Terrifying Details of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 32
Returning again to celebrate its 32nd year of chills and thrills, Halloween Horror Nights is lurking just around the corner. Given the impressive houses we’ve seen in previous years, we’re expecting Orlando’s premier Halloween event to be nothing short of terrifying.
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event.
This year, it will run from Friday, September 1, through Saturday, November 4, for a record-breaking 48 nights. Each evening will feature ten haunted houses, five scare zones, live entertainment, and enough food to satiate the monster under your bed.
HHN32 Haunted Houses
Universal Studios Florida has a long-running reputation for bringing popular horror franchises right into our backyards each year. Although all haunted houses have now been announced, the first three reveals were more than enough to get people excited.
Back in October 2022, the Universal Creative team announced via Twitter that Chucky doll will be making his return to Orlando for HHN32. It was the earliest house reveal in Horror Nights history. However, speculation started even earlier than that with official merchandise of ‘The Lakeshore Strangler’ being sold at Halloween Horror Nights 31.
Chucky’s debut with Universal Studios Florida dates all the way back to the first event in 1991. In the “Dungeon of Terror” haunted house, he antagonized guests alongside other famous blockbuster monsters. This year’s house, fittingly titled “Chucky,” is based off the USA/Syfy television show of the same name. The event will also see the return of Rip Ride Rockit’s secret audio track that features Chucky’s maniacal laugh, making for a killer ride experience.
Following the Chucky announcement, Universal Creative then went radio silent on any Halloween Horror Nights news for months. It was not until June 15 of this year that Universal Orlando Resort in partnership with Sony Entertainment’s subsidiary ‘Naughty Dog’ announced that the extremely popular gaming IP ‘The Last of Us’ was confirmed for the second house reveal.
The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed, third person horror/survival video game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic 2023. In this alternate timeline, a parasitic fungus has overtaken society. This pandemic turns its hosts into violent, undead creatures. The game follows Joel, a smuggler who is tasked with escorting an infected teenage girl, Ellie, across the country.
This will most likely be a headliner house due to the gaming franchise's popularity.
The most anticipated house reveal, announced on July 13, is the heavily rumored 'Stranger Things'. Making its junior appearance at Halloween Horror Nights, this immersive retelling of the story of Hawkins, Indiana will be sure to fright and delight fans of the show. We hope you have your favorite song readily available, because you'll be coming face-to-face with Vecna's curse in this haunted house.
Needless to say, we'll be 'Running Up That Hill' and straight towards the park gates on opening day.
Since then, Universal Orlando Resort has now officially announced every house for the 2023 HHN season. You can view the full line-up on their official website.
Halloween Horror Nights 32: Scare Zones and Live Entertainment
In past years, guests have encountered scarecrow villains, pumpkin lords, and the walking dead alike throughout the streets of Universal Studios. As of this writing, Universal has yet to confirm any of the scare zones you’ll see at HHN32.
However, as soon as the information is made available to us, we’ll be sure to update you here.
In the meantime, here are a few scare zones that made last year’s lineup:
Sweet Revenge
This scare zone depicted a Halloween carnival that went horribly wrong after the evil Major Sweets Candy Corporation fed poisonous candy to the local children, turning them into murderous mischiefs.
Horrors of Halloween
Ghouls and witches took over the streets of Production Central as the aforementioned "Pumpkin Lord" greeted guests on the first step of their terrifying path through the park.
Graveyard: Deadly Unrest
One fateful All Hallow’s Eve night, a mystical storm brewed upon a graveyard, awakening the once deceased. The now living-dead walked the streets of Hollywood, seeking out souls of unsuspecting victims.
These scare zones are not for the faint of heart. So, if you’re planning on going this year, bringing a friend may be in your best interest.
Straight to the Screams
Considering the popularity and density of the event, one standard night of fright is usually not enough to experience everything. Universal Studios not only offers multi-night tickets, but also upgrade packages.
For instance, the four-hour R.I.P. tours grant guests instant access to each of the haunted houses. They also enjoy reserved seating for live shows, valet parking, and unlimited express passes to the park’s rides and attractions.
You can purchase a group R.I.P. tour, which will typically cost an additional $279.99 to$399.99 per person. Or, you can pay for a completely private R.I.P. tour experience for roughly $1,800.
If the R.I.P. tour isn’t your speed but you still want to skip the tricks and get right to the treats, we suggest bypassing the line by purchasing an express pass.
Here is the complete list of dates and base pricing for the 2023 season:
$109.99 – September 6, 13, 20
$119.99 – September 7, 21, 27, 28
$129.99 – September 8, 10, 17
$139.99 – September 14, 15, 24 and October 4
$149.99 – September 2, 3, 9, 22, 29 and October 5, 11, 18, 25, 31
$159.99 – September 16 and October 1, 12, 19, 26
$169.99 – October 6
$179.99 – September 23 and October 8, 15, 22, 27
$189.99 – September 30 and October 13, 20
$199.99 – October 7, 28, 29
$219.99 – October 14, 21
Our final recommendation is to "Stay and Scream."
This option is given to anyone with daytime admission to Universal Studios Florida in addition to a Halloween Horror Nights pass. You will be barricaded in a certain holding area after the park closes and get early access into the houses. Knocking out a few houses before the event starts is very doable.
This is a great option for those who want to see everything in one or two nights but don’t want to splurge on an express pass.
Seek Refuge at Rosen Inn
Regardless of how you choose to experience Halloween Horror Nights, you’ll need a break after a full night of scares. Wind down at Rosen Inn on International Dr., our Universal partner hotel with relaxing rooms and great amenities.
Rosen Inn offers affordability, comfort, and convenience to anyone looking to stay within two miles of Universal Orlando Resort.
Here is a sneak-preview at HHN32: