Ranking All the Scare Zones at Halloween Horror Nights 33

Alongside the ten haunted houses and one stage show, Halloween Horror Nights 33 features five scare zones. These scare zones are areas of the park with a specific theme and decor, plus Scareactors who roam the area to spook guests.

Halloween Horror Nights 33 Scare Zone Ranking

We’ve ranked this year’s scare zones here from our least favorite to our favorite, with photos, a full zone walkthrough video, backstory, and more.

Duality of Fear

An abstract artwork for the "Duality of Fear" scarezone featuring a split face; one side is vibrant and the other side is cracked and muted against a colorful, textured background.

As soon as you enter the gates of Halloween Horror Nights, you must choose a path: follow SINIST3R, the manifestation of visceral horror. Or follow SURR3AL,the incarnation of unearthly terror.

Backstory

People walk towards an archway with the sign "Halloween Horror Nights" in a theme park. It's overcast and some people hold umbrellas, adding to the eerie atmosphere of scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Close-up of a red and white arrow graphic painted on an asphalt road with three people walking by, setting the eerie stage for Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone.
A crowd walks under a "Halloween Horror Nights 33" entrance archway with performers on top. Palm trees line the street, and the background includes various buildings and scarezone decorations.
Two costumed performers stand on a platform above a sign that reads "Halloween Horror Nights 33," surrounded by palm trees and stage lights, creating the ultimate scarezone.
A metal truss structure with "Halloween Horror Nights 33" illuminated in red lights, set against a cloudy sky and palm trees in the background, creating the perfect entrance to a thrilling scarezone.

The Duality of Fear scare zone is our introduction to this year’s icons, Sinist3r and Surr3al. The two sisters were brought into our world from a rift between universes caused by HHN guests.

Two individuals in detailed, fantasy-themed costumes stand under purple lighting near an illuminated store at night. Other people, some holding light-up accessories, are visible in the background. The scene captures the eerie ambiance of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.

Over the last 33 years, the fear and screams of guests have fed an “overgrowth” until said overgrowth ripped a hole in the fabric between their world and ours.

People in zombie costumes with chainsaws participate in a street event, turning it into a scarezone reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33. Other individuals walk along the street, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Now, they’re here to expand their realms of physical pain (Sinist3r) and psychological horror (Surr3al) at Halloween Horror Nights.

Review

A crowd of people gathers under a red-lit sign that reads "Halloween Horror Nights 33" at night. Palm trees and various attractions, including a chilling scarezone, are visible in the background.
A night scene at Halloween Horror Nights 33 with people gathered under a red-lit entrance sign. Palm trees and themed buildings form the eerie background, completing the chilling scarezone ambiance.

This “scare zone” is a joke. It’s not a zone. Not really. When you think of a Halloween Horror Nights scare zone, you expect decorations, theming, and Scareactors. Ever since they had to move this zone to the very front of the park (the “front lot”) instead of the former Plaza of the Stars (now Illumination Avenue and home to Minion Land), this scare zone has suffered.

People in elaborate costumes with glowing lights on a dimly lit street at night create the perfect scarezone. Red fog and vibrant street decorations add to the festive, mysterious atmosphere, making Halloween Horror Nights 33 an unforgettable experience.

But at least last year, for Dr. Oddfellow, they had props, actors, and a mini-show. This year, there are Sinist3r and Surr3al (sometimes!) and about six people in lieu of a chainsaw drill team (which is another complaint. Chainsaw Team used to mean something! Not to be all Old Man Yells at Cloud, but it’s been a part of the event from the very early days, and now we’re down to six chainsaw-wielders).

A person in a black mask and purple coat holds a chainsaw in front of the Universal Studios Store at night, creating an eerie ambiance perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Two individuals in blood-stained costumes and masks stand on a street at night, holding chainsaws. People walk past them in the background of the scarezone amid red lighting and outdoor seating areas, capturing the terror of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person in a detailed costume with a mask, holding a prop, walking on a paved street during Halloween Horror Nights 33. The scarezone atmosphere is palpable with other people and buildings visible in the background.
A person in a costume and face paint, holding a large prop chainsaw, walks on a sidewalk during Halloween Horror Nights 33. Several onlookers and passersby are visible in the background, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the scarezone.
A person in a blue costume and mask holding a chainsaw stands on the sidewalk during Halloween Horror Nights 33, with a crowd and red curb visible in the scarezone background.
A street scene with people walking, some in costumes, hints at Halloween Horror Nights 33. An orange umbrella-covered outdoor seating area is on the left, while a scarezone setup with a stage is visible on the right, framed by palm trees in the background.
Two people in zombie costumes with blood-stained clothes and masks hold chainsaws on a street, setting the perfect scene for scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33. People walk in the background.

The chainsaw team is spread out most of the time, with a couple creeping toward Illumination Avenue, and a few wandering around Rodeo Drive.

A person dressed in a purple and black outfit, wearing a mask and holding a chainsaw, stands on a sidewalk near a café with outdoor seating, creating an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.

