Are you looking for the ultimate 2023 Halloween Horror Nights Survival Guide?
Look no further!
This event is one of the most amazing (and scary) haunt experiences in the country.
This year’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) will take place on select nights from September 1st through November 4th of 2023 at Universal Studios Florida.
That’s almost two whole months!
So, read this guide if you dare…
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Halloween Horror Nights Dates 2023
HHN will take places on select nights from Friday, September 1st through November 4th of 2023.
As you can see, HHN is not every night. So, be aware of the dates when choosing the day you’d like to go.
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What time is Halloween Horror Nights?
You’ll be happy to know that the Halloween Horror Nights hours start at 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night.
What’s New for Halloween Horror Nights 2023
Let’s go over a few new things added to this year’s event.
Get UP Close with the Monsters!
If you’re looking to experience maximum fear during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, staying at one of their hotels is the way to go!
Not only do you get access to a dedicated entry gate for the event with complimentary transportation back and forth between theme parks and CityWalk, you’ll get an exclusive HHN attraction!
Universal Orlando hotel guests will get exclusive access to limited-time Halloween Horror Nights experiences at select Universal hotels.
This includes a special Halloween experience at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort such as Chucky’s Twisted Playground.
WATCH NEXT: 13 Weird (but true) Halloween Horror Nights Secrets 🎃 (History of HHN)
Chucky’s Twisted Playground
This HHN attraction will feature a collection of fun photo-ops inspired by the frightening Halloween creatures inspired by this year’s event.
This sinister experience is based on the USA and SYFY series, Chucky.
There will also be the Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends lobby photo-op in all other hotel lobbies at Universal Orlando Resort.
New HHN Food
This year you’ll get to eat your way around Halloween Horror Nights with the all-new food & beverage items.
Some of them include the following items:
- Bloody Campground Poutine
- El Pastor Torta
- Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries
You’ll also be happy to know that many of your favorite foodie items will return like the Pizza Fries.
WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Food at Universal Studios UNDER $10!!! 🍟🍦🍻🍕
Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar
This new HHN Bar will entice with you the newly themed cocktails as you enjoy the vibe and more in this spine-chilling experience.
Taste of Terror
New this year is the Halloween Horror Nights Taste of Terror!
This fun experience will allow you to preview the HHN food for this year’s event.
The Taste of Terror will take place on select nights from August 10 through August 26 of 2023 and costs $135.99.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Taste of Terror, click here.
The Wizarding World Comes to Halloween Horror Nights
I’m so excited to let you know that the Death Eaters from the Harry Potter book series will be making their debut at HHN 32!
This is great news, especially if you’re a Potter Fan.
You will find the evil Death Eaters roaming around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida!
So, be sure to get that perfect photo with them.
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Houses
This year there will be 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and one live show based on some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture.
1. 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 Orlando Resort to terrify you!
In this house, Chucky is fed up with not being respected by his friends.
It’s been bothering him so much that he decides to take matters into his own hands and turn his haunted house into a full-blown slaughterhouse.
His plan?
Taking out every single person who dares to set foot inside.
2. The Last of Us
This video game, by Naughty Dog and PlayStation, has been a hit with audiences for a whole decade now, and to celebrate its anniversary, they’ve created an awesome real-life experience that lets you actually step into the terrifying world of the game.
The Last of Us takes place in a world that’s been completely destroyed. You’ve got infected people and tough survivors all over the place.
So, imagine stepping into a haunted house inspired by The Last of Us. It’s like diving headfirst into a world of chaos and destruction.
Why I’m Excited for this HHN House
Just like Joel and Ellie, the main characters in the game, you’ll experience their intense struggle as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a crazy fungal virus.
This virus transforms people into something horrifying, known as the Infected. It’s a wild ride, for sure!
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.
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3. Stranger Things
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 demented 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!
Not only will you go through the iconic scenes in Hawkins, you’ll also come face-to-face with your darkest fears such as the demobats and even Vecna himself.
According to Universal, this is the ultimate showdown within Vecna’s blood-red Mind Lair!
