Halloween Horror Nights is a seasonal event hosted by Universal Studios that, at night, transforms the park into a haunted nightmare. The transformation includes haunted houses, entertainment, attractions, and “Scare Zones” that runs from Sep. 2 to Nov. 2. It occurs at the Universal theme parks located in California, Singapore, Japan and Florida, and this year, Florida’s theme is ’80s horror, with one of the main focal points of the ten haunted houses being Netflix’s series’ “Stranger Things.”
While “Stranger Things” initially premiered in 2016, the show centers around a group of kids in a small town during the ’80s who investigate and prevent some strange happenings occurring in their town. The show has grown in popularity and in late September was renewed for a fourth season. Other leading haunted houses following the ’80s theme include classic “Ghostbusters” and the more obscure cult-following film “Killer Klowns from Outer Space.”
Deviating from the major theme, Halloween Horror Nights is also featuring haunted houses based on the 2019 film “US” by director Jordan Peele as well as Rob Zombies’ “House of 1000 Corpses.” There are also houses based on Universal’s monsters from classical horror stories such as Dracula, The Wolfman and Frankenstein. To round it off, there are generic haunted houses with no licensed themes, such as “Graveyard Games” and “Yeti: Terror of the Yukon.”
“Scare Zones” are specific areas within the park that follow themes in which employees are dressed according to the theme with the intent to scare patrons walking around the park. Some of the “Scare Zones” themes include Rob Zombies’ “Hellbilly Deluxe” and “Vikings Undead.” In tune with this years overarching theme, there is a “Scare Zone” revolving around an ’80s themed arcade. However, most anticipated is likely the “Scare Zone” focusing on the movie “Zombieland: Double Tap,” which releases on Oct. 18.
And of course, there will be special spooky dining options, such as food from the Starcourt Mall and “Run” donuts from “Stranger Things,” as well as ghost trap popcorn from “Ghostbusters.”
To jump in on the ’80s action, Halloween Horror Nights is offering online both Single-Night tickets starting at $67.99, plus tax, as well as Multi-Night tickets starting at $119.99, plus tax. The prices do, however, increase on weekends and select dates closer to Halloween and are also available for purchase at the gate. Each night event has the chance to sell out, so if you’re interested in all the spooky fun, get your tickets quick.
Sourced: M. Rovensky
