By Magic Family Getaways
Afraid of clowns? Kelly is, too! During a familiarization (FAM) trip to Universal Orlando, Kelly experienced Halloween Horror Nights 35 firsthand, facing her fears and completing eight of ten haunted houses in one night.
As a travel advisor with Magic Family Getaways, this trip gave Kelly valuable insight into Universal Orlando’s attractions, resort accommodations, and event experiences. From time-saving strategies to must-see haunted houses, here is her firsthand guide to planning your own Halloween adventure.
Part 1: How-To Guide: Plan Your Night Like a Pro
How do I fit in more haunted houses?
Kelly's best move was Stay and Scream. With daytime park tickets already in hand, she picked up her Halloween Horror Nights wristband early and stayed in the park. That unlocked early queues for select houses, and she finished three before 3:30 p.m. Then she completed five more in the evening.
No daytime ticket?
Look into the separately priced Scream Early option.
How do I avoid the crowds?
She visited on a Wednesday, and the event never felt overwhelming. Save your must-do houses in the Universal Orlando app and map an efficient route before you arrive.
What if it rains?
And...It did! For a full hour, and many queues are outdoors. Pack a poncho and an umbrella, and bring a card game to pass the wait.
How do I get back to the hotel?
Resort buses get crowded after the event. Ride-share is a smart backup.
Travel tip:
Entry times and ticket options change yearly, so check the current schedule before you book.
Part 2: Recommendations: What to Do, See and Pack
Haunted houses worth your time
- Sinners: Kelly's overall favorite, with big scenery, intense jump scares and memorable characters.
- Ozzy: Prince of Darkness: A tribute with great music and an emotional ending. She went through twice.
- Stranger Things 5: A fun stop for longtime fans of the series.
- Hellraiser: Nostalgic for classic horror fans, though some scenes are graphic.
- Evil Dead Burn: Plenty of opportunities for jump scares.
- Jack and Oddfellow: Chaos Control: Clown-themed and a true test for anyone with a fear of clowns.
Scare zones and shows
- Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir: Dark dance with fire and acrobatics.
- The Stranger Things water show: Lighting effects and standout moments from the series.
- Scare zones: Infernal Carnival of Clowns, Downtown Clown Town, ForteNiteMares and Sideshow of Decay.
Extras
- RIP Tours and private guided tours, which can sell out, so book early.
- Some years offer daytime behind-the-scenes house tours before the actors arrive.
- Dead Coconut Club at CityWalk for themed drinks, music and dancing.
Pack list
- Comfortable shoes
- Poncho and umbrella
- Portable fan or cooling towel
- Power bank (photos are not allowed inside houses)
- Photos of your tickets, plus a secure lanyard
- Don't Scare Me badge if you are sensitive to street scares. It works in outdoor areas only, not inside houses.
Part 3: Thoughts: Is Halloween Horror Nights Worth It?
For adults and horror fans who love immersive attractions, Kelly says yes. The sets, storytelling and scare actors stood out, even for a nervous first-timer.
It may not suit every child, though. The scares, graphic scenes and frightening characters vary, so each family should weigh their child's comfort level. Houses were generally accessible, with accommodations for guests with disabilities, but check current accessibility details before you go.
She also stayed at Universal Terra Luna Resort, which she found beautiful, clean and well maintained. Staff were friendly, and the lobby bar had Halloween Horror Nights decorations. Families watching their vacation budget may want to look closely at it.
Her honest take: Invasion: Alien Abduction was her least favorite, and she would happily go back for Madlands: Caged Cannibals and Cybergoria, the two houses she missed.
Why Kelly Is the Advisor for Your Halloween Horror Nights Trip
- She has done it recently. Her advice comes from Halloween Horror Nights 35 itself, not a brochure.
- She tested the money-and-time savers. Stay and Scream, early queues and a Wednesday visit all worked for her, and she can tell you which ticket option fits you.
- She knows the on-site hotel. She stayed at Universal Terra Luna Resort and can speak to the experience.
- She is honest about intensity. She names what was graphic, what was scary and what she skipped, so you can match the event to your group.
- She plans for the unexpected. Rain, crowded buses and long lines are already built into her tips.
Three Key Takeaways
- Plan ahead: Early entry and an app-planned route mean more houses.
- Pack smart: Shoes, rain gear, cooling items and a charger.
- Choose your experience: Pick houses and shows that match your group, and book tours early.
As Kelly says, “I love helping families plan their vacations as if I were planning one for my own family. I want you to feel cared for every step of the way and come home with memories you’ll treasure forever!”
Contact Kelly to start planning your Universal Studios vacation!
Magic Family Getaways head office is based in Montclair, NJ and a nationally recognized, award winning travel agency