
To make the most of your Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood, follow these essential Halloween Horror Nights tips. The event is back with a vengeance, offering a spine-chilling experience with haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and shows, rides, and themed food and drinks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned horror fan, this guide will help you navigate the night for maximum screams and minimal wait times. Here’s everything you need to know to enhance your Halloween Horror Nights experience—and we aren’t talking about Mickey’s Not So-Scary Halloween Party.

Halloween Horror Nights Tips for First-Timers
Whether this was your first year at the theme park’s most popular Halloween events or something you go back to year after year, this is the best way to start the spooky season and enjoy a few horror movies in a unique way. We will discuss Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood specifically; Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort are very similar, are larger with more houses, better food and beverages, and typically more crowded, but let’s dive in!

Halloween Horror Nights Tips: Ticket Dates and Options
Ticket Dates and Options will be towards the end since I already assume you have those locked in. If not, follow this link for more information and a link to purchase tickets.
Top 10 Tips for Halloween Horror Nights
- Arrive Early: To maximize your time, arrive early for Halloween Horror Nights. Early entry allows you to experience select haunted houses before the general crowd.
- Use Express Passes: Long lines can eat up valuable scare time. The best option to avoid this is by purchasing an Express Pass for shorter wait times.
- Plan Your Route: Start at the back of the park and work your way forward to avoid the initial rush of crowds.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet all night, so comfortable shoes are essential to surviving the night.
- Download the Official Universal Studios App: Use the app to check wait times, order food, and navigate the park. It’s the perfect tool for planning your game plan on the go.
- Take Advantage of the Holding Areas: Holding areas can give you a head start on the haunted houses as you wait for the event to begin.
- Hydrate and Eat: With so much fun, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated and fed. Visit the designated food areas like Leatherface’s BBQ or The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar for a bite.
- R.I.P. Tour for the Ultimate Experience: If you’re looking for the full experience with no stress, the R.I.P. Tour offers V.I.P. treatment, including a guided tour and gourmet dinner.
- Expect Loud Noises and Jump Scares: HHN is known for its intense scares, so be prepared for loud noises, chainsaw-wielding scare actors, and frequent jump scares.
- Visit on a Weeknight: To experience HHN with shorter wait times, try to go on a weeknight, preferably in early October.

Haunted Houses and Halloween Horror Nights Tips
This year, there are eight houses, and we highly suggest making your way to the longest waits first, then head to the less popular houses and other things after.
This year’s Halloween Horror Nights features an incredible lineup of haunted houses that will leave you screaming for more:
Lower Lot

“The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy”
This is an immersive experience curated by the multi-award-winning artist The Weekend and has many features of his life, with a creepy horror twist. Not surprising but the sound track within the house are songs from The Weekend. This will be my favorite house because of him, no matter what is in there. This house has a slight smell.
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: Head to this house first. It is really popular this year and is located in the lower lot on the opposite side of the park entrance.

“Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines”
An ALL-female monsters-led haunted house inspired by Universal Pictures’ classic monsters. This house is located in the original sound studio where they filmed Frankenstein, making it super special. Sasha Van Helsing is on a mission to avenge her father and brother’s death and teams up with a few unlikely friends, Bride of Frankenstein, to take on the female monsters!
While not a female, Slash does the music, so that’s the only odd piece of this house.

“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface”
Paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of the iconic maniacal monster Leatherface. It features all 9 Leatherface masks and is a parallel to the 1974 film. You will walk through the Sawyer Slaughter House. This house smells disgusting.

“Dead Exposure: Death Valley”
Based on an original concept house with petrifying radioactive unkillable zombies at a Government Facility in Death Valley, creative director John Merdie says Death Valley is the perfect place to house a creepy conspiracy facility.
This house has a few really twisted, creepy animals inside.
Upper Lot

“A Quiet Place”
This terrifying new experience, based on Paramount Pictures’ critically acclaimed franchise, will incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) into a haunted house for the very first time. Everyone has to be quiet.
For a special preview, I was able to do a lights-on tour of this house, and oh my goodness, the set pieces are absolutely stunning. The human bodies look so real, and the Death Angels have so many details. During the lights on tour, everyone was still hushed, and even the slightest amount of sound caused them to move and make noise.
This was probably my absolute favorite in addition to Ghost Busters because of the set pieces and attention to detail.

