News Summary
Universal Studios Florida has begun its Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) for the 34th season, featuring 10 haunted houses and various scare zones. Running from August 29 to November 2, attendees are encouraged to utilize the Express Pass for shorter wait times. New shows and challenges await visitors, amidst concerns over long standby queues. This year promises a unique blend of entertainment and innovative frights, appealing to all horror enthusiasts in Orlando.
Orlando, Florida – Universal Studios Florida has kicked off its Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) for its 34th year, showcasing an impressive array of haunted houses, scare zones, and live performances designed to terrify and delight attendees. This year’s production, orchestrated by Mike Aiello and Lora Sauls, is being hailed as the strongest installment in the last decade.
The event runs from August 29 to November 2, 2025, and features a total of 10 haunted houses that present a thrilling challenge for visitors due to notoriously long wait times. On the opening weekend, guests experienced lengthy standby times, which have raised concerns about attendees’ ability to navigate and complete all attractions in a single evening. With the writing team recognizing the overwhelming demand, the Stay & Scream strategy for early access has also seen its effectiveness wane, as queues began opening at 4 p.m. with waits extending beyond two hours.
The event showcases several noteworthy scare zones, including:
- Roaring ’20s Toxic Mutants in New York
- Cat Lady mini-show outside Animal Actors
- Hollywood’s Vampire Masquerade Ball
For those seeking a more expedited experience, the Express Pass offers a way to halve the wait times, although it does not completely eliminate them. Guests are also advised that the demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket has resulted in longer pathways to and from the soundstages, complicating navigation throughout the park. To combat these issues, taking an RIP tour offers the most efficient method for guests wishing to experience all attractions before closure. During a media event, Billie Jane, an acclaimed playwright and performer, served as a tour guide, successfully ushering guests through all 10 mazes.
This year’s event continues to expand its entertainment offerings with the evolving Nightmare Fuel pyrotechnic dance show, now helmed by director Charles Gray, who enhances both the pacing and visual appeal. A new Haunt-o-Phonic fountain show has also received positive feedback among attendees, though some reviewers were unable to fully experience it during their visit.
As for the haunted houses, they have been ranked based on various visitor experiences, suggesting the following rankings for your consideration:
- Terrifier – Estimated wait: 75 minutes. This house features graphic gore and the infamous character Art the Clown.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s – Estimated wait: 70 minutes. Known for its hidden Easter eggs and impressive animatronics.
- El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – Estimated wait: 60 minutes. Praised for its grand façade and original storytelling.
- Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Estimated wait: 50 minutes. Includes interactive elements and fun environments.
- WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks – Estimated wait: 45 minutes. Captivating for wrestling enthusiasts.
- Gálkn: Monsters of the North – Estimated wait: 40 minutes. Inspired by themes from Nordic folklore.
- Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – Estimated wait: 30 minutes. Features a unique Old West theme.
- Grave of Flesh – Estimated wait: 20 minutes. Begins strongly but concludes anticlimactically.
- Fallout – Estimated wait: 15 minutes. Critics express disappointment despite impressive props.
- Jason Universe – Estimated wait: 10 minutes. Features multiple depictions of Jason but lacks coherent storytelling.
Overall, this year’s HHN promises a thrilling experience filled with innovative attractions and beloved scare traditions, catering to those seeking a true fright fest in the heart of Orlando.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orlando Weekend: Music, Food, and Family Fun
Orlando’s Thrilling Halloween Bar Events Await
Orlando Launches 80 Days of Halloween Festivities
Orlando Becomes the Halloween Vacation Capital
Grande Lakes Orlando Launches Family-Friendly Fall Festival
Orlando’s Extensive 80-Day Halloween Celebration
Universal Orlando Introduces Adults-Only Halloween Experiences
Universal Epic Universe Surpasses Visitor Expectations
WWE Announces John Cena’s Final Appearance in Chicago
Transformations in Orlando’s Culinary Landscape
Additional Resources
- Orlando Weekly: Halloween Horror Nights is the Best Iteration in a Decade
- Wikipedia: Halloween Horror Nights
- Cosmopolitan: Fallout Season 2 and Halloween Horror Nights
- Google Search: Halloween Horror Nights 2025
- People: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Moviefone: Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights Mazes Ranked
- Google News: Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
- Buzzfeed: Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Ranking
- Google Scholar: Halloween Horror Nights 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
