Need to Know: A Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Orlando

The horror season is upon us! Halloween Horror Nights 32 is set to begin Friday, Sept 1 at Universal Studios Florida.

For those who have visited the event in the past, you know what to expect. For those who haven’t, get ready for some unforgettable horrific encounters…

Universal Orlando’s haunted houses are known for their incredible make-up, costuming, and set design. These houses are incredibly detailed and some have facades so massive, so detailed; you start to question if it’s an actual location.

Horror Nights 32 features 10 haunted houses, 5 scarezones, and one live show – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. In addition, Death Eaters will be roaming the streets of Diagon Alley. Universal will be keeping most of its popular attractions open during the event as well. In recent years, the event has expanded beyond the gates where the hotels get in on the Halloween fun.

There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. So we’re to help as best we can, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide some veteran knowledge to your game plan.

We’ll be updating this page throughout the event to make sure it’s as up-to-date as possible.

The Basics

Halloween Horror Nights 32 takes place on select nights from September 1, 2023, through November 4, 2023. The event runs from 6:30pm to 2am every night.

The world’s premier Halloween event celebrates its 32^nd year with a record-breaking 48 nights of immersing guests into the eeriest of experiences that could only be endured at Halloween Horror Nights – including a circus that’s spiraled into chaos, the long-awaited emergence of Halloween Horror Nights legend, Dr. Oddfellow.

This year’s lineup features 10 haunted houses:

• Stranger Things
  Season 4 of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” is brought to life in a terrifying all-new haunted house that transports guests to Hawkins, Indiana where they will be immersed in the eerie Upside Down for a heart-pounding experience while traveling through iconic scenes. Guests will confront their deepest fears and come face to face with otherworldly creatures like demobats, and even Vecna himself within his blood-red Mind Lair in a race against the clock to escape and save mankind from his deadly curse.
  
• The Last of Us
  For the first time ever, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game “The Last of Us” comes to life in an all-new haunted house that propels guests into an obstacle course of carnage and mayhem as they join a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. Guests will find themselves navigating iconic locations from the video game in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.
  
• Universal Monsters: Unmasked
  The dank Catacombs of Paris house a much darker secret sixty feet beneath the bustling streets, as the all-new haunted house “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” takes guests down into the infamous burial grounds where every corner and crevice overflows with millions of skeletal remains and even more sinister secrets. Deep within the Catacombs, Universal’s most notorious creatures – The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and his deranged alternate personality Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man – lie in wait as they bide their time and seek vengeance against guests after the opening of the Catacombs to public visitation. These desperate and dangerous fiends have become filled with a rage toward guests navigating the twisted tunnels of their underground labyrinth home.
  
• Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
  Inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” casts this killer doll as the star of his very own haunted house for the first time. A true sadistic killer, Chucky has been mired in the agony of disrespect he feels from his peers at not being taken seriously. Thus begins his quest to turn his haunted house into a living slaughterhouse by killing every person who enters.
  
• The Exorcist: Believer
  Inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment (in theaters Friday, October 13), “The Exorcist: Believer” haunted house will unleash an entirely new level of terror to Halloween Horror Nights. In this new chapter, guests will be transported to a bustling street market in Haiti, where an innocent purchase of a strange folk doll with three eyes leads to the opening of a demonic portal, the awakening of sinister spirits and the subsequent disappearance of two 12-year-old girls in the U.S. The girls are found three days later with no memory of what happened to them. After the girls begin to exhibit unsettling behavior, it soon becomes clear that only an exorcism can save them – and everyone who comes in contact with them, including unwitting guests, is suddenly at risk of losing their souls.
• Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
  The great wizard Merlyn has been transformed into the Enchanted Oak, leaving a power vacuum. When two powerful warlocks invade his castle to steal his spell book, they are turned into dragons of fire and ice. Now guests are caught in the middle of their battle and are forced to choose a path and a victor. But beware, one never knows who will win in “Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate.”
  
