We're Gotta Go Orlando, your Halloween Horror Nights friends till the end, and if you've never been to HHN before, then you are gonna want to check out our Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2023 Beginners Guide, which should help you enjoy, and survive HHN 32!
Welcome HHN newbies, you're in for the scare, sorry, we mean time of your life!
So, you've never been to Halloween Horror nights before? You must be pretty scared already...
First piece of advice is straight from the folks at Universal themselves ... never go alone to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida, and wth that lets dive into this year's Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2023 Beginners Guide!
Read on for all the juicy tips and advice on how best to prepare and most of all survive your first time at Halloween Horror Nights here in Orlando.
First up we need a brief history lesson!
Universal Studios Florida debuted its first Halloween event called Fright Nights in 1991.
In 1992, the experience was officially renamed Halloween Horror Nights and became an annual event. What began as a three-night haunting has since evolved to span many select nights between September and October. Although the event has primarily taken place inside Universal Studios Florida, there was a brief period from 2002-2005 where Universal Islands of Adventure got in on the fun.
Every year comes with a new theme and a cast of characters that inhabit the transformed park. The main attractions are always the various haunted houses that take you through either an original story or one from your favorite films and television shows. But outside lies atmospheric scare zones, live shows, and culinary treats, so there is never a dull moment and always a million details to enjoy.
Before you attend your first ever Halloween Horror Nights, you need to know the HHN language, ok, so you might be thinking that this another lesson, but no need to worry, this is just a simple glossary of terms to help you get to know what HHN is all about!
Icons
Through the years at Halloween Horror Nights there has been a central figurehead who unleashes mayhem on brave guests. This character is known as the “icon” and most often originates with Universal Orlando, where an intriguingly twisted personality and backstory are drawn up for the character. Our all-time icon is Jack, but we love Chance and The Director too. For 2023, this years icon is Dr. Oddfellow, more about him later...
Houses
Each event contains a handful of haunted houses filled with intricately designed sets and scareactors ready to make you jump out of your skin. They are often referred to as just “houses” for short. HHN 32 features 10 houses to survive!
Scare Zones
How do you get from one house to another? Often you have to walk through a “scare zone,” or a themed outdoor area, also filled with scareactors. Yes this can be scary, ut for us this is the most fun aspect of HHN!
Scareactors
The many performers who bring to life every depraved character you encounter at the event are dubbed “scareactors.” Respect these guys, they are the real heroes of HHN!
Boo Holes
Once you’ve been through enough houses, you’ll start to recognize little crevices and hiding spots that seem to be designed specifically to mask the scareactors who are waiting to jump out. These are called “boo holes.”
SIF
Houses often contain themed monofilament and fabrics that hang from the ceiling to make your experience truly tactile and distract you from upcoming scares. This is referred to comedically as “Stuff in Face” or “SIF.”
So with our history lesson, and language lesson over, lets move onto Halloween Horror Nights 32!
HHN will entertain, and of course terrify guests at Universal Orlando Resort from September 1 through November 4, 2023.
The dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2023 are:
September: 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, & 27-30
October: 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, & 31
November: 1-4
Weekdays are usually the best nights to attend Halloween Horror Nights, with lighter crowds allowing you to visit more houses due to lower wait times.
The busiest time to visit HHN is a Friday and Saturday night, when you will experience huge crowds and long wait times for the houses.
We would highly recommend for a first time visit that you attend during the less busy weekdays. You will have less of a hyped up crowd of visitors to contend with, leaving you to concentrate on surviving the event itself.
So, is HHN really scary/ Yes, it 100% can be a pretty scary experience, especially for a first timer.
When you first walk into the event you will experience a sensory overload! It will be loud, there will be lots of flashing lights, fog, smells, large crowds, and the too-good-at-their-jobs scareactors running after you… And yes, it all feels very real, and can make you feel overwhelmed, but know that you are in no real danger, but regardless, you will feel the tension in the air and the anticipation that something is about to, and probably will happen.
You will feel real fear, but trust us you will enjoy it, you will feel yourself laughing at some of the jumpscares, oh, and remember Universal's first piece of advice? Never Go Alone? Remember this, going with someone, especially someone who has experienced HHN before will help ease your worries 100%.
Lets move onto this years event, and at Halloween Horror Nights 2023 in Universal Studios Florida, you will step into 10 terrifying haunted houses featuring Chucky, Stranger Things, The Exorcist Believer, and many more.
