September 25, 26
October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31
 Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Orlando’s annual Halloween party, and it is one of the most popular events in Orlando. Especially if you’re a fan of horror films, this is a ‘don’t miss’ event for those looking for something a little edgier than Disney. This year’s event is entitled "Ripped from the Silver Screen”. 2009 will mark the event's 19th year, and its popularity is wide spread and well deserved. As part of the festivities, a series of “haunted houses” are set up around Universal Studios. These are usually temporary structures set up specifically for the event (although, in the past, certain attractions have been converted into haunted houses for the event). Each of the houses is themed differently. As you walk thru the attraction, any number of things or people are likely to jump out at you. Don’t worry, they won’t ever touch you, but they come pretty close. In addition to the haunted houses, Universal has set up ‘scare zones’ around the park. These are usually dimly lit areas with a variety of special effects (dry ice, strobe lights), and again – any number of creatures chasing you down the street or lunging at you from behind corners wielding chainsaws.
Step inside living cinematic terror at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights as the most demented films of all time come to life. Torn from their upcoming films, The Wolfman and Saw join with Chucky to descend upon you, with a host of terrifying horrors close behind.
On select nights in September and October, Universal Studios Florida theme park is transformed into the nation’s premier Halloween event. Venture into a nightmarish maze of horrid Haunted Houses, lurid Live Shows, and shocking Scare Zones while an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roam the darkened studio streets.
Now in its 19th year, Halloween Horror Nights annually draws hundreds of thousands of horror fans from around the globe to this one-of-a-kind event. Tony Timpone, Editor of Fangoria Magazine, said, “After visiting scream parks all across the US for the last 20 years, I can easily say that Universal’s is the best in the business… Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween experience.”
It’s the greatest exhibition of pure terror ever unleashed anywhere.
- Revenge of the Mummy coaster
- Men In Black: Alien Attack
- The Simpsons Ride
- Jaws (sporadically)
- Silver Screams: An undead usher still runs a theatre where on-screen horror is brought into the real world.
- Saw: In this house based on the popular Saw franchise, Jigsaw will help you experience the terror of playing a game where your life is at stake.
- The Wolfman: You will encounter the newest addition to Halloween Horror Nights as your journey through the English countryside.
- Chucky, Friends Till the End: The doll from the classic Child’s Play series will show you what it feels like in his (very small) world.
- Frankenstein, Creation of the Damned: Dr. Frankenstein’s creature is back for revenge and will let nothing (or no one) get in his way in the pursuit of his creator.
- Dracula, Legacy in Blood: You will visit Castle Dracula and must choose between life as a mortal human or life in the Dark Prince’s army.
- The Spawning: Your position as a water district volunteer leads you to investigate claims of strange creatures in the sewers.
- Leave it to Cleaver: Acquaint yourself with the town butcher in Carey, Ohio whose meat supply comes from an unusual source.
- Lights, Camera, HACKtion: Ever wanted to be a part of the filming of a horror movie? This is your chance. However, rumor has it the cast members of “The Chainsaw Drill Team Massacre” are taking their parts a little too seriously.
- Horrorwood Drive-In: Even though the old drive-in is abandoned, stories are told that monsters are known to exit the silver screen to look for new victims.
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Cirque du Freak: Visit the world of “sideshow freaks” and other creatures in a scare zone inspired by the upcoming film of the same name.
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Apocalypse, City of Cannibals: As you travel the streets of New York, be careful to avoid an army of half-human/half-beast cannibals as they search for their next meal.
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War of the Living Dead: A deserted island was quarantined after an experiment with reanimating dead soldiers goes horribly wrong, you are stuck in the middle of a battle that’s been waged for over 50 years.
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Containment: A deadly green mist that turns anyone it touches into a “melting glob of flesh and blood” has covered the streets.
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show, A Tribute: “Time warp” to this scare zone for a live tribute to the cult classic.
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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure: Come along as Bill and Ted travel in their phone booth to meet villains and heroes in this new stage show.
TIP: While the haunted houses are a blast, the lines for them aren’t. Saturday nights are by far the worst, with the average wait per house easily reaching 2 hours long. Sunday – Thurs is much less crowded, and lines early in the evening are much more manageable 15-30 minutes (on average).
This event is geared more towards teens and adults. The theme and tone of the party is modeled after horror films, and some of the ‘players’ you’re likely to encounter will be very scary – some bordering on disturbing. If you’re comfortable watching a horror film without getting nightmares, then it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy Halloween Horror Nights. This is definitely NOT an event that small children should attend. No costumes are allowed to be worn at Halloween Horror Nights
The dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2009 are:
September 25, 26, October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31
Prices for the event are wide ranging. The list price is $69.99 per person (plus tax). This is considered a ‘hard ticket’ event (meaning that it requires separate admission and is not included with your multi-day pass). Universal is offering a “Frequent Fear Pass” that offers 13 nights for the price of 1 – for $69.99 (plus tax) you could attend Halloween Horror Nights as many as 13 nights (
September 25, 26, October 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28 & 29 2009). The best deal is reserved for those who have the 2 park unlimited admission ticket. With that ticket, you can also add on Halloween Horror Nights. There are no discounts offered on Saturday night events.
Express pass: You can purchase an express pass to by-pass the lines on the haunted houses – but you’ll pay for it. Keep in mind that on busier nights an express pass is the difference between seeing one or two of the haunted houses or all of them.
(Price varies depending on the date.)
R.I.P. Tours: Enjoy a guided walking tour through the haunted houses and get reserved seating for Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure. With this tour, you won't have to wait in any lines for the haunted houses!
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