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”
Inspired by Sony Picture’s horror-comedy Frozen Empire, released this year, The Ghostbusters have to save the world before it is cast into an ice age after Garraka’s escape. It’s not super scary, much more of a set house, and definitely a fan-driven house.
“Insidious: The Further”
Based on Blumhouse Productions’ hit supernatural horror film series, The Man That Can’t Breath is the scariest house in all of Halloween Horror Nights. It features all five movies: The Man That Can’t Breath, Red Face, Key Face, and The Bride in Black. This is not like a movie house like Ghostbusters; it uses Lore and all the Monsters to create set rooms of horror.
LOTS of jump scares. This house smells a lot.
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: This is the scariest and second most popular house, so if you are all about the houses, make this one a priority in the upper lot.

“Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America”
It is a sequel to the 2023 hit Haunted House. Based on three “nightmares,” Elchoro, El Cadejo, El Cucho. All warnings are to be good, or they will come after you in some way or another. The house then drops you into the Luchadores Monstruosos scare zone.

Ultimate Scare Zone/Haunted Walk

Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse — Backlot Studio Tour
A Terror Tram experience taking fans on a close encounter with characters from Blumhouse Production’s popular franchises, including M3GAN, The Black Phone, Freaky, The Purge and Happy Death Day. It is a massive scare zone through the movie sets on the studio tour. This is such a unique experience to see the grounds of the studio tour.
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: You can see the uniquely decorated Hollywood sign and take a picture with Norman outside the Bates Family House.
This is a must. Please check the times because it closes earlier than the park.
Scare Zones

As you walk through the park, you’ll encounter several scare zones, each with its own unique theme: They will chase you if you run. Have the most wonderful time through these sections.
Luchadores Monstruosos
Prepare yourself for a spine-chilling encounter as you step into a Lucha Libre horror scene where two masked wrestlers face off against terrifying monsters.
Murder of Crowz
You’ve unwisely entered a massive crow’s nest, and a flock of menacing crow stilt-walkers will terrify guests and an adorably creepy crow baby in its nest, Featuring Moira Rose.
Chainsaw Punkz
Get ready for a night of terror as chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with menacing masks and mohawks close in on you from the moment you enter.
Skull Lordz
Enter the eerie realm of the undead, where gothic monarchs rule. Tread carefully in their spectral domain, for danger lurks around every corner.
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: These are really fluid and can all be accomplished closer to the end of the night because they do not have “show times or cut off times like the beverages do” make these the last thing you “do.”
Entertainment & Shows

The Purge: Dangerous Waters
“The Purge: Dangerous Waters” is an intense live stunt show that plunges you into a chaotic, adrenaline-pumping experience. Set against a backdrop of roaring flames and heart-pounding rock music, this show thrusts visitors into a dystopian world where they must fight to survive the night. With explosive stunts, daring feats, and relentless action, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” delivers an unforgettable, immersive adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: If you are all about the houses, do not prioritize this show. It is similar to the daytime show with an overlay for The Purge. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it before.

Late Night with Chucky
Inside the Dream Works Theater, watch everyone’s favorite murder doll on set, answering questions from the audience. Submit your questions while in line and listen as he brings horror, and chillingly funny responses.
Some of my favorite questions to ask Chucky
- “If you could team up with any other horror icon for a movie, who would it be and why?”
- This could lead to some entertaining responses about other famous horror characters.
- “What’s your secret to staying so youthful after all these years of terrorizing people?”
- A playful way to acknowledge the longevity of Chucky’s franchise.
- “Chucky, what’s the worst way you’ve ever taken out one of your victims?”
- This question plays into Chucky’s dark humor and penchant for creative mayhem.
- “Which do you prefer: being in your doll form or when you’re in human form?”
- This question could provoke an interesting reflection on Chucky’s unique existence.
- “Chucky, what’s your idea of a perfect date night with Tiffany?”
- This could lead to a mix of humor and horror, especially given Chucky’s relationship with Tiffany.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle
Not official and with no death eaters, The Hogwarts castle does have projections from the dark arts show, but nothing official. Just pretty to look at and admire, especially at night.
Food and Drinks Halloween Horror Nights Tips and Full Menu Items


