5 Survival Tips for Halloween Horror Nights 25 at Universal Orlando
Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) has returned to Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort for an epic 25th anniversary celebration of all things that go bump in the night. Pulling from their arsenal of horror created over the last 25 years, the event will terrify you beyond your imagination and disturb all of your scenes.
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Visit Orlando's "Fans of Fear" have pulled together a list of our five tips for surviving Halloween Horror Nights 25.
1. Every Minute Counts: Start in the Back
The haunted houses are traditionally grouped into several sections throughout the park. The houses located inside the soundstages are where most guests begin their night.
We suggest that you arrive early and immediately head to the three houses along Exposition Boulevard (near Springfield and Men in Black). There, you'll hit, The Walking Dead: The Living and The Dead, Asylum in Wonderland 3D (our favorite) and Insidious. Then, head back toward the front while everyone else is still making their plan of attack.
2. Come Prepared to Wait
This is one of the most popular Halloween events in the U.S., and the proof is in the size of the crowds. But don't fear — make it fun. The wait times increase throughout the night. So, again, arrive early! If you don't decide to purchase the HHN Express Pass, we recommend that you find ways to pass the time.
While waiting, try visiting the vendors in the queue line offering adult beverages. Be on the lookout for a rogue scareactor — who may be lurking behind you. Or binge-watch the latest season of The Walking Dead.
Bonus Tip: The HHN Express Pass is a ticket upgrade that provides shorter wait times at all of the haunted houses along with participating rides and attractions.
3. Be Ready for Anything Frightening
This event is not for younger guests (Universal does not recommend children under the age of 13 attend) or for the easily squeamish. Whether you're a fan of fear, like us, or you're being dragged along with your friends, we recommend that you let loose and go with the flow.
Tensing up and anticipating the scares will only make the fear worse and will kill your good time. Relax, be spontaneous and remember that it's not real … or is it?
4. Eat, Drink — but Be Wary!
From roving nurses selling shots (the alcoholic kind) to festival-style food booths in the New York area, there are plenty of spots to stop and recharge with a tasty snack and a refreshing beverage. Some of these eateries are among the scare zones. Be on the lookout for monsters while you dine.
We recommend briefly escaping the terror of Halloween Horror Nights and heading over to Diagon Alley for a scoop of Butterbeer ice cream and a bottle of pumpkin juice. Nothing makes the fear disappear faster than a little Harry Potter wizardry — mischief managed. But beware of the dark wizards hanging about in Knockturn Alley.
5. Don't Forget to Buy the T-Shirt
Now that you've survived the night, you don't want to forget the fearful time you had. Or maybe you do. We suggest checking out all the exclusive HHN merchandise that's only available to event-goers. This year is a milestone year for 25th anniversary collectables like T-shirts and other merchandise that feature Jack.
Our favorite merchandise item of the event is the Jack the Clown USB flash drive. It’s a fun way to remind you every day of the good time you had at Halloween Horror Nights.
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