Universal Studios Florida in Orlando outdoes almost any other Halloween event with its Halloween Horror Nights from Aug. 30 to Nov. 3. Since 2006, it has been named Best Halloween Event 12 times by Amusement Today — more than any other theme park! And Halloween Horror Nights in 2024 promises to be just as scary, if not more so, than years past. Everyone raves about the quality of the sets and costumes and the scariness of the actors, which is not surprising considering that a top movie studio is putting on the show! Let’s take a look at what to expect this year.
©Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock.com
Halloween Horror Nights
During the day, Universal Studios Florida is full of fun rides, attractions, and characters from the Universal Studios canon, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Transformers, Jurassic World, Shrek, Despicable Me (you’ve got to love those Minions!), and SpongeBob SquarePants. There’s really something for the whole family, including play areas for little kids.
As twilight descends in September and October, the atmosphere changes — literally. A misty fog starts to roll down the streets, and creepy rock music interrupted by the sound of chainsaws comes over the loudspeakers. If you have little ones in your group, now is the time to evacuate before the demented Jack the Clown is unleashed into the crowds. Universal Studios doesn’t recommend Halloween Horror Nights for anyone under 13 and strongly cautions against bringing young children. Still, you’ll have to be the judge of just how much horror your kids can take. And the park doesn’t allow guests to wear costumes or costume masks. You have to leave the horror up to them.
The theme park has five scare zones, 10 haunted houses, and a live show during this separately ticketed event.
- A Quiet Place. If you want to survive the terrifying, post-apocalyptic world, you better keep quiet, like the Abbott family.
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Try not to freeze in fear as the bone-chilling new specter, Garraka throws spears of ice and freezes people in front of you.
- Insidious: The Further. Try not to get trapped in The Further as demons try to ensnare you.
- Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines. The epic battle of Saskia Van Helsing and the Bride of Frankenstein against Dracula’s daughter and her monstrous mavens.
- Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America. Battle against the infernal rider El Charro, the devil dog El Cadejo, or the boogeyman El Cucuy.
- Slaughter Sinema 2: Get Ready for the Final Cut. This is a horror movie marathon the like of which you have never seen before.
- The Museum: Deadly Exhibits. The Rotting Stone, a folklore museum’s newest exhibit, releases an evil spirit that destroys everything.
- Major Sweets Candy Factory. Beware of the kids who are transformed into candy-coated killers by the free sample in the Candy Factory.
- Goblin's Feast. They’ll Feast on Your Flesh. You are the main course in a feast for goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches.
- Triplets of Terror. The Party’s Over. And So Are You. It's the Barmy triplets’ birthday celebration where they recreate the murders of their entire family.
The five scare zones feature Enter the Blumhouse, Duality of Fear, Demon Queens, Swamp of the Undead, and Torture Faire. The live show is Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus. In short, Halloween Horror Nights is not for the squeamish, sensitive, or easily spooked!
Times & Tickets
Universal Studios Florida hosts Halloween Horror Nights on most nights between Aug. 30 to Nov. 3. this year, except for Mondays and Tuesdays. The hours on most nights are 6:30 pm to 2 am. Check the park calendar for the latest details.
Separate tickets are required for Halloween Horror Nights, so if your family is visiting during the day, be prepared to pony up for another ticket at night. Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the day you visit. Visit the Universal Studios Florida website for all the pass options and to buy tickets. Happy Halloween!
Find more amazing family travel destinations here!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock.com.