Scareactors, this is not on you. We see you out there doing your best with what you have. It’s just that they gave you so very little.

People walk through a scarezone in an outdoor entertainment area at night, with colorful lights illuminating a stage setup and palm trees in the background, reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Sinist3r and Surr3al are fun, but there’s still not much for them to work with. After they host the Opening Scaremonies, they spend time on the ground interacting with guests in the scare zone. This works to introduce them to the guests, but whereas Oddfellow had a whole little performance in addition to his time on the ground with guests and props that expanded his story, Sinist3r and Surr3al have… different colored fabric draped over the truss bases (insert sad trombone).

People walk under a "Halloween Horror Nights 33" sign lit in red lights among palm trees at an outdoor night event, entering a spine-chilling scarezone.
A group of people stand on a street illuminated by red and white lights, with two large symbols projected onto the ground. The surroundings suggest a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33 or a themed nighttime gathering.
A white, glowing Asian character is projected onto a street with a purple and pink hue at night, reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezones, with people's legs visible in the background.
Two people in detailed, eerie costumes pose for a photo in a dimly lit, foggy scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, with onlookers capturing the moment with their phones.
Two people in elaborate, monstrous costumes stand under purple lighting near a Universal Studios gift shop at night, capturing the eerie essence of Halloween Horror Nights 33. A security guard and a few other visitors are seen in the background, adding to the thrill of the scarezone.
People in elaborate costumes perform on a street under colorful lights at Halloween Horror Nights 33, with a scarezone sign in the background.
A performer in an elaborate, spiked costume and vivid makeup roams the scarezone during Halloween Horror Nights 33, creating a thrilling experience in the themed entertainment setting at night.
Two people are dressed in elaborate, otherworldly costumes with facial makeup, portraying mystical or fantasy characters. They're outdoors, set against the backdrop of a store and a parking meter, giving off major Halloween Horror Nights 33 vibes. It almost feels like stepping into a scarezone.
A person in an elaborate, glowing, green dragon-like costume stands in front of a brightly lit merchandise shop, embodying the spirit of Halloween Horror Nights 33. The scene perfectly captures the essence of a scarezone.

And they are only there during certain parts of the night, because each makes appearances in their respective scare zones as well. So there are large chunks of the night where you walk under the glorious sign and trusses with… no one there. Then, if you’re lucky, you’ll run into a chainsaw or two on your way to other things.

This is sad. And there’s certainly no scare going on in this scare zone.

Rating out of 7: 1

Video

Watch our video walkthrough of Duality of Fear below, including Sinist3r and Surr3al interacting with guests.

Location

Duality of Fear is located at the park entrance. Find it on the map at K.

Enter the Blumhouse

Poster showing four characters from horror movies with the text "Enter the Blumhouse" at the top. The background has a dark, eerie tone with fog, inviting you to experience the spine-chilling world of Enter the Blumhouse.

Escape a terrifying gauntlet of Blumhouse characters. From sinister sadists from The Purge and Black Phone to M3GAN dancing into your nightmares, you’ve never known horror like this.

Backstory

A person wearing a weathered, worn mask and dark clothing points a knife towards the camera, standing in front of a building with partially visible signage reading "AZIN PICT." It's as if they've stepped right out of Halloween Horror Nights 33, creating an intense scarezone atmosphere.
A person dressed in a costume with a striped bow, beige dress, and long sleeves poses with their hair slightly blown by the wind against a partly cloudy sky and urban backdrop, capturing the eerie essence of Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone.
A person wearing a gory mask with "KISS ME" written on the forehead and blood-stained clothing strolls through the scarezone, blending in with the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Person wearing a mask with large black horns, painted face, and a sinister expression, standing outdoors on a sunny day in a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33 with the theme park scene in the background.
A person with light brown hair, wearing a graphic shirt, holds an axe and appears alarmed. They are standing near blue lockers and a black structure in a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.

There isn’t one. This scare zone is just packed with Blumhouse characters for you to take selfies.

Review

Nighttime scene at a theme park with a building and a large illuminated structure, surrounded by people walking. Colorful lights and fog create a vibrant atmosphere, reminiscent of the thrilling ambiance found at Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
Person in a reflective safety vest and face mask, possibly part of Halloween Horror Nights 33, standing outdoors in a foggy, neon-lit scarezone.
A person stands in a corner with hands up and a distressed posture. The background features a worn, graffitied wall with muted, dark colors and dim lighting, reminiscent of a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, contributing to an eerie atmosphere.
A person wearing a mask and patterned sweater stands in front of large illuminated letters "BH" in a dimly lit, neon green environment—a perfect setting for Halloween Horror Nights 33. Another figure dressed in white lurks in the background of the scarezone.

I can’t believe I ranked this higher than Duality of Fear. I fully expected this scare zone to be the dud this year — but Duality added insult to injury. However, this is still bad. It’s the Photo Op Zone. Somehow, it still manages to be an absolute bottleneck even though there are only a few free-roaming Scareactors (and none of them are the In Demand characters; they smartly kept those confined to the stages).

