Universal Orlando has unveiled 10 spine-chilling haunted houses for its Halloween Horror Nights 2024 celebration.

Since the 1930s, Universal has been a cornerstone in the realm of monster cinema, introducing iconic characters like the Wolf Man, Dracula, and the Invisible Man to audiences.

These legendary monsters have been a staple at Universal Orlando Resort since its inception in 1990, featured in attractions such as the "Horror Make-Up Show" and the Revenge of the Mummy coaster. It’s only fitting that Universal immerses its entire park in haunted experiences.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando started in 1991 as a modest three-night affair hosted by Beetlejuice, featuring just a single haunted house. Now in its 33rd edition, this year’s event will stretch across a record 48 nights, kicking off in August for the first time. After all, who wouldn't want to jump-start the spooky season?

During the event's over two-month span, visitors can encounter a darker side of Universal Orlando. The festivities take place after Universal Studios Florida closes its doors to daytime guests, transforming the park with haunted houses, eerie outdoor scare zones, and live entertainment, creating a chilling contrast to the usual family-friendly atmosphere.

While there is no age limit for Halloween Horror Nights, the event's intense themes and graphic content make it unsuitable for children under 13. If you plan to bring younger ones, carefully consider if they can handle the scares.

Key dates, such as opening weekend and Halloween, tend to sell out quickly, so it’s wise to plan ahead to ensure you get a thrilling experience. Secure your tickets now to avoid missing out, and start strategizing so you’re prepared for the spooky adventures at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights.

When does Halloween Horror Nights begin?

This year, Halloween Horror Nights will take place on select evenings from August 30 to November 3. The event is open nightly, except for Mondays and Tuesdays, typically starting at 6:30 p.m. and running until 2 a.m.

Haunted attractions

As is customary for HHN, there will be 10 haunted houses at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights this year, spread throughout the park. You can locate them using the Universal Orlando app's map. Some houses are in overflow queue areas for rides, while others are situated in operational soundstages. Additionally, some houses are set up in large tents that may not appear frightening from the outside, but are terrifying within.

The haunted houses present a chilling blend of original creations crafted by Universal's sinister team and those inspired by beloved horror franchises like "Stranger Things" and "Halloween." Typically, the lineup features an even split, with five original and five movie-themed houses each year.

This year, Universal broke from tradition by launching the house announcements with six original creations. Here’s a brief overview:

• Slaughter Sinema 2: Whether you like it or not, this house turns you into the star of your very own B-movie marathon, featuring creature features, grindhouse gore, spaghetti Westerns, and more.
• Goblin's Feast: As you wander through this house, you’ll witness the preparations for an extravagant banquet for goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches. Did we mention you’re on the menu?
• Major Sweets Candy Factory: This isn't Major Sweets' debut at Halloween Horror Nights; he had his own scare zone in 2022. This year, guests are invited to supervise a field trip to his candy factory, where the "deadly yet delicious" treats yield surprising effects on the children who try them.
• Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America: Guided by La Muerte (Death), you’ll journey through the house to meet three frightful legends — Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza, and El Silbon.
• The Museum: Deadly Exhibit: The museum's new folklore exhibit, "The Rotting Stone," has more to it than meets the eye, and once its malevolence is unleashed, it will wreak havoc.
• Triplets of Terror: It’s just a birthday celebration, so what could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, actually. The Barmy triplets are set to recreate their family's gruesome murders during this "."

On June 6, Universal unveiled the first movie-inspired house of the season, themed around the "A Quiet Place" films. Since loud, sudden sounds often heighten the fear in haunted houses, this one will be particularly intriguing. For the first time, Universal will also integrate American Sign Language (ASL) into the experience to honor the films.

Following this, they announced a house based on "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," the newest entry in the Ghostbusters series. Expect to encounter characters (and creatures) from both the original movies and the more recent releases.

The penultimate house announcement draws inspiration from the "Insidious" film series. Guests will (unknowingly) step through the iconic red door and enter The Further, a realm inhabited by malevolent ghosts and demons.

The final house announced is an original concept titled Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines. This attraction will showcase an all-female lineup of classic Universal Monsters engaging in an epic "undead" showdown.

Scare zones

Alongside the haunted houses, Universal sets up several outdoor scare zones throughout the park. This year, there will be five scare zones, making it nearly impossible to navigate the park without confronting them directly.

"Scareactors" (which rhymes with "characters") wander the scare zones in search of unsuspecting victims to terrify, though they aren't as frightening as the haunted houses. Instead, you might receive an eerie glare or find one trailing you a little too closely. However, they won’t hesitate to rev a chainsaw right in your face if they think it will catch you off guard.

