Hey everyone, it’s Jose, the Amusement Park Dad! Are you ready for Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Orlando? If not, don’t worry. I’m here to help you get prepared.
Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from August 30th to November 3rd. Here are three tips to help you make the most of this spooky event.
Tip 1: Plan Your Visit to Halloween Horror Nights 2024 Early
First, look at the calendar and decide when you will attend. This is crucial because tickets, Express Passes, and hotel stays become more expensive the longer you wait. The sooner you purchase your tickets and reserve your hotels, the better.
Tickets start at $82.99 and can go up to nearly $300, depending on the date and how close you are to the event. Once you know your date, purchase your ticket right away.
Tip 2: Get Express Passes
If you’re only going for one night, I highly recommend getting an Express Pass. Halloween Horror Nights typically features 10 scare houses, 5 scare zones, and 2 shows. It’s challenging to experience everything in one night without an Express Pass. This event is very popular and crowded every night, so the Express Pass will save you time and steps.
Express Passes start at $139.99, depending on the night you go. They are more expensive than single-day tickets, but they are worth it.
There are also VIP tours called RIP tours, which are available as private or group tours. These start at $369.99 per person, not including admission. If you can afford it, these tours are highly recommended.
Another option is the “Behind the Screams” Unmasking the Horror tours. These daytime tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the haunted houses, including backstories and design insights. They offer 3-house and 6-house tours starting at $99.99 per person.
A new event this year is the Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night on August 29th. This event promises shorter wait times, fewer crowds, and all-you-can-eat food and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets start at $350.
Tip 3: Reserve Your Hotel for Halloween Horror Nights
Staying at a Universal property enhances the experience. My family and I have stayed at almost every hotel on Universal property, and we love them all. There are eight official Universal hotels, each offering different amenities and price ranges. To book directly through the website, click here.
Value Hotels
- Endless Summer Resorts: Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites**: These are the furthest from the park but offer great value. Prices range from $95 to $180 per night.
Prime Value Resorts
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort: This resort features two large pools, one with a slide and the other with a lazy river. It’s close to Volcano Bay and offers reasonable prices.
- Aventura Hotel**: A modern, business-like hotel with a rooftop bar. Prices range from $150 to $220 per night.
Preferred Hotel
- Lowe’s Sapphire Falls: This dog-friendly hotel offers luxury without the high price of premium hotels. It’s a favorite of mine due to its beautiful design and excellent service.
Premier Hotels
- Lowe’s Royal Pacific Resort: Closest to Islands of Adventure with a Pacific Island theme.
- Hard Rock Hotel: The closest to Universal Studios, perfect for a short walk after the event.
- Lowe’s Portofino Bay Hotel: Themed to Italy, this is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in. Full review here.
Premier hotels offer free Express Passes for regular park days, which is a fantastic deal if you’re planning to visit the parks during your stay.
Final Thoughts on Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Orlando is my favorite theme park, and Halloween Horror Nights is one of my favorite events. Whether you’re a horror movie fan or just enjoy Halloween, I highly recommend checking it out. There are plenty of videos online, including some of mine from last year, to give you an idea of what to expect.
Even if you’re not a fan of haunted houses, the event offers incredible effects, lighting, costumes, and food. It’s the premier Halloween event in Florida, and I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
Until next time, keep maximizing your fun!