Complete Guide to Universal Horror Unleashed at AREA15 Las Vegas
The dazzling lights of Las Vegas are known for their glitz and glamour, but when the shadows grow long and the moon rises high, a different type of excitement takes over just off the Strip. There’s a new Jack in town. Universal Horror Unleashed, the first-ever year-round horror experience created by the masters of horror at Universal Destinations & Experiences, is now open in the AREA15 District in Las Vegas.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Whether you're a die-hard Halloween Horror Nights fan or just looking for a thrilling night out while in Las Vegas. This ultimate guide will help you navigate through this new spine-chilling experience.
Universal Horror Unleashed Offerings Brief Overview
Universal Horror Unleashed has 4 Haunted Houses:
Scarecrow: The ReapingThe Texas Chainsaw MassacreBlumhouse’s The Exorcist: BelieverUniversal Monsters
Universal Horror Unleashed Dining and Themed Drinks:
The Boiler (bar)Jack’s Alley (bar)Premiere House (bar and full service restaurant)Rough Cuts (quick service restaurant)
Universal Horror Unleashed Entertainment Offerings:
Stay or Slay stage show with Jack the Clown and ChanceVarious roaming characters and performers
What is Universal Horror Unleashed?
Universal Horror Unleashed is a year-round, 110,000-square-foot haunted attraction located in Las Vegas' AREA15 District. It's a permanent, horror-themed experience created by Universal Destinations & Experiences, featuring haunted houses, live entertainment, and themed food and beverage areas.TJ Mannarino, VP of Entertainment Art & Design, described it as: “The style of entertainment at most horror events is momentary. Here, you can stay as long as you want, get to know the characters, and watch their stories unfold.” “If you wanted to spend five minutes with a character or 25, it feels like the content is deep. It’s interactive and can change the more times you come back.”The venue is styled as an abandoned production warehouse. Warehouse 25, is full of haunted props, artifacts, and set pieces from Universal’s long horror legacy. The warehouse is situated on a “spiritual fault line”. The barrier between the real world and the Shadow World became thin, allowing weird things to happen inside the warehouse.
Inside, there are four haunted houses — “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Universal Monsters,” and “Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer.” These are paired with bars, dining, and themed zones. All 4 haunted houses feature a memorable show scene that’s designed to elevate your walkthrough experience.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
The nightmares don’t end there. Surrounding the houses are 4 themed and immersive areas featuring unique live entertainment experiences. In select locations, you can enjoy eerie eateries and bars featuring horror-centric food and drink (separate purchase required) offerings. Where is Universal Horror Unleashed Located?
Universal Horror Unleashed is located at Zone 2: The Terminals in the AREA15 District, roughly 10 minutes from The Strip and Downtown Las Vegas (depending on traffic).The Physical Address for Universal Horror Unleashed:
UNIVERSAL HORROR UNLEASHED3051 S. Rancho Drive Las Vegas, NV 89102
Parking Garage Address:3031 Rigel Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
4 Haunted Houses at Universal Horror Unleashed
Each of the 4 haunted houses have a more “permanent” feel in my opinion, and each blend the special effects, elaborate set designs and details we all love from Universal Creative. One offering exclusive to Universal Horror Unleashed is that each haunted house features dedicated show moments with deeper storytelling that places you in the midst of horror. Scarecrow: The Reaping
Face the dust storms of the Midwest in Scarecrow: The Reaping, an original story that will take them back in time to a dry, barren 1930s farmland ravaged by farmers and taken over by horrifying inhabitants arising from the land: bloodthirsty scarecrows bent on revenge.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Universal Monsters
Face cinema’s most feared icons in Universal Monsters, where horror legends have broken free from the silver screen to stalk unwitting victims. From the shadowy halls of Castle Dracula, to the sandy tombs guarded by The Mummy, to the crackling lab where Frankenstein and The Bride still draw breath – this haunted house resurrects the most legendary monsters of all time in one continuous nightmare.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
In this haunted house, you’ll take a journey through the 1974 horror masterpiece in the “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”haunted house, placing you in the footsteps of the victims as you face horrifying iconic scenes and characters. You will come face-to-face with Leatherface and every member of his deranged family and their victims, as the terrifying sound of chainsaws haunts you at every turn.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Blumhouse's The Exorcist: Believer
In this house, you’ll descend into demonic possession in Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, and find yourself deep in the shadowy woods where best friends Katherine and Angela mysteriously vanish – only to be discovered days later with no memory of what happened. From there, the terror builds room by room as the girls’ disturbing transformation unfolds, going from the hospital to the girls’ homes to witnessing the actual exorcism as everyone is surrounded by supernatural chaos.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
4 Themed Areas at Universal Horror Unleashed
Each immersive area places you in the center stage of horror, offering opportunities to interact with characters for a deeply engaging experience:Dead Storage
When you first enter Warehouse 25, you’ll notice this production warehouse full of haunted props, artifacts, and set pieces from Universal’s earliest horror productions.Dead Storage will envelop youin a shadow-filled sanctuary with forgotten set pieces and eerie relics that have been reclaimed by night-dwelling creatures– vampires, a werewolf in mid-transformation, and others that emerge without warning.Some of the props are film-used, including a prop from the 1999 film, The Mummy.Kill Vault
Surrounded by rusty knives and machetes, the eerie characters at Kill Vault – from a strange surgeon to psychotic slashers – are lurking in the shadows attempting to lure their next victim as they interact with everyone in sight. Watch where you're walking, you may run into a knife-wielding cheerleader maniac.
