The horror season is upon us! Halloween Horror Nights 35 is set to begin Friday, August 28th at Universal Studios Florida.

For those who have visited the event in the past, you know what to expect. For those who haven’t, get ready for some unforgettable, horrific encounters…

Universal Orlando’s haunted houses are known for their incredible make-up, costuming, and set design. These houses are incredibly detailed, and some have facades so massive, so detailed, you start to question if it’s an actual location.

Halloween Horror Nights 35 features 10 haunted houses, 4 scarezones, street experiences, and two shows – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. In addition, Death Eaters will be roaming the streets of Diagon Alley. Universal will also keep most of its popular attractions open during the event. In recent years, the event has expanded beyond the gates, where the hotels get in on the Halloween fun.

There is so much to do that it can be overwhelming. So we’re to help as best we can, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide some veteran knowledge to your game plan.

We’ll be updating this page throughout the event to make sure it’s as up-to-date as possible.

The Basics

Halloween Horror Nights 35 takes place on select nights from August 28, 2026, through November 1, 2026. The event officially runs from 6:30pm to 2am every night.

The world’s premier Halloween event celebrates an anniversary year by immersing guests in the eeriest experiences only found at Halloween Horror Nights, honoring its past while featuring some pretty big horror properties.

This year’s lineup features 10 haunted houses:

Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne’s shocking image was as haunting as his heavy metal hits. Now you’ll enter the Prince of Darkness’s kingdom where music and mayhem collide — and everything’s gone off the rails. Veer through a decaying world ripped straight from Ozzy’s lyrics in this haunted house inspired by one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends. Let the madness begin!
Evil Dead Burn
The Book of the Dead has been reopened, and now an infernal force consumes a family home. In this haunted house based on the new film, Evil Dead Burn, dodge possessed Deadites hell-bent on bloodshed, encounter not just the root of evil, but the whole family tree.
Hellraiser
Enter a realm of pure pain in a haunted house based on the original Hellraiser trilogy. You’ll journey through the depths of Hell and bear witness to Pinhead and the Cenobites’ nightmarish rituals. Then hope you don’t get trapped in your own.
Stranger Things 5
The Upside Down is invading Hawkins, and this time no one’s safe. In this haunted house based on the final season of Stranger Things, join the gang in Hawkins for one last adventure as you try to survive Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer. Will you defeat Vecna once and for all?
Sinners
In 1930s Mississippi, libations flow freely and guitar screams fill the air at the Smokestack Twins’ juke joint. But the blues become red when Remmick’s troop of bloodthirsty vampires crash the party—and test blood’s true bonds—as you brave this terrifying haunted house based on the award-winning original horror film, Sinners.
Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control
Horror icons aren’t born. They’re made. Discover the unholy origins of Jack the Clown and enter Dr. Oddfellow’s universe as the two pit chaos versus control in this showdown decades in the making.
Cybergoria
Awaken thousands of years in the future in this haunted house and brave a cold world driven by machines with a singular goal: to make you live forever, even if it kills you.
INVASION: Alien Abduction
Make contact with horrors from worlds unknown in this haunted house, where a ship full of Grays have torn apart a remote homestead in search of fresh test subjects.
MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
The animals might be gone, but animalistic violence is inescapable. Try to survive a defunct zoo that has become the deadly domain of warring cannibal factions in this haunted house.
H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Your favorite maître d’macabre returns to WKNB with a special Halloween scare-athon! Tune into this haunted house complete with ghouls, gore and all the frights that keep you coming back for more.

The 4 scarezones are:

Downtown Clowntown
There’s the Wrong Side of Town… Then There’s Clowntown. The city that never sleeps becomes a waking nightmare when its boroughs are overrun by murderous clownsfolk who can’t wait to tear you limb from limb. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Fortnitemares
Drop from the Battle Bus into the chaos of FORTNITEMARES. The Storm is spreading through this scare zone, bringing new horrors with it.
Sideshow of Decay
The Past Will Haunt You! In the carnival junkyard, Cindy Caine has opened a portal where decayed nightmares from Halloween Horror Nights past are back to haunt you.

Infernal Carnival of Nightmares

Let the Nightmares Begin! Jack and Dr. Oddfellow invite you to step right up and see what horrors hide in every shadow at a sinister spectacle decades in the making.

