Surviving the Scares: A Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2025

Spooky season is officially here, and you know what that means: fog, frights, and way too much late-night snacking at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights! ???? If you’re anything like me, HHN isn’t just an event, it’s the event of the year. And trust me, 2025 is coming in hot (and creepy) with houses, scare zones, shows, and food that I’m still dreaming about. Whether you’re a seasoned HHN pro or thinking about making this your first trip into the fog, let me give you the lowdown on everything you need to know this year.

*I want to preface this by saying: Halloween Horror Nights is NOT recommended for children under the age of 13.  The event also contains depictions of horror/gore and uses strobe and fog effects!

Haunted Houses: Ten New Ways to Scream

This year’s houses are a mix of fan favorites, originals, and a few that had me covering my eyes (but still peeking through my fingers).  Here’s my official ranking of the houses based on my personal experience:

10. Five Nights at Freddy’s – The twisted animatronic pizzeria is every bit as unsettling as you’d expect.  I went in only knowing the story from the latest movie, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be more visually stunning than truly terrifying. The scares were pretty mild compared to other houses, but the craftsmanship completely won me over. Freddy, Chica, Bonnie, and even Cupcake felt alive thanks to incredible puppetry and massive animatronics that looked ready to move at any second (and they did). The gigantic Freddy Fazbear figures, built by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, were absolutely the star of the show, worth seeing even if you’re not there for big frights.

9.  Fallout – Straight out of the vault and into the wasteland—it’s immersive, grimy, and packed with familiar faces. Every corner of this house felt grimy and full of little details from the series. I’m a huge fan of the show (already counting down to the next season!), so I was excited for this house. While the story jumped around a bit, starting at the wedding scene, moving backward through episodes, and somehow ending at the finale, it was still fun to catch those references. I do wish there had been more scare actors and a little more variety from Lucy (“Okie-Dokie!”), and I was hoping the giant axolotl finger-mouth creature would have a bigger moment than just sitting in a tank. But the set design and atmosphere are so well done that I think any fan of the games or the show will have a blast exploring it.

8.  Terrifier – Art the Clown is unapologetically gruesome, and this house leans hard into shock. This house definitely has its moments, especially for fans of the movies. I’ll be honest, the films have never been my favorite, not because of the gore, but because the storylines feel thin, and the house follows that same chaotic, over-the-top vibe. There were lots of Art the Clown appearances, which fans will love, though not many other characters, so it felt a little one note. The “wet and dry” path was a fun idea, even if the water splash only comes at the very end. Overall, while it’s not my personal favorite, it still delivers plenty of jumpy moments and details that Terrifier fans will really enjoy.

7.  Hatchet & Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters – Think gritty Wild West meets hellfire. Guns, demons, and chaos!  This house is a full-on adrenaline rush from start to finish. You’re thrown into a chaotic world of demon bounty hunters with intense action, clever scares, and jaw-dropping set pieces at every turn. The detail and creativity are incredible, even the scents are so realistic that, at times, they completely immerse you in the world (though I have to admit, it’s very pungent!). Despite that, the house is a must-see for horror fans and anyone visiting HHN, just make sure you’re ready for a full sensory experience.

6.  Grave of Flesh – Claustrophobic, gory, and relentless—this is the house that made me want to sprint to the exit.  I need to preface this one by saying I watched this backstory on the HHN Podcast right before we went in the house so it was fresh in my mind during our walkthrough.  It was amazing how the very first thing you see when you walk through the house is the gates of the cemetery and then you’re instantly looking up at the hole of the grave that “you” just fell in…talk about creepy! The monsters in this one felt a little repetitive (like it was the same looking monster at every turn), but still an amazing concept and house!

5.  The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks – This tribute to Bray Wyatt feels eerie and emotional. This house at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 is a haunting, emotional tribute to Bray Wyatt. From the moment you enter, the twisted world of the Wyatt Sicks surrounds you, with a detailed Firefly Fun House set, flickering televisions, and eerie visuals that honor his legacy. Scareactors embody Uncle Howdy, Abby the Witch, Mercy the Buzzard, Ramblin’ Rabbit, and Huskus the Pig, with The Fiend making a chilling appearance that will send shivers down your spine. While group spacing on the night I attended limited some scares, the creativity, dark atmosphere, and personal touches made it clear this house was crafted with love and respect, a truly unforgettable experience for fans.

4.  Dolls: Let’s Play Dead – Equal parts creepy and clever, this Victorian dollhouse is packed with nightmare fuel.  I have to admit, dolls that come to life have been my childhood nightmare, so this house felt very personal to me. Once inside, it reminded me a bit of Sid from Toy Story, with dolls twisted together in unexpected and creepy combinations. I’m probably a little biased, but the scares in this one genuinely got me, I may have screamed more than I’d like to admit! That’s exactly how you know it’s doing its job. Fans of creepy, inventive scares will definitely want to check this one out.

3.  El Artista: A Spanish Haunting – This house is gorgeous and terrifying all at once. It feels like walking through a haunted painting come to life. Wow—this house completely took me by surprise. It’s absolutely gorgeous, like stepping into a Spanish masterpiece, but that beauty only makes the scares hit harder. The warm candlelight and deep red walls draw you in, and just when you feel safe, a shadow moves or a whisper reaches your ears, and your stomach drops. I kept finding myself mesmerized by the incredible details, even when I wanted to keep moving. It truly feels like a haunted painting pulling you inside. Easily one of my favorites this year!

