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The highlight of the Halloween season is surviving the terrifying Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are some new thrills in store for guests for 2015 plus Universal Studios is dredging up old classics from the crypt. We've added our take on all of this year's mazes and identified which ones are not to be missed. For the lowdown on all of the mazes, scare zones and terror tram, read on ... but keep in mind there are a few spoilers!

When to Visit Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

Halloween Horror Nights started on Sept. 18 and runs on select nights through Nov. 1, 2015. The earlier you go in the season the smaller the crowds and the lower the ticket price. The first five nights, and most Sundays and Thursdays offer the best discounts and shortest wait times. Saturdays are the most crowded and expensive, followed by Fridays.

Dates of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood:

September 18, 19, 25, 26, 27

October 1, 2, 3 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31

November 1

Managing the Halloween Horror Nights Crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most terrifying parts of Universal Halloween Horror Nights is not getting to experience all of the mazes, or houses, due to long lines. Most Universal Halloween Horror Nights sell out and can have scary long lines. Save your terror for the mazes and cut the lines like a sharpened butcher knife with a Front of Line Ticket. Be sure to buy in advance because Universal only offers a limited number of Front of Line tickets for each night and some are already sold out for certain nights.

If you can’t get to the front of the line, here’s our advice: Don’t follow the advice given by Universal Studios upon entering, which is to hit the Tram and see a show first. That is a big mistake because the maze lines will be hours long by the time you get out of the show. Go straight to the mazes first because those have the longest lines. Save the year-round rides for after you have hit your favorite mazes and scare zones (you can ride them any other day of the year if you run out of time). Skip the show unless you are a Jabbawockeez fan or are tired at the end of the night and want to sit down or your heart can’t take the terror any more.

Get a jumpstart on the fear … oops, we mean fun! The event begins at 7:00 p.m., but you can arrive early (between 5:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.) for early admission to get your heart thumping even sooner with access to select mazes. Read more of our tips and touring plans for Halloween Horror Nights.

Meet the Mazes and Entertainment at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Alien Vs. Predator

AVP returns again. This year, it does not have as much live action with performers jumping out at you like the other mazes, but if you are a fan of the movies you will enjoy the special effects and robotics. We voted it the weakest of the mazes and skippable if you are short on time.