Additional Horror Nights street experiences include:

Mel’s Die-In Zombies
Shake, Rattle and R.I.P. Zombie carhops have swarmed Mel’s Die-In, and they aren’t just here for the burgers.
Club Horror
Party Like Your Life Depends on It. The streets of San Francisco have been transformed into Club Horror,
where the DJ’s undead but the vibe is alive and well.
Death Eaters
The live entertainment experience brings guests face-to-face with Lord Voldemort’s most loyal supporters, the ominous Death Eaters, as they lurk through London and into the shadowed streets of Knockturn Alley. These fanatic witches and wizards do not shy away from the practice of the Dark Arts and will challenge guests to join the Dark Lord alongside them.  

The event will be anchored by 2 shows:

Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins
The music. The monsters. The memories. In this show, tune in to a special WSQK broadcast and relive five epic seasons of Stranger Things.
Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir
Embark on a dark musical journey and resist temptation as death-defying stunts lure you deeper into a vampire-ridden metropolis.

The following rides will be open:

Revenge of the Mummy
Harry Potter & the Escape from Gringotts
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Transformers: The Ride 3D

In addition, Guests can shop the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise in an all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store featuring this year’s line-up of hoodies, drinkware, headwear, and more.

Is there an Icon? 

Yes! Halloween Horror Nights 35 has two Icons taking the reins for the anniversary year: Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.

Jack is arguably the most recognizable Icon in Halloween Horror Nights history, first taking center stage at HHN 10 in 2000 and returning several times over the years. Dr. Oddfellow, Jack’s former carnival boss and longtime rival, stepped into the spotlight more recently as the Icon of HHN 32 in 2023.

For the 35th anniversary, the longtime enemies are joining forces. Jack represents chaos, while Oddfellow represents control, with the pair serving as the ringmasters of this year’s Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.

Their history and rivalry are also the focus of Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, a haunted house that explores their origins before bringing the two Icons together, serving as a prequel to the event. As Universal puts it, they eventually realize that “fear divided is fear diluted,” setting the stage for the duo to unleash their combined brand of horror across HHN 35.

Tickets

Guests can choose from a variety of different ticket options, from single-night to multi-night passes, and even VIP experiences.

A single-night ticket to HHN starts at $89.99 per person, plus tax. To add Express to your single-night ticket, it’s an additional price starting at $199.99 per person, plus tax.

Pricing varies by date and is subject to availability. Check Universal Orlando’s website for exact prices for your planned day of visit. Sellouts are possible, so if you’re planning a single-night visit – BUY your ticket as soon as you can.

For multi-night tickets, there are several options – each with the ability to add Express. ALL FREQUENT FEAR PASS OPTIONS NO LONGER OFFER THE EXPRESS ADD-ON.

Guests can purchase the Rush of Fear Pass, which allows them to visit the first 18 event nights, for $239.99+tax.
The Frequent Fear Pass standard ticket costs $289.99+tax, which allows entry to 31 nights of the event (Excluding most Fridays & Saturdays).
The Frequent Fear Pass Plus standard ticket costs $339.99+tax, which allows entry to 41 nights of the event (Excluding most Saturdays).
For the extreme horror fan, guests can purchase the Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass – which allows guests to every night of Halloween Horror Nights, with the ticket starting at $469.99+tax

Guests MUST select the pass start date at the time of purchase. The first visit using the Pass MUST be ON or AFTER the selected start date – the pass will not be valid for any visits prior to that date. Basically, if the event date sells out and you have not purchased your multi-night pass, you won’t be able to select the date as a “Start Date”, aka it is “sold out” of multi-night passes. You can still purchase the pass, but your first day of use will be at a later time.

Premier Passholders receive one free night of admission on any night to Halloween Horror Nights 35. Advance online reservations required, based on availability.

Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night

Tickets are SOLD OUT for August 27! Tickets are still available for October 19 for $435.99+tax.

Premium Scream Night allows guests to enjoy the event at a limited capacity.

The ticket includes:

Access to haunted houses with shorter wait times compared to regular Halloween Horror Nights event nights
All-you-care-to-enjoy select full-size food and non-alcoholic beverages. Select alcoholic beverages available for a separate charge. (Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.)
One (1) Souvenir Credential and Lanyard per guest.
Free self-parking with a valid Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night admission ticket.

