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Guide To 2016's Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights
(credit: Universal Studios)

You don't have to wait until Halloween to get your scare on. Halloween Horror Nights has taken over Universal Studios Hollywood once again, providing thrills and chills with an assortment of terrifying mazes and other scream-worthy attractions. These tips will ensure your visit to Halloween Horror Nights won't be a nightmare.
 
Anyone familiar with Universal Studios Hollywood knows that traveling from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot requires a solid pair of footwear. With several new attractions added for Halloween Horror Nights, take the time to figure out where everything is and save yourself an escalator ride or five. So, prepare yourself for the scariest and most intense Halloween event throughout all of Southern California. This year offers 7 new terrifying mazes based on scary films and tv shows - including the three installments of American Horror Story, as well as the scariest movie of all time - The Exorcist. Michael Myers returns in Halloween in Hell Comes to Haddonfield and will be part of this great line-up of villains in horror including Freddy vs. Jason and Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
 
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Dates
halloween horror nights
(Credit: MarVy S./Yelp)

Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Night is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, and as always it's sure to be a great and eventful evening when you visit! Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights os open from 7pm to 2am on every event night, but make sure to arrive before 5pm to enjoy an early entry! Select mazes open at 5:15pm!
 
October Dates: October 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2016
November Dates: November 4 & 5, 2016
 
Note: On select days, you can save $10 or $5 on admission price! Be sure to visit the Ticket Calendar for those special days!

Tickets
halloween horror night universal front of line
(credit: Warren G./yelp)

Halloween Horror Nights always brings the crowds and this year is no exception. Some weekend nights have already sold out, so make sure to visit the Calendar to see about availability. Prices range depending on the day you want to attend, but be aware that there are special discounts if you buy online (up to $10 on select nights).
 
There are also a number of other ticket options, including:

Day/Night Combo
Enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Pottery, a studio tour and more during the day. When the sun sets, you'll be able to stay in the park and take in the action of Halloween Horror Night activities! For information and pricing on tickets, visit After 2pm Day/Night Combo Ticket.
 
Front Of The Line Tickets
Sometimes it's worth it to pay a little extra to skip the lines! Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is offering their front of the line ticket prices where you can cut to the front one time at each maze, show, ride and Terror Tram. Learn more here. The ticket includes:

  • Admission to Halloween Horror Nights
  • Includes one-time Front of Line access at each maze and attraction.
  • Priority seating area at Jabbawockeez live show
  • Cut through lines like a chainsaw and spend more time being scared to death.
Great Attractions
Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights presents the perfect chance to get the full Halloween experience this year! From 7 new and scary mazes, to the Walking Dead Attraction, a Terror Tram, Scare Zones and more, they've got you covered!
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
(credit: Universal Studios)

7 New Mazes

American Horror Story
Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights is one of the best around, and they aim to scare you for Halloween. With that being said, there will be many scary mazes, including the twisted world based off of American Horror Story, the award-winning anthology horror TV series that has been very popular with TV viewers for the past several years. Begin in the Murder House, a century old residence on the wrong side of the tracks. The souls who died there are trapped within the walls and will haunt you along the way. Next, stop at the backwater town of Jupiter, Florida for a freak show that takes up residence, and then follow up with that by checking into the Hotel Cortez, a space that will creep you out!
 
The Exorcist
Experience one of films greatest horror stories turned into a haunted and creepy maze. The Exorcist maze is a terrifying horror experience based on one of the scariest films ever. Inside the MacNeil house, you'll walk through and experience a violent battle between the good and bad, and one troubled girl. A twelve year old girl named Regan MacNeil has been invaded by a scary entity, making this innocent young girl into a creepy creature that is unrecognizable to her own mother. Stroll through the maze as you get scared along the way!
 
The Chainsaw Massacre
5 years have passed since a group of unlucky friends had a bad and fatal encounter with a chainsaw-wielding creepy psychopath named Leatherface and his cannibalistic clan at a farmhouse in South Texas. Although the police have tried to figure out the situation, the farmhouse was never found, the murder weapon was never recovered and the crazed killers were never brought to justice.
 
Freddy vs. Jason
This new maze inspired by the hit 2003 film of the same name brings together two of the biggest icons in horror history. As you walk through the maze, prepare to be brought into the epic battle between Freddy Krueger, from A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Jason Voorhees, from Friday the 13th. Even those without prior knowledge of the films will be scared out of their wits and be mesmerized!
 
Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield
Based off of the sequel to 2015's Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home, this is the highest rated maze in the history of Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights! Come see what it's all about as you pick up where the film ended. You'll get to experience first hand the confrontation between scary characters that are perfect for Halloween.
 
Krampus
While everyone is aware of the story of the great Santa Claus and how he brings delight to the holidays for girls and boys of all ages during Christmas, what is less known is what happens to the naughty children who don't make Santa's list. Find out who visits them on Christmas Eve and what terrible "gifts" they get brought in this maze! Krampus, a horrifying twist on the Old World Christmas legend based on the 2015 hit film by writer/director Michael Dougherty exposes a malevolent version of Saint Nicholas who preys on bad children during the Christmas season. Krampus and his evil little helpers have come to America, to terrorize those who have lost the meaning of Christmas.

Halloween Horror Nights
(credit: Universal Studios)

The Walking Dead Attraction

Some of the biggest (and scariest) film and television franchises are represented at this year's Halloween Horror Nights. While you don't have to be a fan of The Purge, or The Walking Dead to enjoy the Halloween Horror attractions, you might want to consider checking them out to make the most of your experience. The Walking Dead Attraction enters the world of a post-apocalyptic scene. Get ready to fight for survival in a fully immersed attraction where you'll journey and navigate through a world overrun by hungry walkers who are plagued by an incurable disease. This attraction really brings the show to life!

halloween horror night
(credit: MarVy S./Yelp)

Scare Zones!

This year, let Halloween Horror Nights take you on a terrifying twist through their special scare zones. The theme introduces a new themed experience, inspired by Universal Pictures' disturbing blockbuster trilogy, The Purge: Election Year, that will be seen and experienced throughout the park. Iconic and memorable scenes from each of the scary films will recreate the turmoil and pandemonium that exists when masked vigilantes go hunting for victims during the government's annually sanctioned killing spree. You may think you can escape these creatures lurking throughout the park, but they'll find a way to sneak up on you!

transformers halloween horror
(credit: Cornelia S./yelp)

Rides

This year, although The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Studio Tour and other select attractions will not be open during the event, there are a number of ones you won't want to miss:
 
Transformers - The Ride 3D
As part of the experience, fight alongside Optimus and try your best to stay alive as you protect the AllSpark from Decepticons over four stories tall. The future of the human race is counting on you, so do your best!
 
Revenge of the MummySM — The Ride
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights never disappoint. And, this is a perfect example. Take an incredible ride on the world's most intense indoor rollercoasters! With face and heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn, you'll be working to escape The Mummy's revenge in life-like horror. This ride will make a great impact on you!
 
Jurassic Park® — In The Dark
Think Jurassic Park was scary during the day time? Think again. With a creepy Halloween vibe, you'll be stalked by extinct dinosaurs that think of you as prey as you make your way through the darkness and find yourself amongst prehistoric predators. Make sure to keep your eyes out for the huge 50 foot Keep your eyes peeled for a 50-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex!
 
The Simpsons RideTM
The Simpsons are one of those classic shows that will never go away in pop-culture. So, join in on the fun this Halloween and laugh until you can't take it anymore on this Simpsons Ride™ virtual rollercoaster. With a surprise waiting around every turn, you, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie will have to watch out for Sideshow Bob as he tries to take you out for good. Prepare for an unforgettable thrill ride!

jabbawockeez
(credit ; MarVy S./yelp)

Jabbawockeez

After performing to sold-out shows and becoming the highest rated attraction at Halloween Horror Nights last year, the Jabbawockeez group will be coming back from Sin City (Las Vegas) to Universal Sudios' Halloween Horror Nights for a special show! Combining incredible choreography, stunning special effects, terrifc music and their unique brand of humor, get ready for another adrenaline-raising experience.

Terror tram universal halloween horror
(credit: Ty W./yelp)

Terror Tram

Climb aboard a tram like no other! The Terror Tram is one of Universal Studio's best Halloween attractions to take part in. Eli Roth Presents the Terror Tram which will expose guests to the legacy of serial killer clown "Hollywood Harry," the ceepy story of a former jovial celebrity clown turn depraved murderer, and the carnage he left behind. The new Terror Tram attraction follows the sordid tale of a former L.A. resident whose alter ego "Koodles the Clown" went from cheerful circus performer, to the lovable star of his own children's network television show before he changed into the horror villain of today!

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