As the summer heat reaches its peak, Universal Orlando is already summoning the shadows – because Halloween Horror Nights is back and this year it’s more twisted than ever. Now in its 34th year, the event has grown into one of the world’s premier horror experiences, blending familiar IP with original story-driven scares.
We sat down with Lora Sauls, Assistant Director of Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort, to dig into what’s in store for 2025 – and what’s coming next.
Ten Houses, Infinite Nightmares
“This year we have ten haunted houses, five based on major IPs and five original stories straight from our twisted imaginations,” said Lora. Fans can expect terrifying tie-ins with Jason Universe, Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Fallout and – for the first time ever – WWE’s Wyatt Six.
But it’s the original content that really showcases the creative team’s range. Among the standouts is Dolls: Let’s Play Dead, where guests are shrunk to doll size and tormented by a sadistic child’s toys. Hatchet and Chains builds on a popular one-room concept from last year, now expanded into a full house featuring demon bounty hunters who burn victims from the inside out. There’s also Grave of Flesh, which answers the existential question “What happens after we die?” with flesh-eating monsters. Delightful.
Other originals include Galkin: Monsters of the North, inspired by Norse mythology, and Sergio Navarro, a haunting tale set in a Spanish manor that lures artists to their doom.
Innovation at Every Turn
The creative team doesn’t rest on its laurels. “We actually started working on 2026 in April,” Sauls revealed. “We always push ourselves to go bigger, be more immersive and innovate. That’s what keeps fans coming back year after year.”
This year, innovation comes in the form of expanded scare zones, including Toxic 20s, where Prohibition-era gangsters mutate into goo-covered mutants, and Cat Lady of Crooked Lane, which brings back fan-favourite jack o’ lanterns to Central Park. There’s also Masquerade: Dance with Death, a vampire-themed spectacle with gothic visuals and a major expansion to the Avenue of the Stars zone, now decked out as a conservatory overrun with gargoyles and ghouls.
New for 2024 is Club Horror, a party zone complete with live DJs, dancers, glowing seating and a fully stocked bar – Universal’s first time blending music and mayhem in this way.
Resort-Wide Scares
The Halloween vibe won’t be limited to the parks. Universal’s on-site hotels are getting in on the action, with custom photo ops and themed offerings tied to each property’s aesthetic. Think rock ‘n’ roll zombies at Hard Rock, Gothic hauntings at Sapphire Falls and creepy pumpkins at Cabana Bay. Guests can also enjoy themed drinks, décor and even background soundtracks unique to each hotel.
“We’ve worked closely with hotel teams to make the experience seamless and immersive no matter where you stay,” said Sauls.
2026: A Milestone Year
Next year marks the 35th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights and while Sauls couldn’t reveal specifics, she confirmed that development is well underway. Expect standout original houses and major IPs to mark the occasion. “We love an anniversary,” she said with a smile.
For the Trade
For travel agents eager to tap into the Horror Nights buzz, all the latest assets, announcements and training resources are available on the Universal Partner Community portal. Agents can also access ticket discounts by completing the training modules – ideal for building packages that resonate with thrill-seeking clients.
As the Halloween countdown begins, one thing is certain: Universal’s creatives aren’t just raising the bar. They’re sharpening it, setting it on fire and throwing it at you in a haunted house filled with chainsaw-wielding clowns. And fans couldn’t be happier.