Prop Graveyard
Here, the line between inanimate and alive blurs, as you face a supernatural collection of unsettling dolls, dismembered mannequins and other haunted objects from abandoned film sets that seem to move as you walk through. A couple of the mannequins have scare actors that will occasionally scare you walking by.Props Graveyard is located in front of The Exorcist house. 
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Jack’s Alley
Set in a twisted dark carnival atmosphere, you will face Jack The Clown’s evil maniacs and a group of malicious jugglers, dancers and fortune tellers as they perform for their lives, during the Jack & Chance: Stay or Slay Show.
Photo: Universal Horror Unleashed
Themed Food and Drink Areas at Universal Horror Unleashed
Within the 4 entertainment areas, you can dine on a variety of themed shareable bites and specialty cocktails in designated areas, including:Boiler Bar
The Boiler Bar is one of the first things you see when you walk into Universal Horror Unleashed! It's equal parts hellish spectacle and welcome reprieve with a monstrous flaming machine nestled in the heart of the venue. It offers you a perfect vantage point if you're seeking momentary respite while remaining immersed in the action and enjoying craft cocktails.
Photo Credit: Universal Horror Unleashed
Boiler Bar Menu
Premiere House
This is the main sit down dining location at Universal Horror Unleashed. It's located across from Jack’s Alley. It offers a full service tapas style dining experience serving a variety of signature cocktails and a selection of delicious shareable bites set amid an eerie atmosphere filled with movie props and twisted décor representing some of Universal’s most recent Blumhouse horror films.Notable dishes include Broiler Bread, The Texas Chainsaw Flatbread, and The Crow’s Nest.This is where you'll find the Blumhouse-themed photo ops from movies like The Purge, M3GAN and The Black Phone, and where you can see M3GAN perform periodically.
Noteworthy
Premiere House can get pretty busy during peak eating hours. Premiere House had an hour-long waitlist when we walked up. Dining reservations for Premiere House Bar are available and strongly recommended if you don’t want to wait for a table. Make sure you book your reservation time for after your ticketed entry time.Our group was told both nights that the Premiere House Bar area is first come first serve, and it does serve food if you prefer that option. You can reserve ahead of time! Click here.Premiere House Menus
Rough Cuts
This is where you can feast on carved small plates as you witness a variety of show moments, electrifying performances and interact with characters to learn more about their haunting backstories.Notable dishes include Ears (fire roasted yellow corn, citrus aioli, grated cotija cheese, crushed Hot Cheetos, tajin, micro cilantro) and Shoulder (torta al pastor, marinated pork shoulder, fresh pineapple, avocado, lettuce, and pickled onions).
Rough Cuts Menu
Jack’s Alley Bar
Jack’s Alley Bar Is located in the back of Universal Horror Unleashed right next to Scarecrow: The Reaping haunted house. This bar serves themed specialty cocktails and drinks only. Here, you can enjoy acrobatic performances and more in a circus-like hellscape where the Jack the Clown and Chance reign.Jack’s Alley Bar also features live entertainment by the iconic Jack the Clown and Chance.
Jack’s Alley Bar Menu
Exclusive Universal Horror Unleashed Merchandise
Horror fans can shop at the all-new retail location where there’s a variety of apparel, collectibles, jewelry, accessories and more. You can commemorate your visit with merchandise donning the Universal Horror Unleashed logo which includes a spirited Spirit Jersey, a blood-dripping tumbler, Vegas poker chip-inspired souvenirs, and more.You can also grab collectibles like backpacks, beanies, retro tees, jewelry and more from the four sinister haunted houses – Scarecrow: The Reaping, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Universal Monsters, Jack the Clown, Universal Monsters and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. In addition, you can snag iconic merchandise featuring Jack the Clown, Chance, Bates Motel and Chucky.
Photo by Universal Horror Unleashed
Additional Offerings at Universal Horror Unleashed
Universal Horror Unleashed has several themed photo opportunities and locations. There are photographers taking pictures in different areas.
