A Guide to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studio's Orlando

If you’re anything like me, you start itching for Halloween and all things spooky season as soon as the 4th of July is over. Summer is fun, but who wouldn’t want to skip straight toward fall and all things scary? It seems that Universal Studios in Orlando is having the same train of thought, as they’ve announced the dates for their beloved, and super scary, Halloween Horror Nights. Don't worry - Be Our Guest Vacations is here to help you book your perfect spooky getaway.

Halloween Horror Nights is a much scarier and intense alternative to the mild offerings at Walt Disney World and is great if you have a fan of horror at your party. It’s also going to be bigger and better than ever this year, with ten new haunted houses for you to visit. Dates have been released, and since this popular event sells out fast, we recommend buying tickets sooner rather than later. Halloween Horror Nights typically runs on select nights from September through October, but this year, they will be having their longest spooky run ever, with dates starting on August 30th, and ending on November 3rd. In total, you will be able to enjoy 48 nights of frightful fun. Tickets tend to be more affordable for earlier dates, but if you go closer to Halloween, you’ll enjoy longer hours and more entertainment offerings. 

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights will take place the following nights in 2024:

Aug. 30-31

Sept. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29

Oct. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31

Nov. 1-3

It’s important to note, for families visiting Orlando, that this event isn’t recommended for children under the age of 13. Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of Halloween Horror Nights, including where to stay for the ultimate spooky getaway.

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Make sure you don’t risk the night you’re longing to be scared selling out - tickets are available to purchase now, and buying early is always better. You will be able to pick from many different ticket options, including single-night, and multi-night, and tickets have express passes that will allow you to skip the line! Discounts are available for any residents of the Sunshine State, or Universal Studios Orlando Annual Passholders. 

Make the most of what’s offered

From Death Eaters in Diagon Alley to the famous haunted houses, roaming monsters out to scare you, and specialty treats just for the event, you will never be bored at Halloween Horror Nights. Make sure to plan to get there early, and to stay late. Many locals go to multiple nights of this event because there’s so much to do and see! Below are some really great optional add ons you can do, to enhance your experience. As always, Be Our Guest Vacations can help you book these fun additions.

House Unmasking The Horror Tour
Take a daytime V.I.P. tour for a lights-on look at Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses. Pick from a 3 or 6-haunted house tour select mornings.

Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour
Join other fans and get a guided V.I.P. walking tour of the event. See more with front-of-the-line entry to haunted houses (once per house, based on itinerary).

Consider Staying On-Site

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Halloween Horror Nights experience is to book a stay at one of Universal Studio’s on-site hotels. These hotels are not just convenient for the location, but immersively themed and make for a fun and memorable vacation. Below are a few great options for staying on-site at Universal Studios. 

Loews Portofino Bay:

Inspired by the riviera of Portofino, you can enjoy accommodations with a European flair, and be in close proximity to all the action of the theme parks! This premier resort offers stylish standard rooms that sleep up to five guests, as well as three pools to to enjoy, and great Italian dining options on site.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort: 

Loews Royal Pacific is in my opinion one of Universal's best themed resorts! The Polynesian style and overall ambiance is beautiful and relaxing. It also offers fantastic and unique dining options: Orchid Court Lounge, Islands Dining Room, Bula Bar and Grill and, a favorite for a reason, Jake’s American Bar. Loews Royal Pacific is a ten-minute walk from City Walk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and also offers water taxi service.

Hard Rock Hotel:

Live out your rockstar dreams at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando! One of the top reasons we love Hard Rock Hotel? Proximity to everything! You'll be within walking distance to both Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk! The hotel’s stylish design and rockstar theme creates an atmosphere that’s both chic and comfortable. And, if you want to be a rockstar yourself? You can! Guests at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel can rock out themselves with 'Sounds of Your Stay' - a program where the hotel will deliver an electric guitar to your room for your stay (for a nominal fee). Hard Rock Hotel offers standard rooms, 1-2- & 3-bedroom suites as well as club level rooms.

All of these resorts include Early Park Admission (exclusive only to Universal Resort Guests) and FREE Unlimited Express Pass, which can actually be an overall savings for families or multiple adults traveling together! Unlimited Express Pass allows guests to reduce their time waiting in line for popular attractions. And the fact that it's included? Frees up funds in the budget to purchase Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass (which is not included in the standard Unlimited Express Pass) or an RIP Tour for Halloween Horror Nights!

No matter which hotel you choose, staying on-site at Universal Studios Orlando ensures that you're never far from the spooky fun of Halloween Horror Nights (or a nice cold butterbeer from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!) Don't forget - it's always FREE to use Be Our Guest Vacations, and our team can share inside frightful tips to making the most out of this event!