Are you looking for the ultimate survivor’s guide to the 2024 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you are reading this, then that means I have officially survived HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood!
It was such a different and fun experience for someone who is used to the terrifying event overt at Universal Studios Florida.
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!
I have quite a bit to cover so let’s dive into the scares.
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Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2024 at a Glance:
- HHN runs from September 5 to November 3, 2024!
- Tickets start at $77
- You can purchase the Universal Express from $229 to skip the lines
- There will be 8 haunted houses and 4 scare zones
- After 2 PM Day/Night Tickets Start at $117
- Capture the most incredible photos with a group of your beloved Hipster Friends
- Be sure to grab the latest HHN merchandise
- Take the challenge and go ALONE!
- Eat your way through the haunted event with the ghoulish cuisine (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer this California event like a pro!
What is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event that takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights during September and October.
It is filled with plenty of haunted houses, scare zones, entertainment, food and so much more!
History of HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood’s Horror Nights started on Oct 9, 1997, over 25 years ago. Meaning it started 6 years after Universal Studios Florida found success with their own version.
It tried to emulate the success of the sister park in 1992 but failed with a lackluster event.
After the 1997 launch it ran until 2000 when it took a long hiatus relaunching in 2006 where it has continued since then.
From 2007 until 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood featured its permanent attraction, House of Horrors, each year during HHN.
But it has not been all doom and gloom for Hollywood as in recent years, it has found its stride and has steadily grown in popularity.
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Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood vs Orlando: Is HHN Hollywood or Orlando better?
In a way, yes, but I feel saying yes completely would be a disservice to both parks.
Each version of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios offers each person something that will interest them.
The layout of HHN Hollywood and how the scareactors conduct themselves are different for sure as well as food and beverage offerings. And just the whole vibe in California is different.
The most similar things I found for both Halloween events were the houses.
Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood did get a few of the same houses for both coasts this year, but this is standard.
However, even some of the same themed houses have their own twist and differences making it fun to be able to visit both events in America.
What are the dates for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2024?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 5 to November 3, 2024.
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 $77.
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 Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options such as:
- General Admission starting at $77
- Universal Express starting at $229
- After 2 P.M. Day/Night starting at $117
- R.I.P. Tour starting at $409
- Early Access Ticket where you can get a head start on your night 1.5 hours before the event begins starting at an additional $10
- Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass
Frequent Fear HHN Pass
| Pass | Frequent Fear | Ultimate Fear |
| Price | $179 | $299 |
| Number of Nights | Up to 33 | Up to 40 |
| Dates | September: 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 October: 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31 November: 1, 2, 3 | All event dates are valid |
| Blackout Dates | October: 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 | No blackout dates |
Hipster Power Tip: You must select any available event night for your first visit, starting September 5, 2024.
Passholders
If you’re an Annual Passholder, you can take advantage of different discounts for you and your friends.
You will also be eligible for receiving a free ticket if you’re a Platinum Annual Pass Member.
For more information about each ticket type visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Dates
The HHN hours are from 7 p.m. until 2 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.
What’s Included in Your Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Ticket?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood includes access to the haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, fun character photo-ops, exclusive food and drink options to purchase AND more!
Everything that is featured in this event can be very overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the layout.
Don’t worry, I will break it down for you!
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2024 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Houses
Let’s start with the most obvious inclusions and that is the haunted houses.
- A Quiet Place: You will feel the thrill all over again in those classic scenes from the first two movies as the growls of those massive predators will creep up on you at every scary twist and turn.
- Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire: You are in for a wild ride alongside the Ghostbusters, as you run into iconic ghosts who slime and shady villains seeking revenge, all while trying to dodge a bunch of spooky creatures eager to crack bones and turn your veins to ice.
- Insidious – The Further: Here you’ll get caught up in The Further while creepy demons try to snag you as you step into the Red-Faced Demon’s hideout through The Red Door.
- Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines: Get ready for an awesome showdown where Saskia Van Helsing and the Bride of Frankenstein take on Dracula’s daughter and her creepy crew.
- The Weeknd – Nightmare Trilogy: The Weeknd is back with a spooky haunted house vibe inspired by After Hours, Dawn FM, and a chilling new story. Dive into some of the coolest moments pulled straight from his music videos and live shows.
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – The Legacy of Leatherface: Leatherface and his creepy family are ready to draw you into their bloody slaughterhouse. Get ready to experience a chilling original tale that pays tribute to the 1974 film’s 50th anniversary.