A person in a white dress, splattered with fake blood and makeup, roams through an outdoor scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33. Other people and colorful buildings form the vibrant backdrop.
A person with long, curly blonde hair and a sleeveless denim jacket, splattered with red paint, stands in a city street turned scarezone for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
At Halloween Horror Nights 33, a person in colonial-style clothing wears a skeleton mask, clutching a spiked bat. In the background of this chilling scarezone, another masked figure ominously wields an axe.
A sign reads, "Reminder: All emergency services will be suspended for a 12-hour period during The Purge." In the background, a person in costume and people walking through the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33 are visible.

Here, you can see your favorite characters from Blumhouse movies (like the Betsy Ross purger from “The Purge” franchise, the Uncle Sam purger from “The Purge” franchise, or the Man With a Mask from… “The Purge” franchise) as they repeat the same handful of pre-approved poses for selfies and TikTokers, while their eyes scream help me. I thought we were supposed to be the ones screaming.

Anyway.

A person wearing a hat and mask, dressed in black with red accents, holding an object behind their back, leans forward against a dark background in the eerie ambiance of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person wearing a top hat, sunglasses, and a creepy mask with a wide grin stands ominously against a dark background with large white letters partially visible, reminiscent of the eerie atmosphere you'd find at Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezones.
A performer in costume takes center stage, set against the eerie backdrop of an amusement park beneath a cloudy sky, perfectly capturing the haunting atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
In the heart of Halloween Horror Nights 33, a person donning a blue hard hat and orange safety vest evokes fear with a blood-stained mask and claw-like gesture, perfect for any scarezone.
A person wearing a cracked, full-face mask stands in front of a brick building with a sign that partially reads "AZING PICTURES," creating an eerie vibe perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Featured on the stages are The Grabber from “The Black Phone,” M3gan from “M3gan,” the creepy construction guy from “The Forever Purge” (does this guy have a name? Sorry, y’all, I skipped this movie. Not even HHN can make me watch another Purge movie.), and the Blissfield Butcher from “Freaky.”

In the scarezone of Halloween Horror Nights 33, a figure in a white dress and blood-stained mask clutches a bat, with another person dressed in historical attire lurking ominously in the background.
A person in a spooky Uncle Sam costume points ahead in a foggy, carnival-like setting at night, within a vibrant scarezone during Halloween Horror Nights 33, with people and brightly lit food stands in the background.
A person in a blue dress and bonnet, wearing a mask with a red and white design, holds a bat over their shoulder while standing near black barrels in an outdoor scarezone, evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person with long hair, wearing a white and black long-sleeve shirt, holds a bat and stands in front of a blue locker and a partially damaged wall, ready to face the scares of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person stands inside a dimly lit, foggy scarezone, reaching towards an old-fashioned wall telephone mounted on a decayed, rustic wall with exposed bricks as if Halloween Horror Nights 33 has come to life.
A person in a red jacket and black top poses outdoors with a fake knife and blood makeup on their neck, simulating a Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone. Foliage and water are visible in the background.

Roaming the streets are “The Candy Girl,” the man with the horned mask, Betsey Ross, Uncle Sam, and more from “The Purge” franchise; Tree Gelbman and the Baby Face Killer from “Happy Death Day;” Vance Hopper and Finney Blake from “The Black Phone;” and Millie Kessler from “Freaky.”

A person with long blond hair in a light-colored outfit, a blue and white striped shirt, and a large striped bow stands in front of a dark background with large blue and white letters, evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.

The costumes are nice, and the Scareactors embody their characters as much as they can with their limited space and props. The rest of the scare zone is big plain supports for trusses and some projections of Blumhouse titles. And fog; can’t forget fog. You can’t tell how few Scareactors are out if they pump enough fog in, after all.

A person in a black outfit and mask stands on a stage with large illuminated letters "BH" in the background, surrounded by colorful lights and fog, setting the perfect scene for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
People walk through a foggy, colorful-lit scarezone; one person holding a bat and another wearing a blue coat with striped pants stand out in the scene, capturing the essence of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A street performer dressed as a clown with blue and orange attire entertains pedestrians on a small platform outside a brick building with a sign reading "Brick Works," evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.

This location has been notoriously hard to navigate, and I get wanting to reduce the risk of incidents by limiting the amount of Scareactors. We’re all for Scareactor safety, and no one wants a repeat of All Nite Die-In. Maybe it’s time to admit that even the little stretch of South Street by Sting Alley was a better scare zone than San Francisco. (Or, you know, add more props and scenery, and stop making this Synergy: The Scare zone. Looking at you, Crypt TV/Rob Zombie).

A figure in a tattered dress with a mask and large hammer prowls through a foggy, dimly lit scarezone with colorful lights, while people walk in the background at night. It's Halloween Horror Nights 33 at its eerie best.

