Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood

Intro

Hey there, thrill-seekers! If you’re looking for a spine-tingling good time this Halloween, you’ve come to the right place. Universal Studios Hollywood, California, has transformed into a nightmarish playground for the bravest souls out there. We’re talking about Halloween Horror Nights, where the spooks are real, the screams are loud, and the fun is out of this world. In this post, we’ll dive into the bone-chilling highlights of this year’s event, from the hair-raising “Stranger Things 4” and “The Last of Us” houses to the creepy “Exorcist Believer” and the hellish “Holidayz in Hell.” So, grab your courage, and let’s explore the terror and excitement that await in Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023! 👻🎃😱

House: Stranger Things 4

I was coming from the Halloween Horror Nights event in Orlando, and even though scary, I did not have as much fun as in other instances. In fact, my first HHN was here in Hollywood back in 2019. And even though I was not planning on coming this year, since I was in Vegas for a few days, I decided to change plans and come to California.

As a last minute trip, I had to do a lot of things, and make a lot of calls to get tickets and Express Passes for this day. And I did get them!

And the first house I was going to go in for the event was Stranger Things 4.

The line started moving and finally I was in.

Wow! I really remember more of this house than in Orlando. Very good on both coasts, but this one was a 10/10.

House: The Last of Us

After leaving that house, I went to the next one, and boom, I found myself immerse in all the new crowds coming to the Lower Lot, where the most famous houses are located.

I got into the Express Lane which was long too, for The Last of Us, one of the worst houses in Orlando in my opinion.

I could not believe all the people on these lines.

Before entering the house, a little acting from the main characters, something you do not see in Orlando.

And let me tell you…

It was so amazing. I felt so good I did all that to try to come here to this event, because the main two houses were just so incredible. 10/10.

House: The Exorcist Believer

As the event progressed and the day was ending, I was able to do a few houses real quick, even though the lines were so long.

The next one was The Exorcist Believer, a house based on the movie that came out this Halloween season.

The disgusting smell was really bad in Orlando, but here was up to a 12. The house was really nice and scary in some parts. My rating: 9/10.

House: Holidayz in Hell

One original house that we do not have in Orlando was this one, and I had seen it in videos as one of the favorites.

And let me tell you something, it was really fun. The smells from each different season were very prominent. The creepy creatures and hellish Santa were very scary. Loved it. 9/10.

Now it was time to take a break for the houses and finish the lower lot. The rest of them were on the Upper Lot.

House: Chucky

A very disappointing house in Orlando was definitely Chucky. Very funny but not scary. Now I was in line for the one in Hollywood, that was supposed to be creepy.

Going around the backlot trying to reach the houses is the most tiring part of the night, but the Chucky house was majestic, very beautiful on the outside.

And the inside was a lot of fun. I loved the seven foot Chucky at the end. 8/10.

House: Universal Monsters Unmasked

Another double house also present in Orlando, this version had a different exterior, something that the Orlando ones lack a lot.

The house was really cool. Set in Paris, the story made sense and I got scared too sometimes. The house got a 8/10.

House: Evil Dead Rise

The night was very old now, and I had done a lot, which you will see below. But now it was time for the last 2 houses. In a very confusing alley, I found myself jumping over some ropes to get into the Evil Dead Rise house. I mean everyone was doing it. But finally got on the Express line.

This house was nice but at the same time kind of meh. I think my least favorite of the night but still a solid 7.5/10.

House: Monstruos

Last but not least we had the house inspired on the Latinamerican horror stories, Monstruos. And I was curious because for some people this one was their least favorite.

I got in and I gotta say I really liked it. It had a lot of misdirects and got me a few times. Loved it. 9/10.

Wait Times

Wait Times can be found on the app, and are terrible mostly in the middle of the event. If you only have one night I would recommend Express and I am sure you will do all the houses. You can also check the times on the big screens located in some places in the park.

Scare Zone: El Terror de Las Momias

From the official website: Villagers unearthed an ancient army of mummies. Now you and your squad are the targets of their cursed wrath. And if you manage to escape, you wont get away from Muerte and the Goddess of Death.

