Universal Studios Hollywood has once again begun its yearly reign of terror with Halloween Horror Nights back again for the 2023 season. The event features 8 mazes this year and a fresh infusion of fun with two new entertainment offerings that help make the offering even more robust.
With hosted tickets, we were given access to the park to uncover all the terror for ourselves. Join us now for a full look all around Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023!
House Rankings
In most cases, it’s just not possible to do every single maze in a single night so we’ve done a loose ranking of all the mazes this year to help you prioritize your plan of attack.
- The Exorcist: Believer
- The Last of Us
- Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
- Stranger Things 4
- Holidayz In Hell
- Universal Monsters: Unmasked
- Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
- Evil Dead Rise
The Houses
The Exorcist: Believer
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
We haven’t seen the movie but the maze was incredibly effective, creepy, and fun. The finale is a winner.
The Last of Us
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Based on the game, not the show, this was a solid high-quality maze that really shows Universal’s flex power.
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
The maze is pure camp and it’s a murderous delight. Might be light on scares but the visuals are equally silly and grotesque. Loved this!
Stranger Things 4
🎃🎃🎃🎃⚫
The mazes for this show have largely left us wanting more but this year does a really great job of capturing familiar beats of the fourth season.
Holidayz In Hell
🎃🎃🎃🎃⚫
Not a new concept for Universal but still a fun return to this theme. Now traumatized by the smell of gravy.
Universal Monsters: Unmasked
🎃🎃🎃⚫⚫
Wanted to love this but there’s just too much going on to make this feel like a cohesive narrative experience.
Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
🎃🎃🎃⚫⚫
Similar to the Monsters maze, there’s a lot going on here but the original characters based off real legends is a fun integration.
Evil Dead Rise
🎃⚫⚫⚫⚫
Despite some inventive new sights and scares, this feels like an obvious retread of mazes previously in this location
Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz
🎃🎃🎃⚫⚫
What if bugs ruled the world and humans were the pests? We get the gory answer with this fun experience that also includes walking through sets for Bates Motel, War of the Worlds, and Nope.
Death Eaters Encounter
Although not officially classified as a scare zone, the Horizont Alley section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been is invaded by Death Eaters in search of those faithful to the Dark Lord while summoning the Dark Mark high above on the grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
Scare Zones
A small selection of scare zones are included this year including Ghostz at the entrance, Toyz on New York Street with a murder-bent toymaker and his haunted creations, El Terror de Las Momias continuing the theme of the adjacent Monsters of Latin America maze.
Other Attractions
Some of the park’s regular offerings are also available — often with super short waits including:
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
- The Simpsons Ride
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
Entertainment
With the construction of the new FAST AND FURIOUS roller coaster, the former venue for the Jabbawockeez has been razed which thankfully provided Universal the opportunity to update their entertainment roster for the event.
There are two shows to enjoy this year that are both a change in the dynamic for the popular event. More of this is welcome next year!
The Purge: Dangerous Waters
Utilizing the existing infrastructure for WATERWORLD is such a perfect way to soak up crowds during the event. The show is themed to THE PURGE and is a perfect blend of camp and gore. Running this show sacrifices a maze (which is usually setup around the theater) and we’re absolutely ok with that.
Blumhouse: Behind the Screams
This was a really fun and unexpected use of the existing Dreamworks Theater showcasing all the horrors of Blumhouse including actual displays and props from the studio’s library. Inside the theater is a special clip of Five Nights at Freddy’s as well as an interruption by M3gan.
Dining
The Stellar Bar inspired by STRANGER THINGS features fun drinks and various 80s snacks including loaded fries, pizza and wings. The popular Dia de los Muertos themed area in Universal Plaza is back featuring Mexican favorites, cocktails, and novelty items. Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream offers themed treats while Chucky KillerBBQ brings a selection of noshables and drinks. On the upper lot, there’s the Peacock Halloween Horror Bar featuring cocktails plus appearances by Bride of Frankenstein and David S. Pumpkins.
Special Offers
- Frequent Fear passes are being advertised heavily during the event offering the chance to return to the event on on several nights
- After 11pm Universal Express passes are also available as a $99 add-on to your ticket
See it for Yourself
Halloween Horror Nights returns this year to Universal Studios Hollywood (Thursday, September 7, 2023) and to Universal Studios Florida (Friday, September 1, 2023) and both events run select nights through Monday, October 31, 2023.
DON’T MISS: Get details and ticket information!
Craving More Terror?
MORE INFO: See more posts and announcements about Halloween Horror Nights.
