Are you trying to decide if the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass is worth it for a frightfully good time?
Every seasoned ThemeParkHipster knows that the Express Pass can be a smart investment for a smooth day at Universal Studios.
As you might know, purchasing the Express Pass speeds up wait times a lot. It’s often really worth having!
Of course, you always want to weigh your options when you’re planning out the day, to make sure you know how much time you have for your favorite activities.
Fall has always been my favorite time of the year and although the seasons in Florida don’t change as drastically as other parts of America, I am grateful for what we do receive.
Things such as cooler temperatures, fewer people at the ThemeParks, and an escape to the true Florida outdoor life!
We come out of our summer hibernation in Florida and bask in the fall décor both autumn and spooky in nature as it kicks off the holiday season.
If you are planning to go to Halloween Horror Nights this year, you might be interested in the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass.
So, today, we’re going to discuss all the ins and outs to help you decide if the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass is right for you.
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What is the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass?
For those of you wondering, “What IS the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass?” I’m here to tell you.
Essentially, the HHN Express Pass allows you to skip each of the lines for the haunted houses (one time only.)
The Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass also applies to select rides, which is awesome!
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A few key things to note are:
The Express Pass: Halloween Horror Nights edition does not replace the need for an actual Halloween Horror Nights ticket.
You will still have to purchase an admission ticket to the event as well as the Express Pass.
Additionally, if you have purchased a regular Express Pass for the day to use at Universal, it will not be applicable for the Halloween Horror Nights event.
Hipster Power Tip: You WILL need the separate Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass to use it during Halloween Horror Nights.
How Does the Express Pass Work at Halloween Horror Nights?
So – how does the pass work, exactly? Let’s break it down!
This “special event” Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass will guarantee one-time line skips for designated attractions and haunted house lines during the evening that it is purchased for.
The key thing here, is that the HHN Express Pass does have to be valid for the same exact night that you purchased your HHN ticket for.
Got all that, so far? Whew! Let’s keep going.
How Much Is The Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass?
So, we know that the typical Halloween Horror Nights Single-Night tickets begin around $79.99.
If you choose to purchase the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass, it will be at least an additional $119.99 for the pass.
Please note: you MUST have the separate admission ticket, in order to use the Express Pass.
If you were to do the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour, that priority ticket also requires a separate admission ticket, and it begins around $329.99.
The R.I.P. Tour is a VIP guided walking tour with private tour guide, and it does include one-time priority access to the haunted houses.
What I mean by “one-time” is that you get to skip the line for the haunted houses, one time.
I’ll tell you even more about what the R.I.P. tour includes down below, so just keep reading!
Recommended: 35 Scary and Fun Things to Do in Florida for Halloween
Does Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass Include Admission?
As a reminder, the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass does not include admission with the pass.
Even though this might seem silly or like extra additional costs, it’s important to remember!
You would hate to get to the park and be told that you don’t have what you need for entry. Especially when you’re already there dressed and ready for the spooky excitement!
So, because I care about you and your theme park experience, ThemeParkHipster, heed my advice!
Don’t forget to purchase an admission ticket AND a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass!
Are There Any Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass Discounts?
I’ve got excellent news for you. There ARE some Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass discounts!
So, first things first: Universal Passholders will receive up to $58 discounts on Halloween Horror Nights for single-nights tickets.
Additionally, if you happen to be a Premier Passholder, you could even get a FREE ticket to Halloween Horror Nights!
How exciting is that?
Discounts are also awarded to Premier and Preferred Passholders on the R.I.P. Tours!
For more details on these deals, check out the ThemeParkHipster blog here where I cover everything about the Halloween Horror Nights discounts.
Should I Get a Universal Express Pass for Halloween Horror Nights?
I do highly recommend the Express Pass for Halloween Horror Nights, if it’s in your budget.
Overall, I think that it makes a big difference in those long wait times, and it makes it possible to do even more during your limited time that evening.
If you’re really invested in getting the most out of your evening, this is a smart choice.
It’s up to you and your preferences, but having the Express Pass does help a lot for this hauntingly horrific evening experience.
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
Can You Do Halloween Horror Nights without an Express Pass?
If spending that additional $119.99 for the Express Pass on top of the admission ticket for $79.99 is more than you want to spend, fear not.
You can also do Halloween Horror Nights without the Express Pass!
Sure, the lines will definitely be longer, and you might have to prioritize your preferred haunted houses first.
I recommend this so that if you don’t get to everything, you at least did the most important ones.
But, this is how most trips to a theme park go anyway, regardless of what time of year it is.
Even if you don’t splurge for the Express Pass, there are so many cool aspects to Halloween Horror Nights including the scare zones, live shows, thematic food, beverages, and shopping, plus the rides throughout the park!
Keep in mind that simply because you’re at a special ticketed evening event at Universal, this already means that some lines will be shorter for rides and attractions.
They may still have a wait, but there are already less people than there would be during the day.
So, you’ve already won! Enjoy your experience regardless of the Express Pass.
Get your Halloween Horror Nights ticket TODAY!
RIP Tour Experience vs. Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass
So, we know that the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour starts around $329.99 and that it is very similar to the typical VIP tour that can be purchased at Universal Studios.
But, is it worth it to do R.I.P. instead of the Express Pass for Halloween Horror Nights?
Well, in addition to getting VIP access to the haunted houses during the guided walking tour, you will also receive an exclusive lanyard that you get to keep.
R.I.P. tour guests will also be allowed into Café La Bamba before the tour, and they’ll receive unlimited ride access for the duration of Halloween Horror Nights!
The R.I.P. Tour Experience also includes reserved priority seating at certain live shows, which can be a neat perk!
With the standard Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass, you are not receiving the special guided tour, access to Café La Bamba, or the unlimited ride access to select rides and attractions.
The Halloween Horror Nights Express pass does not include the private trolley or the exclusive VIP dinner either.
Both experiences provide perks, and the cost difference may be a big contributing factor when deciding between them.
Listen to the Podcast Episode 29 Below on the Best Things to Do in Orlando for Halloween
Our guest today, Diamond Gray, is the former owner of RideSoother.com and host of Diamond Hearts Theme Park radio show.
She has a strong love and passion for immersive theme parks rides; particularly at Disney and Universal.
She wants to continue to help others enjoy theme parks as much as she does especially fans who are afraid of rides or who may suffer from motion sickness!
Diamond’s also one of my favorite people. So enjoy our conversation on the best things to do in Orlando for Halloween.
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My Final Thoughts on The Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass and is it Worth it?
In my opinion, Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass is totally worth it.
Not only that, but there are several great reasons to purchase the R.I.P. Tour as well.
You can have a fantastic (and oh-so horrifying!) experience regardless of the type of ticket you choose.
Don’t forget to dress on theme and come ready to be frightened! Oh, and of course… Have a Happy Halloween!
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
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For more details on the standard Express Pass and if it’s worth it, check out our blog here.
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!
(Original Article Date: August 24, 2018/Updated on August 25, 2023)