I could sit here and pitch ideas to improve this scare zone or new locations for a zone so we can retire San Francisco all day. But at the end of it, it doesn’t change that this year, we have Enter the Blumhouse, to which I have to say: don’t. And if you do, quickly Exit the Blumhouse because there’s nothing here for you except for the distant sound of “Turn Down for What,” which is inexplicably still playing even though Supercharged is closed.

Rating out of 7: 2

Video

Location

Enter the Blumhouse is located in San Francisco. Find it on the map at M. (Side note: I like how on the map they make it look smaller than Duality because, technically, the chainsaw peeps can roam onto Rodeo Drive a little. Like, c’mon.)

Demon Queens

Demon Queens" logo in stylized text against a dark cosmic background with silhouettes of three pointed structures above the text.

Get caught in an otherworldly hellscape ripped from the darkest corners of your mind. Four merciless queens loyal to SURR3AL rule, surrounded by hordes of fanatical followers.

Backstory

A person in an elaborate costume with eye decorations on their headwear stands in front of a dark, tentacled structure on a city street, evoking the chilling atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33's latest scarezone.
A person in a detailed costume with red hair and dark, textured body armor stands in a spooky, decorated scarezone with eerie lighting and intricate props at Halloween Horror Nights 33. Another person in yellow is seen in the background.
A person wearing a brown robe and a hooded mask stands in front of a pink building with the number 6431 on the facade, part of the eerie setup for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person in a detailed purple and black monster costume poses on a street with palm trees, buildings, and a few people in the background, capturing the eerie vibe of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed in a detailed, demon-like costume with horns and claws prowls the scarezone on a city street during Halloween Horror Nights 33, while bystanders in casual clothes observe from the background.
A person dressed in a Halloween costume featuring a snake headpiece and snake-like appendages stands in front of a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, with another person walking by in the background.
Two people in elaborate costumes engage in a playful performance on a city street. One wears a purple dress and wireframe adornments, while the other is dressed in white with green details and horned headgear, creating an enchanting scarezone reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Surr3al has summoned her four queens, each who abstractly represents various psychological or physical phobias. Portals have appeared where their minions emerge, tormenting victims by playing into their darkest fears, like being watched, confinement, and more.

Review

A person in a purple, gothic-style costume with a black, cage-like headpiece and face paint poses dramatically in the scarezone of Halloween Horror Nights 33. Others in various costumes are visible in the background on a decorated street.
Person dressed in an elaborate costume with face paint and a headpiece featuring a large, snake-like adornment, standing in front of a building with "65" visible above the door, as part of Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone.
An individual in an elaborate costume, featuring a yellow and black dress with a dramatic headpiece, stands in a vividly decorated scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, surrounded by vibrant colors and dark accents.
Person in dark, hooded galaxy-print costume with face painted white walking on a street during Halloween Horror Nights 33, with buildings and people in the background. The atmosphere feels like a scarezone, adding an eerie thrill to the night.
A person wearing a dark, tattered cloth over their head gives a peace sign on a city street with buildings in the background, capturing the eerie essence of a Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone.
A person in an elaborate, dark, and gothic-style costume walks on a misty street during Halloween Horror Nights 33. The outfit features elements like purple accents, a metallic skirt, and an intricate headpiece, perfectly blending into the eerie scarezone.

It gets better from here, y’all. Demon Queens works. Is it a little corny? Sure is. Does it reuse a lot of old costumes? Yep. But it doesn’t matter because the Scareactors are vibing with their roles, and as usual, the setup of this zone allows for some good jump scares.

A person dressed in an elaborate, eerie costume with an antler-like headpiece and a glowing chest stands in a dark, foggy scarezone during Halloween Horror Nights 33. Skeletal decorations and gothic structures loom ominously in the background.
A person in elaborate, eerie costume stands on a decorated balcony with vibrant purple and blue lighting in the background, perfectly capturing the chilling atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone.

Surr3al gets to take the stage here on a large float-like platform (since the larger props have to be moveable in this zone in order to accommodate the Mega Movie Parade). Instead of a firm script, her show leans more on audience interaction. Unfortunately, that also means it falls flat if the audience doesn’t interact.

A dark, eerie parade float illuminated with blue lights moves through a foggy street at night during Halloween Horror Nights 33, featuring intricate designs and costumed performers.

When they do, she coaxes guests into revealing their fears and taunts them. While she commands everyone’s attention, the various Queens and minions can sneak up behind unsuspecting victims.

A large tree with a glowing, swirling portal in its trunk, emitting blue and purple hues, under a dark, atmospheric lighting setting—perfect for the eerie ambiance of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person in a spiky, creature-like costume stands in front of a large, organic-looking structure in a dimly-lit scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
In the purple-lit scarezone scene, eerie figures are ensnared in twisted, organic material. The dominant figure appears anguished, partially emerging from an encrusted background with tangled, skeletal limbs. A perfect addition to Halloween Horror Nights 33.

The props and costumes here are very silly in a sci-fi B-movie way. With the fog and the lighting, it just works. The four Queens have over-the-top headpieces, much like the two Icons themselves, and move in an ethereal manner. The ghouls and minions of each queen aren’t afraid to get up close to unsettle you, and they interact with each other and the Queens for further entertainment.

