Summer time is over and that means it’s spooky season once again. Here in Central Florida all the haunting events have started and my favorite is Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

This year the even has 10 new houses to explore, and 5 scare zones, plus the fan favorite Tribute Store with some new collectible medallions that we will get to in a little bit. For now let’s step into the fog and see what’s happening this year.

Dr. Oddfellow is the official Icon of this years event. He has quite the backstory that spans decades, and at one point was even a circus entrepreneur and the boss of Jack Schmidt better known as Jack the Clown. I could go on for pages about the entire story, but if you are a HHN fan definitely check out either the Official Universal Podcast or even just the HHN Wiki for all the juicy details of this amazing character.

Each of the five scare zones this year all revolve around different points in Dr. Oddfellow’s past. The Jungle of Doom is fun, but my favorite has to be the Vamp’69 Summer of Blood that is designed like a music festival infested with vampires. With the groovy music, and amazing scare actors this is really a fantastic place to explore.

One of the houses this year is themed for The Last of Us video game (not the HBO series) and this even leaked into another part of the event where there is a Fedra quarantine area. Mostly used for a few special foot stands, this area is themed incredibly well even if you just want to walk through it.

Speaking of food, there is always quite a few unique offerings available during each Horror Nights event. Some sounded pretty good and I may try them during future visits, however there was one I couldn’t pass up on my first trip and that was the Bloody Campground Poutine. Crispy fries topped with Asian-inspired gravy, char-sui roasted pork, cheese curds, scallions and crispy chilis.

It took some doing but I was eventually able to experience all 10 of the haunted houses at the event. I won’t give any spoilers away about details within the houses, but I do always get asked what my favorite houses were so here are my top 3 for HHN 2023.

#3 Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings

#2 Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins

#1 The Darkest Deal
Blues musician Pinestraw Spruce will have to face the music after meeting with The Collector and trading his soul for musical glory. You and your squad learn the terrible price of fame.

It’s starting to get late so it’s about time to head over to the New York area and head into this year’s Tribute Store.

Inside the theme is of a comic book store. There is a story that you can read along each of the walls, and into the various rooms. It can be hard to focus with all the amazing decorations and of course the endless merchandise.

There is even a room designed to look like you are in an old film noir style comic strip. There are projections on the walls and floor making it appear like it’s raining and is such a cool effect.

After you shopping, past the check out area but before you head back out into the park the last little area is where you will find the medallion machine. This is basically the same location it has been the last few years since it’s been available. Thankfully we do have new designs for this even, including the reverse image of the 2023 HHN Logo.

The main designs of each coin include two Stranger Things 4 images of the Hellfire Club logo, and Vecna. Plus one of your favorite Good Buy Doll Chucky, and the HHN favorite Lil’ Boo pumpkin.

This has been another fantastic HHN and I look forward to revisiting some of the houses and scare zones again as the event continues over the next few weeks. The medallion machine always seems to be quite popular so be sure to get your set as soon as you can. On a quick side note the HHN Tribute Store is open during regular Theme Park hours so you can get your set even if you prefer to avoid the scary stuff. Have a happy haunting season and as always Keep on Collecting!

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