Ultimate Guide to Horror Nights 2024

1. Buy your tickets in advance. 

Buy your tickets in advance. One overlook detail that most Guest seems to miss when purchasing products online is that it can take 24 hours to process. That means if you purchase your ticket online while walking in from CityWalk, you may not have a ticket by the time you reach the gate. Here's our recommendation to entering into the park with no issues. First, Guest should purchase their admission tickets online. This will save them from paying at-gate pricing, which can be up to $25 more expensive than the online price. It also keeps you out of the long lines of other people buying tickets. Secondly, you want to make you purchase your tickets 24 hours before your visit. This ensures that your tickets have been sent to you by email, or you can call Universal if you may have selected the wrong date to fix the issue. Thirdly, make sure you have picked the correct date before purchasing your tickets. The amount of people we see waiting in line at Guest Services because they picked the wrong Thursday is unbelievable. Pro Tip- Make sure you use the Universal Orlando website, not the Hollywood site when purchasing your HHN products. 

2. Come with as little as possible. 

Come with as little as possible. You'll get through security faster, avoid lockers at rides, and not worry about hauling a heavy bag around. Believe it or not, Florida is still pretty warm during September. The less you wear within reason, the better your experience will be (unless it rains, of course).. If you bring a bag, I would go small with a crossbody and only carry the essentials.

3. Stay hydrated. 

Like I said, Florida is hot. So you must make sure you're staying hydrated. As anyone I ever worked with would say: “Hydrate, Don't Dydrate. We recommend staying hydrated by bringing your Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups. Bring your refillable Coke Freestyle cup to the event to get freestyle beverages and complimentary water refills. 

4. Prepare for unpredictable weather. 

Remember, it's Florida. She will change her mind weather-wise at the last minute. So just come prepared for warm, rainy, or even chilly weather. Check ahead of time and plan accordingly. If it's going to be a rainy night, then bring some boots or an extra pair of socks. 

5. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. 

You’ll be standing and walking a lot. HHN is the perfect place to let loose, so don’t be afraid to wear your favorite horror movie or villain T-shirt.

7. Don’t wear a costume.

Don't wear a costume or a costumed mask. You will get sent back by security to your car to change into regular clothing. This also goes for Horror themed make-up. Use the general rule that it's not allowed if you look like a scareactor. 

9. Do some rides during the event. 

Be sure to take the time to do some rides during the event. Most attractions will have little to no wait time. This is the perfect time to take a break and escape the screams. If there's a ride you or your friends want to do, make sure to do it early on in the event. A lot of the rides will close before the event ends.

12. Don’t forget to eat. 

Don't forget to eat! You can find many food options around during Horror Nights. If it is something quick from CityWalk or a Twisted Tator, you must have a bite of the fantastic food offerings. We think we've been spending too much time with Dracula because we're starting to sound like him. It has been agreed upon that Universal elevated the culinary game at this year's event. We recommend you try something from the many booths available around Universal Studios Florida, open exclusively for Halloween Horror Nights.

13. Don’t spend all day in the park. 

Don't feel like you have to spend all day in the park. In my first year doing stay and Scream, I came to the parks early to do the best attraction at Universal Orlando Resort, Poseidon's Fury. That said, I got to the park at 2 PM and still had four hours until the other park closed. Let's just say I was sleepwalking to my car by the night's end. If you are utilizing Stay and Scream, getting into the park and at your Stay and Scream location before 5 PM is essential. We recommend getting there by at least 4:30 PM, but don't feel you have to spend the entire day at the park. If you are here for a one-day trip and you're enjoying both parks during the day, then transitioning to Halloween Horror Nights, you might want to take breaks. Doing this allows you to spend the morning in the parks and then head back to your hotel for a swim or a nap. Later as it gets closer to spooky time, you can make your way back to the parks, the most terrifying time of your life.

14. Start with the haunted houses in the back. 

The haunted houses near the front of the park will always get crowded first. This is because these are the first houses people see. Go against the grain and start with the houses in the back of the park and you'll be able to get many of the haunted houses done quickly.

15. Timing is everything.

Both in time of year and time of day. September is usually less crowded at the event than October. If you come earlier in the evening, you are more likely to beat the crowds and see more of the haunted houses. On the flip side, if you can stay till the park closes, you will also be able to get a few houses done because most people have left for the night.

18. Respect the scareactors. 

Speaking of not bothering Scareactors, we have their most important tip. Do not touch the Scareactors. They will not touch you, so you should not touch them. Doing so will get you banned from Universal Properties with no appeal. You may also get charged for doing so.  This is something that is taken very seriously and is dealt with as such.

Wondering what to expect from the event? We've got you covered. Click here to learn about the houses, shows, and scare zones. Special thanks to Sam for the photos in our HHN GuideLearn more about her, by clicking here. . See you at Stay and Scream, and stay spooky!