What are the ticket prices for Halloween Horror Nights?

Single-night tickets for this year's event begin at $82.99 per person, plus tax. Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event, so these tickets do not grant daytime access to the parks. This year, select ticket options come with a six-month subscription to the Peacock streaming service, allowing you to catch up on your favorite horror series before the event.

If you possess a daytime ticket (or an annual pass), Universal typically keeps a few "Stay & Scream" areas of the park open. This lets you enjoy a drink and a snack while the park prepares for the evening's festivities. Universal also provides a "Scream Early" ticket that permits entry into Universal Studios Florida as early as 3 p.m., allowing you to enjoy daytime attractions and be among the first in line for the haunted houses.

Universal also offers multi-night "Frequent Fear" and "Rush of Fear" passes for guests planning to visit multiple times during the event.

For those wishing to experience the parks both during the day and at night, vacation packages are available that include hotel accommodations, park tickets, and entry to Halloween Horror Nights. You can even use your hotel keycard for access to a dedicated event entrance reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

Upgrades for Halloween Horror Nights tickets

Universal provides a range of add-ons and upgrades for Halloween Horror Nights. These include:

• Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night — If you're looking to experience Halloween Horror Nights with smaller crowds and shorter wait times, Universal is introducing its first-ever Premium Scream Night for one night only on August 29. For $350 per person plus tax, you can enjoy staggered entry into all 10 haunted houses (for even more thrills), unlimited food and nonalcoholic beverages, free self-parking, access to select attractions at Universal Studios Florida, and an exclusive event souvenir credential and lanyard. Tickets will be available online starting June 6 and are expected to sell out quickly.
• Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour —This VIP-style tour for Halloween Horror Nights features an expert guide who will lead you to priority entrances at each haunted house, sharing fascinating insights about the event along the way. You'll also enjoy a pretour reception with complimentary food and a cash bar, unlimited Universal Express skip-the-line access for rides, a commemorative tour credential, lanyard, and a pin. Both group and private tours are available, starting at $369.99 per person; note that this price does not include your Halloween Horror Nights ticket.
• Halloween Horror Nights Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour —This tour is perfect for those who are either too scared to visit the haunted houses at night or want a deeper understanding of them. It’s a lights-on tour held during the day, allowing you to choose between touring three or six haunted houses. Prices begin at $99.99 per person, plus tax, for three houses, and $179.99 per person, plus tax, for six. No regular theme park admission or Halloween Horror Nights tickets are needed for this experience.
• Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass — Universal also offers the Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass, which enables you to skip the standby line once per night at the haunted houses and select attractions, similar to the daytime Universal Express Pass. Wait times for haunted houses can reach up to 90 minutes on busy nights, making this add-on a worthwhile investment. Pricing starts at $139.99 per person, plus tax, and does not include Halloween Horror Nights event admission, which must be purchased separately.

Visiting tips

Make sure to allocate time for live shows

When we say that Halloween Horror Nights envelops the entire park, we truly mean it. In addition to the haunted houses and scare zones, you’ll find two live shows, themed food and beverage booths, and exclusive Halloween Horror Nights merchandise.

The Universal Orlando app provides schedules for live entertainment. To secure a good viewing spot, it's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show begins.

Tips for the timid

If haunted houses usually aren’t your thing, you might be questioning whether to visit Universal Orlando during Halloween Horror Nights. If you’re unsure about handling the scares, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the event.

As mentioned earlier, the outdoor scare zones are less intense than the haunted houses, making them a great introduction to the event. You can also indulge in carnival games, sample themed foods, ride roller coasters, and catch some shows if you need a breather from the haunted houses.

Consider booking the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour, which allows you to explore the houses during the day with the lights on and without the jump scares. Experiencing the houses in a well-lit setting may even bolster your confidence to visit them again at night.

Keep an eye out for Halloween Horror Nights merchandise

Most of the merchandise can be found in the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, located near the Revenge of the Mummy coaster. The store itself is designed like a themed attraction, featuring multiple rooms filled with props and decor that create a haunted house atmosphere without the jump scares.

You can find all the essentials like hats and T-shirts, along with specialty masks, artwork, and memorabilia. There’s even a whole room dedicated to spooky treats.

Be on the lookout for original characters

One of the most fascinating aspects of Halloween Horror Nights is the well-crafted original characters that make an appearance year after year.

You don’t need to be familiar with these characters or the intricate lore of the event to enjoy it. However, several articles on Universal Orlando's blog provide insights "behind the screams" for those interested in learning more.

Keep an eye out for more updates as this year's event approaches.