Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) has become a bucket-list event for horror enthusiasts, and one writer from What's On recently put the event to the test, describing it as an experience that left her in tears.
The event, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, features 10 haunted houses, six scare zones and street experiences, and two shows. It runs from late August through November, taking over two of Universal's four Orlando theme parks each evening.
A Night of Unrelenting Terror
The writer, Sian David, described the experience as pitch black with swirling fog, screams, and the glint of weapons like axes and machetes. She noted the panic rises as you search for a way out, with terrors lurking in every direction.
This year's haunted houses are based on horror franchises including Hellraiser, Stranger Things, Sinners, Evil Dead Burn, and a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. The Ozzy house features a recording of the musician himself, used with permission from his family, which David called "deeply moving."
More Than Just Scares
Universal also brought back classic HHN characters like Jack the Clown, Dr Oddfellow, and H.R. Bloodengutz. New houses include Cybergoria, set in a future with cyborgs, Madlands: Caged Cannibals, an abandoned zoo with hybrid creatures, and Invasion: Alien Abduction.
David praised the event's attention to detail, noting that the houses are often years in the making. She recommended watching the source material before attending to fully appreciate the craftsmanship. The event features hundreds of scareactors who play their roles with evident enthusiasm.
Practical Tips for Visitors
The parks stay open until 2am, and David suggested staying on resort for convenience. She stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which offers a Polynesian theme and easy access to the parks via water taxi. Hotel guests can also enjoy early park admission and some receive a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass, subject to terms and conditions.
Beyond HHN, Universal Orlando offers four parks total, including Volcano Bay and the new Epic Universe. David concluded that HHN is something everyone should experience once, paraphrasing Pinhead and Ozzy Osbourne to say, "they have such sights to show you" and "you're going to love them all."