2.  Gálkn: Monsters of the North – Dark, moody, and Viking-inspired, this one surprised me with how intense it felt.  It’s no secret that Universal’s HHN team loves winter themed houses, and honestly they are usually some of my favorite houses of the year! This house completely took me by surprise. From the moment I stepped inside, I was immersed in a chilling Norse-inspired world. The setting, a remote northern village, was brought to life with incredible attention to detail. I faced off against icy, horned, winged, and wolfish fiends, each more terrifying than the last. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and just when I thought I was safe, the scares came fast and furious. The highlight? The gradual merging of these creatures into one massive horror that had me on edge the entire time. It felt like stepping into a living nightmare, and I loved every minute of it. Easily one of my favorite houses this year.

1. Jason Un1v3rse – If you’re a slasher fan, this is pure candy. Walking through Camp Crystal Lake while dodging Jason after Jason is as wild as it sounds.  This house completely caught me off guard. From the moment I stepped in, I was immersed in Jason Voorhees’ terrifying world. With more scare actors per square foot than any other house this year, the scares were nonstop, and I was on edge the entire time. The sets, from Jason’s shack to the eerie forest, were detailed and immersive, and I screamed more than I’d like to admit (and yes, giggled a little too). Hands down, this was my favorite house at Halloween Horror Nights this year.

Scare Zones: The Terror Doesn’t Stop When You Leave the House

Between houses, the scare zones keep the screams coming. Each one has its own vibe, and I honestly loved just hanging out and watching them play out:

• The Origins of Horror – A moody nod to HHN history with eerie statues and lurking crows.  This is at the front of the park and welcomes guests into the event with ominous gothic architecture and huge crow stiltwalkers! This area made my jaw drop, it literally looks like you’re walking through an overgrown graveyard/garden.  
• The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane – Weird, wonderful, and unsettling. Definitely one of the more creative zones this year (think Cats! But the horror version). I recommend walking through this scare zone multiple times because you may or may not see something different every single time! Oh and keep an eye on that rickety front porch.
• Mutations: Toxic Twenties – Swing music, mobsters, and glowing green chaos. This one is just plain fun to hang out in!  The citizens are either scared or sassily asking why we aren’t doing anything to help.  There’s a scare actor in here that’s pushing around a stroller and she is seriously a gas.  
• Masquerade: Dance with Death – Vampires in masks and gowns? Absolutely stunning (and scary).  There’s a giant chandelier prop piece that is just sitting in the middle of the street…it’s so big even the scare actors can walk around inside of it! 
• Mel’s Die-In Zombies – A nostalgic scare zone full of undead diner chaos.  Is anything better than a zombie car hop in roller skates?

Rides Still Open (and Your Chance to Escape?)

Sometimes you need a break from the fog, and thankfully a few of the park’s rides stay open during HHN. We personally think that Revenge of the Mummy, and Men in Black: Alien Attack are perfect for catching your breath (or getting a little AC break) before heading back into the madness.  

Live Entertainment: Scream in Sync

• Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay – This year’s version of Nightmare Fuel is as over-the-top as ever. Think fire, aerial stunts, loud music, and a whole lot of energy. It’s the kind of show that makes you forget you’ve been on your feet for hours. 
• Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey – The lagoon show combines lights, fountains, and projections into a ghost story that feels just the right amount of eerie and beautiful.

Food & Drinks: Hauntingly Delicious Bites & Brews

Honestly? The food at Halloween Horror Nights is always the one aspect that I am the most excited about. 

At the Terrifier booth, the giant footlong mozzarella stick was impossible to pass up—crispy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing (or not). Over at the Fallout booth, the Yum Yum Deviled “Eggs” were another standout: sweet, tropical, and so much fun to look at.

If drinks are more your style, the specialty cocktails like Phantom Punch and RadAway not only taste great but you can get them in collectible cups that glow under the lights.

Merchandise: Shop ‘Til You Drop… If You Dare

HHN merch is always a highlight for me, and this year is no different. The blacklight-reactive shirts and hoodies are perfect for wearing into the fog, and the Jason Un1v3rse line is going to fly off the shelves.  Universal also decided to lean into the Mel’s Die-In scream zone theme and came out with an amazing zombie car hop line! If you’re into cute-creepy, the HamiKuma plush from Japan made its way here this year—and yes, it’s coming home with me.

Pro Tips

• Grab the “Deathly Afraid” necklace if you want fewer scares in the scare zones (doesn’t work in houses).
• If lines stress you out, look into Express Passes or a R.I.P. Tour. Worth it if you want to attempt to see it all.
• Wear comfy shoes…you’ll thank me later.
• Save merch shopping for the end of the night so you’re not carrying bags through houses.

Final Thoughts

Halloween Horror Nights 2025 is packed with screams, snacks, and so many little details that make it more than just a haunted event. Whether you’re braving every house or just soaking in the scare zones with a specialty drink in hand, it’s the kind of night that sticks with you long after the fog clears. Honestly, even if you only make it through half the houses, you’re still going to walk away with stories you’ll be telling until next spooky season rolls around. My advice? Go in with an open mind, wear those comfy sneakers, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself when you get spooked (because you will get spooked).

✨ Ready to face the fog? Whether you’re braving every haunted house or just soaking up the scare zones, our team at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the ultimate Universal Orlando getaway. Reach out today to start planning your Halloween Horror Nights adventure—and let’s make this spooky season one you’ll never forget! ????????