When spooky season is upon, gather ‘round witches and prepare for the fog!
Halloween at Universal is dominated by Halloween Horror Nights (aka HHN). A stark contrast from the not-so-scary event at that other park, HHN is scary enough to come with the warning to “never go alone” and the recommendation that guests be at least 13 years of age. It is not for the faint of heart. With 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones and at least one nightmare driven show, there is something to scare everyone!
As a separately ticketed after-hours event, those who do not relish the idea of being scared for fun can opt out. While some of the decor can be spotted during the day, a lot is covered or removed. Children and scaredy cats need not fear attending the park during the day. However, do keep in mind that on event nights, Universal Studios Florida will close early (typically 5pm). Islands of Adventure remains open until normal closing time.
If you’re anything like me and enjoy taking in details, appreciating production value, and getting immersed in a story, HHN can be about more than just the scares. With the details in mind and using humor as a coping mechanism, I successfully avoid being scared and I have a blast. If you’re still wary or just want to know the best plan of attack, here are my favorite tips:
- RIP Tour– Now, I know what you’re thinking…that is kind of pricey…BUT let me tell you, as someone who knows budget is important, this is SO worth it. Included in your tour you will get dinner prior to your tour (including some selections of the themed foods, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks, FYI you can grab free bottled drinks all night as long as the VIP lounge is open), a special lanyard and pin, FRONT of the line into EVERY house (better than express line), access to the exclusive bar above Jimmy Fallon, and Express Passes for all rides during the event. Not to mention, the tour guides are a great source of insider info, the backstory of each house and scare zone, and knowledge of things to look for in the houses that you might have missed otherwise! (As a huge nerd, this stuff is my favorite!)
- Express Passes – If an RIP tour is not in the cards for you, Express is your best friend. HHN Express Passes will get you in Express Lines for the houses and attractions. You can estimate that you will spend about HALF of the posted wait time in line. With several houses this year posting 90, 100, and 120 minute wait times – cutting these times in half will ensure you’re able to maximize your time and have the second best chance of seeing every house. If I cannot do an RIP tour, you bet your bottom I am getting EPs! (I am not about spending the whole night in lines.)
- Stay and Scream VS Scream Early– These terms are often confused. Stay and Scream means that you have a regular daytime admission AND admission to HHN on the same day. This enables you to stay in the parks past the posted closing time in a holding area while the park is transformed from daytime to HHN mode. Scream Early is a special ticket to add onto your HHN ticket if you DON’T have a regular daytime ticket. This allows you to enter the park at 3pm and head to a holding area rather than waiting outside the gates for HHN.
- Prioritize- Come with a loose plan! House themes and maps are generally released in late summer prior to the start of the event. Consider which houses you are most interested in as well as which will be most popular. Houses with well-known themes (usually based on popular shows or movies) will typically have the longest wait times. So, if these are the houses you’re interested in, make these your priority. With Stay and Scream OR Scream Early, you can choose the holding area closest to your top houses to save time and get these houses done before people outside the gates even make it into the park.
- Scare Zones and Navigation– As I mentioned above, maps will be released ahead of the first event for reference. I highly recommend taking a look at this prior to arrival. Scare Zones are going to be unavoidable to a degree and Scare actors will be making startling sounds and movements towards you but not touching you. The good news is each has a beginning and end and there are spaces between without scares. Diagon Alley is typically free from scares, but this year Death Eaters did roam intermittently. They do not do as much jump scaring as much as just dueling and trying to recruit.
- Specialty Food and Drinks– Each house theme of the event will typically also have corresponding themed food and beverage options available! There are so many options, I find it also is best to review these prior to attending as well. Although my list often contains more snacks than one person should eat, I like to have an idea of which foods/drinks I really want to try. This way I can hit up the stands in an organized way without wasting my limited time checking each booth for something that sounds good. (I also have a Gluten allergy, so it is helpful to know where I can get Gluten Sensitive items). If you’re planning on having a few adult beverages, I highly recommend the blinky cup! This souvenir cup will save you money on refills on just about any of the specialty drinks throughout the park. While some permanent food/bev locations will have HHN snacks all day, the themed booths will ONLY be open during the nighttime event, so plan accordingly.
- Other things to check out – One of my FAVORITE things about the seasons at Universal is the Tribute Store! Not just a merch store, but an experience with theming almost as immersive as the houses but available to day guests as well! Don’t miss pop-ups and performances either. This year The M3gan Hoard could be seen doing their creepy dance during the HHN event. There are also generally pop-up photo-ops/experiences in CityWalk and at the resorts! Chucky’s Twisted Playground was a really neat immersive experience with multiple photo-ops this year at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. What a great way to explore Universal’s properties! I love checking out the other resorts and “collecting” all the experiences! (Be aware that some experiences may be for onsite resort guests only.)
Notes for the Scaredy Cats (nothing to be ashamed of):
It’s OK to be scared. That’s the whole point! BUT if you’re looking to experience the fun with minimal fright, I do have some tips (no guarantees, of course).
- Remember what I said about production value? Focus on the details. It is easier to ignore heightened emotions when analyzing how Universal creates such perfection in sets, storylines, and costumes.
- Bring scardier cats…if they’re the target, you are not. Never go alone.
- Go first and be vigilant. This seems counter-intuitive but if you appear to be cowering, you are a TARGET! Also, you will notice that there are (usually) visible team members wherever scare actors are near.
- Be on a mission through the scare zones and walk the outer perimeters. Along the sidewalks and buildings there are typically less scare actors.
- Blend in. Wear your best HHN themed gear and lurk in the shadows. If you can’t beat em, join em.
What other tips have you found to help you avoid being the victim?
As always, I hope that a Smart Moms Travel Agent is taking care of you, but if you do not have one yet, allow me to be of service! With first-hand experience and expertise in Universal, Disney, cruises, and beyond, I can help you optimize your experience – stress-free so you can focus on making priceless memories. Click here to fill out this form to let me know you’re interested, and I will reach out to you to chat more.
