We have braved the terrors of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood to gather up all the details to help you prepare for your trip.
Halloween Horror Nights is best shared with your teen – 13 years or older. No doubt about it, Halloween Horror Nights is Southern California scariest Halloween event. The event offers eight mazes including a terror tram, multiple scare zones, live shows, and many other attractions.
The haunted mazes change a bit each year and that is what will bring you back time and time again. Let’s look at all the gory details! Updated for 202+3 season!
Complete Guide to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Ticketing for Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is a separately ticketed event. This means you will need a ticket in addition to any daytime tickets you purchase during this time.
The event takes place at the beginning of September through Halloween. You can purchase your tickets online which will save you substantial time and help you get directly into the horrific fun. Early entrance begins at 6pm and the event starts at 7pm.
Tip: If you plan to spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood check out our guide to make the most of your visit.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights- The Mazes
Halloween Horror Nights features eight unique mazes, complete with their own theme and different approach. You will want to check out their website for all the details on each maze to decide where you want to go first, but here is an overview of what you can expect.
For the year 2023, the main maze theme is Stranger Things 4 This haunted house takes you directly into the storyline of escaping Vecna’s Curse! Follow along the time line of the fourth season and race against the clock to escape this maze. This maze is located on the lower lot and will likely have the longest line, so plan accordingly.
Also located on the lower lot you will find The Exorcist: An Evil Awakened. This maze will take into the most terrifying scenes of the this movie. Experience all the jump scares and horrifying experiences of the Blumhouse film.
Next, encounter the thrilling adventures in The Last of Us maze. This takes you into the story of the overgrown world of clickers, hunters, and more! Stay calm and quickly navigate this horrifying alternate reality. This is typically one of the longer lines – if you have the express pass this is where you will be saving time!
TIP: After 11:00 pm you can get the Express Pass at a steep discount! Look for the signs to upgrade throughout the park.
A crowd favorite is the Terror Tram. This is a takeover the popular Back Lot Tour for Halloween Horror Nights. On this tram you will embark up upon a hair raising adventure ending is a Halloween party hosted by a crazed clown.
For the year 2023, the maze theme is The Extorminatorz. In a surprise twist you are forced off the tram to walk through the mazes – it’s a fun and quick way to experience serval mazes in the back lot!
This maze is located past the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Consider visiting this location first as it’s a bit of a walk and everyone rushes to the lower lot, therefore this line is usually shorter at the start of the night.
Located near the Scarecrow Maze, the Halloween-themed maze features Michael Myers. The maze is set to the 1978 horror classic and is definitely one you will not want to mess. Place yourself directly in the classic movie Halloween and face your fears of Michael Myers.
Monstrous: The Monsters of Latin America, is a terrifying maze featuring a variety of Latin American folklore. This maze is one of the more terrifying mazes and is a perfect example of why this event is recommended for those over the age of 13. It features some more realistic images that tend to stick with you.
A classic maze, Monsters Unmasked, is one that I think everyone will enjoy. Here you will descend into the catacombs and meet the amazing legends from original horror films like the Wolfman, Dracula, and the mummy. This maze is definitely a nice twist on your classic horror maze. This is one that is probably the best for beginners to try first!
The Holidayz in Hell maze is something from a childhood nightmare. The maze takes every beloved childhood memory and twists and contorts it into a demented experience! You march through the calendar and encounter holidays along the way starting with New Years and ending in Christmas.
The Evil Dead Rise is based on the New Line Cinema film. The books of the dead has been opened and new horrors await you in this maze!
Live Entertainment and Scare Zones
At Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood you need to always be on alert! Even walking into the park you are not exempt from a jump scare or a creature encounter.
Do not skip the Water World show during Halloween Horror Nights, this show has been taken over by the Purge and it is one action packed scene after another. Featuring explosions, fire, and great stunts this is a great place to grab a snack and take a seat. The gun violence is very realistic so please take that into consideration when bringing your young children.
Death Eaters from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be making an appearance! Look for them just outside of Hogwarts Castle. The Death Eaters are looking for others to join the Dark Lord’s cause. This a quick and easy encounter – this is a good place to start with beginners.
The sinister scares zones this year features terrifying themes! As you enter the park, Toyz will show you why it’s always a bad idea to mix demented toys and chainsaws! Check out the El Terror de las Mamias to explore some of the terrifying inhabitants of this tiny village. Stop by the Ghostz for a peek inside of this gruesome gathering.
Rides and Attractions
Keeping in theme with the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood there are a few rides and attractions open during the evening.
Be sure to check out Jurassic World where you will get a nice scare from a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex! Take a spin on Transformers the Ride 3-D where you will be immersed in a generational thrill ride. Enjoy the classic revenge of The Mummy the ride and face one of Universal Studios Classics mummies in this intense roller coaster that goes both forwards and backwards!
Take a ride on The Simpsons ride, this virtual roller coaster will take you through the Simpson’s World. Finally, head over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and take a ride on either Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or The Flight of the Hippogriff. Both rides will be open and available to those experiencing Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood – the lines are surprisingly short this time of night.
Dining at Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood has created a terrifyingly delicious menu for Halloween Horror Nights.
Be sure to check out the beef Birria tacos with red sauce; these scary good tacos will not disappoint from Little Cocina. Then, grab yourself a cup of churro bites while you are there but hold onto them tight as one good jump scare will leave them all over the floor!
Stop by the Dia de los Muertos Bar and pick up one of the handcrafted cocktails available like the sugar skull punch featuring vodka, lemon juice, blue cacao, and grenadine topped with a purple cotton candy! If you’re looking for something less sweet try the smoked margarita which features tequila, Mezcal, lime, and pineapple juice.
Stranger Things’ Scoops Ahoy will be available with decadent sundaes. These large treats are filled with strawberry swirl soft serve strawberry sauce and a cherry just looks like a meal fit for a evil fighting teen!
If you are looking for a twisted take on a classic then head over to the Minion Café where they are offering a variety of hearty food items like the Evil Takis Mac & Cheese featuring macaroni and cheese loaded with hot zesty Takis. Still hungry for more? Try the rotisserie chicken, half a barbecue chicken serve with crinkle cut fries and corn on the cob.
Tip: Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app to help you stay on top of wait times and do use the interactive maps. Halloween horror nights at universal studios Hollywood offers in app games to help you kill time in line!