Performers in elaborate costumes stand on a spooky, creatively decorated float with eerie lighting effects and fog, perfect for the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.

It’s a basic concept with a story that’s easy to follow if you listen to Surr3al for a few minutes. There are some cool lighting effects, and the Scareactors have effective opportunities that aren’t tied to sound cues, offering more creativity. It could have used more props, but it suffers the curse of being on the parade route.

Rating out of 7: 4

Video

Location

Demon Queens is located in Hollywood. Find it on the map at O.

Swamp of the Undead

Image features a graphic text "Swamp of the Undead" in green, slime-like font with a frog and a zombie hand in the background, reminiscent of Star Wars Merchandise.

In backwaters Louisiana, you unwittingly wander onto private property, where you’re swamped by zombies borne from the bodies of other trespassers who were killed and dumped in a nearby bog.

Backstory

A wooden structure, possibly a treehouse, illuminated in purple and green lights at night with surrounding trees and foliage, creating an eerie ambiance perfect for a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A treehouse lit with green and purple lights stands in a dark, forested area with blurred figures moving around at night, setting the perfect scene for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A tortoise on a wooden deck next to an overturned chair in a dimly lit environment with colorful lights in the background, reminiscent of a scene from Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A small wooden cabin surrounded by trees and vibrant, multicolored lights amidst grass, transforms into a scarezone during Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A small wooden hut stands illuminated by colorful lights in a dimly lit, dense forest setting. Various hues of purple, green, and orange light the scene, creating a vibrant night atmosphere reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33’s most eerie scarezone.
A night scene with vibrant, colorful lights illuminating trees and structures sets a festive tone at Halloween Horror Nights 33. People walk through the scarezone, creating motion blur, while a small, decorated elevated structure is eerily visible in the background.
A spooky, dimly lit wooden treehouse surrounded by fog and vibrant multicolored lights, with branches and foliage obscuring part of the structure, perfect for a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.

Deep in the swamp is a cabin, whose owner has seemingly installed the bayou version of a moat with sharks: a bog full of zombies. The cabin is home to a bootlegger who feeds the bodies of those who don’t keep his secrets (or those who trespass — like us) to the swamp.

Review

A person dressed in a spooky costume and makeup, holding a fake bloody club, stands in an eerie, dimly lit scarezone with fog and colorful lights at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A rustic wooden cart with logs and ferns is illuminated by blue and green lights, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33. A metal bucket sits on top next to a wooden stool, adding to the scarezone's chilling decor.
A vibrant green fern is illuminated by colorful lights in a setting with wooden structures, creating a dramatic nighttime scarezone for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A woven basket sits on a wooden surface with a folded chair in the background. The scene, reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33, is illuminated by purple and green lights with trees visible in the distance, evoking an eerie scarezone atmosphere.
A statue of an owl on a wooden post is illuminated with green and purple lights. In the background, trees and buildings are dimly visible at night, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person crouches near a plant display at night with a crowd of people walking on a lit street in the background, all part of the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33. The scene is illuminated with colorful lighting, adding to the scarezone's haunting ambiance.
A person in a helmet and camo attire, covered in fake blood, lunges forward under eerie lighting at a Halloween Horror Nights 33 scarezone nighttime outdoor event.
A person dressed in zombie makeup reaches towards the camera in a nighttime outdoor setting with eerie lighting and palm trees in the background, perfectly capturing the chilling atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person in zombie makeup and costume, wearing a hat with worms, reaching out with a prop hand. The background is lit with colorful lights and foliage, creating a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person in a creepy costume with a mask and claws sits behind tall grass in a dimly lit, crowded scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed as a zombie stands in a dilapidated, horror-themed scarezone with overgrown plants, broken fences, and tattered netting, evoking the haunting atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Two individuals dressed as zombies stand outdoors in front of a wooden barricade with cobweb decorations, surrounded by trees and foliage, creating an eerie scarezone for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A zombie figure with decayed skin and worn clothing stands in a spooky, overgrown outdoor setting with tattered netting and wooden debris, creating the perfect scarezone ambiance for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
People dressed in zombie costumes stand near a wooden structure in an outdoor setting, creating a chilling atmosphere typical of Halloween Horror Nights 33, while a man wearing a graphic tee and shorts walks by holding a drink through the scarezone.
A person in tattered clothing, clutching a prop severed head, stands amidst a smoky atmosphere in the midst of Halloween Horror Nights 33’s scarezone, with onlookers captivated in the background.
A person in tattered clothing and long hair holds a skull mask while walking through heavy fog beside another individual wearing a cap. Trees and partially visible structures loom in the background, creating a spine-chilling atmoshpere reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A mannequin dressed as a zombie stands outdoors, adorned in tattered clothes with a polka-dot shawl, in front of a makeshift, dilapidated background, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A detailed zombie prop with decayed features is dressed in a polka dot scarf and a buttoned shirt, positioned against a backdrop of distressed wooden and metal paneling, creating the perfect scarezone atmosphere for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed in a ghoulish costume with a decayed mask stands in front of a weathered, spooky house adorned with Halloween props and decorations, setting the perfect scene for Halloween Horror Nights 33. This eerie scarezone is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
A person in tattered clothes leans against a large, realistic crocodile model in a themed scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, surrounded by eerie foliage and swirling mist.
A mannequin dressed as a zombie lies on top of a large alligator statue in a foggy outdoor scene with trees, lampposts, and flags in the background, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.