• The Darkest Deal
  In the Mississippi Delta, blues musician Pinestraw Spruce meets at a crossroads with a diabolical entity known as The Collector to make a deal: his soul for musical glory. Guests will witness his big break performing for a crowd before The Collector drags him to Hades with the other musicians who learned the terrible price of fame in “The Darkest Deal.”
  
• Yeti: Campground Kills
  In a 1950s campground, a group of towering, terrifying yetis are running rampant, ripping apart campers, rangers and anyone else who gets in their way. In “YETI: Campground Kills,” guests must flee through the campground into cabins, a bait shack and even the outhouse in hopes of making it to the ranger tower before it’s too late.
  
• Dr. Oddfellow Twisted Origins
  In the 1930s Dust Bowl era, guests won’t be able to resist going inside Dr. Oddfellow’s menacing menagerie of twisted oddities where they’ll encounter grotesquely distorted animals and freakish fiends. In “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins,” the price to enter this creepy caravan is steep as souls feed his immortal power.
  
• Blood Moon: Dark Offerings
  Colonial-era villagers begin to worship the moon obsessively. When the blood moon rises at their fall festival, they take it as a sign that they must hunt down any non-followers within their village. Guests will need to try not to become part of the sacrifice as they gather body parts to form a grisly offering in “Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings.”
  

The 5 scarezones are:

• Dark Zodiac
  Dr. Oddfellow has entered a dark dimension to harness the power of the Zodiac and live forever. He twists the signs into malevolent beings who foretell one’s doom. As his star rises, yours falls.
  
• Vamp 69: Summer of Blood
  At a 60s music fest in a small New York town, guests will jam to popular bands with fellow concert-goers until Dr. Oddfellow unleashes vicious vampires on the audience that are out for blood. 
  
• Jungle of Doom – Expedition: Horror
  In the 1920s, Dr. Oddfellow ventured deep into the darkest jungle, performing horrific experiments on nature. Now his monstrous creatures are running amok and on the hunt.
  
• Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror
  Dr. Oddfellow will lure guests into Halloween Horror Nights with a promise of immortality. As he lifts the veil on all the horrors to come, they’ll soon realize they may not even survive the night.
  
• Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged
  Enter a 1940s San Francisco shipping yard full of mysterious crates and cages bearing Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol. Beware, his nightmarish oddities have now escaped spreading fear and chaos in their wake.
  

Additional Horror Nights experiences include:

• Nightmare Fuel: Revenge Dream – a live show featuring pyro and aerial performers fire guests up to the beat of metal and electronica.
• Tribute Store – Horror Nights 32 retail location where guests can enter “a mysterious NYC Comic Book Shop” and experience the “Tribute to Terror”.
• Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar – located behind Lombard’s, the bar will feature themed libations within an ominous nightclub vibe, photo opportunities, and more.

Outside of Universal Studios Florida, additional Halloween fun includes:

• Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club in 3D – The Red Coconut Club in CityWalk will once again transform for the Halloween season, where Monstergram Pictures is premiering its latest film – Target Planet Coconut.
• Chucky’s Twisted Playground – a photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series
• Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends – lobby photo opportunities throughout Universal Orlando’s hotel lobbies

The following rides will be open:

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Revenge of the Mummy
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Who is Dr. Oddfellow?

Dr. Oddfellow is this year’s Icon.

An icon is a central character that is the host of the event and is used in merchandise, marketing, and more.

Dr. Oddfellow has been a character for years, but mostly in a supporting role – being tied to the backstories of Jack the Clown.

This year – he takes center stage and Universal has created an elaborate backstory further explaining his past, his present, and how he became the Icon for Halloween Horror Nights 32. He will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, but will also be included in the scarezone, Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror, which is located at the front of the park; and the haunted house, Dr. Oddfellow Twisted Origins.

To summarize, Dr. Oddfellow harnesses the power of the Zodiac through the use of the Cane of Souls. He is also immortal and can shapeshift.

