Universal Halloween Horror Nights

Valeria Ruiz '24

Around Campus Editor

        Universal Studios’ Hollywood Horror Nights 2023 has brought a fresh wave of excitement with its Dia de los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" theme, immersing visitors in vibrant Mexican culture by show-casing glowing skull decorations and the spirited colors of traditional Mexican art. 

Alongside the main attraction of spine-chilling mazes, the food offerings are not to be overlooked or forgotten. 

 Among these foodie delights that I had the pleasure of trying, the Birria Tacos were a complete knockout. These tender beef tacos, which were accompanied with consommé (a flavorful soup broth to dip your taco in), offered a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, satisfying both foodies and horror fans.

       There were also some Nachos and they provided a cheesy mix of jalapeños and a meat of your choice, perfect for when you're enjoying your scares. 

     Last but not least came a Churro dish, which was filled with a horchata cream, and was the perfect dessert to finish off with. These are some of the many dishes that honored Mexican culture and Day of the Dead which made me enjoy the stay even more. 

Even though I am not of Mexican heritage, I could feel the comfort and diversity Universal Studios wanted to provide.  

       As for the mazes, "The Exorcist Believer" has to take the #1 spot as the best maze of 2023. This maze showed the world of demonic possession, recreating iconic scenes from the movie that left me genuinely terrified. 

      The "Stranger Things" maze was a walkthrough of the fourth season, which could have been scarier and more intense, but definitely made me want to rewatch Stranger things. Walking through the maze, you did not get that many jumpscares or big, loud noises, just a lot of flashing lights. It really was just a walkthrough of the TV show’s fourth season, so I would definitely recommend this maze to the biggest Stranger Things fans. 

    "The Last of Us" maze, inspired by the popular video game and MAX show, delivered an immersive and tense experience that truly captured the game's atmosphere. I, personally, was very excited for this maze since I had played the game in the earlier years, and it really exceeded my expectations. It was a perfect combination of showing the plot of the game and getting spine-chilling scares. 

In summary, Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights 2023's "Day of the Dead" theme offered a thrilling night out for horror lovers. While the food offerings weren't gourmet, they provided the perfect sustenance for the evening. 

The mazes, especially "The Exorcist Believer" and "The Last of Us," authentically captured the essence of their source material. If you're seeking a spooky night out filled with delectable treats, this event is well worth the visit.