In my best Captain America voice, “So, you decided to go to Halloween Horror Nights and you want to know what to bring?”
You bucked up the courage, you found a friend (or two) to protect you AND you bought your nonrefundable, nontransferable ticket.
There is no turning back now, you are going to enter the fog!
Congratulations and let me just say I am so proud of you and I swear you will have fun!
But now it’s time to ask yourself “What does one bring with them to HHN?”
What does a seasoned HHN visitor pack when entering the fog?
I asked this very question recently since I have only been twice myself and they were years apart.
This is a very important question, even if you are brave enough to go as a solo traveler, in which case I salute you!
And hey! Today, we will get down to all the essential items that one needs when going to Halloween Horror Nights!
And not to worry, you can hold my hand on this HHN packing list guide.
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Keep reading to see why you need each item on this HHN packing list!
1. Chafing Powder for HHN
If you are familiar with theme parks, you know a lot of walking will be required. It is no different here.
Lots of walking through scare zones and houses will be happening so if you are like me and suffer from chub rub, it is a necessity to have some sort of chafing powder Body Glide product in your Halloween Horror Nights packing list.
- Anti Chafing Stick – Apply Before You Get Dressed, On Thighs, Neck, Arms, And Anywhere Skin Is Rubbed
- Made With Allergen Free, Plant-Derived Ingredients; Vegan Approved, Never Tested On Animals; Child Safe
- The Preferred Choice Over Messy, Wet Creams, Gels And Powders; No Petroleum, Lanolin Or Mineral Oils
- Effective And Longlasting; Use Daily In Humid And Dry Conditions For A Pain Free Active Life
- Keeps pores clog free. Sweat escapes and lets skin breathe; Clothing, footwear and wetsuit safe
The worst thing you can do is to leave chub rub untreated because it can get worse, similar of diaper rash.
So, ask yourself if you would want to deal with diaper rash symptoms while trying to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights all night long.
Buying Gold Bond or Body Glide will be a lifesaver for you.
It’s affordable for less than $10, fragrance free and perfect for use during humid weather, which you should expect to deal with in Florida.
- Includes one (1) 1.75-oz. Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick With Aloe
- Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick reduces friction and comforts skin
- This easy application stick reduces friction while moisturizing and soothing skin
- Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick is nongreasy, unscented and gentle on sensitive skin
- This easy to use stick can be applied liberally to affected areas as needed for friction defense
This is what you MUST bring to Halloween Horror Nights! Thank me later…
Get your chafing powder for HHN here on Amazon TODAY!
2. Halloween Horror Nights Ticket & Mobile App
I feel like this one is a bit obvious, but some people do freak out when it comes to ticketing since some parks operate differently.
I would recommend downloading the Universal Orlando app and purchasing your Halloween Horror Nights ticket there or with Groupon or The Park Prodigy.
When it comes to Halloween Horror Nights, the ticket pricing starts from $79.99 but it depends on the day.
As you get into October and/or weekends, you will be expecting higher prices.
Once you purchase your HHN ticket, it will be available in your wallet in you Universal Orlando app (if you do it directly through Universal).
It is super convenient to have out since we are usually on our phones anyway. Team Members can scan your ticket from your phone, and you are in.
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
Using the Universal Orlando App for Halloween Horror Nights
Recent additions include games that you can play as you go through Halloween Horror Nights on the app.
The app also helps you locate where houses, scare zones, dining locations, etc are.
What’s also helpful is that you do not have to be on the app consistently. It is a tool that allows you to quickly look and help you enjoy your evening.
Be sure to add the app to your iPhone or android, play around with the app beforehand and don’t forget to grab your tickets.
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
3. Earplugs for HHN
One of the biggest things I was told to bring were earplugs when I first asked around about what to bring to Halloween Horror Nights.
This was the common denominator for every suggestion given to me.
- RELISH THE NUANCES of music without hearing loss. Our noise cancelling ear plugs deliver flat attenuation so you hear music as it is intended, but with elimination of up to 12 dB of potentially damaging sound.
- SEALS OUT damaging noises with 3 form-fitting flanges. HEAROS High Fidelity Ear Plugs reduce noise by 20 decibels, protecting your hearing from city traffic, band practice and construction equipment.
- INCONSPICUOUS and comfortable enough for all-day wear. Soft medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and stems are transparent to blend in with your natural skin tone. HEAROS come out with a gentle tug.
- FREE CARRYING CASE keeps your HEAROS at your fingertips on a jacket pull, or in a gig bag or backpack. Protect your hearing at nightclubs, as well as while mowing the lawn or practising at the firing range.
- MADE IN THE USA under rigorous quality control protocols for noise reduction you can rely on. These must-have musicians’ accessories strike an uncompromising balance between performance and comfort.
