IT’S that time of year when theme parks go from shouts of joy to screams of terror – and none more so than Universal Studios, where its Halloween Horror Nights return for their 34th year.
I am a big Universal Studios fan — having been to Orlando, Florida three times this year alone, and racked up 12 visits in my lifetime.
But this is the first time I’ve felt brave enough to try the spooky events that take over the parks from the end of August until November 2.
To up the ante, I decide to swap the Sunshine State for Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here, in the daytime, you’ve got much-loved characters such as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and Glinda from Wicked roaming the park.
But as the sun sets and evening descends, to mark the reopening of the park for Halloween Horror Nights, these cute characters vanish.
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And in their place come killer clowns such as Art from the film Terrifier, and towering crows who plays tricks on innocent attendees.
The overall experience involves eight haunted houses, four scare zones, two live shows and one terror tram.
My one piece of advice? No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you.
The creative teams excel at putting you front and centre of some of the biggest movies and shows, including Terrifier, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Fallout, Friday The 13th, WWE: The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist — and their own creations, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts Of Latin America, and Scarecrow with music by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The Poltergeist house returns as a fan favourite, which first appeared in 2018.
Only this time, as you walk through a room that resembles the inside of a brain, your senses become overwhelmed by a strong musky smell.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever before and, despite having become slightly desensitised to the frights, I don’t think it’s possible to ever become accustomed to a demonic scarecrow running at you.
Just when I thought it was safe, numerous versions of serial killer Jason Voorhees (from Friday The 13th) leapt out to grab me as I headed for the safety of the exit.
It might not sound like fun, but trust me when I say the laughs come later as you recall your hilarious reactions and those of your pals.
When you’re not being tortured in the haunted houses, you can venture through various scare zones located around the park.
My best tip for those who are most fearful is to act confident, as the actors prey on the weak. If you clock them coming towards you, they will most likely choose another target.
For Horror Nights, The Studio Tour has been overtaken by the Terror Tram, which transports guests to the middle of the sound stages where they’ll be faced with the villains of Blumhouse movies including The Exorcist, The Purge, Happy Death Day, M3GAN and more.
This was a highlight of the event for me, as I felt all-consumed by the smoke, lights, music and actors jumping out from behind hidden doors.
After all that horror, you’ll have deserved a well-earned break.
There are plenty of themed drinks and food options to calm your nerves, whether it’s a Jason mask s’more, Art sunflower cookie sunglasses, or Fallout’s RadAway non-alcoholic concoction that’s served in a blood bag.
If the scares become too much, there’s plenty else to keep visitors busy in LA at this time of year.
Golden era of film
Take a hike with Bikes and Hikes up to the Hollywood sign and hear the tales of the area while you climb.
Or you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre, and stop for a spot of lunch or dinner at the Shirley Brasserie situated inside the Roosevelt Hotel.
Just down the road from here is the Hollywood Museum, which is filled with thousands of costumes, props and sets from the golden era of film.
If you want to see some of the movie magic, then take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
This is a brilliant journey around popular TV show and film sets, from Friends to Gilmore Girls, and you can get close to costumes and props from the likes of Harry Potter and Batman.
Keep your ears tuned in wherever you go though. If you listen hard you may still hear the distant screams from Universal Studios.
GO: Universal Studios
GETTING THERE: Norse Atlantic flies from Gatwick to Los Angeles from around £390 return. See flynorse.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel cost from £134 per night. See marriott.com.
TICKETS: Buy a one-day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free.
Prices start from £82 per adult and £78 per child based on autumn/winter 2025 arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week.
Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood cost from £62pp with one- night admission. See attractiontickets.com.
MORE INFORMATION: For more on Los Angeles, visit discoverlosangeles.com.