Are you looking for the ultimate guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2022 at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you are reading this, then that means I have officially survived my very first HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood!
I have to first say thank you to Universal Studios for inviting me out to experience their version of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) for the very first time.
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 am very hype to tell you about everything there is and how to survive your own 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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What is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Halloween Horror Nights is a specially 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, shows and entertainment, food and so much more!
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What are the dates for Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2022?
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood runs on select nights from September 4th through October 31st of 2022.
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 drinks 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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Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2022 Houses
Let’s start with the most obvious inclusions and that is the haunted houses. I will rate the houses that I managed to get through.
Some I skipped because I’d already done them at Universal Orlando Resort or there was simply no more time.
Also keep in mind, what is scary for me may not be scary for you and vice versa.
1. The Horrors of Blumhouse (Next to Waterworld entrance)
This house is at Universal Orlando as well and follows the plots of the films “Freaky” and “The Black Phone.”
If you want to watch the films before doing the house, you can find “Freaky” on HBOmax and “The Black Phone” on Peacock.
Scare Rating: 5/10
2. Hollywood Horror Hotel (Next to Secret Life of Pets attraction)
A 1920s Hollywood hotel, which once happened to be the hunting grounds for maniac and home to those who practice the dark arts, has reopened as a modern-day hotel.
However, it looks like the killer has returned….
Scare Rating 4/10
3. La Llorona: The Weeping Woman: (Parisian Courtyard, near Mel’s Diner)
This is an updated version of houses from 2011 to 2012, following the Latin American legend of a woman who drowned her children to be with her lover, only to be rejected.
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4. Universal Monsters: Legends Collide: (Between the Mummy and Jurassic World)
The difference with this house from the one in Orlando is that it takes place in London as The Mummy tries to protect a precious amulet.
Dracula wants it to help him day walk while The Wolfman wants it to cure his curse.
We are in the midst of their battle. Just be aware that this house does use a bit of strobe lighting so be weary.
Scare Rating: 5/10
5. The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare: (To the left of Transformers)
Imagery from the Weeknd’s music videos for his 2020 “After Hours” album is used to create this house. *There is strobe usage that might be sensitive to some.
6. Killer Klowns from Outer Space:(Right of Transformers)
This house is a copy of a house that was done at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.
It is based on the 1988 film in which aliens who look like clowns come to earth to capture and feast on humans.
Scare rating: 5/10
7. Halloween
This HHN house is located in the Curious George parking structure, which must be accessed through the back end of Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
It follows the original 1978 film as Michael Myers rampages through the town of Haddonfield.
Scare Rating: 3/10
8. Scarecrow: The Reaping
This HHN house is also located near the Curious George Parking Lot and must be accessed through the back end of Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
During the 1930s in the midwest, in the middle of the dust bowl, crows and possessed scarecrows are taking over a town thats essentially dead.
They are helping to finish the job by taking the remaining townsfolk for food and to create new scarecrows.
Scare Rating: 8/10
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2022 Scare Zones
At Hollywood this year, there are three different scare zones. At first glance, the themes seem a bit tame, I can assure you the scare actors truly bring the zones to life.
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.
1. Sideshow Slaughterhouse
The primary zone upon entering the park is Sideshow Slaughterhouse, which boasts the addition of the Clownsawz.
This is a group of chainsaw wielding clowns looking for their victims of choice. Filled with carnival freaks, fearful stilt walkers, and more!
It also has a bit of vintage Halloween charm which I personally loved but it does get very congested during peak hours.
This makes it easy for the energetic actors to get in their scares.
2. El Pueblo De Terror
Filling the fog filled French street is El Pueblo De Terror, an extension of Mexican horror tales.
This includes La Llorona herself, skeleton beasts including a stilt walking deceased horse (which made my jaw literally drop), a deceased dancer and sugar skull creatures.
What I did find impressive, besides the actors was how the scare zone was decorated.
Some of the creatures are on display in old school movie poster style and comic book art pieces throughout the zone. This is an awesome nod to the park’s history.
3. Haunted Forest
The last scare zone at Horror nights is Haunted Forest. Im not sure if this one is an official zone but I happened upon it while looking for the Jabbawockeez.
Near the Animal Actors Theatre, I happened to notice these orange lights and then sure enough, I came upon a sign that warned people not to enter the Haunted Forest.
So naturally, I entered…
The only reason I’m not positive that its a zone is because there weren’t many scareactors. I saw two that were posed as part of the forest wildlife.
Overall, it seemed like a really cool, spooky area with chill vibes.
Entertainment and Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
A big part of what I was impressed with when it came to this event was the entertainment that was provided.
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.
I was absolutely blown away with the entertainment offerings for Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights so let’s talk about them.
1. Dark Nights at Hogwarts
As darkness falls upon Hogsmeade, the darker side of the Wizarding World makes takes over.
The Hogwarts Castle lights up the sky with music and special effects, including the dark mark being casted upon it.
The unspeakable and horrifying creatures of the wizarding world are brought forth like Inferi and Dementors.
There’s also Voldemort’s followers, the Death Eaters, who roam the corridors of Hogsmeade threatening muggles, witches and wizards alike.
