For 28 years running, Universal Orlando has been scaring the daylights out of enthusiastic park goers and daring guests with the theme park's Halloween Horror Nights celebration just minutes from our Summer Bay Orlando resort. This year, the seasonal event features 10 new faithfully created haunted houses, 5 scare zones, a new Terror Tram experience, and a new live show featuring the Academy of Villains. Of all the haunted houses to be found at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, Stranger Things is this year's crown jewel. It even scared the Stranger Things kids. Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images Exploria Resorts graphic designer Danielle Levance—a Stranger Things fan and perennial Halloween Horror Nights guest—was impressed. “The costumes were on point. You really felt like you were being hunted.” Giving the haunted house an authentic feel was a collaborative effort that involved the people who know the story best. Stranger Things creators Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, and Shawn Levy worked on the maze with Netflix, and the show's illustrator Kyle Lambert designed it. This guided journey takes guests through spooky settings like the Hawkins National Laboratory, the Byers home, and the Upside Down Woods. If you are looking for an immersive experience this season that you and your teenagers will love, you can't get better theming than Halloween Horror Nights. Here are a few things you might not know about this year's event. Universal Orlando 1. This year's retro 80's theme began with Stranger Things. “It was really an a-ha moment,” says show director Patrick Braillard. “All of a sudden, we kind of looked at it and went, oh! We're doing the 1980s! We're going to go there.” 2. There are five waffle dishes to choose from. Do you share Eleven's waffle obsession? Immerse your taste buds into the Stranger Things universe at Halloween Horror Nights by enjoying tasty waffle snacks and even a a waffle-themed drink! Theme Park Insider 3. The Academy of Villains dance group performs If you didn't catch this event last year, you may recognize this talented dance troupe from their time on America's Got Talent. This year, Academy is back with a new show called “Cyberpunk.” Cyberpunk's showtimes vary, so be sure to double-check your park guide map when first entering the event. According to the Orlando Informer, Krystal “Phoenix” Meraz, the co-founder and co-director of Academy of Villains, has asked to personally take the stage at Universal Studios Florida. 4. #HHN28 has its own Snapchat filter Half the fun of going to Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights is sharing the scare with your friends and family. Give them a glimpse of your experience by using the #HHN28 filter on Snapchat. 5. Tours are available. If you're interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at the makeup, artistry and effects that go into making Halloween Horror Nights the experience it is, join an R.I.P. Tour or the daytime Behind-the-Screams tour. Ready to scare your heart out?! For a limited time, we are offering 2 theme park tickets to families who are interested in visiting one of Orlando's world-famous theme parks on their vacation this year. Take a look! Universal Orlando Bonus: The First Timer's Guide to Halloween Horror Nights Age limitsHalloween Horror Nights is intense. If you have little ones, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party could be a better choice. This event is recommended for guests above the age of 13. No costumes allowedFor your safety, Costumes and masks are prohibited at Halloween Horror Nights. Rain or shineBe prepared! Halloween Horror Nights continues on through rain or shine. The Express Pass is worth itIf you're on the fence, we recommend getting the Universal Express Ticket for this event. You will be able to cover more ground by skipping the line for each of the haunted houses. Orlando Theme Park Events Happening NOW: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 6 – June 9 Browse through Epcot's many brilliant gardens and topiaries at the 2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. The festival features many outdoor experiences for families to enjoy, including a “How-to” garden and educational tours that will fascinate your inner arborist. Start Planning Happening NOW: Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida February 6 – April 4 Every year, Universal Studios Florida brings the sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans' biggest party to its Orlando theme park. Stilt walkers, dancers and street performers lead menagerie parades through the streets. All festivities are included with your theme park admission. Start Planning Opening August 29th! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Set on the Planet Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy's edge, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a thrilling escape for rogue travelers and adventuring families. Stop by the Black Spire Outpost, grab some grub at Oga's Cantina, and have your own “Hans Solo moment” aboard the Millennium Falcon as you take the ship on a Smugglers Run through hyperspace! Start Planning Coming Spring 2019: Lego Movie World at Legoland The stars of The Lego Movie have a new home in Winter Haven, Florida. The highly anticipated Lego Movie World at Legoland includes three all-new ride experiences, including America's first 180-degree ride with full-dome virtual screen! Start Planning