99 per person, you can get up to 48 nights and experience EVERY night of the HHN!
Plus, you’ll get FREE Regular parking after 5 p.m. on all event nights.
The HHN Ultimate Frequent Fear PLUS Pass includes the following dates:
- August 30, 31
- September 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29
- October 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31
- November 1-3
As you can see, you’ll be able to go on multiple days allowing you to see and do all that the event has to offer.
9. Get HHN Ticket From a Trustworthy Website
Buy your Universal Halloween Horror Nights ticket directly from Universal’s website or from a reputable source such as Groupon.
They usually have special rates for Orlando theme park visitors.
You can also book your Universal Orlando discount hotel through Hotels.com.
Get YOUR DISCOUNTED Halloween Horror Nights Tickets TODAY!
10. Get a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass
Another question I’m always asked:
Is the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass worth it?
Absolutely! Please buy an Express Pass. Halloween Horror Nights is extremely popular, if not the most popular Halloween event in Central Florida.
This popularity sometimes leads to wait times for haunted mazes exceeding three hours. In order for you to enjoy your evening at HHN, you may want to splurge on an express pass.
This will help you conquer each haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights.
Please note the Express Pass has a history of selling out on peak nights. Always check Universal’s website and buy your event upgrade before your visit.
If you can splurge on an Express Pass, then get it! It will make your night much more enjoyable and it will also make your night feel less rushed.
Remember: Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes start at $119.99 per person.
If you want to avoid spending extra money on the Express Pass, then it’s best to get to Halloween Horror Nights early.
I know I’m repeating this tip, but this is one of the MOST IMPORTANT Halloween Horror Nights Tips.
Do I need to buy an Express Pass for Halloween Horror Nights?
You 100% DO NOT NEED an Express Pass to enter and enjoy your time at HHN.
However, if you HATE lines with a burning passion, or want to get on every single haunted house in one night, then an HHN Express Pass is definitely going to maximize your time.
If you choose not to get an Express Pass, then I recommend that you pick a day that is going to have a lower crowd level.
You can do this by looking at the HHN Express Pass Pricing Calendar and see which day has a lower cost.
This will indicate that Universal Orlando predicts a smaller crowd that day.
Hipster Power Tip: The wait times are shorter (less than 30 minutes) at the beginning of the event and also towards the end of the event.
11. Press the Special Buttons in the Haunted Mazes
Whenever you’re in a haunted house please note the red button (or any interactive button). When you see one press it for a special surprise.
12. Remember Halloween Horror Nights is Extremely Scary
You may be wondering if Halloween Horror Nights is scary? HHN is recommended for ages 13 years or older for good reasons.
The houses and scare zones are intense with lifelike bloody scenarios.
Jump scares are throughout the event, but sometime the eerie, foreboding feeling is even scarier.
Is Halloween Horror Nights safe?
Absolutely. Just remember if the house is too intense for you, then you can leave by notifying a park team member.
The Universal team member is usually located in a specific corner of a haunted attraction and may be dressed in all black regular clothes.
Can they touch you at Halloween Horror Nights?
Team Members at Universal Orlando are not allowed to touch theme park guests, so you’re good to go!
Have you ever thought about doing Halloween Horror Nights solo? Read my solo trip report here!
13. Don’t Get Drunk Off the Spirits
Alcoholic beverages are served at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.
It’s a nice treat to have in the face of the haunted scares, but remember to pace yourself and try not to get drunk.
Remember: Local law enforcement patrols the event.
You can save money by pre-gaming in CityWalk during happy hour. This is one of my favorite Halloween Horror Nights tips.
Dead Coconut Club
My favorite place to pre-game before HHN is at the Dead Coconut Club.
You will enjoy ghastly inspired cocktails and treats on the second level of CityWalk Orlando.
You can learn more about Universal Orlando’s parking validation rules here!
Hipster Power Tip: Think about getting the HHN party started early at one of the Universal Orlando hotels. You can park there, get a drink at the bar and get your parking voucher validated. Saving you money on your parking fee.
14. Buy a Unique Halloween Horror Nights experience
This is a fun way to enjoy this Florida theme park haunt.
Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour
Try out the Unmasking the Horror Tour where you’ll have a daytime, lights-on, chilling look into how Universal Orlando’s Art & Design team transforms the biggest names in horror into haunted houses.
You’ll also get the opportunity to take photos while in some of the house during your tour.
You need to know that your theme park admission ticket is not included or required to participate in a tour.
So, once the tour is done, you will not be able to stay in the park unless you have a Universal Studios ticket or Annual Pass already purchased.
This is one of my best Halloween Horror Nights tips!