You will also come face-to-face with hordes of taunting scare actors in five all-new scare zones, this is a circus that’s spiraled into chaos, the long-awaited emergence of Halloween Horror Nights legend, Dr. Oddfellow, and a dark, resurrected story that delves into the haunting history of Universal attractions past.
Plus, In the midst of the screams, guests can experience a disturbingly entertaining live show, this is a definite must do, and is not so scary as the houses or scare zones.
You can take a break from the intense scares, by visiting the all-new Tribute Store, you will want a souvenir shirt of course, this will bel to proudly show the word that you survived Halloween Horror nights.
Don't forget to eat and drink, Universal do an awesome job with the theming of its HHN eats and treats, plus they taste great, and make for great Insta pictures.
Ready to find out what horror awaits you this year? Ok, well hold on there just a minute, we don't want to scare you too much, or are you already scared to attend HHN?
If there’s one thing you should fear more than fear itself, it’s missing out on memories that will last a lifetime. we know you check out the photos on socials, the pictures with everyone having a blast at HHN, well this year the person in the pictures is gonna be you, and you’ll remember for years to come what an amazing time you had.
Everything from the houses and scare zones, shows and costumes, mouth-watering culinary creations and creepy cocktails to the pulsing energy of everyone around you, makes this annual event a stunning time that visitors can’t get enough of.
Don’t just let others show you their scared selfies with scareactors — this year, you’re going to be in those pictures!
Halloween Horror Nights is not just fear — it’s fun. The first noise after a scream is a laugh. The shows are outrageous — with wild stunts, amazing special effects, and pulse-pounding music. You’ll be left wondering how you didn’t experience this amazing entertainment earlier.
Plus, you want to talk about the best people-watching experience you could ever hope for at a theme park? Nothing is quite as satisfying as watching monsters and ghouls shock an unsuspecting group passing by and hearing the screams (and laughter) erupt.
Oh, and you want to a way to feel proud of yourself? You will feel so accomplished when you overcome your fear and visit Halloween Horror Nights for the first time.
The people who know you, who know you’re a scaredy cat, won’t believe you actually went! Shake things up and give ‘em a story they’re not expecting.
Halloween is not just for horror fans; it’s for anyone looking for excitement, fun, and a break from the ordinary. You have all year to maintain your routine. Halloween is the time to let loose and try something different and that means attending HHN!
Grab your friends, your tickets, and your bravery, and don’t miss this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Haunted Houses
The beating heart of Halloween Horror Nights is the haunted houses. This year, Universal’s Entertainment team have brought to life the biggest names in horror from movies, TV shows, video games, and urban legends in twisted, maze-like haunted houses.
There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than walking through your very own real-life horror movie where you’ve been cast in the role of playing the victim.
TIPS
Never Go Alone: Whether you’re a scaredy cat yourself and you need a friend to get through the haunted houses, or you’re a die-hard fan that enjoys seeing your scaredy cat friend jump, the best way to experience HHN is to bring your crew with you to maximize the scares and fun.
Start in the Back: The haunted houses near the front of the park tend to get crowded first. Start with the houses in the back of the park and you’ll be able to get half of the haunted houses done quickly.
Visit Early: Both in time of year and time of day. September is oftentimes less crowded at the event than October is, and if you come earlier in the evening you are more likely to beat the crowds and see more of the haunted houses.
Appreciate the Details: Take time to appreciate the level of detail the Art & Design team puts into the houses. They’re movie-set quality and you may even discover hidden easter eggs.
Watch the Movies: Before you come to HHN, binge watch the movies or TV shows that are featured in this year’s event. You’ll be able to truly appreciate the houses by recognizing the iconic scenes, details, and characters.
Scare Zones
During Halloween Horror Nights, there is nowhere safe to escape to in the theme park. The streets transform into demented scare zones that are swarming with creatures and monsters that are birthed from the darkness like hellish demons, morbid deformities, and the undead.
You are quite literally walking through real-life nightmares. Oh, and watch out for the roaming chainsaw hordes.
Snap a Photo if You Dare: Keep an eye out for killer photo ops that will give your friends who were too scared to come serious fomo.
Live Show
Every year there are new live shows that bring horror to life in a whole new way. This year's show features the all-new disturbingly entertaining show, Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream.
This performance is perfect for those who may not be too keen with the intense scares of haunted houses, but still want some thrills.
Take a Break: I recommend downloading the Official Universal Orlando Resort mobile app to see the show times. That way you can navigate around house wait times and grab a drink or quick bite before the show starts.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s lingering in the fog at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Haunted Houses
The beating heart of Halloween Horror Nights is the haunted houses. Every year, Universal’s Entertainment team brings to life the biggest names in horror from movies, TV shows, video games, and urban legends in twisted, maze-like haunted houses.