This was nearly a tie with Torture Faire. Unfortunately, like many of the zones, I have to dock points for the inherent issues caused by the location. Universal, if you’re not going to give us an HHN lagoon show (RIP Ghoulish), can’t the Central Park zone expand into Central Park? It’s not even a Stay and Scream location this year.

Two individuals in zombie costumes walk through a foggy scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33. The person in front holds a prop severed head, and both are dressed in worn, tattered clothing.
A person in ragged clothes and makeup resembling dirt and injuries stands near barrels on a misty street, capturing the eerie essence of Halloween Horror Nights 33. Another similarly dressed figure walks away in the background, deepening the unsettling atmosphere of this scarezone.
A zombie figure stands in the foreground, appearing to bite its hand, while in the background, a person with long, white hair walks down a path surrounded by eerie decorations and fog. This chilling scene captures the essence of scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed as a zombie in a tattered outfit and skeletal mask stands amid fog and branches, with colorful building facades in the background, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person dressed in a tattered, zombie-like costume stands in a foggy, overgrown scarezone with dilapidated wooden structures and greenery, setting the perfect eerie mood for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person wearing a detailed, grotesque monster mask with long white hair stands in front of a wooden structure, holding a wooden holder with bottles. The scene, set in the eerie ambiance of Halloween Horror Nights 33, features trees and people in the background, reminiscent of a scarezone.
A theme park scene shows people walking through a scarezone, with a person dressed as a zombie in tattered clothes and makeup in the foreground. A misty atmosphere and spooky decorations hint at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
People dressed in elaborate costumes and masks stand near a rustic, elevated wooden structure surrounded by trees and plants. The scene appears to be part of Halloween Horror Nights 33, set in a chilling scarezone that heightens the spine-tingling atmosphere of the event.
Amidst the eerie foliage and rustic props of Halloween Horror Nights 33, a person in tattered clothing and a mask clutches a red prop resembling entrails, intensifying the fear within the scarezone.

Make it a maze! Force guests to go up and around each path, so it keeps that nice, claustrophobic feeling but lasts longer because the zones here are always so gorgeous; we just want more.

People walking through a haunted trail at night with fog, eerie lighting, and spooky decorations, including barrels and wooden structures under a dark tree canopy—the perfect scarezone ambiance reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A dimly lit outdoor scene at Halloween Horror Nights 33 features overgrown plants, logs, and wooden debris with colorful lighting effects and blurred ghostly figures in the background, creating an eerie scarezone.
People walk through a dimly lit, fog-filled scarezone with eerie decorations and greenish-blue lighting, creating an atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A scene of a haunted attraction with eerie lighting, fog, an ominous figure in costume, and props mimicking a creepy environment while visitors in the background navigate through it, reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33's most chilling scarezone.
A person in zombie makeup appears to be screaming under green and red lights in a nighttime outdoor setting with trees and a sign in the background, capturing the eerie essence of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
People in a dark area with colorful fog and lights, some dressed in Halloween costumes, wander through the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person in a costume stands near an eerie, broken wooden fence and various debris, illuminated by colored lights in a night setting at Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A crocodile rests on a log surrounded by tall grass in a dimly lit, misty environment, evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
Crocodile sculpture with an open mouth lit by green and blue lights in a dark, misty environment, embodying the eerie ambiance of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone, with blurred buildings and flags in the background.

Swamp of the Undead does what its predecessors have established as the best practice here and leans heavily into the existing foliage and close quarters. This year, there’s a truly hefty dose of fog. The visibility is sometimes as short-ranged as your outstretched arm. And if you’re wondering, “Did I just get sprayed with water?” Well, yes, you’re at Universal.

Two people in tattered and worn zombie costumes walk through a scarezone in a staged outdoor horror scene, complete with eerie props and a spooky setting, perfectly capturing the chilling atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A street scene shows people walking near a metal structure resembling a large open cage, with vegetation growing around and inside it. Trees and buildings are visible in the background, setting the stage for Halloween Horror Nights 33's newest scare zone.
Person in a tattered dress and detailed zombie makeup stands in a misty, eerie background featuring old tires and foliage, reminiscent of a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed in tattered, dirty clothes with face paint and makeup to look like a zombie stands in an outdoor scarezone during Halloween Horror Nights 33. Other people and event staff are visible in the background.
A person dressed as a zombie stands next to a fence made of wooden planks and barrels in the scarezone, with potted plants in the foreground and people in the background at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed in tattered clothing and a grotesque mask stands next to a foggy, dilapidated structure adorned with ferns and various props, including a metal canister. It's the perfect setup for Halloween Horror Nights 33 and an eerie addition to any scarezone.
Three people in zombie costumes roam a street decorated with props and greenery in what appears to be a scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33. One of the figures is bending down, possibly interacting with guests.
Actors dressed as zombies during Halloween Horror Nights 33, with worn clothes, decayed makeup, and eerie scenery in the background for the ultimate scarezone experience.

