Just when you thought it was safe to return to the woods, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is resurrecting one of horror’s most infamous killers.
Starting August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood, fans of fright can step into an all-new haunted house: “Jason Universe,” inspired by the decades-long terror of Friday the 13th.
A Horror Icon Comes to Life
For nearly 45 years, Jason Voorhees has haunted screens — and nightmares — as one of the most enduring villains in cinematic history. Now, Universal is giving fans a chance to face him in person in a fully immersive haunted house that brings his legend to terrifying life.
“Jason Universe” invites guests to return to the eerie summer camp where the story began. The experience plunges visitors into the decrepit cabin Jason once called home, through the rotting remains of the camp’s main lodge, and into a surrounding forest where safety is never guaranteed. As guests move through the house, they’ll come face-to-mask with some of the most chilling moments from Jason’s murderous history in what Universal promises will be a nonstop gauntlet of fear, suspense, and cinematic homage.
The haunted house is one of several new attractions planned for Halloween Horror Nights this year. At Universal Orlando, the event will run for 48 nights through November 2, while Universal Studios Hollywood will host its own version across select nights during the same stretch. Both resorts will feature 10 haunted houses, themed scare zones, live entertainment, and plenty of nightmarish surprises along the way.
Tickets, Upgrades, and New Experiences
For those wanting to experience the scares with a little less waiting, Universal is offering a range of ticket upgrades. Express Passes, VIP “R.I.P. Tours,” and behind-the-scenes “Unmasking the Horror” tours are all available now, alongside standard admission. Guests at Universal Orlando can also bundle their horror with a vacation package, which includes hotel accommodations, daytime park admission, and a one-night ticket to Halloween Horror Nights, plus the chance to check out the brand-new Epic Universe theme park.
And because no fright fest is complete without a souvenir, fans can already snag limited-edition “Jason Universe” merchandise. New items include a collectible t-shirt, a themed camping mug, and a puzzle piece that fits into a larger Halloween Horror Nights collector’s frame, all of which went on sale June 14.
The return of Jason Voorhees in such an iconic setting marks a major moment for horror fans and for Halloween Horror Nights. While the event has long celebrated horror classics, this new addition gives longtime fans a chance to relive the fear in a fresh, updated format while also introducing a new generation to the mythos behind the hockey mask.
Planning for the Scare
Whether you’re in it for the scares, the nostalgia, or the thrill of seeing one of horror’s most feared killers up close, “Jason Universe” is poised to be one of this year’s biggest Halloween attractions. And for fans of the genre, it’s not just a haunted house; it’s a full-on return to the nightmare that started it all.
Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are now on sale, and additional event details, including more haunted houses, are expected to be announced soon. So, if you’re planning to scream this fall, you might want to book early… before Jason finds you first.
