Universal Studios has a long and honorable tradition of classic horror films and monster movies, so it is no surprise that when October rolls around, they look to film franchises to inspire attractions for their annual Halloween Horror Nights (which takes place at both the Hollywood and the Florida locations). Since the Hollywood version was resurrected in 2006, Jason, Freddy, and Leatherface have haunted the lot on two occasions (2007 & 2008); Michael Myers, Jigsaw, and the guy from MY BLOODY VALENTINE took over last year. The question is: Are there enough popular horror franchise to offer something new each year? Apparently not: 2010 sees the return of Jason, Freddy, and Jigsaw, each of whom will haunt his own walk-through maze. There will also be something called “Vampyre: Castle of the Undead” situated in the theme park’s year-round “House of Horrors” attraction. Plus, Rob Zombie is contributing a maze based on his film HOUSE OF A 1000 CORPSES.
Sadly, Universal’s own classic monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, etc) are not being given the spotlight, although many of them do show up in the House of Horrors, and there are year-round rides inspired by Universal movies: JURASSIC PARK, REVENGE OF THE MUMMY, and KING KONG 360 3-D. You can also take a walk through the back lot, where Norman Bates can usually be found outside the PSYCHO house from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic; Chucky the Killer doll is also expected to be on view there.
Dates are September 24-25, October 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 21-24, 28-31. This is a separate event that takes place every evening, after the Universal Studios theme park closes for regular business.
Tickets are $59 at the front gate. Advance online orders can save you from $5 to $25, depending on which night you attend (earlier in the season is cheaper). Of course, there are also more expensive Front of the Line Passes ($69).
Title: Halloween Horror Nights
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
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