Here’s Everything You Need to Know (Without Getting Totally Scared Yet)

If you've ever thought, “Maybe I could handle Halloween Horror Nights...” — this is your guide. Whether you're planning your first trip or you're a seasoned scare-lover, Universal just dropped a few big updates about HHN 34, and I’m breaking it all down for you in one place.

From the new haunted house announcement (it’s Fallout, and yes, it looks intense), to what Five Nights at Freddy’s is doing there (spoiler: not a house?!), to how tickets and tours work—here’s everything you need to know to survive the night.

🗓️ When Is Halloween Horror Nights 2025?

Universal’s starting early this year—like August 29 early. The event runs on select nights through November 2, and it all takes place at Universal Studios Florida.

It’s a separately ticketed event, which means your regular daytime park ticket won’t get you in. Also, if you’ve got littles—just a heads up: Universal doesn’t recommend this event for kids under 13. The scares are very real.

🏚️ The First Haunted House Has Been Revealed... and It’s Fallout

Fallout is the first confirmed haunted house for HHN 2025. Image © Universal Orlando / Amazon Studios

This is huge: Universal just announced the first official house, and it’s based on the Fallout video game series.

If you’ve played the games, you already know you’re heading into a post-apocalyptic world filled with radiation, mutants, and retro-futuristic vibes. Even if you haven’t played—expect creepy vaults, dark tunnels, and that eerie calm before something jumps out at you.

Universal’s been nailing these video game houses lately (The Last of Us, anyone?), so I have high hopes this one will be amazing.

👀 Five Nights at Freddy’s Is Coming... But Not as a House?

Okay, this part’s a bit mysterious. Universal also confirmed that Five Nights at Freddy’s will be at HHN 2025 in both Orlando and Hollywood... but here’s the twist—it’s not a haunted house. They’re calling it “a whole new way” to experience the franchise.

What does that mean? No idea yet. But considering how creepy those animatronic jump scares are, I can’t wait to find out. I’ll update this guide the second they reveal more.

🎟️ Ticket Options (and What All These Upcharges Mean)

HHN can be a little overwhelming when it comes to ticket choices. Here’s the quick breakdown of what’s available now:

Single-Night Tickets – Basic admission to the event for one night.
Express Pass – Skip the regular line once per house/ride. Totally worth it if you want to do it all in one night.
R.I.P. Tour – This is a guided front-of-line VIP experience. Someone literally walks you from house to house. Yes, it’s pricey, but people swear by it.
Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour – A daytime, lights-on tour through some of the haunted houses. No actors, just details. If you love the design and story stuff but don’t want to get scared, this is for you.

👀 Note: Multi-night passes like Frequent Fear haven’t dropped yet—but they usually release them closer to the event. I’ll update this when they do.

💎 What’s Premier Scream Night?

Want to be one of the very first people to experience HHN 2025—before it officially opens? Then you might want to check out Premier Scream Night, happening on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

It’s basically a soft-opening night with way fewer crowds and a much more relaxed vibe. But heads up—this is a separately ticketed premium event, and it’s definitely priced higher than a regular HHN night.

🛎️ Here’s what you get:

Access to the haunted houses
Staggered entry times (so houses don’t get slammed all at once)
All-you-care-to-enjoy food and non-alcoholic drinks
Limited capacity = shorter lines and way more breathing room
Exclusive atmosphere and bragging rights 😉

🎟️ Ticket price: $375 per person (yeah, it’s a splurge—but fans say it’s totally worth it if you want a quieter, more premium HHN experience).

👻 What About Scare Zones, Shows & Atmosphere?

Universal hasn’t spilled all the details yet, but here’s what usually happens:

5 Scare Zones: These are themed areas around the park with scare actors and amazing set pieces. You’ll walk through them whether you want to or not 😉
One big live show: Last year it was Nightmare Fuel. Think fire, stunts, and a storyline you probably won’t follow but will still enjoy.
Fog, lighting, and actors everywhere: HHN transforms the entire park. Even the music changes. It’s a whole vibe.

🍔 What to Eat, Drink & Buy

You’ll find themed snacks and drinks all over the park. Most of the time, Universal goes all in on spooky food booths with crazy flavors and Instagram-worthy desserts. We don’t have the 2025 menus yet, but I’ll add them here when they drop.

Some merch is already available though! The “Never Go Alone” line is back again, and you can grab preview shirts and souvenirs:

🛍️ Five and Dime (in Universal Studios)
🛍️ All Hallows Eve Boutique (in Islands of Adventure)
🛍️ Online Store

💡 Tips to Actually Enjoy Yourself (and Not Get Overwhelmed)

Go early – If you’re not doing a tour, get there before the gates open. Some houses get 90+ minute waits by 7 PM.
Do Stay & Scream – If you have a daytime park ticket, you can stay in the park and line up for houses before the event officially starts.
Use Express – Especially on weekends. It’s pricey, but the time you save is priceless.
Bring a poncho – Florida. Rain. Enough said.
Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll walk a ton. It’s not the time for cute-but-blistering footwear.

🧡 My First HHN Experience (And Why I Almost Didn’t Go)

I’ll be honest—I used to be terrified of haunted houses. Like, full-blown “nope, not doing it” after a really bad scare as a kid. For years, people told me HHN wouldn’t be for me.

But guess what? They were wrong.

I finally went, and while the houses did scare the crap out of me, I actually loved it. The detail in every house was unreal. It was like walking through a movie set—except way more intense.

What helped the most? I went with my husband and sister-in-law. They knew I was nervous and helped hype me up before the house I was most terrified of. (And yes, I survived it 😅)

So if you're someone who’s been too scared to try HHN, I get it. But don’t count yourself out. Go with people you trust, laugh between the screams, and give yourself permission to be a little scared. You might surprise yourself like I did.

❓ Common Questions I Get (All the Time)

Can kids go?
They can… but most shouldn’t. It’s super intense. If they’re under 13, I’d wait. Our daughter is 9 and says she wants to go but she also doesn’t like to get scared so we are waiting for her to get older.

Can I wear a costume?
Nope. Guests can’t wear costumes or masks.

Do I need a park ticket + HHN ticket?
Only if you want to visit the park during the day. HHN requires its own ticket.

What rides are open?
Usually a handful—like Transformers, Mummy, and maybe Rip Ride Rockit. Focus on the houses though.

Will I cry?
Maybe. But you’ll laugh after. Probably.

🧳 Want Help Planning Your HHN Trip?

I know this event can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. If you want help figuring out which night to go, which tour makes the most sense, or how to mix this into a longer Universal trip… that’s where I come in.

📩 Message me at Let’s Make Memories Travel and I’ll help you build a Halloween trip that’s both terrifying and totally unforgettable.

🎥 More HHN News Coming This Weekend

We’ll be talking all about this in our upcoming Theme Park News video on YouTube. I’ll walk you through the Fallout announcement, ticket advice, and what I think Universal might reveal next. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

So You’re Thinking About Halloween Horror Nights 2025?