As a little Easter Egg, Dr. Oddfellow has a notable scar on his face. Each scarezone will feature a creature that is Oddfellow in disguise, and you can identify which one is Oddfellow by the scar on his face.

If you’re interested in the complete backstory of Dr. Oddfellow – we recommend checking out the Discover Universal Podcast, the official podcast of Universal Orlando.

Tickets

Guests can choose from a variety of different ticket options, from single-night to multi-night passes, and even VIP experiences.

A single-night ticket to HHN starts at $79.99 per person, plus tax. To add Express to your single-night ticket, it’s an additional price starting at $119.99 per person, plus tax.

Pricing varies by date and is subject to availability. Check Universal Orlando’s website for exact prices for your planned day of visit. Sellouts are possible, so if you’re planning a single-night visit – BUY your ticket as soon as you can.

(As of September 28, 2023, all Frequent Fear Passes are sold out. Single-night tickets are still available – however, purchase them as early as you can as they can sell out as well.)

For multi-night tickets, there a several options – each with the ability to add Express.

• Rush of Fear Pass – Get access to up to the first 18 event nights. Standard ticket is $179.99, adding Express to the pass increases it to $529.99.
• Frequent Fear Pass – Get up to 30 nights. EVERY Sunday – Thursday event night PLUS the first weekend. Standard ticket is $229.99, adding Express to the pass increases it to $609.99.
• Frequent Fear Plus Pass – Get up to 40 nights. EVERY Sunday – Friday PLUS the first and last Sat. event nights. Standard ticket is $269.99, adding Express to the pass increases it to $699.99.
• Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass – Enjoy EVERY NIGHT of the event; plus, get FREE Regular parking after 5pm on all event nights. Standard ticket is $374.99, adding Express to the pass increases it to $919.99.

New for this year, guests MUST select the pass start date at the time of purchase. The first visit using the Pass MUST be ON or AFTER the selected start date – the pass will not be valid for any visits prior to that date. Basically, if the event date sells out and you have not purchased your multi-night pass, you won’t be able to select the date as a “Start Date”, aka it is “sold out” of multi-night passes. You can still purchase the pass, but your first day of use will be at a later time.

The R.I.P. Tour

• Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses (once per house, based on itinerary) while on tour with the R.I.P. Guide. Tour inclusions are subject to itinerary and Houses toured are at the discretion of Universal Orlando Resort.
• Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard, and button (one each per guest)
• Complimentary Valet Parking (one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
• Pre-Tour Reception in Cafe La Bamba
• Access to exclusive cash bar locations (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
• Universal Express Unlimited ride access (with R.I.P. credential) at all participating rides & attractions for the date of the tour (valid upon check-in at VIP Experience lobby to be used before or after tour during normal event operating hours; excludes Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses)
• Reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour

The Private R.I.P. Tour

The Private R.I.P. Tour option is a private guided V.I.P. walking tour of the event for up to 10 people.

Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Private Tour Includes:

• Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating attractions while with R.I.P. Tour Guide (subject to itinerary and event operating hours)
• Exclusive private tour of the event for your group—up to 10 people
• Customizable itinerary
• My Universal Photos 3-Day photo package (Photo package entitlement starts on the day of R.I.P. Tour)
• Pre-Tour Reception in Cafe La Bamba
• Reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour
• Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard, and button (one each per guest)
  Complimentary Valet Parking (one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
• Access to exclusive cash bar locations (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
• Universal Express Unlimited ride access (with R.I.P. credential) at all participating rides & attractions for the date of their tour (valid upon check-in at VIP Experience lobby to be used before or after tour during normal event operating hours; excludes Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses)

For pricing and to book the Private R.I.P. Tour, call (866) 346-9350

Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour

The Unmasking the Horror Tour is a behind-the-scenes, lights-on V.I.P. tour of Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses. Guests have the option to pick from a 3 or 6-house tour. Theme park and/or event admission is not included or required to participate in this tour. Photographs are permitted in certain areas. The Tour Guide will provide what is and isn’t allowed.

