Updated May 29, 2026 by Kate Cohen
The Halloween season will be here before you know it. With tickets for Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 35 starting to go on sale, it's time to start thinking about your next visit.
HHN is Universal Orlando Resort's annual Halloween event, featuring larger-than-life haunted houses, frightful scare zones, and limited edition food and drinks that are so good, it's scary.
Rosen Inn closest to Universal is a Universal Partner Hotel, meaning we're experts on navigating this frightful affair.
Below is our best approach to making the most of Halloween Horror Nights 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Go When It's Slow
- Get an Express Pass
- Book a Guided V.I.P. Walking Tour
- More Tips for Attending Halloween Horror Nights 35
- Stay at Rosen Inn, Closest to Universal
Go When It's Slow
Universal has slow days, weeks, and months. If you want to maximize your time at HHN, you should start by planning a visit when it’s slow.
This year, HHN starts on Friday, August 28 and runs on select nights until Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Most people want to experience the horror as close to Halloween as possible, making October the most popular time to experience the event.
Unless you want to be a part of the rush, avoid attending on opening night. Plan your spooky season ventures around early to mid-September so large crowds don’t slow you down.
It also helps to go on slower days of the week. Weekdays tend to draw in smaller crowds due to people’s work schedules. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be the least crowded, as well as Sundays, due to people waking up early for work the following day.
Get an Express Pass
The last thing you want to be doing at Halloween Horror Nights is waiting in line, wishing you had an express pass.
A Universal Express Pass allows you to breeze through the lines at haunted houses in half as much time as the posted wait time, once per haunted house. It's the best way to make the most of your evening and hit as many attractions as possible.
You'll get even more value out of your express pass by attending on the slower dates we discussed earlier.
Keep in mind that HHN Express Passes are separate from daytime express pass tickets. This means that while you'll be able to use it to cut lines for haunted houses and rides throughout the park, it will only work during the specific HHN event.
Similarly, other Universal express passes won't work during HHN.
HHN Express Passes can sell out on popular nights, so don't wait to purchase yours if you're considering it.
Book a Guided VIP - or RIP - Walking Tour
Looking for a totally unique way to experience HHN this year?
Check out the RIP Tours, which offers you a true VIP approach to the event.
Enjoy perks like immediate VIP entry to each of the haunted houses, reserved seating at select shows, unlimited express access to regular park attractions, complimentary valet parking, and access to exclusive cash bars and a pre-tour reception.
If you want to see what the haunted houses look like in the light, you can also book a Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror daytime guided tour. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects and stage magic that goes into this incredible event every year.
More Tips for Attending Halloween Horror Nights 35
There’s a lot you should know before attending Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, from best practices to costume policies.
One tip you should follow during HHN is starting at the back of the park. Most people rush toward the haunted houses in the front, leading to longer wait times. Set yourself apart from the crowd by starting at the back and working your way forward.
Be sure to get there early. Most people wait until the sun goes down before coming to HHN, but festivities begin in the early evening. Have some frightening fun under a little sun and beat the rush of the nighttime crowds.
Brush up on the media the haunted houses are inspired by. You’ll garner a new appreciation for the houses once you fully understand the lore behind them.
Do yourself a favor and don’t go to HHN alone. The experience can be scary, and you’ll need someone there to comfort you along the way. Plus, who will you cling to when the scare actors creep up behind you?
We know Halloween is the best time of the year to break out your new, horrifyingly great costumes, but Universal Orlando has strict guidelines that must be followed when attending Halloween Horror Nights.
Don't attend HHN wearing masks, face makeup, or costumes of any kind.
If you're dying to attend in costume, check out tickets to Premium Scream Night, which is the only time costumes are permitted. This exclusive event, held as a preview on Aug. 27 and again on Oct. 19, is for horror die-hards.
On Premium Scream Night, you can experience HHN with shorter lines, all-you-care-to-enjoy select food, and the opportunity to show off your costume (as long as it follows Universal's costume guidelines).
Stay at the Rosen Inn Closest to Universal
Located only a ten-minute drive from Universal Studios Florida and Halloween Horror Nights, Rosen Inn closest to Universal is the perfect place for rest your head.
Our convenient location allows you to spend more time enjoying your Halloween festivities and less time getting to them.
Keep nightmares at bay in your comfortable bed and sleep soundly knowing you're in good hands with our warm, welcoming staff.
We can't wait to host you for your haunted holiday soon...