Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights In Review: A Dream/Nightmare Come True For Scary Movie Fans

Five territorial scare zones range from warped holiday signatures to slasher mainstays, as actors patrol invisible boundaries with intent to thrill. My favorite has to be Killer Klowns From Outer Space, as holographic displays cover brick-and-mortar storefronts with big-top colorization and darkened carnival impressions. Costumed "Klowns" skulk around with their weaponry in-hand, attention to detail absolutely paramount in delivering what lovers of the Chiodo brothers' cult midnighter will go ga-ga over. Did I snap a picture next to dangling cotton candy cocoons? Of course. Exclusive to the Universal's Orlando location, walking the Killer Klowns popcorn-and-polka-dots beat is reason enough for a Horror Nights visit.

"My hope is that the [Killer Klowns] scare zone is a huge hit. If it does rate very well and people love 'em, maybe in future years I can translate that into a haunted maze experience." Seconded, Mr. Aiello. You've got my 5-star rating already.

Elsewhere, scarecrows and barnyard freaks with smashed jack-o-lantern faces evoke October decor as only Halloween's nastiest minds can reanimate. "The Harvest" itself is a bit simple, but "Twisted Tradition" brings aesthetic thunder by placing carved pumpkins in treetops as visitors saunter nervously below. It feels like you've been transported into A Nightmare Before Christmas, so wonderfully macabre but still scenic enough to please more than punish those who might not seek constant torture. As a horror fan, these pathways feel like home. Flickering candles, scythe-wielding monsters and all.

This brings us to "Revenge Of Chucky," which was described as a "sequel" to Universal's direct-to-VOD Cult Of Chucky. Per development heads, Chucky crashes a Play Pals 30th anniversary celebration and recruits whichever branded toys he can into his cult of serial killer personality. You'll stroll by displays covered in dead bodies as Play Pals workers find themselves slain in worse and more grotesque ways (Barrel Of Monkeys becomes Monkey Mayhem, for example), and as alluded to before, Chucky himself roasts anyone brave enough to catch a minute or two of his "show." These are the creative liberties that make Halloween Horror Nights so special, as Universal doesn't just copycat existing Child's Play scenes – they go above and beyond to please fans with something new, connected, and exciting. Hell, you've got a premise for one badass Child's Play continuation right here! Although I would have loved some Chuckys wandering the zone, but alas – at least on opening night – such was not available.

Lastly, there's "Vamp '85: New Year's Eve" – complete with a massive stage where New York City's bulb-covered ball drops. Expect hair metal, leatherbound vampires, 80s hairdos – yeah, this place rules. It's like being stuck in a John Hughes movie except with more neck chomping and the event's band has been dismembered. When you're not running through mazes trying to act tougher than you really are, hang out here. As Ratt blasted from stage amps and fog rolled over sidewalks, part of me wanted to sneak away from my group to chill with vampiric parties for another 30 minutes. I promise you'll want to do the same.

Hawkins, Indiana plays host to Universal's most sought-after maze of Halloween Horror Nights (if opening queues were any indication). Netflix's Stranger Things invasion specifically recreates Season 1 as quarantine-suited agents attempt to defeat the Demogorgon hot on your tail. Some two-way mirror effects play with portals into the Demogorgon's homeworld, and you'll encounter numerous characters from a frantic Joyce Byers to her son's inquisitive clan of misfits. Production spares no Hawkins-specific detail but is more in the business of (fine and dandy) fan-servicing than hoot-and-holler haunted thrills. This said, Stranger Things lovers won't find a lick of disappointment here. Just pray Eleven can keep that snarly Demogorgon (killer design) distracted long enough to race your way through.

In "Seeds Of Extinction," an asteroid crash lands and turns Small Town, USA into a root-ensnared, vine-covered apocalypse (a bit Creepshow "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill"). Scare actors dressed in fungi mutations and Little Shop Of Horrors imagery emerge from heavily-greened architecture covered floor-to-ceiling in plant life. What's best and most true about "Seeds Of Extinction" is – more than any other maze – you won't notice upcoming jumps until it's too late. Living Venus fly traps hide in thickets of leaves; a hazy mist moisturizes while the sound of outrageous growth sloppily slithers. As a Universal original, imagination soars in "Seeds Of Extinction." Who knew foliage could be so frightful?

It's no surprise that Universal teamed with Blumhouse once again for a double-edged maze in Orlando spotlighting Happy Death Day and The First Purge. First, you'll pass through dorm rooms while a babyfaced killer stalks your every move. As is the nature of Happy Death Day, this can become a little repetitive (pushing clothes hangers aside as the murderer jumps for the Xth time), but then you reach a chain-link-fenced hallway lit by televisions buzzing snowy static. Sirens blare and you've entered America's very first Purge night, as scare actors modeled after "Skeletor" pop from around corners with the most disturbing smile and laughter. It's a short burst, but The First Purge stretch of Blumhouse's maze stands as one of my favorite moments where you become lost inside a cinematic reality. 

"Slaughter Cinema" is my jam, people. Werewolf bikers, Critters remakes, drive-in cheesiness. This maze is a love-letter to grindhouse that first-and-foremost honors absurdity. Each fictional segment comes complete with its own ridiculous poster as a means of ensuring you know exactly what this maze's intent is about. Soak in that unshakable party feeling. "Slaughter Cinema" isn't going to aggressively frighten anyone – even with dynamite practical work for Midnight Snack 2 – but that's more than fine. You'll have a magnificent blast laughing through each increasingly insane amalgamation of genre hilarity (bikini-wearin' aliens or slasher haircutters), still slathered in copious amounts of practical blood and dangling pumpkin guts.

While this isn't exactly my favorite of the bunch, there's a lot of fairy tale corruption to marvel in "Scary Tales". Humpty Dumpty's not getting put back together, and Little Miss Muffet's spider friend ain't so small this time around (don't worry, I'm an arachnophobe-lite and there's nothing paralyzing). It's never better than a gigantic castle facade entryway where the maze's Wicked Witch – connected to wire and harness – jumps over her audience while cackling wildly. Expect fewer jolts in this maze and a more fucked-up-art-gallery appreciation (Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters it's not). If you aren't sold on the description or don't giggle with joy over malformed childhood story characters, this is probably one maze you can skip given general ticket admission waits/lines.

"There is a large element of fun this year as you walk the streets, and I think – from a content standpoint – this is the most diverse slate we've ever had." As Aiello was sure to assure, 2018's Halloween Horror Nights is all about major dosages of F-U-N. You'll shriek, your knees will buckle, scare actors will do their jobs (well), but this year is all about partying until you're six feet under. Universal's team has stacked up a noteworthy roster of haunted treats and knocks almost every single one out of the park (nothing truly disappoints where horror fans will be concerned). Original IP's burst with standalone appeal, but you're here for the crowd-pleasing titles. Showrunners know this. In that regard, my are there plenty of sights worth showing you.

Now please excuse me, because I've got to sneak past security and find a way to live in the Trick 'R Treat maze until October ends. Leave the front door open, Sam!