WATCH: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights!
The Exorcist: Believer
Welcome to The Exorcist: Believer, where you’ll be transported to a vibrant street market in Haiti.
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.
It becomes clear that an exorcism is the only way to save them from the malevolent forces that now possess them.
But it’s not just the girls who are in danger.
Anyone who comes into contact with them, including unsuspecting guests like yourself, is suddenly at risk of losing their own souls.
Brace yourself for a chilling and intense experience as you navigate through this haunted house.
This house is inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment (in theaters Friday, October 13).
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)
They all lie in wait, thirsting for vengeance against unsuspecting guests who dare to enter their domain.
These desperate and dangerous fiends have been consumed by rage, and they won’t hesitate to unleash their terror upon anyone who dares to navigate the twisted tunnels of their underground labyrinth.
WATCH NEXT: 13 Weird (but true) Halloween Horror Nights Secrets 🎃 (History of HHN)
Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins
Step right up, folks! Welcome to Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted menagerie, an eerie collection of bizarre oddities that will send chills down your spine.
Journey back to the haunting era of the 1930s Dust Bowl, where you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of grotesque animals and fiendish creatures.
Brace yourself as you enter Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins – but beware, the price to experience this spine-tingling adventure is steep, as it feeds the doctor’s immortal power with souls.
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Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
The legendary wizard Merlyn has undergone a crazy transformation into the Enchanted Oak.
With Merlyn out of the picture, there’s now a struggle for power between two warlocks who decide to invade Merlyn’s castle with one goal in mind: steal his spell book.
They’re then hit with a spell that transforms them into fearsome dragons – one fiery and the other icy. Talk about a twist!
As a guest at this mystical castle, you find yourself caught right in the middle of this epic battle between the fire and ice dragons.
And guess what? You have to make a choice.
Which path will you take?
And more importantly, which dragon will you support to claim victory?
But hold on tight, my fellow ThemeParkHipster. This is no ordinary showdown!
It’s a spectacle of magic, danger, and uncertainty. Who knows what will happen next?
YETI: Campground Kills
Welcome to the spine-chilling world of YETI: Campground Kills!
Imagine being in a 1950s campground, where a pack of monstrous yetis is on a rampage, terrorizing campers, rangers, and anyone unlucky enough to cross their path.
Brace yourself for a heart-pounding experience as you navigate through the campground, desperately seeking refuge in cabins, a bait shack, and even an ominous outhouse.
Your ultimate goal? Make it to the safety of the ranger tower before it’s too late.
The Darkest Deal
Picture this: blues musician, Pinestraw Spruce, finds himself at a major crossroads – not just figuratively, but literally too!
It’s at this intersection that he encounters a truly diabolical being known as The Collector.
Now, The Collector has a proposition for Pinestraw – he’s willing to grant him musical glory, but at a huge cost.
He’ll be performing for a crowd, showcasing his incredible talent.
But here’s the catch – once he’s finished, The Collector will swoop in to claim his soul, dragging him down to Hades.
And he won’t be alone – there are other musicians who have learned the terrifying price of fame in this spine-chilling event called The Darkest Deal.
Watch: New to Halloween Horror Nights? Don’t Go Without Knowing These 15 Tips!
Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
Imagine a quaint village trapped in the grip of a moon-worshiping frenzy from colonial times.
Their devotion reaches its peak during the fall festival, when the blood moon ominously ascends.
In their fervor, they perceive this celestial event as a command to eliminate all non-believers residing within their community.
As you step into this chilling world, your challenge lies in not becoming a sacrificial victim.
Brace yourself for the bone-chilling terror of Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings.
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones 2023
If you think you can avoid the scares by avoiding the HHN houses, then you’re WRONG!
Throughout Halloween Horror Nights are five all-new scare zones:
- Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror: Dr. Oddfellow will lift the veil on all the horrors where you all will soon realize you may not survive the evening.
- Dark Zodiac: Dr. Oddfellow, who has taken a dive into a creepy dark dimension. His goal? To tap into the power of the Zodiac and become immortal.
- Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror: Dr. Oddfellow is taking his demented ways into the deep jungle to perform terrible experiments on nature. See what terrifying creatures await in the 1920s.
- Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood: The 1960s music fest has landed in a small New York town and while you’re partying it up with popular bands, Dr. Oddfellow is quietly waiting to release ravenous vampires upon you.
- Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged: A 1940s San Francisco mysterious shipping yard is filled with unearthly crates and cages that have Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol on them. Just when you think you’re safe, you’re attacked from all sides with the chaos brought on by the petrifying oddities.
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Halloween Horror Nights Live Shows 2023
For HHN 2023, Universal will be debuting the fan-favorite shows to terrify you this year!
1. Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream
The sequel to last year’s fan-favorite “Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire” show that featured the world-famous performance group, The Fuel Girls.
This show highlights a new Dreamer in the depths of a new nightmare set to an intense metal, rock and electronica score..
Read: SMACKDOWN: 7 Best Halloween Horror Nights Icons EVER!!!
2. Bonus Universal Orlando Halloween Experience (Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle)
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll be excited to hear about the returning Dark Arts feature being placed over Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure (selects night in September and October of 2023)!
I cannot wait to see this again!
You will be able to enjoy the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle that usually starts select nights starting in mid-September.
This was one of my favorite things at Halloween Horror Nights this year and something you can’t miss.
Return of the ICONIC HHN Tribute Store
The fan-favorite Halloween Horror Night Tribute Store is returning this year with brand-new themed rooms, unique treats to try, and special merchandise for the event.
You can explore an elaborate Halloween shopping experience right in the heart of Universal Studios Florida.
Discover a world of mystery as you step into the enigmatic NYC Comic Book Shop.
Prepare to be intrigued by the intricate storytelling and captivating artwork that bring this horror comic book store to life.
Every page turned reveals a new twist, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you navigate through the shop’s haunting atmosphere.
Watch: 5 Mistakes to AVOID at Halloween Horror Nights!
2023 Halloween Horror Nights Tickets
It’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time. This prevents waiting in the ticket line once you arrive at Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets (Single Night Price)
You can now save money and grab your HHN ticket online. HHN tickets start at $79.99 when purchased in advanced, but you can save up to $52 on select nights by purchasing yours in online.
This will save you a lot of money.
Get your discounted HHN Tickets on Groupon TODAY!
2023 Frequent Fear Pass
If you want to visit HHN on multiple occasions, then be sure to review the multi-pass breakdown.
The Halloween Horror Nights Rush of Fear Pass is the BEST value for your money.
You’ll be able to go on multiple days allowing you to see and do all that the event has to offer.
Plus, if you get the HHN Rush of Fear Pass, you won’t need to get an Express Pass.
Mainly due to the fact that you’ll be able to take your time going through the haunted houses throughout your multiple visits.
The Rush of Fear Pass and the Frequent Fear Pass allows you to visit HHN on many of the nights throughout the event for ONE PRICE! Below are the current options:
Rush of Fear Pass
This HHN ticket is $179.99 per person and allows you to visit the event on September 1–3, 6–10, 13–17, and 20–24.
Do keep in mind that this ticket includes 6 Months of Peacock at no extra cost to you and you can add an Express Pass for an additional $350 for a total cost of $529.99
Frequent Fear Pass
For this pass you will pay $229.99 per person and get up to 30 nights. You are also able to come EVERY Sunday through Thursday of the event PLUS the first weekend.
The HHN Frequent Fear Pass includes the following dates:
- September 1–3, 6–7, 10, 13–14, 17, 20–21, 24, 27–28
- October 1, 4–5, 8, 11–12, 15, 18–19, 22, 25–26, 29, 31
- November 1-2
This ticket also includes 6 Months of Peacock at no extra cost and you can add an Express Pass for an additional $380 for a total cost of $609.99.
