We’re well into our first full week of spooky-season and what better way to celebrate than a trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida? Whether you’re a long-time Floridian or just visiting on vacation, this is a must-see destination for horror-hounds. However, with large crowds and even larger wait times, you may have to choose which houses to prioritize. So, here’s our ranking of all ten houses at Halloween Horror Nights.
10. Dr. Goodfellow’s Twisted Origins
Nobody likes it, but somebody has to come in last place. Sorry, Dr. Oddfellow! To be fair, none of the haunted houses are bad and each of them are incredibly detailed and immersive experiences. However, this one just didn’t have as much imagination or surprises as some of the other houses which made for a less frightful experience.
9. Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
Dueling Dragons was originally a roller coaster at the theme park; however, that ride has since been revamped into Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (a far better ride). The premise, as the title suggests, allowed riders to choose between to separate tracks representing two dueling dragons. The haunted house version of this concept similarly allowed visitors to choose a path through the haunted house. It’s a cool idea, but it doesn’t quite land.
8. Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings takes visitors into a terrifying world of sacrifice and… you guessed, blood. It may not be part of an established IP, but Bloodmoon does a solid job at crafting an eerie vibe and overall veil of impending doom. Sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday night, right? Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
7. Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
Chucky often doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Sure, everybody knows him and he’s got a successful series beginning its third season, but when stacked up against the elite slashers of cinema, Freddy, Jason and Michael tend to get all the credit. Well, that may change for anybody brave enough to go through his haunted house. Beware, there are knives, screams and deadly dolls galore.
6. Universal Monsters: Unmasked
I’m a sucker for the classic Universal monsters, so this haunted house was right up my alley. You’ll be sure to recognize these icons of horror (if you can spot them between your fingers as you cover your face in fright, that is), but surviving them is a different story entirely. Who’s your favorite movie monster?
5. YETI: Campground Kills
Yeti’s… are scary. Let’s just get that established right now. They aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of frightful fictional (or maybe real?) creatures, but once you see them in person and in action, that will change forever. Campground Kills takes visitors through the campground ruins of a deadly Yeti attack, but beware, there may be a yeti or two still in the area.
4. Stranger Things 4
Perhaps Netlix’s most iconic and popular franchise, Stranger Things comes to Universal Studios. There aren’t as many genuine frights in this house, but the level of detail and the experience of living out the story arc from the series’ fourth season is incredible. This is sure to be a favorite for fans of the show, while others may be slightly lost in the experience.
3. The Darkest Deal
What exactly is the darkest deal? Let’s find out, shall we? Be sure to make it to this haunted house on your visit and you’ll be in for a dreadful and frightening journey through the world of blues music and the consequences of selling your soul to the devil. Spoiler Alert… deals with the devil never go as planned.
2. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is one of the greatest video games ever created. Now, it’s also one of the best haunted houses that Halloween Horror Nights has to offer. Experience the same terror as Joel and Ellie as you navigate through the post-apocalyptic ruins pulled straight from the Sony classic. Dangerous survivors, clicker and maybe even the dreaded bloaters await you.
1. The Exorcist: Believer
The Exorcist: Believer is a direct sequel to the Best Picture nominated horror classic that releases October 6. While I haven’t yet seen the movie, if it’s half as scary as this haunted house, you’ll need a new pair of pants once you’re finished with it. Domonic possession is one of the scariest concepts from the world of horror and this house squeezes every ounce of fright that it can muster out of it. Good luck, and remember, the power of Christ compels you!
Follow us for more entertainment coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
