Universal Orlando Resort’s latest Stranger Things offering isn’t getting quite the reception fans may have expected.
Few Netflix series have enjoyed the cultural impact of Stranger Things. Since premiering in 2016, the sci-fi horror series has turned its young cast into household names, revived interest in 1980s pop culture, and built an enormous following around the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
Its fifth and final season brought the story to a close after nearly a decade. However, the ending proved divisive, with some viewers criticizing Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) defeat, Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) ambiguous fate, and several unresolved storylines.
The franchise has also enjoyed a lengthy relationship with Universal Studios. Stranger Things first appeared at Halloween Horror Nights in 2018, with subsequent houses following in 2019 and 2023. Each brought familiar monsters, characters, and locations from the Netflix series into Universal’s annual Halloween event.
These previous attractions attracted significant attention, with lengthy wait times reflecting the show’s popularity. When Universal announced another Stranger Things house for Halloween Horror Nights 2026, it seemed like an obvious addition to the event’s 35th anniversary celebrations.
However, this year’s response appears to be somewhat different.
Universal Orlando Cuts ‘Stranger Things’ Merchandise Prices in Half
Universal Orlando Resort has introduced a major discount on its Stranger Things merchandise, with items reportedly marked down by 50% while Halloween Horror Nights 35 is still underway.
As shared by Inside Universal on X on October 9, the discounts cover a selection of merchandise inspired by the Netflix series. Photos show sweatshirts, varsity-style jackets, Demogorgon plush toys, themed slippers, and other accessories included in the sale.
The timing is particularly interesting considering that Halloween Horror Nights still has several weeks remaining. This year’s event began on August 28 and runs on select nights through November 1, meaning Universal has introduced the reported discounts well before its conclusion.
The discounts also follow reports of surprisingly short queues for the latest Stranger Things haunted house. Some guests have claimed that the attraction consistently posts some of the lowest wait times at Halloween Horror Nights 2026.
All Stranger Things merchandise is now available at 50% off. #HHN35 @HorrorNightsORL pic.twitter.com/MEvUEqY6ud
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) October 9, 2026
This marks a notable contrast to previous years, when the franchise’s haunted houses regularly attracted substantial crowds.
As one fan wrote on X, “Given that the house is also one of the lowest waits in the event consistently, it’s safe to say Stranger Things is out the door and not many people are enthusiastic about what happened with that final season.”
Of course, neither the reported wait times nor the merchandise discounts necessarily prove that guests have lost interest in Stranger Things. Universal has not publicly attributed the price reductions to disappointing sales or attendance.
Wait times also vary throughout the evening, while the popularity of individual haunted houses can fluctuate depending on their locations, operating conditions, and competing attractions.
Nevertheless, the decision to offer such significant discounts midway through Halloween Horror Nights has attracted attention, especially given the franchise’s previous success at Universal.
‘Stranger Things’ Returns for One Final Battle at Halloween Horror Nights
This year’s Stranger Things haunted house takes inspiration from the show’s fifth and final season, placing guests in the middle of Hawkins’ battle against the Upside Down.
Visitors encounter an army of Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and Vecna as they make their way through locations recreated from the Netflix series.
These include the Wheeler family home, Hawkins National Laboratory, the MAC-Z military base, and the Abyss. The attraction was developed in collaboration with Netflix and debuted at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026.
Universal Orlando has also introduced Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins, a nighttime lagoon show celebrating the series’ 10th anniversary.
Unlike the haunted house, which focuses exclusively on season five, the lagoon show revisits all five seasons. It combines footage projected onto water screens with lighting effects and music from the series.
These aren’t the only experiences available at Halloween Horror Nights 35. The event features 10 haunted houses, including attractions inspired by Sinners, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Universal has also brought back several original concepts and characters, including Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, who serve as the ringmasters of this year’s Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.
Other houses include MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, INVASION: Alien Abduction, CYBERGORIA, and H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, giving guests plenty of alternatives to the Netflix-inspired attraction.
The event also includes Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir, scare zones, themed food, and exclusive merchandise. Universal has confirmed that more than 50 food and beverage offerings are available, including Upside Down Chicken & Waffles inspired by Stranger Things.
Have you experienced this year’s Stranger Things house?
