At Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, the main attraction of the event is always the houses. This year in Orlando there is going to be more houses at the event than ever before. This years lineup of 10 houses includes houses themed to incredibly popular horror properties such as Halloween and Poltergeist. Also, for the first time ever, there will be a Stranger Things house at this years event.
Stranger Things is one of the most popular series in the world at the moment and this house seems to have attracted more people to the event than ever before. This has led to some very long queues for the houses at this years event. However, going through house after house is not the only thing that you can do at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
In this article we will look at 5 other amazing things you can do at Halloween Horror Nights, that do not require you to wait in long lines.
1. Scarezones
Visiting the different scarezones at the event is the most obvious thing to do at the event outside of the houses. However, my advice would be to not simply walk through the scarezones, but to try and find some time during your evening to properly appreciate each scarezone. The scarezones are often full of hidden details and this years selection of scare zones are no exception.
You can also stay entertained in scarezones for a good amount of time by simply watching other guests get scared. Last year, watching the chainsaw clowns in Springfield scare guests was very funny and this led to Springfield becoming a very popular place with many fans choosing to take a break there during the event.
At this years event you must take time to watch Chucky interact with guests as it can be very funny. Furthermore, both the Vamp 85 and Killer Klowns scare zones are fantastic and ate sure to go down in Horror Nights history as two of the greatest scare zones to ever feature at the event.
2. Rides
During event nights, many of the rides in the park are still open. Therefore, Halloween Horror Nights gives you a good opportunity to get on some of the parks more popular rides, without having to queue for as long as you do in the day as most guests attending Horror Nights are not there for the rides.
One ride in particular that is great to ride during Horror Nights is Hollywood Rip Ride Rock-it. Many people much prefer riding this coaster in the dark. However, with the often short operating hours of the park there aren’t many times when you get this opportunity so make sure you take the opportunity during Horror Nights.
3. Academy of Villains
This year, for the first time ever, the Academy of Villains are performing in the Fear Factor arena. This space is now available during Halloween Horror Nights, due to the sad fact that the Bill and Ted show is no more.
The Academy of Villains show has been extremely popular over the last 2 years of the event. The show remained popular last year, even in-spite of the hurricane damage to their stage, which prevented them from ever performing their full show. With the show now being moved to a larger space, this has allowed the Academy of Villains to put on an even greater show than before. Therefore, you must make time during your visit to watch the show. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
4. Food
The specialty food and drink items on sale during Halloween Horror Nights have become a staple of the event for many fans. Food items such as pizza fries and twisted taters (a personal favourite) and specialty alcoholic drinks have became synonymous with the event within the fan community. These food and drink items are sold at various points throughout the park. The specialty items are usually available from the many additional food tents that are constructed for the event.
Grabbing a drink and a bite to eat from one of these stalls is a great way to have a rest during your night and it also gives you the opportunity to soak in the special atmosphere created in the park during event nights.
5. Merchandise
Throughout the Halloween season, the shops in the park are full of Horror Night specific merchandise. Universal sell a huge variety of Horror Night merchandise from t-shirts to pins and even holiday ornaments. This merchandise has become very popular over the last few years. Universal now open a shop completely dedicated to Horror Nights throughout Halloween season. This shop is located to the left of the Mummy ride and is open during the day and during event nights.
What’s your favourite thing to do at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights?
If you enjoyed this article then please check out our ranking of the houses at Halloween Horror Nights 29.
Also click here to check out the latest official news about the event.
