Halloween isn’t just a time for pumpkins, candy, and costumes. It’s a time for haunted houses and scares. Perhaps nobody does this better than Universal Studios, who have been frightening guests for 26 years. And they are still going strong, making it one of the most successful theme park haunts in all of the world.
Numerous other theme parks do scary Halloween inspired events. Some examples are Haunt at Cedar Fair, Fright Fest at Six Flags, and Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens, but none seem to capture the intensity and thrill of Universal, who, unlike the competition,can use established properties in their parks. This gives guests a chance to get up close and personal with popular horror characters.
This year alone, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood have ramped up their use of iconic horror icons. The two parks have houses and scare zones set to movies and shows like The Purge, Halloween, Freddy vs. Jason, Krampus, American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, The Exorcist, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
But it’s not just the well-known characters, mazes, and scare zones that bring people into the parks.There’s also a collection of original themes and new faces of horror that keep things fresh.
Universal Orlando does a great job at developing original characters and designs. This year they’ve introduced Chance, a Harley Quinn esque character, as their Halloween Horror Nights icon. Previous years have seen Jack the Clown, The Caretaker, really and Bloody Mary take center stage. As with their well-known franchises, Universal sets up elaborately themed houses and scare zones for the parks original properties
There isn’t any other theme park that does Halloween quite like Universal. Of course they are given a boost by their licensed properties, but it’s the elaborate mazes, scare zones, and overall creepy atmosphere that truly make it the best Halloween experience in the entire world.
This isn’t your typical Disney affair. Universal Studios is downright terrifying. If you love a good scare, don’t hesitate to stop by any Universal Studios park for their Halloween Horror Nights event.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on Twitter @dgentleman9288