This Halloween in Orlando Florida, the nights are filled with the sounds of chainsaws roaring, manic laughter and blood-curdling screams.
These are not the results of the killer clown craze, but Halloween Horror Nights – an annual event in Universal Studios Orlando that draws squeals from thrill-seeking crowds from all over the world.
On special nights from September to November, the theme park descends into a dark and twisted nightmare of chaos and fun. A cackling heroine named Chance is in control of events, and visitors really don’t stand a chance against her theatrical wickedness. We dared to take part.
Chance – HHN26
During this event, Universal Studios is nothing like the idyllic playground it is by day, and Halloween Horror Nights are certainly not for children. Teens and adults dare to be scared, and no matter how hardy they may be, there’s always someone or something that makes them jump.
This year’s event, the 26th edition in Florida, features nine haunted houses inspired by horror films and original concepts. People make their way through themed walkways filled with hidden windows and entries from which real actors leap out, often brandishing a weapon and roaring into the faces of terrified visitors.
Victims of A Chance in Hell scare zone HHN26, Universal Studios Florida
The most popular and most gruesome houses are built around TV series including American Horror Story and The Walking Dead, but they also have the longest waiting times and queues can stretch up to two hours.
The Exorcist was an eerie homage to the cult classic. A multitude of petrifying little Regans spring from behind curtains and distort themselves in bedrooms as visitors dodge the sprays of her vomit (thankfully it’s just water, but the effects are so believable we had to check to make sure once we left the dark house).
Krampus is marketed as a much more pleasant house, smelling of Christmassy cinnamon and containing festive rooms in the theme of the comedy horror movie. However, creepy creatures emerge from all corners of the foggy space, and the festive spirit is long lost to horrific sights and sinister scenes.
We also visited Chance’s own house, which is a 3D playground of dizzying lights, techno beats and disorientating paths – just like her mind, we imagine.
Vamp ’55 scare zone at HHN26
It’s the actors that make Halloween Horror Nights so realistic. How they manage to keep a straight face is a pure wonder. They are costumed and made-up in such a graphic way that they would fit right into any horror film set, and it’s hard to see the young adults beneath the characters.
Characters target anyone and everyone in designated ‘scare zones’ throughout the park. Here, the actors are constantly revving up chainsaws, pouncing after passers-by, or creeping up behind people to giggle into their ears.
Vamp ’55 scare zone at HHN26
Vamp 55’ is a scare zone designed around a high school parade, but the dishevelled homecoming queen is crying out to us for help as football players-turned-vampires growl with bloodlust.
A post-apocalyptic gang war rips through another zone, where victims in gas masks roam around a hostile world inciting people to join their ranks and fight for clean air.
There are five scare zones in this year’s event, and as they are out in the open, they are a better way to get more spooked instead of waiting in queues. There is an Express pass available to half your waiting times for the haunted houses and rides, which comes at an extra price. Speciality live stage shows also take place throughout the night.
Survive Or Die Apocalypse scare zone
Prices for the Halloween Horror Nights event this year began at €107, with Express passes ranging from $69.99 to $149.99. Offers are available to add an event ticket to the Universal Studios day-entry passes (more info below), as well as hotel packages.
The newly-opened Loews Sapphire Falls Resort provides a tropical sanctuary away from the horrors. The gleaming hotel is bright, lush and luxurious – just the thing you need after visiting dark demonic worlds and electrifying asylums. Guests can relax their fears away at the pool or the rum bar – the Strong Water Tavern.
The lakeside hotel is one of the Universal Orlando Resort residences that offer a free water taxi to the parks and Universal CityWalk, and all guests at Universal hotels can gain early entry to the parks and special access to the Halloween Horror Nights.
Sapphire Suite at Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel
Sapphire Suite at Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel
October is an ideal time of year to visit Florida, with temperatures reaching pleasant highs, and they are not too cold at night for being out in the chilling experiences of the Halloween Horror Nights. As this year’s spectacular raised the terror stakes in an entertainingly garish way, who knows what they’ll do next year at Universal Studios.
Do you fancy your chances against the horrors to come?
For information on HHN26, visit www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando
Pricing information:
The 2-Park Bonus with Halloween Horror Nights Combo Ticket is available from €292 per adult.
This entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk on all days during a 14 consecutive day period, along with admission to select HHN dates that fall within the same 14-day period.
The Halloween Horror Nights 26 Frequent Fear Plus Pass is available from €107 per person.
This entitles one guest admission to select Halloween Horror Nights event dates throughout September and October.