The R.I.P. Tour

The R.I.P. Tour is a guided V.I.P. walking tour of the event, which starts at $469.99 per person, plus tax. You must purchase the R.I.P. Tour in addition to your Horror Nights admission ticket, and it must be valid for the day of the tour.

R.I.P. Tours are available for individual parties of up to six people only and will include multiple parties in the same tour group. Parties of seven or more will need to book a Private R.I.P. Tour which will include only members of their individual group.

Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour Includes:

Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses (once per house, based on itinerary) while on tour with the R.I.P. Guide. Tour inclusions are subject to the itinerary, and Houses toured are at the discretion of Universal Orlando Resort.
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard, and button (one each per guest)
Complimentary Valet Parking (one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
Pre-Tour Reception in Cafe La Bamba
Access to exclusive cash bar locations (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
Universal Express Unlimited ride access (with R.I.P. credential) at all participating rides & attractions for the date of the tour (valid upon check-in at VIP Experience lobby to be used before or after tour during normal event operating hours; excludes Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses)
Reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour

New this year is the 5-house Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour, starting at $299.99 per person, plus tax, which includes:

Once per house, based on tour itinerary (choose from North or South tour at time of purchase).
Universal Express Unlimited Access with R.I.P. Tour credential – excludes haunted houses
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard and button (one each per Guest)

You must purchase the R.I.P. Tour in addition to your Horror Nights admission ticket, and it must be valid for the day of the tour. Guests must select either the North or South 5-House R.I.P. Tour at the time of purchase. The North and South 5-House R.I.P. Tours each include different, pre-determined haunted houses designated for the selected tour product.

The Private R.I.P. Tour

The Private R.I.P. Tour option is a private guided V.I.P. walking tour of the event for up to 10 people.

Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Private Tour Includes:

Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating attractions while with R.I.P. Tour Guide (subject to itinerary and event operating hours)
Exclusive private tour of the event for your group—up to 10 people
Customizable itinerary
My Universal Photos 3-Day photo package (Photo package entitlement starts on the day of R.I.P. Tour)
Pre-Tour Reception in Cafe La Bamba
Reserved seating at select event show(s) during the tour
Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential, lanyard, and button (one each per guest)
Complimentary Valet Parking (one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
Access to exclusive cash bar locations (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
Universal Express Unlimited ride access (with R.I.P. credential) at all participating rides & attractions for the date of their tour (valid upon check-in at VIP Experience lobby to be used before or after tour during normal event operating hours; excludes Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses)

For pricing and to book the Private R.I.P. Tour, call (866) 346-9350

Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour

The Unmasking the Horror Tour is a behind-the-scenes, lights-on V.I.P. tour of Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses. Guests can choose from a 3- or 6-house tour. Theme park and/or event admission is not included or required for this tour. Photographs are permitted in certain areas. The Tour Guide will provide what is and isn’t allowed. Each tour includes an exclusive commemorative pin.

The 6-house option (starting at $229.99) includes a lights-on tour and a lunch buffet. The 6 houses are:

Stranger Things 5
Sinners
Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness
MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals
Jack and Oddfellow: Chaos and Control
Evil Dead Burn

The 3-house option (starting at $99.99) includes a lights-on tour of:

Hellraiser
H.R. Bloodengutz presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Invasion! Alien Abduction

Keep in mind that house line-ups are subject to change. Cybergoria is not part of any tour.

Scream Early Ticket

If you’re interested in getting an early start to your night and enjoying some of Universal’s attractions in the process, the Scream Early ticket offers admission into Universal Studios Florida from 3-5pm.

At 5pm you’ll wait in a Stay & Scream area until the event begins. The ticket is $70 per person, plus tax.

Is it Scary?

That depends on who you ask, as everyone’s definition of scary is different. Afraid of Clowns? Afraid of Dolls? Afraid of Blood? It’s all there. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly – if you will.

The event is a smorgasbord of horror, a little something for everyone – so there will most likely be SOMETHING that will try to eat at your fears.

We recommend combing through the lineup so you know what to expect.

If you are easily startled, be on your guard. The actors focus on guests who aren’t paying full attention, so if you’re on your cell phone – expect to become a scare target.