Halloween Horror Nights Tips: PRIORITIZE the S’mores and The Weekend: Nightmare Trilogy Bar this year. Let’s get into all of the food and beverage spots around the park starting with the most important Marshmallows.

Studio Scoops – (located in Lower Lot) Sells out early. Go there after one of the houses.
- Mini-Stay Puft S’mores
The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar – (located in Lower Lot by “Jurassic World—The Ride”) Go a little later when it is darker
- Saw Blade Flatbread (Short Rib) – braised short rib, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spicy tomato sauce and ranch drizzle
- Saw Blade Flatbread (Mushroom) – mushrooms, roasted tomato, mozzarella cheese, green pepper, crispy onion and spicy tomato sauce
- Too Late – tequila, raspberry puree and peach and lime juice garnished with a grenadine-filled syringe and red light up cube
- Out of Time (non- Alcoholic)– cola, raspberry and ginger syrup and a red light up cube, topped with strawberry heart jellies
- How Do I Make you Love Me? – rum, peach and passion fruit puree and lemonade served with an orange light up cube and dark chocolate butterfly
- Is There Someone Else? – vodka, blue curaçao, lime juice and Sprite soda garnished with a multicolor light up cube and a gummy eyeball
- Heartless Gummy Candy – Cherry Flavored Gummy Heart
City Snacks Featuring “A Quiet Place’ (located in Upper Lot)
- Wooden Board Éclair – dark chocolate mousse filled éclair dripped in chocolate ganache
- Abbot’s Corn Chowder – creamy stew with shrimp, corn, vegetables and cornbread croutons
Chucky’s Dive Bar (located behind Animation Studio Store) Closes earlier then the event.
- Cult of Chucky – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice and club soda with a chamoy and tajin, topped with chamoy gummy bears
- Friend Till the End – tequila, Sprite soda, blue curaçao, lime juice and orange popping pearls with an orange sugar rim and a rainbow lollipop
- Chucky’s Got Jokes – bourbon, amaretto, corn simple syrup, lime juice and ginger beer topped with chamoy drizzled corn and cinnamon powder
Dia de los Muertos Bar (located in Universal Plaza)
Multiple bars and food stands,
- Four cocktails**: Horror-Chata, El Charro, El Cadejo Mangorita, Muerte Michelada
- Two specialty margaritas**: Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita, Piña Margarita
Little Casino
- Fritos Scoops The Walking Taco – Guacamole, sour cream, queso, red salsa, pico de gio, beef with Fritos.
- Carne Asada Nachos – fried corn tortilla chips topped with carne asada, pico de gallo, queso fresco and guacamole
- Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – corn tortilla tacos with birria de res served with onions, cilantro and red consomé sauce
- Chamoy Pineapple Spears – pineapple spears with chamoy
- Esquites – Corn off the Cob – corn sliced off the cobb topped with grated cotija cheese, cilantro and tajin
- Loaded Nachos Muertos – cinnamon sugar chips, strawberry topping, oreo bits, chocolate sauce and whipped cream
Premium Margaritas Bar
- El Cadejo Mangorita – tequila, triple sec, mango puree, lime juice and margarita mix served with chamoy, tajin and a dried chili covered mango
- Muerte Michelada – Modelo beer, michelada mix, jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce garnished with chamoy, tajin and a lime wedge
- El Charro – spicy tamarind vodka, pickle brine, margarita mix and triple sec served with chamoy, tajin and a chocolate dipped pickle spear
- Horror-Chata – rum, horchata, banana syrup served with whipped cream and dried banana chips
- Draft Beer
Premium Margaritas Bar
- Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita – spicy tamarind vodka, strawberry syrup, lemon juice served with chamoy, tajin and a tamarind straw
- Piña Margarita – reposado, cucumber jalapeno tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice garnished with a chamoy drzzled pineapple spear
- Frozen Margaritas – Lime, Mango, Strawberry with an option to upgrade to Don Julio
Leatherface’s BBQ (located in Lower Lot)
- Pam’s Brisket Sandwich – smoked brisket sandwich with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw served with a side of potato salad and BBW baked beans
- Franklin’s BBQ Ribs – Coca-Cola BBQ ribs served with a side of potato salad and BBQ baked beans
- Drayton’s Chili Cheese Dog – all-beef hot dog topped with chili and cheddar cheese and served with a side of potato salad
- Grandpa’s Porch Pounder – vodka, mezcal, passionfruit puree, Sprite soda, citrus sour and grenadine topped with bloody bone candy
Monsters Minion Café (located in Minion Area in Upper Lot)
- Evil Takis Mac and Cheese
- Frankenbob Cookie
- Monster Bob drink
Monster Eats – (located in Lower Lot)
- Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips – crispy beer battered cod nuggets with tartar sauce and chips
- The Fiery Bite Corn Dog – spicy Korean-style corn dog with spicy ketchup and chips
- She-Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake – fried cheesecake dusted with powdered sugar and strawberry claw marks
- The Bride’s Cookie – black and white cookie
Killer Snacks
- Popcorn
- Churros
- Pretzels
- Frozen Lemonade