Frequent Fear PLUS Pass
This HHN pass is $269.99 per person and you get up to 40 nights. You’ll be able to come EVERY Sunday through Friday of the event PLUS the first and last Saturday of HHN.
The HHN Frequent Fear PLUS Pass includes the following dates:
- September 1–3, 6–8, 10, 13–15, 17, 20–22, 24, 27–29
- October 1, 4–6, 8, 11–13, 15, 18–20, 22, 25-27, 29, 31
- November 1-4
This HHN ticket includes 6 Months of Peacock at no extra cost and you can add an Express Pass for an additional $430 for a total cost of $699.99.
Ultimate Frequent Fear Pass
For $374.99 per person, you can get up to 48 nights and experience EVERY night of the HHN!
Plus, you’ll get FREE Regular parking after 5 p.m. on all event nights.
The HHN Ultimate Frequent Fear PLUS Pass includes the following dates:
- September 1–3, 6–10, 13–17, 20–24, 27–30
- October 1, 4–8, 11–15, 18–22, 25–29, 31
- November 1-4
This HHN ticket includes 6 Months of Peacock at no extra cost and you can add an Express Pass for an additional $545 for a total cost of $919.99.
As you can see, you’ll be able to go on multiple days allowing you to see and do all that the event has to offer.
Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour
Try out the Unmasking the Horror Tour where you’ll have a daytime, lights-on, chilling look into how Universal Orlando’s Art & Design team transforms the biggest names in horror into haunted houses.
You’ll also get the opportunity to take photos while in some of the house during your tour.
You need to know that your theme park admission ticket is not included or required to participate in a tour.
So, once the tour is done, you will not be able to stay in the park unless you have a Universal Studios ticket or Annual Pass already purchased.
This is one of my best Halloween Horror Nights tips!
Below are the options that you have for the Unmasking the Horror Tour:
- 3 House Tour starts at $119.99 (can last up to 2.5 hours)
- 6 House Tough starts at $169.99 (can last up to 5 hours)
2023 HHN Unmasking the Horror 3-House Tour Options
- The Last of Us
- Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
- The Darkest Deal
2023 HHN Unmasking the Horror 6-House Tour Options
- Blood Moon Offerings
- Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
- Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
- Stranger Things
- Yeti: Campground Kills
- Universal Monters Unmasked
Unmasking the Horror Tour 2023 Dates:
- September Dates: Sept. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-30
- October Dates: Oct. 1st, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, 31st
- November Dates: Nov. 1-4
Hipster Power Tip: If you’re not going alone, make sure you and your group book your tickets together so that you can get the same tour, time, and group on your visit.
Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour
Be sure to try the Halloween Horror Nights RIP Tour.
This is your own VIP tour around HHN in a one-on-one guided tour with a Universal Orlando Team Member with priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses (once per house).
Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour 2023 Dates:
- September Dates: Sept. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-30
- October Dates: Oct. 1st, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29, 31st
- November Dates: Nov. 1-4
How much is an HHN VIP Tour at Universal?
The Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour starts at $319.99. Prices change based on the predicted busyness of the event.
Doing an HHN VIP tour is definitely on my theme park bucket list.
If you do plan on doing it for your visit, you can expect to enjoy:
- Priority V.I.P. entry to haunted houses and participating rides and attractions while on tour with R.I.P. Tour Guide (once per house, subject to itinerary and event operating hours)
- V.I.P. entrance gate to Universal Studios Florida for the event
- Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credential & lanyard
- Complimentary Valet Parking (Guests will receive complimentary Valet Parking for one (1) vehicle based on availability and advance purchase)
- Pre-tour reception in Cafe La Bamba
- Access to exclusive cash bar locations during the tour (must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages)
- Reserved seating at select show(s)
- Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions (event hours permitting, excludes houses)
My Final Thoughts on the Best Halloween Horror Nights Tips
I hope this Halloween Horror Nights Tips and Survival Guide helped you prepare for this year’s event.
So, you must try it at least once! Halloween Horror Nights is one of the best things to do in Orlando for the fall.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: August 2023/Updated on August 30, 2024)