I liked the scare actors. Contraire to Orlando, here they approach you even more and even touch you if possible. Rate: 7/10.

Scare Zone: Toyz

From the official website: A maniacal toymaker is using dark magic to bring evil toys to life, including a porcelain doll, teddy bear, nutcracker and ballerina. Now these devilish dollz are after you and your friends!

The scare actors costumes were creepy but the scare zones are so short that you almost forget you are running through one, not like in Orlando. Rating: 6/10.

Scare Zone: Ghostz

For the official website: As soon as you enter the event, a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghostz will descend upon you and your scream squad with twisted smiles. These spectral horrors will haunt you.

I literally forgot this scare zone existed. I remember some of it and it was kind of cool, but very skippable, and for that reason: 4/10.

Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz

When I finished the 4 houses in the lower Lot, I got to come to the Upper Lot and immediately do the Terror Tram. I do not think I did it back in 2019, but I always like to do the regular tram during the day. It accepted Express Pass but the lines were not too long anyways.

The bugs theme was disgusting and I guess that was the purpose.

One of the best part of the tour was being able to walk though Jupiter’s Claim.

Characters from Us and Nope were in this area.

And at the end of the tour back upstairs there is a Violent Night photo set which was kinda cool to see.

Death Eaters™ Encounter

Back in Hogsmeade, I finally was able to see the Death Eaters and seeing the creepy lights everywhere.

They were really giving a show.

And also there were projections on the Hogwarts Castle, including the Dark Mark.

The Purge: Dangerous Waters

I thought I was not going to have time to see the shows, especially this one where WaterWorld usually takes place: The Purge: Dangerous Waters. But I managed to come and take a sit. What I did not want to do is get wet, as the night progressed, I felt colder and colder.

The show was very entertaining, I could not believe they made it so gory and bloody. Here in Hollywood they really do not get scare of going there.

Blumhouse: Behind the Screams

Really quick, I went to see this presentation, or experience if you will: Blumhouse: Behind the Screams. Located at the Kung Fu Panda attraction.

The presentation was quick, we spent probably more time waiting outside. But I liked the little dances of the MEGAN performers.

Dining: Stellar Bar

Located in the Lower Lot, I came here after finishing the first 4 houses. And this place was popular. Food and drinks you can find here are:

• Pizza Fries
• Truffle Fries
• Demogorgon Pizza
• Pineapple Buffalo Wings
• Three new Cocktails
• Ice Cream Sundae
• Milkshakes

I got the Upside Down drink and Pizza Fries (obviously). The drink made a little tipsy after a few sips lol. It was very strong. The fries were good as always but prefer the Orlando ones to be honest.

Dining: Dia de los Muertos Bar

Located in Universal Plaza at the front of the park in the Upper Lot, this location is huge and has scare actors walking around as well.

The menu was very simple but I got a margarita, which was also very strong.

Dining: Chucky’s Killer BBQ

At the very end of the night I decided to get the Chucky’s chicken burger. And it was very meh. Other things you could find in this restaurant at the front of the park are:

• Friends to the Burnt End Sandwich
• Always Comeback Corndog
• Child’s Play Funnel Cake
• Cocktails

Conclusion

Our spine-tingling adventure through Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood has come to an electrifying conclusion. From the terrifying “Stranger Things 4” to the immersive “The Last of Us,” and the macabre “Exorcist Believer” to the sinister “Holidayz in Hell,” we’ve navigated a night of pure terror and exhilarating fun.

“Stranger Things 4” stole the show with a perfect 10/10 experience. “The Last of Us” exceeded expectations, earning a solid 10/10, while “Exorcist Believer” delivered a 9/10 thrill, and “Holidayz in Hell” lived up to its fan-favorite status with a 9/10 rating.

With unforgettable scares, immersive zones, and tantalizing dining options, Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood provided a hauntingly unforgettable experience. Until next year, may your nightmares be only dreams, and your Halloween be filled with spine-tingling excitement!