Written by: Bethany Owens – If you had told me a year ago that I’d willingly walk into a haunted house—let alone multiple haunted houses in one night—I would’ve laughed (nervously). But last year, I did exactly that… and I loved it.
Before Halloween Horror Nights, I had never stepped foot in a haunted house in my life. Scary movies? Not my thing. Sudden jump scares? Hard pass. But something about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights drew me in. Maybe it was the creative themes, the buzz online, or just wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone. Whatever it was—I’m so glad I gave it a shot.
Now, as a total first-timer, I may or may not have gotten in the wrong line for my very first haunted house. Oops. I thought I was heading into a shorter Express line, but I ended up in the standby queue. Thankfully, the wait wasn’t bad—but it was a good reminder: always look for the Express line signs and don’t be afraid to ask a Team Member if you’re unsure. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
Because here’s the thing:
The Express Pass is absolutely worth it.
Halloween Horror Nights is a special ticketed event, and it fills up fast. Some haunted house lines can hit two hours or more without Express. With the Express Pass, we were able to experience more houses, more scare zones, and even sneak in some snacks and people-watching—all without spending most of our night in line. It made the whole night smoother, and way more fun.
Here’s what I learned:
Even if you’ve never been in a haunted house before, you might surprise yourself.
Universal’s attention to detail is incredible—even the scares are artistic!
Get the Express Pass—it’s a game-changer.
And double-check those line signs! Learn from my rookie mistake.
My Favorite Haunted House? Ghostbusters.
This house totally caught me off guard—in the best way! It had the perfect mix of spooky and fun. I found it to be more family-friendly than some of the others, and it was well-lit, which helped me feel more at ease navigating through. That said, it still had those surprise jump scares and creepy corners that made it feel like a real haunted house.
What Surprised Me the Most:
The level of immersion in each house blew me away. It truly felt like I had stepped into the movies. In the Ghostbusters house, I could practically hear the proton packs powering up and feel like I was on the team busting ghosts across New York City. The Quiet Place houses captured the eerie silence and tension from the films so perfectly—I found myself holding my breath more than once. And Insidious? That one sent chills down my spine. It felt like we had walked straight into The Further. The set design, lighting, sound, and character makeup were just next level.
Where I’d Stay:
I’d absolutely choose Hard Rock Hotel. It’s just a short walk to the parks and has its own security entrance, making the process much quicker and easier—especially when you’re heading to or from the event after dark. The location alone makes it worth it.
Planning Tips:
If you’re thinking of going, I highly recommend building this event into your vacation. Even if you’re visiting Walt Disney World, consider extending your trip by a night to attend. You can purchase a Scream Early ticket, which gets you into Universal Studios as early as 3 PM. If you’re already in the parks that day, you’ll be directed to a special holding area, allowing you to line up for your first haunted house before the general crowd is let in. It’s a smart way to maximize your experience!
Another great option? Make Halloween Horror Nights its own trip. A standalone HHN vacation is perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a thrilling, adults-only getaway. You can book a package that includes your Universal hotel stay, park-to-park daytime tickets, and your Halloween Horror Nights admission with Express Pass. Staying at a Premier Hotel like Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific even includes Unlimited Express Pass for the parks during the day, which is a huge value.
With the opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, there’s going to be even more to explore—so I now highly recommend planning for a 5-day Universal vacation. This gives you enough time to experience Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, the brand-new Epic Universe theme park, and enjoy Halloween Horror Nights without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect mix of daytime thrills and nighttime chills.
Whether you’re blending this into a longer Orlando vacation or planning a dedicated trip just for HHN, I’d be happy to help you build the perfect package!
So if Halloween Horror Nights is on your radar (or even if it’s a little out of your comfort zone), I say go for it. I went from haunted house newbie to already planning my return.
You never know—you might just end up loving it, too.