Below are the options that you have for the Unmasking the Horror Tour:
- 3 House Tour starts at $109.99 (can last up to 2.5 hours)
- 6 House Tough starts at $179.99 (can last up to 5 hours)
2024 HHN Unmasking the Horror 3-House Tour Options
- The Museum: Deadly Exhibits
- Slaughter Sinema 2
- Triplets of Terror
2024 HHN Unmasking the Horror 6-House Tour Options
- Goblin’s Feast
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- Insidious: The Further
- Major Sweets Candy Factory
- Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
- Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
Hipster Power Tip: If you’re not going alone, make sure you and your group book your tickets together so that you can get the same tour, time, and group on your visit.
Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour
Be sure to try the Halloween Horror Nights RIP Tour.
This is your own VIP tour around HHN in a one-on-one guided tour with a Universal Orlando Team Member with priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses (once per house).
How much is an HHN VIP Tour at Universal?
The Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour starts at $359.99. Prices change based on the predicted busyness of the event.
Doing an HHN VIP tour is definitely on my theme park bucket list.
If you do plan on doing it for your visit, you can expect to enjoy:
- Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating rides and attractions while on tour with R.I.P. Tour Guide (once per house, subject to itinerary and event operating hours)
- V.I.P. entrance gate to Universal Studios Florida for the event
- Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential & lanyard
- Complimentary Valet Parking (Guests will receive complimentary Valet Parking for one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
- Pre-tour reception in Cafe La Bamba
- Access to exclusive cash bar locations during the tour (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
- Reserved seating at select show(s)
- Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions (event hours permitting, excludes houses)
Private HHN R.I.P. Tours
Enjoy HHN like a star by doing your own private Halloween Horror Nights tour. This tour includes all the R.I.P. Tour benefits, PLUS:
- Priority UNLIMITED VIP entry to haunted houses and participating rides and attractions while on tour with R.I.P. Tour Guide (subject to itinerary and event operating hours)
- Exclusive private tour of the event for your group—up to 10 people
- Customizable itinerary
- My Universal Photos 3-Day photo package
- Call (866) 346-9350 for details and to book. Separate event admission is required; pricing varies by date, subject to availability.
What to Know Before Booking an R.I.P. Tour and a Private Tour
- Separate Halloween Horror Nights event admission is required for all R.I.P. Tour experiences AND must be valid for the same calendar day as the R.I.P. Tour ticket.
- R.I.P. Tours are available for individual parties of up to six (6) persons only and will include multiple parties in the same tour group.
- Parties or groups of seven (7) or more will need to book a Private R.I.P. Tour which will include only members of their individual group. Reservations are required and forty-eight (48) hour cancellation notice is required for a full refund.
- Event admission is not included in the listed price.
15. Purchase a Unique HHN Activity
Enjoy a special activity such as getting a henna tattoo, doing a scareactor dining experience (if it returns), or getting your face painted.
16. Stay Hydrated
HHN requires A LOT of walking and sweating! Something Floridians are used to, but not a common thing for out-of-towners.
Plan to drink a few ounces of water every hour while at HHN. This is one of my best Halloween Horror Nights tips!
17. Watch Halloween Horror Nights Vlogs
One of the best things you can do to prepare for HHN is to watch vlogs from some of the top creators.
Personal vlogs will show you some of the things to expect and will let you know the intensity of the event. The vlogs also show different ways people enjoy HHN.
View vlogs from people such as the Knight’s Trek, Zombie Chris, Losh TV and ThemeParkHipster (of course!) to help get you excited for HHN.
This is one of my top Halloween Horror Nights tips for you!
18. Don’t Forget Your Wallet
Remember to bring your wallet, your tickets, and your I.D. I know this sounds like a simple tip, but it’s something that happens to many people visiting HHN.
19. Have a Halloween Horror Nights Budget
This is not a cheap event to attend unless you have a hook up of someway or you are a Premier Passholder.
You have to take into account parking fees, food, drinks, and any other special experiences that you may want to do on top of the ticket price.
You may be thinking…
How much should I save for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando?
If you budget for:
- Ticket ~ $85 (this is the lowest price, but I recommended budgeting closer to $90)
- Parking at Universal Orlando ~ $30 (free after 6 p.m. except during HHN)
- Food ~ $45
- Merchandise ~ $60
Your total for a trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios would be ~ $220 per person.
20. Monitor the Weather
The weather in Florida from September to early November can range from extremely hot and humid to rainy and sometimes (very rare) cool October days.
Always check the weather to know what to expect. The weather will make or break your trip, especially if it’s scorching or if there’s a rainstorm.
21. Know the Costume Policy
A top question I’m asked is:
Can you wear costumes to Halloween Horror Nights?
Costumes are not allowed at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando. This rule is mostly for the safety of both team members and guests.
22. Dine Before Halloween Horror Nights
Grab a bite at CityWalk, at an off-site restaurant, or possibly inside Universal Studios. If you eat in Universal Studios prior to event, you will be placed in a holding area.
The holding areas vary, so always check prior to your visit.
For Passholders there are days, usually the first two weekends, where you can get into the park early.
If you take advantage of the Scream Early, you will be able to experience between 2 to 3 houses knocking them out quickly. This treat can eliminate the need to buy an Express Pass.
