Are you looking for the ultimate survivor’s guide to the 2023 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you are reading this, then that means I have officially survived my very first HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood last year!
I learned quite a bit and I’m super excited to tell you about everything there is and how to survive your own first visit to HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood!
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What are the dates for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 7th through October 31st of 2023.
You can get the complete dates for this season here on Universals’ website.
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How Much is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
With most theme parks these days, the price is determined by the date. The cost of HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood starts at $74.
However, you can find cheap Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights tickets on Groupon!
Also remember that the closer to Halloween you go, the higher the price of the event.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Dates
The HHN hours are from 7 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. but last year I was able to enter the park as early at 5 p.m. with the earliest house that opened around 6:15 p.m.
Hipster Power Tip: Get the Halloween Horror Nights After 2pm Day/ Night upgrade that gives one (1) After 2:00 p.m. Daytime General Admission to the Park, and same-day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights event. The ticket includes same-day access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. plus early event access to select haunted houses starting at 5:30 p.m.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Houses
Let’s start with the most obvious inclusions and that is the haunted houses.
1. The Last of Us
In The Last of Us, you’ll come across all these crazy creatures like the Infected Runners, Stalkers, and Clickers.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also this group of unfriendly humans called The Hunters. They’re all stuck in this Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, trying to get out and stay alive.
They have to go through some pretty iconic places from the game like The Hotel Grand, which is super creepy and deserted, and a bunch of dark, gross tunnels.
It’s basically a race against time to escape and survive.
2. Stranger Things 4
Get ready to be spooked at this year’s haunted house, Stranger Things.
It’s gonna take you right to Hawkins, Indiana, where you’ll come face-to-face with the scariest new bad guy, Vecna.
This creature is on a mission to destroy the creepy Upside Down, break the barrier between both worlds and take over the real world.
Talk about a chilling adventure!
You’ll go on this terrifying adventure alongside your favorite characters from the series, such as:
- Eleven
- Max
- Eddie and more!
3. The Exorcist: Believer
It all starts with a seemingly innocent purchase of a peculiar folk doll with three eyes.
Little do you know, this purchase will unleash a demonic portal, awakening sinister spirits and leading to the mysterious disappearance of two 12-year-old girls in the U.S.
After three days, the girls are found, but they have no recollection of what happened to them.
However, their behavior quickly takes a disturbing turn, indicating that something dark has taken hold of them.
4. Universal Monsters: Unmasked
Get ready to be spooked as you take you on a bone-chilling journey through the infamous Catacombs of Paris.
Sixty feet below the bustling streets, a sinister secret awaits in the form of Universal Monsters: Unmasked, a brand new haunted house that will send shivers down your spine.
As you descend into the depths of the Catacombs, you’ll discover a macabre world where millions of skeletal remains fill every nook and cranny.
But that’s not all – lurking in the shadows are some of Universal’s most notorious creatures such as:
- Phantom of the Opera
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Dr. Jekyll and his deranged alter ego Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin (also known as The Invisible Man)
The Hollywood version will feature GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH, for an original score with the west coast version.
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5. Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
This haunted house will be inspired by the USA & SYFY hit series, “Chucky” that will release the iconic killer doll at Universal Studios Hollywood to terrify you!
In this house, Chucky will showcase his best kills throughout the USA & SYFY series and cult classic films.
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6. Evil Dead Rise
Go on a demented journey of the horrific yet iconic franchise from New Line Cinema.
If you’re a fan of this film series, then you know that it will be one of the most terrifying haunted mazes at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood.
7. Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
Get ready to go through THE most horrific ghosts and creatures from Latin American folklore in the Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America.
8. Holidayz in Hell
This house is sure to be a fan-favorite this year as it will take you through a disturbing journey of your favorite holidays!
Recommended: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights: HHN Packing List
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Scare Zones
At Hollywood this year, there is one main scare zone with smaller, unofficial ones throughout the park.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Terror Tram 2023
The HHN Terror Tram was easily one of the highlights of my trip to HHN Hollywood.
Universal’s Terror Tram is a Halloween overlay of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Studio Tour, which runs during the daytime until 4 p.m. on event nights.
Although this is not technically labeled as a scare zone, the way it’s setup feels like an attraction and scare zone in one.
This year the Terror Tram: The Exterminatorz takes guests to the renowned Universal backlot, immersing them in a gripping storyline featuring an uprising of insects led by the cunning Larry Larva.
Their ultimate objective is to eliminate humans from the face of the Earth.
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Entertainment and Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023
A big part of what I was impressed with when it came to this event was the entertainment that was provided in previous years.
Unfortunately, there are no shows listed for Universal Studios Hollywood HHN 2023.
Halloween in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood
You’ll be happy to know that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open during Halloween Horror Nights!
There’s also Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, who roam the corridors of Hogsmeade threatening muggles, witches and wizards alike.
This is actually a bit scary as you are taken through a back alley filled with green fog, coming face-to-face with the Death Eaters.
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2023 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Food and Drink Offerings
Admittedly, I was not terribly impressed with the HHN food and drink offerings for a bit as they seemed very limited.
Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023 Food Menu
- Stranger Things food at Surfer Boy Pizza (variety of pizza flavors) Scoops Ahoy (ice cream) and 80’s themed Stellar Bar (mixed cocktails)
- Hollywood & Dine: Chucky-themed BBQ featuring brisket and Nashville popcorn chicken sandwiches, pulled pork macaroni and cheese, funnel cakes and themed drinks
- The Carl Laemmle Patio: Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar with themed cocktails from The Purge and “Chucky” and photo opportunities with scareactors
- Universal Plaza: celebration to honor of Dia de Los Muertos featuring Latin Folklore-themed cocktails, Lil Cocina Taco Stand and a margarita bar
Save up to $50 on select dates to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood on Groupon TODAY!
My Final Thoughts and Review on Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023
Going to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood showed me just how different and unique this spooky event is due to the culture and climate of the locations.
I definitely can’t wait to go back next year!
What was your favorite house at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023? Let me know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Authors: Victoria Wade and NikkyJ
(Original Article Date: August 12, 2023/Updated on September 5, 2024)