This year’s Universal Halloween Horror Nights is one for the books—they’ve truly outdone themselves. It feels like one of their best years yet, and it’s clear they set themselves up for success by using top-tier intellectual properties for the mazes. It’s a testament to the incredible work of John Murdy and his entire team—from the builders and designers to the managers, makeup artists, wardrobe crew, performers, and every staff member who makes the event possible.

One thing that stood out even more this year was the exceptional customer service. From ticketing to staff on the ground, it was some of the best I’ve seen in all my years of attending Halloween Horror Nights.

My Pro Tips for HHN

If you’re heading to HHN, here are my top tips:

Early Admission: This is a game-changer. It lets you hit those mazes as soon as possible, and trust me—there’s a lot to see. Front of the Line: If early admission isn’t an option, seriously consider this pass. RIP Experience: For the ultimate night, nothing beats this VIP treatment. I know it’s not financially feasible for everyone, but if you can swing it, I recommend trying it at least once in your life. And honestly? This might be the year to do it.

The Mazes: My Takeaways

Poltergeist: A classic done right. The moment you walk in and see Carol Anne in front of the TV is pure perfection. It sets the tone instantly and pulls you into the world of one of the greatest supernatural films of all time.

Jason Un1v3rse: An absolute highlight. This maze was a deep dive into Jason Voorhees’ legacy, packed with nostalgia and iconic scenes from the Friday the 13th films. The scares were clever and effective, with killer moments like decapitations and a creative bow-and-arrow gag. I loved the modern “livestream twist” woven into the experience—it was such a smart way to blend today’s tech with classic horror. Facing different versions of Jason, from his younger self to the iconic hockey mask, was phenomenal.

Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF): I’m a big fan of the movie. Walking through the pizzeria with all the animatronic characters around me was awesome. Not the scariest maze of the night, but one of the most fun—I was smiling so hard my face hurt.

Terrifier: Terrifying, disgusting, bloody, and such a blast. Art the Clown was perfectly brought to life—creepy in all the right ways.

Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America: For me, this was the creepiest maze of the year. It captured those old childhood stories that haunt you into adulthood. The imagery was chilling—especially the massive La Llorona devouring a girl in bed. That scene never fails to get me.

WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks: I wasn’t sure what to expect here since I haven’t followed WWE since college, but wow—what a surprise. This maze was terrifying, theatrical, and full of unexpected scares.

Scarecrow: Music by SLASH: A fun, high-energy maze elevated by SLASH’s music. The score gave it a pulse that kept me engaged the whole way through.

Fallout: As a big fan of the Prime Video series, I was thrilled. It felt exactly like stepping into that post-apocalyptic wasteland. Total immersion.

Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse: The Terror Tram will always hold a special place in my heart since I worked down there years ago as a scareactor. Coming back as a guest never gets old. It’s a unique part of HHN, and this year’s Blumhouse takeover was a blast.

The Scare Zones: My Favorite Moments

Chainsaw Clownz: Pure chaos, pure fun. Watching clowns chase people with chainsaws is always a crowd-pleaser.

Carnival of Carnage: A brand-new addition and well done—colorful, loud, and creepy.

Murder of Crowz: A returning favorite that still delivers. The giant stilt-walking crows are as terrifying as ever. Honestly, a massive crow swooping in to peck your eyes out? Nightmare fuel in the best way.

Noche de Brujas: Atmospheric and eerie, with gorgeous set pieces that really brought the witchy vibe to life.

The Shows: Beyond Impressive

The Purge: Dangerous Waters: Easily one of the best stunt shows I’ve seen. I already love the Waterworld show during the day, but this Purge overlay was next-level. The fire, the stunts, the live burns—unreal. By the finale, I found myself leaning forward, whispering, “Just fall, just fall, you’ve burned long enough…” That’s how intense it was.

Final Thoughts

What an incredible night at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025. From nostalgic classics to creative new mazes, terrifying scare zones, and jaw-dropping shows, it truly delivered on every front. There’s even unique food options themed to the mazes and new event merch.

A huge thank-you to Universal Studios Theme Park and 42West for having me out as a media guest—it was an unforgettable experience.