by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:06 PM ET, Thu September 13, 2018
Whether travelers are visiting the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando or Hollywood, the 2018 edition of Halloween Horror Nights is shaping up to be the best in history.
Opening Friday and running 34 select nights through November 3, Halloween Horror Nights has gained a reputation as the premiere October event, earning Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Halloween Event each of the last 10 years.
Officials from Universal parks on both coasts are advising travelers to buy their tickets ahead of time to avoid sellouts, which have become common due to the event's popularity. Prices start at $62.99 per person, plus tax.
Due to the intensity of Halloween Horror Nights, the haunted houses and mazes are not recommended for children under the age of 13 years old.
For travelers heading to Orlando to experience the Halloween extravaganza, the 2018 edition will feature 10 haunted houses, the most in the 28-year history of the event.
The houses will be based on Netflix's Stranger Things; Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers; Poltergeist; Trick 'r Treat; The Horrors of Blumhouse; Carnival Graveyard: Rust in Pieces; Dead Exposure: Patient Zero; Scary Tales: Deadly Ever After; Seeds of Extinction; and Slaughter Sinema.
As for Orlando's sinister scare zones, Universal is going retro with areas based on Revenge of Chucky; Killer Klowns from Outer Space; The Harvest; Twisted Tradition; and Vamp '85: New Year's Bash.
Add in the return of performances by the Academy of Villains, who mix dance, acrobatics and theatrics, and the Orlando version of Halloween Horror Nights can't be missed.
On the other hand, Universal Hollywood is dominating the West Coast with its version of the Halloween tradition, featuring horror-inspired mazes, zombie-themed attractions and a tram ride from hell.
There will be seven mazes this year highlighting the California event, including Stranger Things; Trick 'r Treat; The First Purge; Poltergeist; Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers; The Horrors of Blumhouse: Chapter 2; and Universal Monsters.
In addition to Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Hollywood also boasts The Walking Dead attraction that forces guests to survive in a world overrun by walkers and the Terror Tram featuring the infamous phantom clown Hollywood Harry.
Regardless of which location travelers choose, Universal's 2018 edition of Halloween Horror Nights will feature the frights that keep them coming back.
It's never been more fun to be afraid.
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