Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights are known for striking fear into guests, but their latest haunted house announcement might just evoke squeals of delight instead of fright for “Ghostbusters” fans.
This year, both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will feature a new haunted house inspired by Sony Pictures’ “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”
While the house is themed around the franchise’s latest film, which hit theaters this spring, it will also include “iconic ghosts, creatures and characters from the beloved classic series in authentic haunted houses that capture the horror and humor for which the films are known,” Universal announced Thursday.
Here’s what fans can expect from the Ghostbusters house and the rest of Halloween Horror Nights 2024:
What happens in ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’?
“‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ will transport fans of the film franchise to New York City where the Spengler family teams up with the original Ghostbusters who are now at the helm of a top-secret research lab for their ghost-busting enterprise,” Universal revealed in a press release. “With the daunting discovery of an old relic that has set free the vengeful spirit of Garraka, who threatens to freeze everyone to death, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their city and save the world from a second Ice Age.”
Guests will be chilled to the bone dodging “ghastly creatures bent on cracking bones and turning their veins into rivers of ice” in settings like the Ghostbusters’ lab, Ray’s Occult Books shop and the New York City sewer system alongside the Ghostbusters. But it won’t all be scary. Universal says humor will be part of the experience, too.
What houses will be at Halloween Horror Nights 2024?
Universal Halloween Horror Nights typically features several intellectual property houses available at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood as well as multiple original concept houses and scare zones unique to each destination.
So far only two bi-coastal IP houses have been announced “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and “A Quiet Place.” Additional IP houses will be announced in the lead-up to the events in California and Florida.
Universal Orlando will host 10 houses and five scares zones this year. Original houses include:
◾ Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
Universal Studios Hollywood will have eight houses, four scare zones, and its popular Terror Tram. The original houses announced so far are:
◾ Monstruous 2: The Nightmares of Latin America
What are the dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2024?
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights will run across 48 nights beginning Aug. 30.
◾ Aug. 30-31
◾ Sept. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29
◾ Oct. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31
◾ Nov. 1-3
This year, the Florida resort is also hosting its first Premium Scream Night on Aug. 29. The limited-capacity event will offer early access, shorter wait times, select all you-care-to-enjoy foods and nonalcoholic drinks, a souvenir credential, and free self-parking.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s longest Halloween Horror Nights season yet will be held on 40 select nights starting Sept. 5.
◾ Sept. 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29
◾ Oct. 3-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-31
◾ Nov. 1-3
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How much is Universal Halloween Horror Nights?
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights tickets start at $82.99, up from last year’s starting price of $79.99. Tickets to Universal Orlando’s Premium Scream Night cost $350.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s HHN tickets start at $77, up from $74 last year.
Can you ride rides during Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes, a selection of rides are available at both parks during Halloween Horror Nights. However, not all daytime experiences are available.
