Inside Halloween Horror Nights 35 with Universal Orlando’s Lora Sauls

Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for one of its biggest Halloween Horror Nights events yet, with the return of two of its most iconic characters, a new haunted house based on Evil Dead Burn and a host of new attractions across its global portfolio.

Speaking in Dublin ahead of the launch of Halloween Horror Nights 35, Lora Sauls, Assistant Director of Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort, alongside senior executives Kevin Gibson and Alison Solo-Geistoa, outlined what Irish travellers and the travel trade can expect from the milestone event.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, Halloween Horror Nights will bring together fan favourites Jack the Clown and Dr Oddfellow in an all-new storyline centred around the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares”.

“Universal Orlando loves to do big things on anniversaries,” said Sauls. “Jack the Clown and Dr Oddfellow are two of the biggest icons in our history and they’re returning to create an all-new carnival. It’s not a buddy story. They’re more powerful together because what they both want is your fear.”

The anniversary theme has been cleverly woven into the event itself, with the initials of Infernal Carnival of Nightmares spelling out “ICON”, a nod to the many legendary characters that have featured throughout Halloween Horror Nights’ history.

Stranger Things returns for its final chapter

Among this year’s biggest draws is a haunted house based on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, continuing Universal’s long-standing partnership with Netflix.

According to Sauls, the house will feature many of the franchise’s most memorable villains, including Demogorgons, Demo Dogs and Vecna, alongside large-scale animatronics and immersive show moments.

“We knew we had to complete the story with our Netflix partners,” she said. “You’re going to see every big bad from the entire series as you follow the party of kids through their final battle.”

Universal is also celebrating 10 years of Stranger Things with the first-ever lagoon show dedicated entirely to a single intellectual property. Featuring water screens, projection mapping and the series’ iconic soundtrack, the production promises to be one of the event’s standout experiences.

“It’s the perfect way to celebrate 10 years and five incredible seasons,” said Sauls.

Evil Dead and Sinners Join the Line-Up

Universal has also confirmed that Evil Dead Burn, the latest instalment in New Line Cinema’s long-running horror franchise, will join this year’s line-up at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Inspired by the forthcoming film, the haunted house will transport guests to the Price family’s remote woodland retreat, where they will come face-to-face with the parasitic demons and Deadites that have defined the series since the original Evil Dead debuted in 1981.

Blending the franchise’s trademark mix of extreme gore and dark humour, the experience promises encounters with some of the property’s most terrifying creatures as guests make their way through the house before, ultimately, becoming victims themselves.

The addition gives Halloween Horror Nights another major horror property to sit alongside Stranger Things and Sinners, further cementing the event’s reputation as one of the world’s premier seasonal attractions.

Sauls also highlighted Sinners, based on Ryan Coogler’s Academy Award-winning horror film, as one of the creative team’s most anticipated additions.

Universal worked closely with Warner Bros. and Coogler himself during the development process, with the director reviewing treatments and scripts during the early stages.

“That’s a huge statement for Halloween Horror Nights,” said Sauls. “To have an Academy Award-winning horror movie as one of our houses is incredibly exciting.”

The haunted house picks up midway through the film, as vampires descend on the juke joint setting that audiences will recognise from the movie.

Original Horror Still Matters

Alongside the major intellectual properties, Universal is once again showcasing its original storytelling credentials with five entirely original haunted houses.

Highlights include Madlands: Cage Cannibals, set in a post-apocalyptic zoo inhabited by animalistic human cannibals, Cybergoria, a gore-filled tale of rogue AI robots pursuing immortality, and Invasion: Alien Abduction, a classic alien encounter set on an isolated American farm.

Meanwhile, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: Frighttacular delivers a more comedic take on horror through a series of fictional straight-to-VHS Halloween films.

Tips for Irish Visitors

Halloween Horror Nights continues to grow in popularity with Irish holidaymakers, many of whom now build Orlando itineraries around the annual event.

Sauls advised first-time visitors to pace themselves.

“Come at the beginning of the night and take it all in,” she said. “Enjoy the scare zones, the food and beverage offerings and the live entertainment. If you can stay past midnight, the queues get lighter and you’ll be able to experience more houses.”

For those looking to maximise their visit, she highlighted the RIP Tour as the premium option.

“If you want to see everything, the RIP Tour is the way to go,” she said. “You’ll get priority access, exclusive experiences and behind-the-scenes stories from our guides.”

This year, Universal is also introducing an enhanced Scream Early offering, allowing guests to enter Universal Studios Florida from 2pm and experience selected haunted houses before the event officially begins at 6pm.

Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights in Orlando from August 28 to November 1, with ticket options including Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Frequent Fear passes.

New Developments Across Universal

Beyond Orlando, Universal executives also highlighted several major developments across the company’s global portfolio.

Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco, Texas, on July 1, targeting families with children aged three to eight. The new park features attractions inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, Shrek, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Meanwhile, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to debut in Orlando next year, replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and promising to transform the skyline of Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk.

Additional dining and entertainment options are also planned for CityWalk, including country music star Luke Combs’ Category 10 venue.

Looking further ahead, anticipation continues to build around Universal UK Resort, scheduled to open in Bedford in 2031.

“We’re bringing what we’re known for around the world – immersive storytelling and themed environments – to the UK,” said Alison Solo-Geistoa, Vice President of Public Relations at Universal Orlando Resort. “There are some very exciting announcements still to come.”

Trade Partners Remain Key

Kevin Gibson, Director of Marketing, PR and Communications for Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the Irish market remains an important one for Universal, with Halloween Horror Nights tickets having gone on sale earlier this year.

Universal continues to work closely with Irish trade partners, including DoSomethingDifferent, American Holidays and Tour America, with bookings traditionally accelerating as additional haunted houses and event details are announced throughout the summer.

“July and August are always key periods for us,” Gibson said, noting that major additions such as Stranger Things, Sinners and Evil Dead Burn are expected to drive strong demand from Irish visitors.

With Halloween Horror Nights celebrating its 35th anniversary and Universal continuing its rapid global expansion, 2026 looks set to be another landmark year for one of the world’s leading entertainment brands.