Jokes aside, they make it really swampy with misters. It is damp — dare I say it’s moist. Photographers, be warned, you may think you’re stepping into a convenient little space that no one is using as a hiding spot, but you’re actually just about to stand in front of a mister and regret your life choices.

A dimly lit, eerie scarezone featuring a wire fence adorned with red and beige tattered fabric and vegetation, illuminated by blue and red lights in a nighttime setting, perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A dimly lit outdoor scene shows a rusted metal structure with red lighting, surrounded by foliage. Faint human figures move in the dark background, evoking an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A spherical metal cage with various organic materials and lights set up inside, creating a dramatic scarezone. The scene is illuminated with blue and red lighting, perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person in eerie lighting is trapped in a metal cage with their hands gripping the bars above, surrounded by dark foliage and red, blue, and green lighting, creating a chilling scarezone reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A sloth hangs upside down from a metal cage, illuminated by red and blue lights with foliage in the background, creating an eerie ambiance perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A metal cage structure with colorful lights and various objects inside, surrounded by tall grass and rusty barrels, creates an eerie atmosphere at night. This scarezone is perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33, set against a backdrop of trees in the darkness.
A dimly-lit outdoor scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33 features people walking by an eerie cage decorated with lighting effects. The background shows faintly visible structures and trees illuminated with colorful lights.

It’s worth it, though. The swamp is beautiful, with thick foliage, perfect ambiance sounds, and a bunch of ugly zombies. (You’re all beautiful, Scareactors, and your costumes are just too effective.) And the zone is flush with zombies, so as you tiptoe through the blinding fog, you’re always close to an encounter. The huge airboat and cabin are very cool as far as sets go.

Rating out of 7: 6

Video

Location

Swamp of the Undead is located in Central Park. Find it on the map at N.

Torture Faire

A banner with "Torture Faire" written in stylized, blood-dripping text against an aged parchment background, featuring bloodstains and a bloodied axe.

Come one, come all, to SINIST3R’s renaissance faire with the devious theme of medieval torture. Brave the gloriously gory homemade torture devices ‘til you’re put out of your misery.

Backstory

People walk through a nighttime street scene with colorful lighting, illuminated decor, and a figure in a dark, cone-shaped hat standing in shadow—an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person dressed in dark robes and a hat stands in front of a stage set with a medieval theme at Halloween Horror Nights 33. The stage is surrounded by fog, creating an eerie scarezone, while people linger in the background. The banner reads "Trial of Hinn in Malm.
A person wearing a blue cape and red hat with a painted face stands on a street with people in the background, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone.
A person in a jester costume and mask holding a large metal key-shaped object stands next to a wooden post with a chain, reminiscent of the eerie atmosphere at Halloween Horror Nights 33. The background features a striped awning and building facade, creating an ominous scarezone ambiance.

We’re guests at a modern-day twisted Renaissance Festival themed to medieval torture. Unbeknownst to us, the Torture Faire is being run by devotees of Sinist3r to feed her need to cause physical torment. The torture devices have been upgraded and are being used on guests at the Faire.

A person in a medieval-themed costume stands on a stage under a banner that reads "Ye Olde Torture Faire" during Halloween Horror Nights 33. The scarezone is decorated with wooden elements and medieval props, creating an eerie nighttime atmosphere.
A person in medieval attire hangs upside down from a wooden structure labeled "Torture Faire" in a dark, themed setting with red and brown decorations, evoking the eerie atmosphere of the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person in a detailed fantasy costume is pointing and interacting with people in a lively, illuminated scarezone at night. Others are seen walking and engaging in the background during Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A nighttime scene at a theme park's scarezone features a spooky, red-lit attraction called "The Breaking Wheel," reminiscent of Halloween Horror Nights 33, with a life-sized figure strapped to a wooden wheel.
A person in a blue and white costume with a hood walks down a street, their face and hands covered in red and black makeup resembling blood and grime, creating an eerie atmosphere perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33. Another person is visible in the background, adding to the scarezone's chilling effect.

The torturers serve the King and Queen, who put on a show with Sinist3r as they sacrifice guests for her. Victims roaming the street have been branded with her symbol as well.