Jack and Chance Photo Opportunity
Immediately following the "Jack & Chance: Stay or Slay Show," there's a quick meet and greet photo opportunity. Universal Horror Unleashed does have a photographer ready to take photos, and there's an option to buy a digital download. a single photo is $14.99 + tax. You can also have a photo taken with your cell phone to save money.
M3gan Performance and Photo Opportunity
Immediately following her impromptu performance, there is a quick photo opportunity a Universal Horror Unleashed photographer option.
How Much are Universal Horror Unleashed Tickets?
Tickets are now available for purchase! General admission tickets offer one-time access to each house start at $69, while general admission tickets offering unlimited access to each house start at $99. When buying your ticket online, you’ll have to selecting a entry time. Admission also includes access to the themed bars and live entertainment haunting the darkened warehouseThe hours of Universal Horror Unleashed are 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.I do think it’s important to note that by roughly 9:35 PM both nights, three of the four haunted houses were closed for the night. It seemed similar to when the theme parks occasionally close ride queues early at the end of the night due to the amount of guests waiting in line to ride.“Haunted High Rollers” VIP Experience Package
Starting at $2,750, the “Haunted High Rollers” VIP Experience Package offers a three-hour elevated horror experience, with priority access to Universal Horror Unleashed for up to six guests, unlimited haunted house access via a priority VIP Lane, a personal VIP host, access to a special VIP food and beverage menu, artist meet and greets with private VIP performances, exclusive discounts on merchandise and more.Universal Horror Unleashed tickets are date and time specific, non-transferable, non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All guests should arrive based on their scheduled allotted start time. Admission ins't guaranteed for late arrival after your selected time.Pro Tip: Make sure you can find the email confirmation that includes you admission ticket QR code. I would take a screenshot of it because every person in your party will need to present to enter the haunted houses each time.
Universal Horror Unleashed Easter Eggs and Hidden Details:
Universal Horror Unleashed at Area15 in Las Vegas features several hidden details and Easter eggs. There are easter eggs for Halloween Horror Nights and the Universal parks in general.Halloween Horror Nights bear
Halloween Horror Nights Props in Jack’s Alley
The run sign and the original Lady Luck roulette wheel were used in the original Halloween Horror Nights Orlando commercials.
Dr. Oddfellow Banner in Jack’s Alley
Phantom of the Opera Set
The first area inside Universal Horror Unleashed is “Dead Storage”. To the right when you walk, in you can see this original Phantom of the Opera set including a huge opera box. The set was up for close to 100 years because it was believed that if the set came down, Universal would be cursed. This set now lives at Universal Horror Unleashed!Prop from The Mummy Movie
Yes, you can actually see an actual prop from "The Mummy" movie at Universal Horror
Unleashed. This was used in the opening scene of the "The Mummy" as part of "Thebes; the City of the Living". This same prop was used in the Universal Studios Hollywood Special Effects Show back when it used to be located in the Lower Lot.
Universal Creative Names inside the Haunted Houses
Inside the queue of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre House, you can find the TJ Mannarino on one of the headstones. He’s the VP of entertainment art & design at Universal Horror Unleashed.
Universal Horror Unleashed’s Exterior Mural
Universal Destinations & Experiences worked with Las Vegas-based street artist Krie for a one-of-a-kind mural on the exterior of the building. Known for his bold, large-scale graffiti work across the city, the mural brings the story of Universal Horror Unleashed to life while also serving as a love letter to the city. This collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to investing in local artists, celebrating neighborhood culture, and staking a meaningful presence in Las Vegas.
How does Universal Horror Unleashed differ from Halloween Horror Nights?
While Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) the seasonal event at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood — is focused on the high-octane, jump-gasp-scream-for-your-life moments, Universal Horror Unleashed has the ability to focus more on world-building and diving into the deeper narrative behind the scares. “Universal Horror Unleashed gives us the opportunity to give our guests more time to really enjoy the characters and learn their stories,” said TJ Mannarino. Unlike HHN, where guests pass through each haunted house at a steady pace, Universal Horror Unleashed will let you soak in the scares throughout the whole experience.Seasonal vs. Year-Round:
Halloween Horror Nights:
Is a seasonal theme park event held end of August, through early November. It features 10 haunted housesUniversal Horror Unleashed:
Is a permanent, year-round attraction in Las Vegas, and it currently only has 4 haunted houses that are supposed to change out periodically.
Crowd Control and Interactions:
The Crowd level and wait times are significantly different. The longest we waited for a house at Universal Horror Unleased was 12ish minutes.Halloween Horror Nights:
Is designed for large crowds, with conga lines as you go through the houses.Universal Horror Unleashed:
Offers a more intimate experience with smaller groups and less crowding, allowing for more personalized interactions with scare actors.
