From August 29 to November 2, Universal Studios Florida trades in sunshine for shadows, transforming into a fully immersive Halloween playground. Halloween Horror Nights brings together 10 haunted houses, four scare zones, unique treats, and enough fog to make you feel like you’ve entered a horror movie.
I’ve been to HHN more times than I can count, and while the scares are unforgettable, having a plan is the key to enjoying it all. Here is a list of tips to ensure you make the most of your night.
First, here’s a look at what you’re up against in 2025.
Haunted Houses
El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – A haunting tale of vengeance set against Spanish folklore.
Galkin: Monsters of the North – A remote village stalked by a terrifying creature.
Terrifier – Art the Clown delivers nightmare fuel in every corner.
Grave of Flesh – The dead won’t stay buried in this cemetery of horrors.
Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – Backwoods slashers at their most brutal.
Fallout – Post-apocalyptic survival in a mutated wasteland.
Jason Universe – A mashup of Friday the 13th nightmares.
Five Nights at Freddy’s – Animatronic terror brought to life.
Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Playtime turns deadly with these sinister toys.
The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks – WWE nightmare, from on-screen matches to in-person terrors.
Scare Zones
Masquerade: Dance With Death – A ballroom where the dead dance eternally.
The Origins of Horror – Witness the earliest monsters come alive.
Mutations: Toxic Twenties – A twisted take on the roaring ’20s with radioactive flair.
The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane – Twisted feline terrors lurking in the streets.
Now that you know what’s lurking around every corner, let’s talk about how to survive without burning out halfway through the night.
#1 – Your Shoes Matter
Your footwear matters more than your costume. Crowds get dense, and open-toed shoes practically guarantee someone will step on you. Haunted houses sometimes have uneven floors, ramps, or small steps, so heels or flimsy flats are an accident waiting to happen.
A supportive pair of sneakers will keep your feet comfortable and make the difference between enjoying every scare and limping back to your hotel.
#2 – Rest is Not an Option
It’s tempting to think you’ll be fine because HHN doesn’t start until the evening, but you’ll walk and stand for hours. My first visit clocked in at more than 13 miles, and I felt every single step. Unlike daytime park visits, there aren’t many spots to sit or lean on during the event—lines are often packed, and space is tight.
If you spend the day relaxing, you’ll be glad you saved that energy when midnight rolls around and you’re still chasing scares.
#3 – Eat Early
Arriving hungry is a rookie mistake. HHN’s specialty snack stands are fun for themed treats, but they’re not complete meals, and the lines are long.
I recommend eating dinner before you arrive or heading straight to Simpsons’ Krusty Burger inside the park, which is usually calmer and quicker than other options. That way, you can fuel up without wasting time you could spend in haunted houses.
#4 – Let the App Help
The Universal Orlando Resort app is a lifesaver during HHN. It shows real-time wait times for each haunted house and lets you see its location. If you notice one of the popular houses’ wait times drops to under 40 minutes, head there before the line builds back up.
Just be careful not to waste energy zigzagging across the park all night—plan your moves smartly.
#5 – Strike Early at the Big Houses
When the houses open at 6:30 p.m., it’s the best time to get into one of the high-demand ones before the masses arrive. Terrifier, Jason Universe, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Fallout are expected to have some of the longest waits this year.
If you knock out one or two of these early, you’ll avoid the frustration of watching wait times skyrocket. This strategy will also set you up for a smoother night overall.
#6 – Don’t Ignore the Basics
Even after the sun sets, Florida’s heat and humidity stick around. Add in crowded scare zones and the adrenaline of jump scares, and dehydration can creep up fast. Carry water and take quick sips throughout the night.
#7 – Grab Snacks Early
If you’ve got your eye on a specialty snack or drink, don’t wait until the night’s end. Food stands can have long lines and often sell out of popular items before closing. The longer you wait, the longer the lines will become. And when I say you’ll wait a while to receive your order, I mean it.
#8 – Merchandise
The same goes for merchandise—by late evening, you might only find odd sizes or see items completely gone. If you want a hoodie or mug, you better go to the stores sooner rather than later. Buying early might mean carrying a bag, but it’s better than leaving empty-handed.
#9 – Choose Your Death Day Wisely
For a less crowded experience, aim for early-to-mid September or a weeknight visit. More people must work during the week, and many guests want to experience HHN closer to October 31. The two November dates are also promising because Halloween is already over. I did this last year and had just as much fun. I had the same thrills with a LOT smaller hoard crowding me.
October will be sold out and absolutely swarmed with people, especially as Halloween approaches. Halloween night will be a shoulder-to-shoulder nightmare.
#10 – Express Pass for the Win
An Express Pass is pricey—sometimes up to $200 more per person—but can completely change your HHN experience. Without it, you might only see half the haunted houses before the night ends. With it, you can hit all 10, ride the attractions that stay open, and still have time to grab snacks or shop. I’ve done HHN both ways and’ll never skip the Express Pass again.
Ready for the Frights Ahead
The proper preparation makes Halloween Horror Nights 2025 far more enjoyable. Rest up before you go, wear the right shoes, eat strategically, and have a plan for tackling the houses. Use the app to your advantage, stay hydrated, and consider splurging on Express Pass.
Do that, and you’ll get the thrills, the scares, and the memories without the exhaustion.