- Monstruos 2 – The Nightmares of Latin America: Watch out for the creepy rider El Charro or you might just lose your soul. Don’t turn away from the devil dog El Cadejo, or you’ll be stuck forever. And seriously, you better mind your manners or the boogeyman El Cucuy will come for you.
- Dead Exposure: Death Valley: Step into a super hush-hush government lab where an experiment to make super soldiers totally backfired, transforming folks into radioactive zombies. And they break free right as you stroll in!
Recommended: What to Bring to Halloween Horror Nights: HHN Packing List
2024 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones
At Hollywood this year, there is one main scare zone with smaller, unofficial ones throughout the park.
At first glance, the themes seem a bit tame, I can assure you the scare actors truly bring the zones to life.
- Luchadores Monstruosos: Get ready to dive into a wild Lucha Libre horror flick where two wrestlers take on some crazy masked monsters!
- Murder of Crowz: You’ve wandered into a huge crow’s nest without thinking. Now that scary bunch is swooping down to peck you to the bone.
- Chainsaw Punkz: Get ready for a wild night of thrills the moment you walk in. Masked punk rockers rocking chainsaws and mohawks are gonna surround you!
- Skull Lordz: Welcome to the spooky hangout of the undead, where the goth kings and queens chill. Just a heads up—step into their ghostly realm if you dare!
I have to point out that unlike Orlando’s HHN, the actors can get very close to you and can follow you on the sidewalks.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Terror Tram 2024
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: Enter the Blumhouse takes guests to the renowned Universal backlot, immersing you with the spooky Blumhouse characters are running the Terror Tram!
Get ready to meet the killer android M3GAN, The Grabber, and a bunch of others!
What to Expect on the HHN Terror Tram
I have ridden the Tram Tour in the past and as a big movie buff, particularly of the golden age of Hollywood, I always love this section!
What I didn’t realize in my first visit to HHN Hollywood is that a good chunk of this tour is a walking experience.
It does get hilly at some points so be mindful and there is options for those who need accessible options.
Entertainment and Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2024
A big part of what I was impressed with when it came to this event was the entertainment that was provided in previous years.
One of the big draws for me personally when it comes to haunt events like this are the shows or entertainment outside of the houses and scare zones.
Personally, I like to enjoy the talent that they hire outside of the houses and scare zones and it allows me to get a break from them.
Sometimes the sensory aspects of the event can be a bit much, so this allows a brief reprieve.
HHN Shows
- The Purge – Dangerous Waters: This awesome stunt show drops you right into The Purge like you’ve never experienced it before.
- Late Night with Chucky: Chucky’s your host and he’s all set to roast. Come hang out in the audience of his awesome new live talk show.
Rides Open for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood
While you’re at HHN Hollywood, be sure to ride some of the best theme park attractions that will be open during the event such as:
- Jurassic World—The Ride
- Transformers™: The Ride-3D
- Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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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!
This means that you’ll be able to enjoy the magic rides of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
As darkness falls upon Hogsmeade, the darker side of the Wizarding World makes takes over.
There’s also Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, who roam the corridors of Hogsmeade threatening muggles, witches and wizards alike (final details pending for 2024).
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. But on the other side, they are really cool to interact with!
While walking through in the past, I have watched one challenge someone to a duel with the Hogwarts Castle in the backdrop. It was such a cool thing to see!
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2024 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 Food Menu
Here you will find specialty cocktails named after some of the tracks from the Weeknd’s past albums.
The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy Bar
- Three cocktails: Too Late, Is There Someone Else, How do I make you love me?
- Out of Time drink
- Short Rib Saw Blade Flatbread
- Mushroom Saw Blade Flatbread
- Heartless Gummy Heart
City Snacks
- Wooden Board Éclair
- Abbotts Corn Chowder
Chucky’s Dive Bar
- Three cocktails**: Cult of Chucky, Chucky Got Jokes, Friend Till the End
Dia de los Muertos Bar
- Four cocktails: Horror-Chata, El Charro, El Cadejo Mangorita, Muerte Michelada
- Two specialty margaritas**: Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita, Piña Margarita
Leatherface’s BBQ
- Pam’s Brisket Sandwich
- Franklin’s BBQ Ribs
- Drayton Chili Cheese Dog
- Three cocktails: Grandpa’s Porch Pounder, Frozen Jack & Coke, Canned Jack & Coke
Monsters Minion Café
- Evil Takis Mac and Cheese
- Frankenbob Cookie
- Monster Bob drink
Monster Eats
- Into the Fog Fish ‘n Chips
- The Fiery Bite Corn-dog
- She Wolf Midnight Delight Cheesecake
- The Bride’s Cookie
Studio Scoops
- Mini-Stay Puft S’mores
Killer Snacks
- NY All Beef Hot Dog with Chips
- Popcorn
- Churros
- Pretzels
Another fun treat I found were a few photo spots throughout the Weeknd’s bar and great views!
