Halloween Horror Nights 33 Haunted Houses go beyond superficial frights

After opening the gates to throngs of fear-loving guests, this year’s annual haunting of Universal Studios Orlando is more than just blending original concepts with adaptations of well-known stories. The Halloween Horror Nights 33 Haunted Houses are filled with visually compelling scenes, Easter Eggs, and special elements that warrant more than one visit.

With three decades of frights, it can be difficult for the Halloween Horror Nights creative team to continue to top themselves. Even with Epic Universe set to be completed in 2025, the special annual events that everyone loves remain a priority.

In this year’s HHN event, the 10 haunted houses blended original properties with interpretations of established stories. From the highly anticipated hushed tones of A Quiet Place to the return of the campy Slaughter Sinema 2, there was a little bit of everything for everyone.

Here’s our breakdown of the Halloween Horror Nights 33 Haunted Houses.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire- Scare with a side of humor

Although not quite as humor-filled as the first Ghostbusters offering from a few years back, the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire haunted house captures the eerie quality of the latest chapter with the signature humor that people expect. As guests enter Ray’s Occult Books, they journey through the storyline, with a few twists along the way.

Of course, those little Stay Puft Marshmallow Men are all around, causing mischief wherever they go. But, there are more hidden gems, too. Be sure to keep looking for favorite characters from the original Ghostbusters movie.

Insidious: The Further– Definitely not for scaredy cats

The most intense, scary house of all is Insidious: The Further. While HHN regulars will appreciate the classic hanging banners that are a staple in this particular soundstage, there is nothing familiar with this house. Around every corner, there is something or someone watching and waiting. There are so many places where scare actors can “get” you there is no safety. Stepping through that gigantic Red Door is an act of bravery.

Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines: Female characters get their time to shine

While there have been female characters highlighted in Universal Monsters, this year’s haunted house is all about female power. By highlighting some of the other characters that do not often get a lot of discussion, the story is an epic battle for the ages. Although one character meets an untimely end, the journey for supremacy proves that the iconic Universal Monsters always deliver an epic experience.

A Quiet Place – Eerie and jarring

With the use of sign language, A Quiet Place was a highly anticipated haunted house. The immediate plunge into darkness is an intriguing way to jolt people’s senses. Even though the house is not completely silent, it compels people to cover their mouths. This storyline definitely delivers on its promise to impact people’s reactions.

Major Sweets Candy Factory – Yes, push the red button

While some people might have private school flashbacks seeing the kids in uniforms, Major Sweets Candy Factory has a fun interactive element. There is a red button in the maze which has an impact on other guests. For those who want to influence other guests’ experiences, make sure to hit the button. Sometimes the sweetest treat is the one that you give others.

Slaughter Sinema 2 – Potential foreshadowing to future HHN houses?

A sequel showing at the Carey Drive-In returns to bring a little B-Movie humor. Given the house’s length, it feels more like a triple feature experience. Each room has so many details that it can be hard to capture all the nuances. Although not overly intense, the scenes have good story telling potential. Some people might want an interactive bar of mummy strippers or want to see that shark take a bite out of another unsuspecting guest. Only time will tell if this Carey Drive-In showings get another run in the future.

Goblin’s Feast – Order up for intricate design

Probably the most visually compelling haunted house, the Goblins Feast deserves to be walked through multiple times. Each scene has so many well-conceived elements, it can be hard to take it all in. But, it is not the house to visit after having a snack. Those Goblins do not have the best table manners. Hearing order up might not make your stomach grumble for a while.

Overall, all the Halloween Horror Nights 33 Haunted Houses are well-done. Even if the Triplets of Terror are a little creepy as they age and the whistling in the Monstrous: The Monsters of Latin America is off putting, the reality is that this year’s event has plenty of frights that will leave their mark long after the fog fades.

Halloween Horror Nights 33 runs now through November 3 at Universal Studios Florida on select nights. Check with the theme park website for tickets, pricing, and availability.