Shopping and Merchandise

Halloween Horror Nights guests can enhance their experience with a range of new merchandise collections, showcasing their favorite fiends and the most anticipated haunted houses.
The fan-favorite character Lil Boo—an adorably creepy baby pumpkin—makes an appearance in a brand-new collection that includes a popcorn bucket, shoulder plush, backpack, and headwear.
The latest Halloween Horror Nights collection offers chilling house-themed tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, a bat-eared beanie, a skull shot glass, and more.
Chucky, everyone’s favorite killer doll, returns with an updated popcorn bucket featuring new phrases and a stitched-up design inspired by Bride of Chucky.











Halloween Horror Nights offers a variety of merchandise collections featuring fan-favorite characters and themes:
- Lil Boo Collection: Includes a popcorn bucket, shoulder plush, and more.
- Chucky Merch: Features an updated popcorn bucket with new phrases.
Rides & Attractions
Several popular rides remain open during Halloween Horror Nights:
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Halloween Horror Nights Tips: Don’t prioritize rides even though they have low wait times for the lines. If you have done everything, then fine. But try to do those during the day, not during the special ticketed event. But if you are going to get on a ride, Revenge of the Mummy if you are not for getting wet and if you are up for getting a little wet, Jurassic World is a must.
Ticket Options and Event Dates