They also create their own original storylines that have given birth to iconic characters over the years. There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than walking through your very own real-life horror movie where you’ve been cast in the role of playing the victim.
This year's all-new terrifying haunted houses, include “The Exorcist: Believer,” inspired by the new Universal Pictures film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” based on the popular USA & SYFY series, and “Universal Monsters: Unmasked,” inspired by Universal’s legacy of iconic cinematic monsters.
The Exorcist: Believer
An Evil Reawakened
Two missing girls have been found with no memory of what happened to them. But wherever they went, the ultimate evil has returned with them. Enter the most terrifying scenes from the new Blumhouse film.
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
Chucky’s Back for Even More Carnage
Chucky, the serial killer doll, is back for a new gorefest! He’s hijacked his own haunted house with all kinds of bloody hijinks. You and your friends must try to survive his ultimate kill count.
Stranger Things 4
Try to Escape the Curse of Vecna
You’ll need your squad to resist Vecna’s gruesome curse. Like Eleven, now’s your chance to stop him once and for all as you take on the scariest season of Stranger Things yet.
The Last of Us
Step Into the World of The Last of Us
You and your squad will encounter the haunting and overgrown world of the video game in a brand-new, terrifying way. Stay silent if you want to survive a multitude of Clickers, Hunters and more.
Universal Monsters: Unmasked
Four Universal Monsters. One New Nightmare.
Descend into the Paris Catacombs, where you and your squad will face a new horde of Monsters: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Invisible Man.
Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
Your Soul is a Price He’s Willing to Pay
You won’t be able to resist going inside Dr. Oddfellow’s menacing menagerie of twisted oddities. But the price for you and your friends is steep: the cost of your souls to feed his immortal power
Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
No Matter Who You Choose, You Lose
Two warlocks of great power were turned into dragons after trying to take Merlyn’s spell book. Now you and your friends are caught in their epic battle. You must choose a path and a victor.
YETI: Campground Kills
Yeti or Not, Here They Come
You and your friends are about to venture into a 1950s campground overrun by huge, menacing yetis who rip apart anyone who gets in their way. You must flee to the ranger tower to escape.
The Darkest Deal
Fame is Fleeting. Fear is Forever.
Blues musician Pinestraw Spruce will have to face the music after meeting with The Collector and trading his soul for musical glory. You and your squad learn the terrible price of fame.
Bleed for the Blood Moon
Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
In a Colonial-era village, moon-worshippers witness a blood moon at their fall festival. They take it as a sign to hunt down any non-followers, including you and your scream squad.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Scarezones
As the sun sets on Universal Studios Florida and ominous clouds fill the sky, Dr. Oddfellow steps out of Halloween Horror Nights past to fill the streets with hordes of taunting scareactors in five all-new scare zones.
During Halloween Horror Nights, there is nowhere safe to escape to in the theme park. The streets transform into demented scare zones that are swarming with creatures and monsters that are birthed from the darkness like hellish demons, morbid deformities, and the undead.
You are quite literally walking through real-life nightmares. Oh, and watch out for the roaming chainsaw hordes!
Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror
Dr. Oddfellow will lure you into Halloween Horror Nights with a promise of immortality. As he lifts the veil on all the horrors to come, you’ll soon realize you may not even survive the night.
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 your doom. As his star rises, yours falls.
Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror
In the 1920s, Dr. Oddfellow ventured deep into the darkest jungle, performing horrific experiments on nature. Now his monstrous creations are running amok and are coming after you.
Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood
At a 60s music fest in a small New York town, you’ll jam to popular bands with fellow concert-goers until Dr. Oddfellow unleashes vicious vampires on the audience. They’re out for your blood.
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.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Entertainment
Guests can enjoy the all-new disturbingly entertaining show, Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream, that features a new dreamer confronting the creature that’s been turning her dreams into nightmares...
Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream
The show that sparked your darkest dreams has reignited. Let your nightmares burn out of control as the pyro and aerial performers fire you up to the beat of metal and electronica.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Tribute Store
Each year Universal Orlando debuts a new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, an elaborately themed shopping experience to purchase the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise and treats,
This years all-new Tribute Store will see guests enter a mysterious NYC Comic Book Shop and experience the “Tribute to Terror” by stepping into the pages of this original, terrifying, horror comic book.
If you plan to visit the Tribute Store it can get busy, so if possible visit during regular theme park hours when it is also open, This allows you to save time and spend more time in the houses and scare zones.