This was 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, we watched one challenge someone to a duel with the Dark Mark casted with the Hogwarts Castle in the backdrop. It was such a cool thing to see!
2. Jabbawockeez
Located on the upper lot in the Side Effects show theater, is a high energy fast paced show featuring the award winning Jabbawockeez dance crew.
The dance crew was formed in 2003 but made their claim to fame as the first dance crew to win MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” in 2008.
Since then, they have been featured on numerous tv shows, have a residency in Vegas and have performed at sporting events.
The group has been working with local talent to bring the show to life at Universal Studios Hollywood since 2015, as it runs about eight weeks during the event’s course.
What to Expect During this Halloween Horror Nights Show
The 20-minute show is themed every year and this year’s theme is “Multiverses.”
They will perform to various styles of dance to different genres of music as they meet a vibe of Twilight Zone and nods to other pop culture films and tv shows.
This was a big deal for me as I was a huge fan of them growing up and watching them rise to stardom on the first season of ABDC at the age of 14, still being a fan today at the age of 30!
It was amazing to see the performers really bring the Halloween theme to life and there was even audience participation with karaoke, which the crowd absolutely loved!
I was jamming out the entire show so make sure you stop by to see them if you have time.
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3. Terror Tram
The HHN Terror Tram was easily one of the highlights of my evening.
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.
What to Expect on the HHN Terror Tram
This year was extra special as they expanded the tour with the addition of the actual Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s latest film “Nope.”
The set is the location where another film of his will create a walkthrough crossover experience with the tethered from “Us.”
I had ridden the Tram Tour earlier and as a big movie buff, particularly of the golden age of Hollywood, I was easily geeking out!
What I didn’t realize 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.
Koodles the Clown
The experience’s story follows the evil “Hollywood Harry” aka Koodles the Clown, a former performer who was kicked out of Universal Studios due to an increased fear of clowns and overall decrease in his popularity.
He escaped into the Hollywood Hills and patiently plotted his revenge against the people who fired him.
He was the main villain for the Terror Tram in 2016 and 2018, with the story going on to say that a notice in the decrease number of wildlife and tour guides going missing being chalked up to just nature taking its course and the changes in seasonal employment.
On the tour, you are told of two guides in particular who disappeared after black balloons appeared all about the studio lot.
Koodles reemerged to throw a special Halloween party and we were invited.
Only problem is that this party features:
- Mutant black cats
- Clownsawz
- An encounter the Psycho house to meet Norman Bates
- A walkthrough of the War of the Worlds movie set
It was genuinely such a cool experience and a lot of fun!
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.
The variety and options itself were decent. I did like the themes they had for some, including the Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar.
Below are some of the best HHN Hollywood food to choose from for 2022.
Dufftoberfest
Visiting Springfield, you can grab a cup of the seasonal Duttoberfest beer.
I tried this in Orlando and personally am not a beer person, but it was very delicious to me and worth buying. You can grab some at Moe’s.
Plaza De Les Muertos
This is a return to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and is located in the upper lot near the La Llorona house.
It celebrates the diversity of Southern California and has two bar options with several foodie treats to choose from.
The brand-new Margarita Bar has a variety of frozen options as well as Muerte Margarita and a Spiced Strawberry Vodka Margarita.
The Dia De Les Muertos Bar has specialty cocktails like the Smoked Margarita that comes in a light up skull mug and Calavera Juice.
More foodie options include Churro Bites, Cheese Tamales and Beef Birria Tacos, as well as a light up Sugar Skull Popcorn Bucket.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space & JoJo’s Ice Cream
Based off the house nearby on the Lower Lot, here you will find a plethora of sweet and savory options.
Options such as Loaded Mac n Cheese, Loaded Nachos, Funnel Cake Fries, Orlando’s famous Twisted Taters and a yummy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
On the sweet side, you can try the Acid Pie Shake and Killer Kone.
The Weeknd After Hours Nightmare Bar
I popped into the bar which requires ID in order to enter as you ascend the staircase.
You don’t won’t to miss entering the Weeknd’s bar which is based on his horror music videos and are inspirations for his nearby house on the Lower Lot.
Here you will find another Orlando staple, Pizza Fries, as well as specialty cocktails named after some of the tracks from the After-Hours album.
Another fun treat I found were a few photo spots throughout the bar and great views!
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise
You will find the standard Halloween Horror Nights merchandise for the event such as t-shirts, cups, magnets, pins, sweaters, hoodies and other collectibles.
However, what stopped me in my tracks and made me reverse to enter a store was seeing Li’l Boo merchandise front and center in the store’s display.
Li’l Boo is a popular pumpkin character that the Halloween Horror Nights Orlando fanbase grabbed hold to when he was first seen on display in the entrance to Wicked Growth.
Since then, lots of merchandise was put out to celebrate the character in the Every Day is Halloween collection. You can learn more about the character from the creator herself.
My Final Thoughts and Review on Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2022
Attending Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 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!
What was your favorite house at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2022? Let me know in the comments section below.
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.
(Original Article Date: October 18, 2022/Updated on July 17, 2023)