Halloween Horrors for Adults and Teens: Universal Studios Orlando

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando is the frighteningly best horror fest we’ve ever attended. If the little kid in you loves the scary holiday but you feel awkward dressing up and going door-to-door, then indulge in the 25^th Spooktacular at Universal Studios Orlando. Take along your friends and your teenagers. The pretend terror will give even the most blasé of teens a fright.

The nocturnal festivities have become the preeminent place to cringe. On Halloween Horror Nights, the park is transformed in the evening. This is no mild gathering of people in store-bought costumes with welcoming smiles. Universal Studios Orlando uses its highly skilled creators, make-up artists and technicians to deliver creepy critters and well-timed surprises. Because the after-dark chills pack a wallop, Universal Studios Orlando recommends that children be at least 13 years old.

Frightfully freaky “scare-actors” roam five transformed areas of the park. Try to avoid the mad inmates that escaped from Shadybrook Asylum; face evil fairies and crazed scarecrows in Central Park; and walk through the “die-in” theater where murdered guests roam again. You never know whom you’ll meet. A gnarled and evil witch might pop up behind you, a ghost trailing ersatz blood could bump into you and a cyclops might ask for a cigarette.

These terrors set the tone. The highlights: nine hauntingly clever houses with ghoulish horrors. The props look convincing, the timing is effective, and the “scare-actors” energetically horrifying. Themes include walking with The Walking Dead; surviving even more nightmares on Elm Street as Freddy versus Jason; and making it through a maze populated with the most manic monsters of the past 25 years. You will scream yourself hoarse.

Laugh and scream at two shows. “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure,” a live stage show mixes tricks with the treat of comic relief; and “The Carnage Returns,” led by popular Jack the Clown and his fearsome army.

Purchase tickets in advance for these terrifying nights. Day passes won’t get you into the haunts. However, you can upgrade your regular ticket to pass that gives you access to the night frights. With a Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass you skip the regular lines for quick admittance to the haunted houses and attractions.

Universal Studios Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights continues Oct. 15 through Oct. 18; Oct. 21 through Oct. 25 and Oct. 28 through Nov.1.