Scaredy cats guide to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

Right off the bat, let me say my Halloween Horror Nights experience wasn’t nearly as horrifying as I expected – and, yes, I realize haunted houses change from year to year, so that may not always be the case. Nevertheless, I discovered a few strategies that definitely dialed down the “fear factor” for me, so I hope they’ll encourage even the scaredy-est of cats to try the event at least once (even if just to say you did).

This year for the first time, Universal Studios Orlando is offering a “Deathly Afraid” necklace that signals to scare zones performers that you’d prefer not to be approached; however, you’re still fair game inside the haunted houses.

Also, keep in mind Universal does not recommend the event for kids under 13.

Okay, scaredy cats, here we go:

Never Go Alone

There’s a reason this is the event’s tagline, and while you’ll definitely make friends with strangers very quickly if you do decide to go solo, a few of my tips and tricks depend on contact and/or cooperation with your maze mates, so friends and family are obviously preferred.

Timing is Everything

Many of the scares in the haunted houses are of the jump variety, but the good news is, they’re timed, so if you look ahead, you can see (and hear) them coming. At least most of the time. Also, the “scareactors” usually step out from behind a corner or pop out of a “boo hole,” so you’ll quickly learn to look for their hiding places.

After spotting impending jump scares, my strategy is threefold:

1. Bob and Weave – if the scare is coming soon, scurry past and let the scareactor “get” the person behind you; if it’s far enough ahead, linger until they get the person before you.
2. Avert Your Eyes – This is pretty straightforward: If the scare is on the left, look right; If it’s on the right, look left. Will you miss some of the cool costumes and masks? Yes. Did I care? Definitely not!
3. Mirrors Are Not Your Friend – You think it’s a mirror until you realize someone (or something) is lurking behind the glass, so resist the urge to check your hair. Same for windows and paintings. (See #2).

I also heavily rely on those in front of me to tell me what’s coming and pay it forward (or backward, as the case may be) by similarly alerting those who follow me.

Oh, and one last thing: Just because you see the exit, it doesn’t mean the jump scares are over.

Misery loves company

Even the bravest souls admit they will get scared if the house is haunted enough, so there’s no shame in clutching your neighbors for dear life (though this is where the “Never Go Alone” thing is helpful).

Since everyone “conga lines” through the mazes single file anyway, it’s very easy to hold onto someone’s hand, arm, shoulder, backpack, or anything else. And, after all, the monsters can’t get both of you, right?

Scare zones can be managed

Scare zones are certainly less predictable than houses because the haunts are “free-range,” but there’s also room to dodge them. Scare seekers will 100% linger to interact with the scareactors, so I quickly discovered if I walk with purpose, I’m (usually) able to make it through with minimal interaction. Another plus is that these scares are out in the open, so you can (usually) see them coming.

While avoiding every scare zone is impossible, you can minimize the number you pass through (and choose the smallest and/or least scary to navigate). But If you really don’t want to get approached in a scare zone, avoid Central Park (this year, The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane) because that darkened tree-lined path is narrow and scareactors come from all sides.

Take breaks

Scare lovers will power through as many haunted houses as wait times allow, but you don’t have to, and thankfully, the two shows are 100% scare-free safe spaces.

The full-scale Las Vegas-style Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay features spectacular dancing, aerialists, and lots and lots (and lots) of fire.

The Halloween Horror Nights lagoon show, Haunt-O-Phonic, features fountains, water scrims, projections, music, and lasers.

Keep in mind the once scare-free Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is taken over by Death Eaters during Halloween Horror Nights so proceed with caution. Diagon Alley closes at midnight.