The summer heat lingered in the air, but inside the Universal Orlando theme park’s Sapphire Falls Resort, a chilling sensation crept down my spine. Despite it being late August, the atmosphere exuded pure Gothic terror as I attended the kickoff event for Halloween Horror Nights 2025.
During the day, I immersed myself in the various attractions of Universal’s parks, including Epic Universe, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. By night, I ventured into the 10 haunted houses at the 34th annual HHN event, experiencing spine-tingling thrills like the blood-soaked Terrifier, the intense Jason Universe, and the eerie WWE’s Wyatt Sicks.
Beginning at Epic Universe, I was transported to a world of Halloween energy, encountering haunting villages, shadowy figures, and iconic scary characters. From facing Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment to riding the Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster and witnessing The Burning Blade Tavern ablaze, the adventure was exhilarating.
The journey continued through various themed experiences, such as Harry Potter’s Battle at the Ministry ride, the vibrant Super Nintendo World, and the captivating How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, offering a diverse range of immersive encounters.
At Islands of Adventure, I braved the VelociCoaster, soared on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and relished the magical ambiance of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. A break at Volcano Bay provided a serene interlude amidst the adrenaline-fueled activities.
However, the highlight of my visit was the spine-chilling Halloween Horror Nights, where I navigated through 10 terrifying houses, each more intense than the last. From the unsettling Jason Universe to the grotesque Terrifier and the theatrics of WWE’s Wyatt Sicks, the experience was both thrilling and unsettling.
Between the haunted houses, the scare zones on the boardwalk added to the eerie atmosphere, with zombies and gargoyles lurking in the shadows. As I returned to the hotel, drained yet exhilarated, I realized the duality of Universal – a place of daytime adventures and nighttime horrors.
With Epic Universe unveiling its wonders and Halloween Horror Nights at its most bloodcurdling, I felt like I had explored every facet of the park’s essence. Despite the intense experiences, I found myself eagerly looking forward to reliving the thrill, perhaps with a stronger stomach for the macabre encounters next time.
Experience seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Atlantic Holidays starting from £1249 per person, inclusive of flights from London Heathrow to Orlando, accommodation at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Single Night tickets for Halloween Horror Nights. Book now at https://www.virginholidays.co.uk/ or call 0344 557 3859 for an unforgettable adventure.
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