Legendary monsters of the big screen, vengeful scarecrows, menacing chainsaws and supernatural exorcists aim to evoke spine-tingling frights year-round at Universal Horror Unleashed, which opened on Aug. 14 at Area15 in Las Vegas.
Universal Horror Unleashed is Universal Destinations &
Experiences' first year-round horror experience. It is the anchor of an ambitious expansion of Area15, a 40-acre arts and entertainment district just west of the Las Vegas Strip.
"Universal is a brand that has stood the test of time, and we're excited to bring that to the local market," said Kim Scott, the attraction's senior director and general manager.
What guests can expect
As guests enter what appears to be an abandoned 110,000-square-foot production warehouse of the famed film studio, they are immersed in four themed entertainment areas with four haunted houses. Cleverly designed halls and rooms, terrifying props, ingenious special effects and circulating character actors combine to create uniquely creepy experiences.
"Guests are not prepared for what's around every corner. They're not prepared for the live spectacle that we've brought to this," Scott said. "Some of our fans assume that our houses are just our houses, but we've taken these houses up a level."
Rough Cuts provides chainsaw-carved small plates just outside the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house at Universal Horror Unleashed. Photo Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences
The Universal Monsters house features characters from early horror movies stalking their victims. After experiencing relics, stunts and interactions in Dead Storage, guests pass through the mausoleum of monster hunter Van Helsing and soon visit Castle Dracula, tombs guarded by the Mummy and Frankenstein's lab. The Boiler Bar, dominated by what producers call "a mechanical beast pulsing with heat and menace," is a vantage point where guests can take a break from the action and enjoy cocktails.
"Our zones take you on a journey through Universal films and the history of horror," Scott said. "We are the original curators of horror films, and all the iconic creatures [and] monsters are contained in that Universal Monsters house. As you journey on through into our Kill Vault, you move into the slasher era of films and so on."
Rusty knives and more eerie characters occupy the Kill Vault, then a visit to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house begins in a cemetery and an encounter with the old man at the gas station featured in the 1974 horror film's barbecue scene. Soon, Leatherface and his deranged family members appear, and the sound of chainsaws provokes guests at every turn. The experience continues in the Rough Cuts dining area, where guests can enjoy chainsaw-carved small plates.
The Prop Graveyard features frightening dolls, dismembered mannequins and other haunted objects. That's just the prelude to Blumhouse's The Exorcist: Believer house, which starts with an earthquake at a market and follows two girls' descent into demonic possession. The supernatural terror builds as guests experience the dark woods where the girls disappear, a hospital, the girls' homes and an exorcism. For those wishing for shareable bites to eat after the scare, the Premiere House tapas bar features the horrors of Blumhouse in its plating and decor.
• Related: Executive Kim Scott on the making of Universal Horror Unleashed
The Scarecrow: The Reaping house harkens to the 1930s Dust Bowl, where bloodthirsty scarecrows seek revenge. Guests start in a windstorm before entering an abandoned farmhouse, where they'll encounter the creatures "made of remnants of dried human flesh and bones of beasts, merged with burlap, root and vine." Next to that house, guests can calm down with themed specialty cocktails in Jack's Alley Bar, what's described as a "circus-like hellscape" with jugglers, dancers and fortune-tellers, all overseen by Jack the Clown and his evil sidekick, Chance.
"Our creative and entertainment teams put a lot of thought into the guest journey, leading them through a bit of history and nostalgia," Scott said. "Whether the guests pick up on that or not, it's up to them. But we have some huge horror fans that have already commented on that on social media, saying, 'Oh, they did it right!'
What guests should know
Hours for Universal Horror Unleashed are from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The one-time general admission ticket (starting at $69, plus tax and fees) provides an entry time and allows same-day, one-time access to each haunted house. The unlimited GA ticket (starting at $99) allows same-day, unlimited access to each house. GA tickets do not include food, beverages or merchandise.
The VIP package (starting at $2,750) includes priority entry for up to six guests, unlimited house access, a reserved table and $450 in credit for food and beverages, discounts and a souvenir. Additional ticket options are being discussed, Scott said.
Universal Horror Unleashed's website says the experience is not recommended for those age 13 and younger, but Scott said parental discretion is advised. Area15 visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; Area15 visitors must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license or ID to enter after 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Guests should allow two to four hours to take in the attraction and are welcome to wear costumes, subject to policies listed on the website. No costume masks are allowed.
The Scarecrow: The Reaping house at Universal Horror Unleashed takes guests to the Dust Bowl, where bloodthirsty scarecrows are bent on revenge. Photo Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences
"We want to ensure that no guest accidentally identifies someone in a costume that could be a potential team member," Scott said, noting the attraction adheres to the same "no touch" rules and safety protocols of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Those who don't want to be startled or scared can still enjoy the artistry beyond the houses as well as the food and beverage selection, of the attraction, Scott said.
The themed areas are frightening, but they're less intense than the houses and the traditional scare zones that guests might know from Halloween Horror Nights at the parks. Characters in the themed areas are story-driven, and most speak with guests during their interactions.
"You can be as scared as you want to be. ... You can curate your own horror journey. ... We're a little sinister," Scott said. "Of course, we're a little sexy and fun, and we want everyone to come out and have a great time."