Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

In 1991, Orlando Universal Studios hosted a three-night event titled Fright Nights. At Fright Nights, there was one haunted house named The Dungeon of Terror. This event is what began the tradition of Halloween Horror Nights.

Since the beginning, the horrifying haunted houses have been a staple of Halloween Horror Nights. Of course, as the years have come and gone, the houses have improved since The Dungeon of Terror. A way they have improved is in licensing.

Considering how big Halloween Horror Nights has become, the event was able to host different houses based on horror movies and other horror pieces of media. An example is two of this year’s houses; The Last of Us, based on the game by Naughty Dog, and Netflix’s Stranger Things. Many people have expressed their excitement about the houses, including Deerfield Beach High School students.

“My favorite house was either the Last of Us house or Universal Monster House. I was anticipating the Stranger Things house because of the huge line but it was mid. The actors were good, it just wasn’t as scary,” said DBHS senior Alec Conaghan.

Haunted houses are not the only thing to fear as there will be five scare zones filled with scare actors who will make it their mission to haunt whoever deems themselves brave enough to enter their area. Two notable scare zones this year are Vamp ‘69: Summer of Blood and Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror. People will cower in the presence of Oddfellow and his collection of horrifying oddities or run from the bloodsucking hippie vampires.

While not officially a scare zone, Death Eaters from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter have also come to find others loyal to the Dark Lord and spread fear to those who step foot in Diagon Alley.

While the main event of Horror Nights is being scared, it is not the only thing to do. Many foods and drinks are available throughout the park, the only thing to fear is the long lines. The Tribute store will also be open throughout the night, and it is filled to the brim with clothing and other merchandise products from fan-favorite houses like Chucky or Stranger Things.

Halloween Horror Nights officially started on the 1st of September and will be carried on through the 4th of November. There is still plenty of time to get some scare on. Tickets have been on sale since earlier this year, although prices of the tickets vary depending on how many people are going, which night the tickets are for, and if there is a specific ticket or bundle with the tickets. Act fast or buy them online because this tradition is one of a kind. There is no doubt that Orlando Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights will be a nightmare to remember.

Written by Erik Miranda  | Graphic Designed by Erik Miranda

Published October 31, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment