ORLANDO—Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is one of the most anticipated events every year in Central Florida and year 28, which runs most nights through Nov. 3, did not disappoint.
The most hyped house at Halloween Horror Nights was Stranger Things, which was themed after the popular Netflix Original series of the same name. The house featured replicated areas of the TV show, such as the upside down, the Byers house, and the Hawkins Laboratory. The set really immerses you in the show.
The house was beautifully made, and as a huge fan of the show myself, I was fangirling the whole time. So much, in fact, that the Demogorgons that popped out didn’t frighten me one bit.
My favorite part, however, was by far the use of real actors dressed up as the characters from the show. It added such an amazing touch to really make you believe you were walking through Hawkins, Indiana, where the show is set, alongside Mike, Lucas and Dustin.
Of course, if you want something scarier or you are not into Stranger Things, there were more houses this year, including: Halloween 4, Poltergeist, Trick ‘r Treat, The Horrors of Blumhouse, Carnival Graveyard, Dead Exposure, Scary Tales. Seeds of Extinction, and Slaughter Sinema which are all meant to be scarier than Stranger Things.
The Scare Zones for this year were also beautifully done. My personal favorite being Killer Klowns from Outer Space, located by the Transformers ride. The clowns were so silly and ridiculous, and you could just have a good time with the Scareactors.
The other Scare Zones include: The Harvest, Twisted Tradition, Vamp ’85 New Year’s Eve, and the Revenge of Chucky. Please note that some of the Scare Zones have Scareactors with chainsaws so be cautious if you’re holding a drink, especially if it’s Butterbeer.
Just like every other year, many of the attractions in Universal Studios are open for guests to enjoy, such as the new Fast & Furious Supercharged ride, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black: Alien Attack, and Escape from Gringotts.
Last year featured the final performance of the infamous Bill & Ted show at Halloween Horror Nights, which made fans very sad. This year, however, Universal brought out a new show called Academy of Villains, described as “a wicked mix of dance, acrobatics, and theatrics,” but it will never replace the Bill & Ted show for its loving fans.