The 6-house option (starting at $169.99) includes a lights-on tour of:

Universal Monsters: Unmasked
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
Stranger Things 4
YETI: Campground Kills
Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings

The 3-house option (starting at $119.99) includes a lights-on tour of:

The Last of Us
Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
The Darkest Deal

Keep in mind that house line-ups are subject to change.

Scream Early Ticket

If you’re interested in getting an early start to your night and enjoying some of Universal’s attractions in the process, the Scream Early ticket offers admission into Universal Studios Florida from 3-5pm.

At 5pm you’ll wait in a Stay & Scream area until the event begins. The ticket is $40.00 per person, plus tax.

Is it Scary?

That depends on who you ask, as everyone’s definition of scary is different. Afraid of Clowns? Afraid of Dolls? Afraid of Blood? It’s all there. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly – if you will.

The event is a smorgasbord of horror, a little something for everyone – so there will most likely be SOMETHING that will try to eat at your fears.

Our recommendation is to comb through the lineup and see what’s what so you know what to expect.

If you are easily startled, be on your guard. The actors focus on guests who aren’t paying full attention, so if you’re on your cell phone – expect to become a scare target.

To Express or Not to Express?

Express Passes will allow you to skip the long lines at all open attractions ONCE per night. For those who can afford it, we highly recommend purchasing them.

Express is definitely a luxury, but it is worth the peace of mind to enjoy the event at your own pace.

We also recommend to NOT use your Express pass for anything under 20 minutes.

If you opt to go without Express – you must, must, MUST be there before opening; especially on busier nights if you want to accomplish everything. You can do everything without Express, but it will require you to take advantage of Stay and Scream and a committed schedule.

Be forewarned: If you arrive late on any night, it may take a while to get through the parking, security, and through the turnstiles. This is why it is so important to buy your tickets in advance and arrive early.

Stay and Scream

Stay and Scream is the option to wait inside Universal Studios Florida while the park gets ready for Halloween Horror Nights. This allows you early access to select haunted houses, depending on where you are waiting in the park.

The option is available to anyone with regular park admission (or a Scream Early Ticket). You MUST be inside the park by 5pm. No exceptions. Any later and you’re waiting til the event gates open at 6:30pm.

We’ll update with locations and houses after the event starts.

CityWalk & The Resorts

Over in CityWalk, Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club in 3D takes over the Red Coconut Club for this haunt season. The lounge offers food, drink, and live music & entertainment. Hours vary daily, so it’s best to check with Universal Orlando on hours of operation.

For the first time ever, the fog has spread to all eight hotels with exclusive experiences for hotel guests inspired by this year’s event, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s exclusive “Chucky’s Twisted Playground” photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series, plus, the Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends lobby photo opportunities in all other hotel lobbies. Guests can even enjoy Halloween-themed bars like the Spooky Swizzle Lounge at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Spooky Sunset Lounge at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, plus themed food and beverage offerings across the destination.

In order to enjoy the hotel experience, you must be staying at one of the on-site hotels.

Guests staying on-site also get a dedicated entrance into the event, as well as a dedicated Stay and Scream area.

Food & Drink Menu

We will be updating with additional information soon!

More FAQ

Q: Are express passes really needed?
A: This is a question that is asked the most, and yes you should purchase them. They will ensure you are able to visit each house and attraction, as well as maybe visit some houses multiple times. Crowds are always heavy, especially as it gets closer to Halloween.

Q: What is the alcohol situation?
A: Multiple stands and designated bars are set up with food and drink throughout the park.

For those who are 21 and up, there are plenty of places to get a drink. If you’re drinking beer or wine, you’re covered at most pop-up stands. If you’re looking for a good mixed drink, head on over to Finnegan’s in New York. A lot of the stands will feature a pre-mixed specialty cocktail as well.

Always remember to drink responsibly.