Pace
Universal Horror Unleashed allows for a slower, more deliberate pace, giving you more time to interact with characters, explore scenes, and appreciate the details. You can really take your time as opposed to HHN where you are going from house to house to house and really have to plan and hustle to hit everything in one night. Universal Horror Unleashed pulses you through the houses, while HHN utilizes continuous conga lines. Each house also has a memorable moment where you are stopped and really immersed into the house.Narrative and Storytelling:
Halloween Horror Nights:
Focuses on jump scares and visceral thrills, with less emphasis on in-depth storytelling within the haunted houses.Universal Horror Unleashed:
Aims to immerse you in the narrative, with characters interacting with you, pulling you into ongoing storylines, and providing opportunities to delve deeper into the lore of the houses and themed areas.
Technology vs. Actors:
While both utilize effects, Universal Horror Unleashed leans heavily on the talent of its scare actors to create the immersive experience. Currently, this means fewer elaborate animatronics than you might be used to if you’ve been to Halloween Horror Nights. Overall, Universal Horror Unleashed provides a more immersive, narrative-driven experience, while Halloween Horror Nights prioritizes a high-energy, scare-filled atmosphere within a shorter timeframe and with more haunted houses.Universal Horror Unleashed Tips
To save time, make sure you can find the email confirmation that includes you admission ticket QR code. I would take a screenshot of it because every person in your party will need to present to enter the haunted houses each time.If you plan sit down at Premiere House Bar to eat and drink during your experience, save time by making a reservation so you don’t want to wait for a table. You can reserve ahead of time! Click here.If you want to learn more about the warehouse during your experience, make sure you talk to Marcus Shaw, a rep from the Legendary Truth.
Know Before You Go
Universal Horror Unleashed may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13.Universal Horror Unleashed is located at AREA15, which is approximately 10 minutes from The Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. I strongly recommend giving yourself plenty of time for Uber/Lyft/driving to AREA15 to ensure you arrive and check in by your scheduled allotted start time.Parking is NOT Included with your ticket.Admission is not guaranteed for late arrival after your selected time, so make sure you arrive based on your scheduled allotted start time.Your admission ticket does NOT include food or beverages. Make sure you eat ahead of time, or budget for the themed food and drink offerings inside Universal Horror Unleashed.Trained Service Animals are welcome at Universal Horror Unleashed. Only animals that meet the definition of a Service Animal are permitted in the experience. Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless these devices interfere with the Service Animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. Note- Universal Horror Unleashed Team Members cannot assist in handling Service Animals.No outside food or beverage is allowed except as required for religious or medical reasons. No food or beverages purchased from Universal Horror Unleashed can be taken off the premises or into AREA15.Currently, filming inside the 4 haunted houses is not allowed. (Please note I had permission to film in the houses from Universal Destinations and Experiences and Universal Horror Unleashed).
Overall Review of Universal Horror Unleashed
I can honestly say it was a really thrilling and immersive experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric, setting the perfect stage for a night of spine-tingling excitement.The event was meticulously organized, with clear signage and friendly staff all around the experience. As we entered, I was immediately struck by the incredible attention to details in the themed areas and Boiler Bar. Each haunted house and themed area was crafted with such attention to detail, creating a truly immersive escape that transported us into the heart of horror. The lighting, sound effects, scare actors, music, and props were all top-notch, making every corner feel alive with suspense.Highlights for me was Universal Monsters haunted house, Scarecrow the Reaping house, and seeing HHN icons, Jack the Clown and Chance again.Whether you’re a fan of classic horror films or modern thrillers, there was something for everyone. The scare actors were phenomenal, bringing their characters to life with impressive performances.The interactive elements added an extra layer of fun, allowing us to engage with the characters and performers in a way that felt personal and thrilling. I particularly loved memorable moment scenes in each of the 4 haunted houses, which was a fantastic way to feel immersed into the stories of each house. In between and after all the thrills, we were able to chill at the various themed food and beverage areas, which offered a great selection of bites and drinks that fit the horror vibe perfectly. While the drink prices are pricey (on par with Vegas Strip) They were all made to order with high quality ingredients. The food portions were large, and I will be craving the Death by Chocolate dessert and the Believer Flatbread.
In summary, Universal Horror Unleashed is an absolute must-visit for HHN fans, horror movie enthusiasts, Las Vegas locals and anyone looking for a spooky night out with friends before hitting up the clubs or visiting Las Vegas for a concert. The venue is a great option if you're celebrating a birthday too!The combination of creative set design, engaging performances, and a well-organized experience truly sets this event apart. I can’t wait to return late this year and see what new horrors await. Highly recommend.