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Event Dates
- September: 6-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29
- October: 3-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31
- November: 1-3, 2024
Ticket Options For Halloween Horror Nights
Get Ready for the NightThe event starts at 7 p.m. Early access is only available with a Halloween Horror Nights Early Event Access ticket and a valid admission ticket or an After 2 PM Day/Night ticket. Guests with a valid early access ticket can enter select houses starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
Spend the Day and Be Among the First to Enter at Night.If you have a ticket for both the daytime theme park and the evening event, there’s no need to exit and reenter. Simply present your event ticket at the front gate turnstiles, and you’ll receive a wristband that lets you stay inside the Park for Halloween Horror Nights. Please note that you may be asked to show a photo ID.
Ways to Experience Halloween Horror Nights
- General Admission: Standard entry ticket to Halloween Horror Nights.
- Universal Express: One-time express access per day to each participating haunted house, ride, and attraction. Early event access is not included.
- Universal Express Unlimited: Unlimited express access per day to each participating haunted house, ride, and attraction. Early event access is not included.
- Frequent Fear Pass: Enjoy up to 33 nights of General Admission based on your selected first visit date. Valid on select nights only; blackout dates apply. Early event access is not included.
- Ultimate Fear Pass: Access all event nights with no blackout dates, based on your selected first visit date. Early event access is not included.
- After 2 PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the Theme Park after 2:00 p.m. with same-day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights.
- Early Access Ticket: Get early entry starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change) to select haunted houses before the event officially opens. A separate Halloween Horror Nights admission ticket is required.
- R.I.P. Tour: Experience VIP treatment with an evening of first-class horror, including an expert-guided tour of haunted houses, exclusive experiences, and a gourmet dinner.
- Pass Member Special Pricing: Platinum Annual Pass Members can reserve a complimentary Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket on select nights.
Enhance The Horror Nights With Extras
Intensify the Frights.Take your Halloween Horror Nights experience to the next level with these immersive options:
- Halloween Horror Nights Universal Express: Enjoy one-night event admission and bypass the regular lines with one-time express access to each haunted house and participating attraction. (Early event access not included. Restrictions apply.)
- Halloween Horror Nights After 2 pm Day/Night: Experience daytime General Admission to the park after 2 pm, followed by a night of terror. Gain early access to select haunted houses starting at 5:30 pm, and enjoy same-day entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ from 7–10 pm. Restrictions apply.
- R.I.P. Tour: Indulge in VIP treatment with an evening of elite horror, featuring an expert-guided tour of Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses and exclusive experiences, including a gourmet dinner.
- Early Access Ticket: Start the scares early with access to select haunted houses up to 1.5 hours before the event opens. Limited availability. Separate Halloween Horror Nights event admission required for the same date. Restrictions apply.
Plan Ahead:
- Download the Official Universal Studios Hollywood Park app from the App Store or Google Play to stay updated on the latest wait times and show schedules for haunted houses, rides, and attractions. You can also order your favorite food and beverages directly from your phone at select locations!
- Download the Map Here For HHN 2024

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- What time should I arrive at Halloween Horror Nights?
- Arrive at least an hour before the event starts to get through security and be ready for early entry.
- What are the best nights to attend?
- Select nights in early October and mid-week tend to have shorter wait times.
- Can I wear a costume to Halloween Horror Nights?
- Costumes are allowed but subject to a costume policy. Masks and weapons are not permitted.
- What’s the difference between the Frequent Fear Pass and the Ultimate Fear Pass?
- The Frequent Fear Pass allows access on select nights, while the Ultimate Fear Pass provides access to all event nights with no blackout dates.
- Are there any age restrictions?
- Halloween Horror Nights may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for those under 13.
- Can I buy tickets at the door?
- Yes, but purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended as some nights sell out.
- What rides are open during Halloween Horror Nights?
- Rides like Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are open during the event.
- Are Express Passes worth it?
- Yes, especially on busier nights. They help you skip the regular lines and save time.
- Is food available inside the park during HHN?
- Yes, themed food and drink options are available throughout the park, including Chucky’s Dive Bar and Leatherface’s BBQ.
- How do I get early access to the haunted houses?
- Purchase an Early Access Ticket to enter the haunted houses before the event officially begins.
Past Houses and Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights
Prior years events brought a plethora of characters and live entertainment to the streets of universal studios Florida, some of our favorite houses have never returned, and snacks will always be better in Universal Orlando than Hollywood. Please bring the pizza fries, and more walking taco options. A few other mentions and then we will stop reminiscing on the past.
Death Eaters in Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
While Orlando has Death Eaters this year, this year’s event in Hollywood, CA, seemed to lack the wonderful Harry Potter Villains. Last year you could visit Death Eaters in Diagon Alley but not this year.
Stranger Things
One that we missed and will never miss again. Stranger Things was an awesome addition a few years ago and we are sad it hasn’t made its way back or a continuation. But nothing is like the room with the alphabet lights.
Conclusion on Halloween Horror Nights Tips
Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood promises to be an unforgettable event filled with terror and excitement. With this guide, you’re equipped with Halloween Horror Nights tips and all the information you need to have the best time possible. From haunted houses to rides and everything in between, get ready for a night of pure horror!
See you in the Fog!


