Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is not only my favorite theme-park event, but it is an event that used to terrify me. However, I have overcome my fears and now thoroughly enjoy the experience. According to Seth Gillihan, a clinical psychologist, going to Halloween Horror Nights year after year can be considered a form of “exposure therapy.”
As a seasoned theme-park journalist, I have covered events all over the country, but for many years Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando was a hard pass for me. These events take place at Universal Studios parks worldwide, and are adored by fans of all things spooky. In Orlando alone, the event boasts 10 haunted houses and five scare zones, ensuring plenty of jump scares.
I vividly remember when I first heard about Halloween Horror Nights seven years ago. The sight of tickets at my local Publix gave me nightmares. However, fast forward to today, and it is hands-down my favorite theme-park event of the year.
When I attended Halloween Horror Nights for the first time in September 2019, I was a bundle of nerves. I recall posing for a photo with a scary clown named Slim from the film “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” and despite knowing that he was just an actor, I was still afraid to approach him. I timidly stood far away from the clown for the photo, my face filled with terror and my heart pounding. Although I made it through several haunted houses and scare zones that night, the photo with Slim was the only image I captured. I went through each house in a panic, burying my face in my husband’s back. I don’t recall much from that night, but I was proud of myself for facing my fear.
Little did I know that I was actually subjecting myself to exposure therapy. It seems that my bravery that night was the beginning of my journey towards conquering my fear of Halloween Horror Nights. Seth Gillihan, a licensed psychologist and author, explained that repeatedly doing something scary but not actually dangerous can eventually desensitize you to the fear. He also emphasized the importance of breaking down your fears into manageable steps.
As I continued attending Halloween Horror Nights year after year, I noticed that I felt braver each time. A few years later, I found myself face-to-face with another clown named Jack, an iconic character of the event. During a photo opportunity with Jack, I managed to pose like a pro despite feeling mildly terrified. That year, I successfully made it through all 10 haunted houses, screaming into my husband’s back the entire time. However, I also took the time to appreciate the artistry and storytelling within each house. Universal’s dedication to creating a film-like experience is undeniable, even for the most fearful individuals.
Today, I eagerly anticipate attending Halloween Horror Nights every year, jump scares and all. Gillihan commends my approach of consistently facing Halloween Horror Nights, as he believes that true change comes from repetition and training the brain to recognize that the fear is unnecessary. Over the past five years, I have noticed a shift in my perception of the event. While I still experience fear and seek safety in my husband’s presence, I now understand that it is all just for fun.
My brain has learned to interpret Halloween Horror Nights differently. I have become so obsessed with the event that I immerse myself in horror movies that inspire the haunted houses and delve into the event’s history through various podcasts. In the words of Aerosmith, “I don’t want to miss a thing” when it comes to this event.
Gillihan suggests that by attending the event regularly, I have learned that Halloween Horror Nights is not actually dangerous. Instead, the rush of adrenaline that I feel is something to be enjoyed, as there is no real danger present. I have reinterpreted fear itself and can now tolerate and even seek that feeling of fear as something thrilling. Essentially, I have conquered my fear of fear.
During this year’s opening weekend, I felt significantly less scared at Halloween Horror Nights. I still enjoyed the jump scares and chaotic scenes, but I felt in control. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back three weeks later and had the same experience. It is an exhilarating feeling to be afraid inside the haunted houses and walk through the scare zones. As I exited the gates at the end of the night, I had a huge grin on my face and a collection of fun-filled, yet scary memories.
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