Universal Orlando Resort has come back to build on last year’s success, with an amazing lineup, but do the scares follow through this season? The event features a cult horror franchise, terrifying original stories and houses never seen before from Universal, a beloved video game series turned TV show and, the public return of Jason Voorhees. Overall, it's been executed very well. This year, The Cloud is back with another ranking, but this time we asked YOU what you thought.
GRAVE OF FLESH | 2.5/5 GHOULS
Halloween Horror Nights has no shortage of original content this year. However, there’s a lack of a storyline in this house. When walking through, it’s scare after scare while walking through a concert light show and gets boring after the first few scares.
GALKN : MONSTERS OF THE NORTH | 4/5 GHOULS
At this Northern remote village, monsters roam freely, and it’s up to you to watch your paths. This is Universal’s self-proclaimed bloodiest house, and honestly, it seems to track. When looking back at their original houses, this is one that doesn’t disappoint.
EL ARTISTA : A SPANISH HAUNTING | 2/5 GHOULS
Another underwhelming original house from the mind of Universal. While this house is visually beautiful, and the attention to hispanic culture is impressive, the scares feel too spaced out for the effect they’re trying to accomplish.
DOLLS : LET’S PLAY DEAD | 3/5 GHOULS
Out of some cool ideas in recent years, Universal did their take on the Barbie comeback, with the destroyed toys side of it. “We all know, it’s a joke. Even in the Barbie movie, we know what kids do to their dolls and how they can be damaged. To see that come to life is very cool.” said algebra teacher Ms. Gann, who's been going to the event on and off since 2015. It could also be thanks to Toy Story, as it’s more than just the dolls coming to life here.
FALLOUT | 2/5 GHOULS
Fallout is one of the weakest houses this year. Truly a missed opportunity to not adapt the video game this time around. Even if you had watched the Amazon Prime series, it's still only loosely based on its counterpart. While scares fall short, the set design is cool to see in person. After all, when else would you see a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles?
HATCHET AND CHAINS : DEMON BOUNTY HUNTERS | 3/5 GHOULS
This is another unique concept from Universal. This is a fun house, in terms of where the scares are strategically placed. The story is also easy to follow as in this Old West; Hatchet and Chains are your protectors
JASON UNIVERSE | 5/5 GHOULS
After a lengthy legal battle over the rights of Jason Voorhees, the original creators join together, once again, to create a homage to one of the most iconic slashers in horror movie history. The last time that Jason appeared at the event was 10 years ago, with Freddy vs. Jason. This time at Camp Crystal Lake, Jason is everywhere. Some of the best scares of the year are in this house. Good Job Universal.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S | 3/5 GHOULS
At this point, Fan speculation has had this house on their maps for years. Only, this isn’t speculation, this is Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza in the flesh and it’s a childhood dream (or nightmare) come true. Freddy, Chica, Foxy, and Bonnie are all present in animatronic form and it’s very cool to see. However, this is not a scary house by any means. Like Fallout, the set design is cool, but the scares aren’t very effective. Although, most may not find it frightening, the fans surely appreciate the details.
TERRIFIER | 5/5 GHOULS
Some horror movies take time to catch on, as for Art the Clown it took 8 years to get his main film made. These movies are mostly known for their visual effects and the amount of blood and guts shed. When interviewing other HHN attendees, the comment that came up the most was how gorey and unfiltered the house was. Like SCHS Student John Carlos Rivera who said, "Disgusting gore from beginning to end, not even taking into account the smells.” He continued, “while the house doesn’t focus on story, it did a great job encapsulating the vibe and style of the films.” So, if you’re looking to get scared, “stop on by the Clown Cafe” and visit Art.
WWE : THE HORRORS OF THE WYATT SICKS | 4.5/5 GHOULS
Sometimes, when people pass away, the ideas they leave behind are followed through by their friends or family. It is a way to keep their memory alive, and that's no different for Bray Wyatt who passed in 2023. He was known for having a “creative mind” for his past wrestling characters before he landed on the Bray Wyatt persona. After his brief hiatus which lasted from August 2018 til April 2019, he reemerged onto the scene with The Firefly Fun House, which would later turn Bray into “The Fiend”, and introduce a cast of characters via puppets. He would get fired by WWE in 2021 but brought back in 2022. However, his stories weren't landing well with audiences, and to make things worse it was revealed that Wyatt had a terrible COVID-19 infection that “could threaten his life”. He later died due to a heart attack. After Wyatt’s passing, WWE continued his legacy through the use of the puppets coming to life through real wrestlers and creating the Wyatt Sicks, a continuation of what Bray Wyatt left behind. This house is a beautiful tribute to him and was tastefully done. R.I.P. Windham Rotunda
To close out this year’s review, some fans gave their advice for the first-time goers. A former SCHS Student named Jordan Ortiz says “I know you kids wanna do Five Nights because, Markiplier played this, but ya’ll werent there for peak Markiplier gaming, DO JASON FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.” another former SCHS student Dylan Donahue says, “You’re gonna get scared no matter what, but just try to have the most fun with it you can.” Ms. Gann said, “Look at houses, look at the map and, know the procedures of getting there, it will save you alot of time if you know where the houses are, and have an idea of which you're ok skipping.”