Dead Coconut Club
Guests can enjoy a drink at the Red Coconut Club as it will once again transform to the Dead Coconut Club donning a new theme and menu.
When guests want to take a bite out of the horror, they can enjoy a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage items, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries.
Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar
New this year, Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar will feature themed libations within an ominous nightclub vibe, photo opportunities, and more.
Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Hotels
For the first time ever, the fog has spread to all eight of Universal Orlando’s hotels with exclusive activations and 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 and more.
Stay in the Middle of the Horror
Halloween Horror Nights ends late with closing times that vary depending on the night. You’re most likely going to stay until close to get the most scares in, so how great would it be to not have to drive home after?
Recruit your friends and split a hotel room at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Tickets & Passes
Legend has it you should never go alone to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, The World’s Premier Halloween Event. Summon your scream squad, buy your tickets and you might survive....
In order to experience all Halloween Horror Nights has to offer you’ll need to purchase a separate event ticket for a night of your choosing.
If you’re visiting the theme parks during the day, make note of when Universal Studios Florida will be closing for the event. If you have a Stay and Scream ticket, you’ll receive a wristband and wait in a designated area until the event begins (this is the best way to get a head start as you’ll already be in the theme park). You can also snag a Frequent Fear pass to attend multiple times. The event is known to sell out on certain nights, so make sure to grab your tickets early!
Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are available now, with a multitude of tickets to choose from, including single-day, multi-day, Frequent Fear passes, and more.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets and Packages
Things To Know
It’s a Separately Ticketed Event
In order to experience all Halloween Horror Nights has to offer you’ll need to purchase a separate event ticket for a night of your choosing. If you’re visiting the theme parks during the day, make note of when Universal Studios Florida will be closing for the event. If you have a Stay and Scream ticket, you’ll receive a wristband and wait in a designated area until the event begins (this is the best way to get a head start as you’ll already be in the theme park). You can also snag a Frequent Fear pass to attend multiple times. The event is known to sell out on certain nights, so make sure to grab your tickets early!
Upgrade Your Scares
I’m a die-hard horror fan so every year I splurge to get the most out of my nights at HHN. You can choose from a number of event extras to “upgrade” your experience like getting front-of-the-line access with a R.I.P. Tour, Scareactor Dining, and an Unmasking the Horror Tour where you can see a select number of haunted houses during the daytime to learn how they’re created.
Experience the Event Like a Pro
Whether you’re coming to do one haunted house that caught your eye, or if this is the year you decided to face your biggest fears, it can be scary to come to Halloween Horror Nights for the first time. Have no fear, there are plenty of tips and tricks from HHN veterans to put your mind at ease. Coming with your friends and making a game plan are just a couple tips to get you started.
Passholder Perks So Good, It’s Scary
Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders get exclusive benefits and discounts for Halloween Horror Nights tickets (on select nights), event extras, hotel rates, and merchandise including Premier Passholders getting one free event ticket.
What To Bring & Wear
If it’s your first time, you may be wondering what you should bring or wear for a nighttime Halloween event at a theme park. In short, you should pack light and dress comfy, but you can have some fun with it.
Bag or Lanyard? Wear a lanyard to hold your tickets, passes, money, etc. You’ll get through security faster, avoid lockers at rides, and not have to worry about hauling a heavy bag around. If you do bring one, I would go small with a fanny pack or a crossbody and only bring the essentials (like chapstick in my case).
Can I Bring in a Refillable Cup? Yes, you can bring your refillable Coke Freestyle cup to the event to get soda and water refills. Getting scared, and laughing from getting scared, makes for thirsty work. Stay hydrated!
What’s the Weather Like? It’s Florida. It can change its mind weather-wise last minute, so be prepared for warm, rainy, or even chilly weather. Check ahead of time and plan accordingly. I usually wear layers just in case, and if you’re in for a rainy night, I recommend boots to avoid soggy shoes.
Comfort or Style? How about a mix of both? You’re going to do a lot of standing and walking, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. HHN is the perfect place to let your freak flag fly though, so don’t be afraid to rock some cute fishnets, boots, or rep your favorite horror movie or villain with a T-shirt or accessory.
Can I Wear a Costume? Nope. Costumes and costume masks are not allowed at the event. Leave that to our scareactors.
WARNING: Event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. No costumes or costume masks allowed.
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
See you in the fog Orlando! Have an awesome 2023 Halloween here in Orlando!!
For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.
Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.
Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts.
Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses.
Please Note:
We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site
Comments