FOG, SCREAMS, LATE NIGHTS, Horror, Scare Zones, pizza fries…that’s right, PIZZA. FRIES. September 1st kicked off the 32nd year of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando.
HHN is a BIG deal at Universal Orlando. While Hollywood, CA has a smaller version, it is nothing compared to Orlando’s version.
If this is your first HHN then it can be intimidating. Don’t worry. MMP has your back! We have all the Insider Tips you need to make the MOST of your Halloween Horror Nights experience!
Weekend Nights are the Busiest!
For obvious reasons, weekend nights are the busiest nights during HHN. Of course any night can be busy, the weekend’s are most definitely the busiest! If you are able, schedule your HHN for the week night.
Earlier in the season..better!
Earlier in the season for HHN is the best! The crowds are bigger the closer it gets to Halloween. The season begins September 1st and ends October 31st. The closer it gets to Halloween the busier it gets.
Review the Map before..Start at the back!
As with anything always be prepared! Review the map of the layout of HHN BEFORE and come up with the houses you JUST MUST DO! On the night of HHN, go to the houses at the BACK of the park first! Most people start at the front and make their way around. Don’t Do That! Head to the back first! Keep in mind, this means you will need to be ready to go in as soon as you can get in.
Know your entrance options!
There are several different ways to get in EARLY to HHN. No you cannot go in the houses early, but you can go in the holding area which enables you to make it to those popular houses at the back of the park the quickest!
Park ticket for day of: If you have a park ticket for the day you plan on going to HHN, you CAN get in the holding area early! When the park closes, head to the holding area!
Scream Early Pass: If you do not have a valid park ticket for the day of your HHN ticket, you can also purchase a Scream Early pass. The Scream Early pass is $40 for HHN 32. It will allow you to Scream from 3-5pm and then go to the holding area at 5pm and wait until the event starts at 7pm.
Hotel Guest Entrance: It is worth noting that on-site hotel guests have their own entrance and holding area for HHN. You do not get early admission to the houses like the Scream Pass allows, but you CAN avoid some of the general admission crowds.
Line Up Early: If you are going to line up at the general admission turnstiles, be sure and do so 2+ hours prior to the event beginning.
Pack Ponchos!
September and October are still part of the rainy months in Florida. Be sure and pack ponchos! If you don’t need them, you can always store them in a locker rental at the front of the park.
Utilize Time Wisely!
While you don’t want to spend valuable scare time in the food lines, you will find that the food is one of the best things about HHN, I’m looking at you PIZZA FRIES! The best time to eat food is 8:30-10:30. This is typically when the house lines are the longest and the scare zones the busiest. Grab a snack and sit down and people watch! And if you’re planning on drinking alcohol, bring that ID!
Get Your Halloween Horror Nights Tickets Early!
Due to the popularity, HHN’s WILL sell out! So be sure and tell your MMP advisor to get those tickets for you ASAP! Don’t wait!
HAVE FUN!!!
The most important thing with ANYTHING Universal is to have fun and HHN is no exception! Keep in mind that the scare actors cannot touch you, but that goes the opposite way as well, you cannot touch them!
Expectations…
Expect there to be lines. It is popular. There WILL be lines. If you don’t like lines, my recommendation is to purchase the express pass. Otherwise, pack your patience and have fun!!!