Q: What’s the best house?
A: This can’t be answered. Different strokes and all. But you must visit each house to voice your own opinion.

Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, however, Universal states that the event may be too intense for anyone under the age of 13. We don’t recommend bringing young children, but we understand every child is different and may be able to handle the scares. Ultimately, as a parent, you have to make the call on what you feel is right for your child.

Q: Can I use my Express pass more than once?
A: No, you may only use Express once per attraction.

Q: What is the Parking Situation?
A: Standard Parking rates apply for Halloween Horror Night event nights. Free self parking is available after midnight, but that only allows 2 hours to enjoy the event.

Q: Can I dress up for Halloween?
A: Costumes and Masks are not permitted during any event night.

Q: If there was only one thing you could recommend to a first-timer, what would it be?
A: Decide beforehand what’s most important to you and construct your game plan around that. There is no cheat code to beat the wait times so determine what meets your needs and then plan accordingly. If you have Express, you can take a more chill approach. If you’re opting to go without Express, you may need to plan an early arrival and expect a bit of hustle.

Q: Why shouldn’t I use Express if the wait is so low?
A: Express is an expensive benefit, and rightfully so. We think it’s wasteful to use it on a line less than 20-30 minutes. In addition, though the wait time may show 20 minutes, there’s a chance your wait will be less, or the wait time is incorrect. Keep that Ace in your pocket; so if you want to repeat a house later in the night, you can use your Express benefit then.

Q: When, and What, is Hell Week?
A: Hell Week is a term used to describe a time in October when there is an influx of crowds due to several reasons, mostly related to Columbus Day and School Breaks.

The event is as popular as ever, so most nights will be busy – but “Hell Week” nights are extremely busy. We expect Oct 6-16 to have higher than normal waits due to the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, Oct 9th, and local schools having Monday, the 16th, off; setting up two successive 3-day weekends.

Q: Should I get a Frequent Fear Pass?
A: Only if you see yourself making more than one visit during the event’s run.

Q: Can I touch a scareactor?
A: Absolutely not. Depending on the situation, it’s cause for ejection from the event.

Q: Can I take photos or video?
A: You are allowed to take as many photos and videos of everything except inside the haunted houses.

Flash photography is also frowned upon, so please be kind to the actors. No one likes a sudden burst of bright light in their face. While not breaking a rule, you will be asked by security and leaders to turn your flash off.

And while photos are allowed, the actors are there to scare, so it is totally up to the actor whether or not to pose for a picture with you.

Additional Tips

• Purchase tickets as early as you can to ensure you are guaranteed entrance into the event.
• Wear comfy shoes. Seems silly to include, but you’d be surprised how much of an oversight this usually is to guests.
• We repeat… Never use Express on waits of less than 20 minutes.
• Don’t waste time doing the rides; this is Halloween Horror Nights! If you must do everything, including the rides, Express will be beneficial to this game plan. Another option is to purchase the Scream Early ticket ($40), which allows entry into Universal Studios Florida at 3pm and the ability to be early to wait in the Stay and Scream waiting area.
• If traveling in large groups, be aware of your party’s needs. If you have people who may want to skip a certain haunt, make sure they know where you will exit. Some houses exit in different places, sometimes even on other sides of the house entrance.
• If you plan to drink, please drink responsibly. There will be mass amounts of law enforcement making sure no one gets disorderly. Also, don’t try to sneak in alcohol, the police will be looking carefully. Under-age visitors, this means you!

Lastly, the fine print – from the Universal Orlando website:

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. No rain checks, returns or refunds. Prices, dates, times, attractions, entertainment, and/or experience details are subject to availability, changes and/or cancellation without notice. Parks/attractions/entertainment, or access to events may close or be unavailable due to capacity and benefits are subject to change without notice. Free self-parking after midnight on all Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Free self-parking available after 6PM for all guests on non-Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Other restrictions may apply.

If your question wasn’t answered, we recommend checking our Forums for some more Tips, Tricks, and Info for Halloween Horror Nights 32.

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