Universal Studios will dial up the dread this fall with two brand-new haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights on both coasts. Starting August 29 in Orlando and September 4 in Hollywood, guests will confront the animatronic horrors of Five Nights at Freddy's and plunge into WWE's twisted realm, The Wyatt Sicks. The after-hours frights run on select nights through November 2, 2025, and tickets are already on Sale. Expect full-scale film-quality sets, roaming scare actors, and premium upgrades for those who want to scream early or often.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Universal keeps Halloween Horror Nights fresh, a major driver of late-season theme-park travel.
- Bi-coastal launch dates: Aug 29 (Orlando) and Sept 4 (Hollywood).
- Freddy's house recreates the 2023 hit film with Jim Henson's animatronics.
- The Wyatt Sicks house honors Bray Wyatt's legacy under leader Uncle Howdy.
- Both events run select nights to Nov 2, with Express Pass and R.I.P. Tour upgrades.
Snapshot
Universal Orlando will stage 48 event nights and Hollywood nearly 40, each featuring ten haunted houses, themed scare zones, and live shows. The new Freddy's maze guides visitors through dim corridors of Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria, where Bonnie, Chica, Foxy, and Freddy lurk behind every turn. Over at The Wyatt Sicks, guests step "through the lantern" to five grisly domains ruled by Uncle Howdy, Ramblin Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch, and Huskus the Pig, while The Fiend prowls the shadows. Premium tickets include early house entry, guided R.I.P. Tours, and multi-night Fear Passes.
Background
Since 1991, Halloween Horror Nights has grown from a three-night experiment in Florida to a marquee fall staple on both coasts, drawing hardcore horror fans and casual travelers alike. Universal's partnership model leverages top intellectual properties-past houses featured Stranger Things and The Last of Us-to boost attendance and merchandise sales. Five Nights at Freddy's, Blumhouse's highest-grossing film, and WWE's fast-rising Wyatt Sicks faction both bring passionate fan bases. Universal's creative team collaborates with outside talent-Jim Henson's Creature Shop for animatronics and WWE for character authenticity-to deliver cinematic detail within tight build schedules.
Latest Developments
Ticket Options and Key Dates
Single-night admission starts around $85 (plus tax) in Orlando and $79 in Hollywood, with Dynamic Pricing by date. Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear passes unlock dozens of entries for dedicated scare-seekers. Premium Scream Night on August 28 gives Orlando guests first access with capped attendance, while Hollywood's Early Access Ticket offers 5:30 p.m. house entry. Universal Express, R.I.P. Tours, and Behind the Screams daytime tours remain the quickest ways to dodge lengthy queues and peek behind the latex.
Big-Name Collaboration Boosts Hype
Blumhouse's success with Freddy's and WWE's storytelling muscle promise crossover buzz beyond traditional horror fans. Universal confirms Jim Henson's Creature Shop reproduced film-quality animatronics for Freddy's, ensuring life-size jump scares. WWE lent creative oversight to keep Uncle Howdy and company canon-accurate, turning the house into a living tribute to the late Bray Wyatt. Limited-edition merch-from snapback hats to puzzle-piece posters-drops online and in-park, adding urgency for collectors who time visits around early release windows.
Analysis
The dual-property reveal underscores Universal's strategy of pairing mainstream horror titles with fandom-driven niches. Five Nights at Freddy's skews younger, tapping gamers and Gen Z moviegoers who crave Instagram-ready thrills. The Wyatt Sicks targets WWE's multigenerational audience while honoring Bray Wyatt, a move likely to spark emotional engagement and media coverage beyond traditional theme-park channels. Running both houses in Orlando and Hollywood maximizes set-design ROI and enables cross-coast marketing symmetry. For travelers, staggered debut dates entice repeat visitation-hard-core fans can chase opening night on one coast and still catch the first screams on the other. Capacity management via premium upsells reflects Universal's broader revenue-diversification push, converting limited event nights into high-margin experiences. Expect robust demand over holiday weekends and school breaks, particularly around Friday the 13th in October. Travelers should book accommodations early, bundle tickets with Express options, and monitor weather forecasts, as late-season storms can spike wait times.
Final Thoughts
Universal's 2025 slate shows no sign of fatigue-the addition of Freddy's and The Wyatt Sicks raises the creative bar while broadening appeal. Whether you favor animatronic jump scares or WWE-flavored mind games, this year's lineup makes a strong case to schedule an autumn getaway around Halloween Horror Nights.