The heavy fog rolled across the walkways, glowing under the bright red and green lights. The sound of chainsaws rumbled through the air, and the silhouettes of the tall birds with vibrant red eyes cascaded over the flocks of passersby. Every so often, a high-pitched scream could be heard piercing through the night. This is the atmosphere at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, where haunted houses and scare zones transformed the theme park into a nightmare playground.
For many students, the event has become a favorite way to celebrate the Halloween season with friends. After hearing about it from classmates, sophomore Daira Perez attended for the first time this year.
“I wanted to go because I wanted to experience something new. The last time I went to a haunted house, I was about six, so I wanted to have a similar experience again, just this time older,” Perez said.
Her first reaction was shock, but she quickly adjusted and began to enjoy herself as she moved from one haunted house to another.
“The WWE house really scared me, especially since it was the first one we went through. However, my favorite was Terrifier: Art the Clown’s Funhouse because I saw it on TikTok, and it looked really fun,” Perez said
Perez went on to say that she enjoyed the scare zones, as well, where actors walk around freely and interact with guests.
“My favorite scare zone was Club Horror; it had a cool theme and the performers made it feel like you were part of the show,” Perez said.
Sophomore Lauren Acosta also visited Halloween Horror Nights for the first time and loved going through the different houses.
“The WWE house was definitely the scariest because I was not used to all the jump scares, but the Terrifier house was my favorite,”
Acosta said.
Even though some lines were long, Acosta said the overall experience was worth it.
“We waited for over an hour for some of the houses, but it did not matter because I was with my friends. I would definitely go again next year and see what new themes they come up with,” Acosta said.
Administrative assistant, Mrs. Marín, also attended with her family to celebrate her son’s 20th birthday. She said she has been attending Halloween Horror Nights for several years and continues to enjoy the event.
“This was my third time going, and I still love it. The atmosphere is great, and it is fun to watch everyone’s reactions,” Marin said.
Although she didn’t enter into any of the houses herself, Marín expressed that the scare zones were the highlight of her evening.
“My favorite scare zone was Masquerade: Dance with Death, where the Victorian vampire costume and makeup this year were so detailed, making everything more intense,” Marin said.
She even had some advice for next year’s visitors.
“I recommend getting the Express Pass if you can. That way, you get to see more houses without waiting in those long lines,” Marin said.
Halloween Horror Nights continues to attract students, staff, and families each year with elaborate sets, themed houses, and eerie scare zones. For many, it is more than just a haunted event; it is a shared experience of fear, fun, and unforgettable memories.
