ORLANDO -- Before I tell you about my first time at Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), there are a few things you need to know about me.
I am not a "horror girlie," as the kids say. I don't particularly enjoy very scary movies, and gory things aren't my cup of tea. I do like Halloween, and I love a good ghost story, but you won't catch me at the theater for the latest "Hellraiser" installment any time soon.
I am also an extremely jumpy person. For example, my wife and I both work from home. I am acutely aware that there is another person in the house. And yet, she routinely makes me jump three feet in the air if she walks into the same room (she is not being sneaky, for the record -- this is a me problem).
I do, however, love theme parks, and I've covered them for Travel Weekly for a number of years now.
It's that last point that led me to HHN last Friday. I've never experienced Universal's specially ticketed Halloween event. I've checked out its tamer cousin down the road at the Walt Disney World Resort, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but I felt like it was high time I checked out HHN.
The appeal of Halloween Horror Nights
The Universal Studios Globe gets some spooky lighting and the event's signature fog for Halloween Horror Nights. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
It's the event's 35th anniversary, and I just did a deep dive into the kind of people who enjoy haunted activities -- and for some reason, I was convinced HHN wouldn't scare me. Coltan Scrivner, the psychologist I interviewed for that deep dive, said some people might be less moved by controlled, haunted attractions because they are better at regulating difficult emotions like fear and anxiety; I guess I thought that was me.
My wife, on the other hand, encouraged me to update my will on the plane to Orlando.
So, who was right?
It wasn't me. I sure did scream a lot. And I scampered through a few scenes so fast I couldn't even tell you if there was a jump scare in the room.
That said, I really enjoyed my time at HHN. There's a lot to like, even for certified non-horror girlies like me.
Touring the haunted houses
A set piece part of Halloween Horror Nights 2026. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
HHN's haunted houses are the main attraction for many. Universal hosted media on R.I.P. Tours, giving us a chance to see all 10 in one night. For those who love them, this is a fantastic way to see them all efficiently. It's also a little bit of a sensory overload, at least for me, but I did find several that I truly enjoyed.
My top three, in order, were "Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control," "H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular" and "Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness." The first two on that list really meld horror, comedy and camp, which appealed to me greatly. And the Ozzy house was energetic and different, with great music blasting the whole time.
The gorier, scarier houses weren't for me. My least favorite were "Cybergoria," "Hellraiser" and "Madlands: Caged Cannibals." Those houses were the ones I found myself scampering from room to room, dreading pulling back the curtains and turning corners to see what fresh hell awaited until I hit the exit.
Art the Clown makes an appearance as Santa. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
One thing that stood out to me in every house, however, was the incredible attention to detail Universal clearly applied. These are temporary builds, but they feel like spaces designed to last for years. You truly feel immersed in whatever house you're in, making it easier to get spooked. The technology used in some of the houses is also impressive -- while there are people aplenty throughout, tech and animatronics lent a lot to the environments, as well.
That attention to detail also extends to the actors Universal sprinkles liberally throughout the park and the houses. Their makeup and costumes were exceptional. Their acting was superb. The sheer number of them was remarkable.
Scary good fun
Jack the Clown returns this year to Halloween Horror Nights. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
Another thing I genuinely enjoyed was the scare zones sprinkled around the park. There were four this year, and "Downtown Clowntown" and "Infernal Carnival of Nightmares" were particularly well-themed. I thought I might be too jumpy to enjoy these, and I certainly did get spooked a few times (thanks, Chainsaw Horde), but they were just plain fun.
I wasn't able to catch either of the special shows or the Death Eaters in Diagon Alley due to time constraints.
Whenever I participate in a media event like HHN's, I ask myself whether it's something I would pay for on my own in my free time. Before going, I would have guessed my answer would have been no -- but it's actually a yes for me. I would design my night a little differently, focusing only on the houses I think I would enjoy, and mixing in shows and live entertainment; I would also pepper in some adult beverages and specialty food offerings (the Fritos Walking Taco was particularly fun).
Even for a non-horror girlie like me, there's plenty to enjoy.
Halloween Horror Nights icons Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow at a media event on opening night. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
It would be difficult to see all the houses, or even most, in one night without an R.I.P. Tour or Express Pass.
Travel advisors, if that's a priority for your clients attending the event, I would highly recommend convincing them to splurge a bit. Even if it's not, some kind of expedited access would be helpful. Those lines can get long.
Oh, and this probably goes without saying, but this is not a kid-friendly event. Every kid is different, but generally, follow Universal's guidelines and skip it entirely if they're younger than 13.