ORLANDO, Fla.– This year marks the 33rd annual Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). It’s my third year attending HHN and my fourth event overall, and I look forward to it every fall.
This year’s houses felt different than those in the past. They weren’t as terrifying, but they certainly delivered the spooks. The atmosphere was more playful at times, which may appeal to those who enjoy a mix of humor and horror.
Universal Orlando has five scare zones, 10 haunted houses, and one stage show. Certain rides are also open to experience at the event, including my favorite, Revenge of the Mummy.
I had high expectations for Insidious: The Further as everyone talked about how scary it was. It was my first house of the night, and it did not disappoint! The immersive experience draws you into the storyline, making you feel part of the chilling narrative. The attention to detail in the set design and the actors’ performances truly elevated the experience.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was one of the funnier houses, with some spooky elements, but as a scaredy-cat, I could keep my eyes open and appreciate the experience. The combination of comedy and horror worked surprisingly well, leaving guests excited and on edge. It’s a perfect example of how HHN can cater to different tastes.
A Quiet Place and Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America were two houses I particularly enjoyed, as I was genuinely scared at various points. I can confidently say I wasn’t the one leading my group through the houses.
Other than the houses, one of my favorite things to do at HHN is see the Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus show. This is the fourth year that Nightmare Fuel will be a part of the event, and it features a brand new storyline this time around. The main character is stuck in an endless loop as he tries to save his love from being cut in half during a magic trick. The show features pyrotechnics, stunts, aerial dancers, and rock music.
Returning this year are the Death Eaters in Diagon Alley, a fan favorite. They’re so popular that it’s hard to catch a glimpse of them, but it’s pretty cool when you get time to interact with them!
The scare zones this year were a bit underwhelming, as I didn’t get scared much in the ones I walked through, but it could’ve just been an off day. I noticed the scare zones weren’t as active during the daylight compared to the nighttime, unlike last year, which was terrifying to walk through. However, I enjoyed the sets in Torture Faire a lot.
HHN offers a variety of themed food during the event. Fan favorites are always the twisted tater and loaded pizza fries.
This year we tried the sour cream and chive-flavored twisted tater, the Ghostbuster Stay Puft Marshmallow Man s’more, and the Ropa Vieja Walking Taco from the Slaughter Sinema 2 kiosk. The treats were good, but we loved the walking taco. The fact you can get good ropa vieja at a theme park is crazy.
One of my favorite things to do is dress up, as everyone is so excited to be at the event. You’re guaranteed to see people dressed up, whether that is in cute spooky attire, in costume, or just a graphic tee in theme; it’s fun to see. This year, I dressed up as Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo, and getting comments from staff and attendees was the highlight of my day.
Last year, making friendship bracelets themed around the houses with spooky messages, and trading them was popular. I had a lot of fun doing it, and while it wasn’t as big this year, some people still traded. Although I didn’t make any bracelets, a very kind woman gave me a purple one to match my outfit!
Overall, I had a blast as usual. HHN is perfect for college students, offering an ideal blend of fun and fright, and it runs from Friday, Aug. 30, to Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Student Productions is hosting a trip to HHN on Oct. 25, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to embrace the Halloween spirit with friends. Whether you’re in it for the scares, the food, or the atmosphere, HHN promises to be an unforgettable experience.