The “Deathly Afraid” no-scare necklace ($20) will be available for guests who do not want to get scared in the streets. Please note that this necklace provides safety in scare zones and other areas around Universal Studios Florida, but it does not apply to the haunted houses.

To Express or Not to Express?

Express Passes will allow you to skip the long lines at all open attractions ONCE per night. For those who can afford it, we highly recommend purchasing them.

Express is definitely a luxury, but it is worth the peace of mind to enjoy the event at your own pace.

We also recommend to NOT use your Express pass for anything under 20 minutes.

If you opt to go without Express – you must, must, MUST be there before opening; especially on busier nights if you want to accomplish everything. You can do everything without Express, but it will require you to take advantage of Stay and Scream and a committed schedule.

Be forewarned: If you arrive late on any night, it may take a while to get through the parking, security, and through the turnstiles. This is why it is so important to buy your tickets in advance and arrive early.

When is the best time to visit?

Choosing the best time to visit depends on your specific travel plans. Each month has its pros and cons. For instance, September may be less crowded and more affordable, but the weather tends to be hotter and more humid. On the other hand, October may be busier and pricier, yet the weather is generally more pleasant, with the possibility of cooler nights.

It’s important to note that Halloween Horror Nights takes place during peak Hurricane Season. We recommend continuing to plan as usual, since it’s impossible to predict whether a hurricane will impact Orlando. If a hurricane impacts your vacation, Universal offers refunds or rescheduling. If you’re in Orlando when a storm hits, Universal is prepared to handle hurricanes, and its staff is trained to respond to any emergency situation.

Stay and Scream

Stay and Scream lets you wait inside Universal Studios Florida while the park gets ready for Halloween Horror Nights. This allows you early access to select haunted houses, depending on where you are waiting in the park.

The benefit is getting a major change for Halloween Horror Nights 35, giving eligible guests an even earlier start to their night.

You MUST be inside the park by 5pm. No exceptions. Any later, you’ll be waiting until the event gates open at 6:30pm.

Wristbands are required to stay inside the park and take advantage of Early Access. They will be distributed at Guest Services or in designated areas around the park.

Game Planning

Unfortunately, there is no cheat code to beat the crowds. You will eventually encounter high wait times as the night progresses, especially if you’re not investing in Express.

This year also introduces a couple of significant changes that could impact how crowds move throughout the event. With select houses opening as early as 2 PM. for eligible Stay & Scream guests, there will be an opportunity to get a much earlier start than in previous years. At the same time, removing Express from the Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Pass options could change both standby and Express wait times throughout the night. How much these changes will impact crowd flow remains to be seen, and we likely won’t have a good idea until the event gets underway.

If you want to accomplish everything at the event, we highly recommend making HHN a multi-night experience. If you can only visit for one night, prioritize what’s most important to you and focus on experiencing those things first. Take advantage of the earlier Stay & Scream access if you’re eligible, but don’t assume it will automatically mean short waits everywhere.

Nightmare Fuel is also a very, very popular show. On some nights, you may need to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to get a seat – and sometimes even earlier!

CityWalk & The Resorts

Over in CityWalk, the Dead Coconut Club: Harvest takes over the Red Coconut Club for this haunt season. The lounge offers drinks, live music & entertainment. Hours vary daily, so it’s best to check with Universal Orlando for hours of operation. This year’s theme, Harvest, brings us inside a Fall Festival that gets overtaken by aliens.

Universal Orlando is extending the Halloween Horror Nights experience beyond Universal Studios Florida this fall with a variety of limited-time offerings at its resort hotels. Select hotels will feature specially themed lounges inspired by Halloween Horror Nights, while bars across Universal Orlando’s hotel portfolio will offer specialty seasonal cocktails. Select locations will also serve late-night food options for guests returning from an evening at the event. You can read more information on the offerings here. 

On-site guests also get a dedicated entrance to every event night from 6:30–7:30pm.

Food & Drink Menu

Universal Orlando offers a variety of options for guests to enjoy at Halloween Horror Nights 35, ranging from the typical to the uniquely unusual. You can see a full list of all the food & drinks featured at the event by clicking here.

More FAQ

Q: Are express passes really needed?
A: This is a question that is asked the most, and yes, you should purchase them. They will ensure that you can visit each house and attraction, as well as potentially revisit some houses multiple times. Crowds are always heavy, especially as Halloween approaches.