Scream Early Ticket AKA Stay and Scream
Universal Studios Florida offers haunt seekers an opportunity to start the excitement early by participating in Scream Experiences from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
At 5 p.m., you will wait in a Stay & Scream area until the event begins.
Admission for that day at Universal Studios theme park is REQUIRED and NOT INCLUDED with your Scream Early ticket purchase.
If you arrive at Universal Studios after 5 p.m., you forfeit your screaming rights!
How much is the Stay and Scream ticket at Halloween Horror Nights?
This ticket is $55 per person and allows you to start your HHN thrills early at Universal Studios Florida from 3-5 p.m.
Recommended: 1 Day in Orlando Itinerary: What Should I Do That’s NOT Theme Parks?
Passholders Get Special Pricing on Single-Night Tickets
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can save on HHN tickets online for select dates this season.
Plus, Premier Passholders get one free event night admission on select nights.
These are the 2024 dates for UOAP members to remember their free HHN tickets:
- September 4–8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29
- October 2, 3, 9, 10, 30
- November 1–3
To redeem your complimentary Halloween Horror Nights ticket, you must walk up to the gate and present your valid Premier Annual Pass at any Universal Studios Florida turnstile.
23. Be Mindful of Universal Orlando Resort Security
Security at Universal Orlando is very tight and it is stricter during Halloween Horror Nights, but don’t let that discourage your evening at HHN.
Have a blast, be safe, and don’t try anything stupid. This is one of my best Halloween Horror Nights tips!
24. Book A Vacation Package To Save Money
My top tip for you is to make your visit to HHN a full out vacation.
Lucky for you, Universal offers vacation packages that can save you some money and includes:
- One-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights
- Daytime admission to the theme parks
- Accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s magnificently themed hotels
- Access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights gate for faster entry into the event
- Early Park Admission during the day
- Complimentary transportation throughout the resort, and more!
Here are a few more Deals, Discounts and Vacation Packages for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando:
- Save 20% on a 4-Night Stay at Universal Hotels: Based on a 4-night stay
- Florida Resident Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package: includes hotel accommodations, admission to all three theme parks, 1-night HHN admission and more!
- 1-Night Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package: includes hotel accommodations and 1-night HHN admission
- Florida Residents Hotel Rates: Florida Residents can save 40% when staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel
You can check out the official website to learn more about booking your vacation package.
Hipster Power Tip: Universal Orlando Resort hotel guests get access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights. This will give you the opportunity to get inside of the event faster!
25. Have Fun!
You’re really going to have a great time, so try not to stress too much and enjoy the delightfully, ghoulish frights of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights!
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Halloween Horror Nights Tips for First-timers
I hope this Halloween Horror Nights Tips and Survival Guide helped you prepare for this year’s event.
If you’re questioning whether to go to HHN this year, remember that it is one of my favorite fall events to do in Orlando.
So, you must try it at least once! Halloween Horror Nights is one of the best things to do in Orlando for the fall.
Be sure to leave your own stories and let me know some of your favorite Halloween Horror Nights tips in the comments section below.
Also, let us know what your favorite Halloween Horror Nights tips, mazes and scare zones are of all time in the comments section below.
Check Out My Top Halloween Horror Nights Book Recommendation
- Ripley, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 354 Pages – 06/20/2017 (Publication Date) – Eskdale & Kent Publishing (Publisher)
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- Top 10 Ways to Find Cheap Halloween Horror Nights Tickets
- Which is better, Halloween Horror Nights or Howl-O-Scream?
- First Timer Solo Tips for Universal Orlando Resort
- Halloween Horror Nights History – 1991
- My Halloween Horror Nights Solo Trip Report
- Halloween Horror Nights History – 1992
- Universal Studios One-Day Itinerary
- Halloween Horror Nights Food Menu is Here…I’m Ready to DIG IN!
- Islands of Adventure One-Day Itinerary
I’ll be sure to keep this blog post updated once the information comes out so be sure to subscribe to my email list and bookmark this article for future Universal Orlando and HHN news!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
Watch: New to Halloween Horror Nights? Don’t Go Without Knowing These 15 Tips!
(Original Article Date: August 2012/Updated on August 30, 2024)
I hope that near the end of the Mardi Gras event at universal studios Orlando Florida we get some new details for Halloween horror nights at universal studios Orlando Florida or wait until before or after mothers day or memorial day or before and after fathers day or before and after independence day or during the middle of July or end of July or the start of august or middle of august or end of august remember to never go alone. I also think jack the clown chance and Eddie Schmidt could return as this years icons or have doctor Albert Caine the caretaker from the fictional scary version of Carey Ohio and his adopted pyromaniac daughter Cindy Caine as this years icons or have Nathaniel Crow as this icon maybe connect this character with the stories of the pumpkin lord and his minions from last year.
I would looooove if Universal had some of those iconic HHN Icons return this year!