A top thing that they do not tell you is that Halloween Horror Nights gets very loud.
Going through houses and scare zones can get very loud and overwhelming. Earplugs come in clutch, especially if you are sensory sensitive.
And if you are concerned about losing the experience going through houses, I have been told that it does not in fact affect it.
Protecting your hearing is important to your health AND I understand not wanting to lose your house experience by not being able to hear what you’re walking into.
You can still hear everything with the earplugs, just at a reduced rate and won’t muffle it.
Get your earplugs for Halloween Horror Nights on Amazon TODAY!
4. Waterproof Shoes for Halloween Horror Nights
Circling back to the Florida weather, I have to STRESS that it WILL rain. I assure you that there will be a downpour at least once during your visit or even that day.
Therefore, logic would think that your shoes and socks will get wet.
During Halloween Horror Nights, it rained on and off the whole night and very quickly it flooded in queue lines on one of my visits.
Picture yourself walking around trying to enjoy haunted houses, scare zones, limited time food offerings…in wet socks and shoes?
Have you ever experienced the wet sock/ tennis rub? It’s extremely uncomfortable.
Check out the best shoes for Halloween Horror Nights below:
- Aqua Water Shoes | Barefoot Quick-Dry Waterproof Lightweight
- L-RUN Water Shoes Aqua Sports Sneaker
- Garden Shoes Ankle Rain Boots
I am begging you to invest in waterproof shoes that won’t rub on your heels.
5. Hand Sanitizer
This is another essential item for HHN that I would highly recommend, especially now that we are slowly beginning to slip into post pandemic, we need to understand that we are now coming into cold and flu season.
- Give yourself a refreshing boost while eliminating germs
- Made with essential oils, comes in a variety of fresh fragrances including Mint, Lavender, and Mandarin
- Kills 99.99 percent of most common germs that can cause illness, without damaging skin. Outperforms other sanitizers ounce-for-ounce
- Perfect for frequent use. Mild formula is free of parabens, phthalates, preservatives and harsh ingredients; so it does not dry out or irritate skin. Hands feel soft, even after many uses
- Attach this 1 fl oz bottle to your purse, gym bag, diaper bag or briefcase. Reach for the PURELL bottle when you need to kill germs, refresh or clean-up in a hurry
It is important to stay safe and healthy while having your spooky fun!
Having a small bottle of sanitizer that you can clip to your backpack, fanny pack on belt loop will be very convenient.
Keep in mind all the things that you will be touching.
Railings, turnstiles, tables and you even have to scan your finger when entering the park. Sad to say, not everyone is hygienic and washes their hands.
You don’t even have to break the bank on it. You can grab one from the dollar store easily!
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
6. Fanny Pack or Small Backpack
A big thing is “how are you going to carry your items for HHN?”
- Officially Licensed Childs Play Chucky Bag
- Faux Leather with Applique, Buttons, and Printed Details. Enamal Zipper Charm Pull.
- Front zipper pocket. Adjustable shoulder straps. Top carry handle. Printed Fabric Lining.
- Fashion Bag For Women and Juniors. Not intended for the use of children under 12 years
- Measures: 9″ W x 10.5″ H x 4.5″ D
No one wants to lug around a big backpack all evening long.
- Approx. 9″ x 10″ x 5″
- Polyurethane; polyester lining
- Officially Licensed Freddy Krueger Nightmare on Elm Street Backpack
- Adjustable Straps
And no one wants to go back and forth to a locker to grab something from your big backpack and essentially wasting time during your limited evening.
- Made with care and precision
- Brand: Loungefly
- Great gift idea
What is key is picking a fanny pack or small bag that will fit everything and be comfortable.
Fanny packs are safer and more convenient, especially if you are only bringing a handful of items.
Check out the Best Bags for Halloween Horror Nights Below:
Now if you are holding onto items that would fit easier in a small backpack like a Loungefly or just a plain mini backpack, I would suggest maybe getting a small lock to put on them or wearing your backpacks on the front of you versus on your back if you can.
7. Portable Charger
If you are like me, most likely you will be filming and capturing all the fun from living your best life during Halloween Horror Nights.
But depending on if you are staying all day or coming in later in the afternoon until the event ends, you will need to charge your phone battery.
- Professional Outdoor Charger: With over a decade of experience in the field of solar chargers, Riapow solar phone charger has gained the favor and trust of millions of users worldwide. We specialize in providing the highest quality solar chargers for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Advanced Wireless Solar Charger: A truly wireless solar power bank with Qi wireless output, compatible with all smartphones that support Qi wireless charging, including iPhone 14/13/12 Pro Max, XS Max, 8 Plus, Note 10 Plus, and more.