Q: What is the alcohol situation?
A: Multiple stands and designated bars are set up with food and drink throughout the park.

For those who are 21 and up, there are plenty of places to get a drink. If you’re drinking beer or wine, you’re covered at most pop-up stands. If you’re looking for a good mixed drink, head on over to Finnegan’s in New York. A lot of the stands will feature a pre-mixed specialty cocktail as well.

Always remember to drink responsibly.

Q: What’s the best house?
A: This can’t be answered. Different strokes and all. But you must visit each house to voice your own opinion.

Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, however, Universal states that the event may be too intense for anyone under the age of 13. We don’t recommend bringing young children, but we understand every child is different and may be able to handle the scares. Ultimately, as a parent, you must decide on what you believe is best for your child.

Q: Can I use my Express pass more than once?
A: No, you may only use Express once per attraction.

Q: What is the Parking Situation?
A: Standard Parking rates apply for Halloween Horror Night event nights.

Q: Can I dress up for Halloween?
A: Costumes and Masks are not permitted during any event night.

Q: If there was only one thing you could recommend to a first-timer, what would it be?
A: Decide beforehand what’s most important to you and construct your game plan around that. There is no cheat code to beat the wait times, so figure out what meets your needs and plan accordingly. If you have Express, you can take a more chill approach. If you opt not to use Express, you may need to arrive early and expect some hustle.

Q: Why shouldn’t I use Express if the wait is so low?
A: Express is an expensive benefit, and rightfully so. We think it’s wasteful to use it on a line less than 20-30 minutes. In addition, though the wait time may show 20 minutes, your wait may be less, or the wait time may be incorrect. Keep that Ace in your pocket so you can use your Express benefit later in the night if you want to repeat a house.

Q: When, and What, is Hell Week?
A: Hell Week is a term used to describe a time in October when there is an influx of crowds due to several reasons, mostly related to Columbus Day and School Breaks.

The event is as popular as ever, so most nights will be busy – but “Hell Week” nights are extremely busy. We expect October 9-13 to have higher-than-normal waits due to the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 12th.

Q: Should I get a Frequent Fear Pass?
A: Only if you see yourself making more than one visit during the event’s run.

Q: Can I touch a scareactor?
A: Absolutely not. Depending on the situation, it’s a cause for ejection from the event.

Q: Can I take photos or video?
A: You are allowed to take as many photos and videos of everything except inside the haunted houses.

Flash photography is also frowned upon, so please be kind to the actors. No one likes a sudden burst of bright light in their face. While it’s not a rule, security and leaders may ask you to turn off your flash.

And while photos are allowed, the actors are there to scare, so it is totally up to the actor whether or not to pose for a picture with you.

Additional Tips

Purchase tickets as early as you can to ensure you are guaranteed entrance into the event.
Wear comfy shoes. It seems silly to include, but you’d be surprised how often this oversight is made by guests.
We repeat… Never use Express on waits of less than 20 minutes.
Don’t waste time doing the rides; this is Halloween Horror Nights! If you must do everything, including the rides, Express will be beneficial to this game plan. Another option is to purchase the Scream Early ticket ($55), which allows entry into Universal Studios Florida at 3pm and the ability to be early to wait in the Stay and Scream waiting area.
If traveling in large groups, be aware of your party’s needs. If you have people who may want to skip a particular haunt, make sure they know where you will exit. Some houses exit in different places, sometimes even on other sides of the house entrance.
If you plan to drink, please drink responsibly. There will be a large presence of law enforcement to ensure that no one becomes disorderly. Also, don’t try to sneak in alcohol; the police will be looking carefully. Under-age visitors, this means you!

Lastly, the fine print – from the Universal Orlando website:

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. No rain checks, returns or refunds. Prices, dates, times, attractions, entertainment, and/or experience details are subject to availability, changes and/or cancellation without notice. Parks/attractions/entertainment, or access to events may close or be unavailable due to capacity and benefits are subject to change without notice. Free self-parking after midnight on all Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Free self-parking available after 6PM for all guests on non-Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Other restrictions may apply.

Halloween Horror Nights 35 will take place from August 28, 2026, through November 1, 2026.

Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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