Review

A street scene with a stage displaying "The Brazen Bull" sign and a bull-shaped prop emitting smoke. An American flag hangs on a building in the background, with people visible near a saloon storefront. This elaborate setup hints at an immersive scarezone for Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person is lying inside a large metallic structure shaped like a bull, with smoke and red lighting creating a dramatic effect, as if part of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scare zone. Nearby, another figure stands partially visible against the eerie glow of the fire pit below.
A display featuring medieval-themed items, including a white T-shirt printed with "Ye Olde Torture Faire," various helmets, swords, shields, and blood-splattered decorations sets the stage for Halloween Horror Nights 33's scarezone. A price tag of $19.99 is visible.
A knight puppet with a detailed costume is displayed on a wooden pegboard, evoking eerie vibes of Halloween Horror Nights 33. A sign below reads, "Possibly Haunted - 500 Coins." Various other items are partially visible around the scarezone-like display.

Since I addressed location with the others, I’ll say this here: New York is the superior scare zone spot. It has enough space for multiple stages or large props, and as long as it’s well-stocked with Scareactors, something about this zone has always inspired more improv and depth. These Scareactors are playing specific roles that they’ve given some thought and heart. They’re not just trying to jumpscare you (though they definitely will if they think it’ll work).

A person in a fake bloody costume with an old wooden punishment device around their neck stands in the street during Halloween Horror Nights 33. People are in the background watching and taking photos, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this scare zone.
A vendor in medieval attire stands behind a booth labeled "Ye Olde Torture Goods," displaying various items. The booth, perfect for the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, is adorned with medieval-themed decorations.
A woman in a green and red costume, appearing distressed, is wearing a medieval-looking torture device on her head. Her costume and body have fake bloodstains. She is outdoors on a street, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33.
A person dressed in a witch costume with a black hat, gray painted face, and long hair poses on a street within the halloween horror nights 33 scarezone, making a claw gesture with hands.
A person with long blonde hair, eerie makeup, and wearing a pointed hat holds a small round object with both hands. The background shows a street scene, evoking the atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33's scare zone with its various buildings adding to the chilling ambiance.

A little peasant boy with a turkey leg hid behind me and begged me to keep him safe from one of the Jokers. The victims plead for help and the torturers threaten. They interact with the little sets, adding depth to the scenery. It’s not just a display at Halloween Horror Nights, it’s a display at a twisted Renaissance Festival.

In the scarezone at Halloween Horror Nights 33, a costumed person hangs upside down tied to a wheel with an apple in their mouth, surrounded by Halloween-themed decorations, eerie fog, and a target board with apples.

Also, as an HHN veteran, I can say this: the sets, especially the Aim & Maim, are some of the most unsettling things I’ve seen at the event. I often wonder if HHN has desensitized me to gore and violence, and then they add pneumatics to make the living victim twitch in sync with audio as arrows pierce his body. I got a little disturbed filming it.

Actors in Renaissance costumes perform a dramatic scene with a "Torture Faire" sign overhead, evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33. One actor, restrained and appearing distressed, kneels in the center, flanked by two others in extravagant outfits, as if part of a sinister scarezone.
A gory Halloween decoration of a person tied to a wooden structure labeled "The Blood Eagle" takes center stage in this scarezone, set against historical-style buildings, perfectly capturing the chilling atmosphere of Halloween Horror Nights 33.

If you want to watch someone get their tongue cut out or have their organs eaten by rats, go to the Torture Faire! It’ll be fun!

Other highlights are the torturers dressed as Knights, both of the armored variety and the chess-based Horse variety), the Sinist3r 33 symbol on the Jokers’ brand, and the fact that you can be given mini quests. No, I’m not joking. (At least at the time of publication. This seems like one of those things that might go away as the season goes on if guests start to abuse it). I personally did not do one, but for those who enjoy that kind of thing, it’s a luck-of-the draw activity. If you hang around and interact, a Scareactor might send you on a quest.

Outdoor themed performance area with stage labeled "Torture Faire," colorful barricade in the foreground, plus costumed actors and visitors in the background; perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 33 and an eerie scarezone experience.

Also, we asked several RIP guides, and they have said that if the Terra Cruentus symbol on one of the barricades has a deeper meaning, they weren’t told. It’s likely just an Easter egg. (Or is it? After finding out that there was a 33 hidden on the license plate of Major Sweets’ truck in 2022, signaling his return this year, I do not trust anything anymore.)

Rating out of 7: 7

Video

Location

Torture Faire is located in New York. Find it on the map at L.

Scare Zone Map

Official map of Universal Studios Florida's amusement park with labeled attractions, pathways, and water features marked by colored letters and numbers. Key areas include green dots for attractions and red bars for pathways, perfect for navigating during Halloween Horror Nights.

More Halloween Horror Nights 33 Reviews

We reviewed all ten haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights 33:

A collage of food items includes a drink in a bulb-shaped container, ice cream, a hot dog, snacks, a milkshake, and a dessert resembling a person. Various colorful foods and drinks are visible, perfect for Halloween Horror Nights. A feast where you can eat & drink to your heart's content!

We also tried all the new food and drinks available around the event and compiled them in one place so you can plan your night.

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The post Ranking All the Scare Zones at Halloween Horror Nights 33 appeared first on WDW News Today.