- High-capacity & Safe Power Bank: With a 26800mAh capacity, it can charge the iPhone 14 six times, the Galaxy S21 five times, or the iPad mini three times. The power bank is equipped with an intelligent chip to protect your devices from overcharging, overdischarging, excessive current, short circuits, or overheating.
- 3.0A Fast Charging: It can charge an iPhone 14 fully within 1.3 hours and your power bank within 7 hours, 2.5 times faster than 1A input. Meanwhile, It can simultaneously charge 4 devices at full speed.
- Reliable Quality: The solar phone charger is made of robust professional ABS material with superior surface hardness, high elasticity, and toughness. It is IP67 waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, eliminating concerns about damage from water or falls. The waterproof silicone gel provides better protection for the internal structure of the charger.
Now Universal Orlando has Fuel Rod kiosks as of late but I find that they run out of charge very quickly and don’t give you much juice.
And it’s a bit much to have to go around hunting for fuel rod kiosks to swap chargers when you are on the go from house to house.
My recommendation will always be an Anker brand portable charger.
They come in various sizes, including slim enough to fit in your pocket and can hold up to 2 days’ worth of charge for your phone.
Check out the Best Portable Chargers for Universal Studios HHN
Not to mention they are very affordable starting at $20. It works for iPhone and android phone too. I also found a good deal for the Aibocn Portable Battery on Amazon for only $12.
Get up to 25% off of your Universal Studios Tickets with Groupon TODAY!
8. Water Bottle or Freestyle Cup
Keep in mind, especially if you are doing HHN Stay and Scream Early Admission upgrade, you will be staying in one area until Team Members let you out to go to the various houses at the beginning of the event.
This means dealing with the Florida humidity and/or heat for a long time and we know that’s not safe.
It is always important to stay hydrated. Most people don’t realize they are dehydrated before it’s too late. If you can, freeze a water bottle or get a water bottle that has a freezer pack inside to keep your water cold all day long.
There is also the option of getting a freestyle cup from any of the participating locations at Universal Orlando. It will allow you free refills all day on day of purchase.
How to Use Your Universal Freestyle Cup
You can get a refill your Universal Orlando Freestyle Cup every 10 minutes with 1 pour each time. At $18.99, that’s not a terrible deal.
With that being said, if you are visiting multiple times, you can either get a one-time refill at $1.59 or pay $11.99 for the additional day.
If you are looking for soda or juice, this would be the option for you.
However, if you are just sticking to water, bring your own or you can ask for a cup from any location that has fountain drinks.
In the meantime, here are some great options for water bottles to bring to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights:
- Nomader BPA Free Collapsible Sports Water Bottle
- Copco Freezable Double Wall Insulated Tritan Water Bottle
- Collapsible Water Filter Canteen
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
9. Poncho or Umbrella
As I mentioned when we discussed shoes, you are not just going to want to protect your feet but your whole body from unexpected visits from mother nature.
I would recommend a poncho or travel umbrella that you can put away quickly as you are about to enter houses.
You can find these at fairly affordable retail stores like Walmart, Target or even the Dollar Store.
Amazon has packs of disposable ponchos as low as $9 thats perfect so you wont have to carry around soaking plastic. Just toss and go!
10. Medication For Headaches & Migraines
This is another big one that many people mentioned that is a MUST BRING to Halloween Horror Nights.
If you plan on hanging out from park open to the event’s end, a headache is bound to happen.
Or sometimes the loud noises or the environment can be overwhelming.
As an introvert myself, I’m prone to headaches if i go into houses back-to-back too much.
Be sure to stop at a Walgreens, CVS or store near you that sells medication to help with headaches to take prior to going into the houses or event itself.
But also remember it’s okay to pace yourself.
11. A Sacrificial Lamb (aka friend)
The tagline of Halloween Horror Nights is “Never Go Alone.” Ironic for a solo traveler site huh?
My personal advice is to bring someone who is:
- Either very experienced with the event and okay with going first through all the house or
- Someone who is way more scared than you so that when you go through houses, the scare actors will bother them and not you!
But in all seriousness, it’s really great to experience something like this with a friend or two.
It’s far more than just scares. Its music, shows, great merchandise, low wait times for rides, fantastic food and memories that will most likely be worth telling later down the road!
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
My Final Thoughts on What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights
And there you have it!
I hope this HHN packing list gets you started on the key essentials for what to bring to Halloween Horror Nights.
Let us know in the comments or in our Facebook Group if there is something we missed! Good luck entering the fog and I hope to see you there!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
UP NEXT: 21 Halloween Horror Nights Frequently Asked Questions You Have to Know
(Original Article Date: August 8, 2022/Updated by Editor on March 7, 2024)