Surviving Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights’

At Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. Photo by David Sprague

Universal Studios Hollywood proves one is never too old to celebrate terror with “Halloween Horror Nights”. With an almost entirely new line-up, these tips will help you make the most of the nightmarish event.

1. Prepare to save

Shopping for tickets online will save big bucks as opposed to buying tickets at the front gate. Depending on the day, tickets can range from $55-80 online as opposed to $85 daily at the gate. College students receive additional discounts through their college’s ticket office. Horror Nights tend to sell out so buy tickets in advance and don’t expect tickets to be available at the entrance.

2. Get there early

“Halloween” maze at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. Photo by David Sprague

Early entrance to the event starts at 5 p.m. but closes at 6:15 p.m. It’s nice to experience the park while the sun is still out since the next hours will be filled with darkness and unknown monsters lurking in the fog. Regular entrance begins at 7 p.m. and the entire park closes at 2 a.m.

3. Live stage show

Hype yourself before heading to the mazes with America’s best dance crew. The Jabbawockeez will be performing throughout the night with an interactive performance accompanied with an amazing soundtrack ranging from N.W.A. to  Silentó.

4. New Mazes

“Crimson Peak” maze at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. Photo by David Sprague

Walk through your favorite horror flicks with all-new mazes. Survive the longest maze featuring zombies and eaten corpses with “The Walking Dead.” Experience the paranormal with the “Insidious” maze, a combination of all three movie installations. Withstand the manor of  the “Crimson Peak” maze, with gothic rooms filled with the dead awaiting to haunt the living. Return to the year 1963 with the “Halloween” maze as Michael Myers stalks you in an abandoned house. Take a break from the screams with “This Is The End” 3-D maze as you get invited to James Franco’s party while withstanding an apocalypse, don’t get me wrong it’s still frightening but you’ll get some good laughs.

5. The trap of the trams

“The Purge” at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. Photo by David Sprague.

Do not trust the trams. Do go on them. The trams lead you to your destination but they drop you off halfway. The remaining distance is The Purge. You have to walk in fear of humans, the worst monster, and zombies trying to kill you. In a sense it’s a pre-maze to the maze so wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be running.