2024 Merchandise at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
You will find the standard Halloween Horror Nights merchandise for the event such as t-shirts, cups, magnets, pins, sweaters, hoodies and other collectibles.
So, don’t forget to get all of your Halloween Horror Nights merchandise to remember this year’s houses!
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7 Beginner Tips for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Now that you know what to expect at HHN Hollywood, let’s go through a few of the best tips to help you make the most of your time!
1. Stay Hydrated
You are going to be doing A LOT of walking and lots of waiting in lines, unless you get an Express Pass.
Bring your own bottle to fill up and make sure to drink throughout the evening, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol.
2. Arrive Early
You can enter Universal Studios Hollywood at 5 p.m. although the earliest houses don’t open until about 5:30 p.m. for guests with the Daytime Upgrade.
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3. Check Out HHN Vlogs and Videos
Despite me going to these haunts, I’m still a big scaredy cat. Sometimes and don’t really like going into the unknown.
But mainly, I find myself watching HHN Vlogs and POV videos on YouTube to see if which houses have lots of strobe light usage, as I’m sensitive to them.
There is absolutely no shame in watching the HHN videos so you know what you are walking into, haha!
4. Get Express Passes
One of my biggest tips for this event is to invest in Express Passes.
My friend and I had Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes and they were the main reason we got through all the houses.
I left a bit earlier than my friend last year and she managed all the houses with the Express Pass and all the entertainment by 11:30 p.m. (we started at 6 p.m.).
The lines were extremely long with the highest being up to 190 minutes in the past for Halloween and the runner up being 75 minutes for La Llorona back in 2022 .
How much are the Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes at Universal Studios Hollywood?
HHN Express Pass pricing depends on the date and can range from $229 for a Regular Express Pass. This upgrade allows you to go through each house once.
Unlimited HHN Express Passes starts at $269 while the After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express starts at $289.
If you do the HHN RIP Tour, it is included in your cost that starts at $409.
5. Consider Getting the After 2 p.m. Tickets
Speaking of the After 2 p.m. tickets, this ticket lets you into Universal Studios Hollywood as well as same day admission to the event.
The price starts at $117 depending on the date and allows you to get ready for the event and ride some rides too.
Save up to $50 on select dates to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood on Groupon TODAY!
6. Start Low and Work Upwards
The strategy I found best was to start with the houses in the Lower Lot and then work your way up through Lower Lot.
In the past, once I got the the Upper Lot, I would take a break with Terror Tram. I’d then worked my way through the houses in the Upper Lot.
7. Scareactor Word of Caution
The scareactors in the scare zones and houses are lawless and way different than what I’m familiar with in Orlando’s HHN.
They are very in your face, intruding on your boundaries and they WILL follow you.
Sidewalks are not safe, and they will wait for you if you seek refuge in stores or restrooms.
Due to how crowded the zones can get, they can sneak up on very easily.
My best advice is to pay attention and try not to look scared because you will automatically be a target, haha!
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My Final Thoughts on Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2024
Attending Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights gave me such an amazing insight on how different and unique each event is due to the culture and climate of the locations.
I absolutely enjoyed the offerings although I have felt that the food and drink offerings could have been a bit better so I didn’t eat too much while I was there.
I’m always obsessed with the entertainment and as far as the haunted houses, I ALWAYS enjoy!
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Is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood worth it?
The scareactors and Team Members were phenomenal and I genuinely feel that you will get their money’s worth with this event.
Personally, I know when I come back to California this year, I will be adding this event to my visit!
Have you visited HHN Hollywood this year and if so, what were your thoughts? Let us know in our Facebook Group!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Authors: Victoria Wade and NikkyJ
UP NEXT: 23 First Timer Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood (Complete Planning Guide)
(Original Article Date: October 18, 2022/Updated by Editor on September 5, 2024)