Everyone should be ecstatic because it’s the best time of the year again! The time of year where leaves fall to the ground and spooks await you around every corner! HALLOWEEN SEASON BOI!!!

But where’s the scariest place under the sun that’ll leave you with nightmares and extreme adrenaline rushes? Your neighbor's lame costume party? No. Going trick-or-treating with your little sister? Forget that loser. Halloween Horror Nights in Universal Orlando? You better believe it, bud! Be prepared to have one of the greatest nights of your life while venturing through all the haunted houses and surviving the scare-zones, but if you plan your vacation wrong, your worst nightmare will be waiting in line for 4 hours for one house. I’ve been going to HHN for 6 years now and became a veteran amongst the screams and monsters, so here’s a professional guide on how to plan the perfect trip to Halloween Horror Nights.

(Disclaimer: This guide is pricey, but if you split the cost of expenses between a group of friends it’s manageable and worth every penny).

First off on the guide is buying the tickets. Prices vary based on the day you go, with Fridays-Sundays being the most expensive. The weekends are also the most crowded, but that won’t matter with a tip I’ll give shortly. So, choosing to go during a night during the week will save you some money to buy the most important thing to do on this trip. THE EXPRESS PASS. The express is an absolute must when going to HHN! With the express pass, you will wait no longer than 10 minutes to get into any house or ride, and will be able to see every show, ride every ride, and get through every house in one night! You’re a true V.I.P with the pass dangling around your neck. Without the express, you will wait in line hours upon hours for one house, and by the end of the night, you may have gotten through only 3 houses. A total waste of money. The express pass is almost double the price of your ticket, but DO NOT GO WITHOUT IT.

(Actual line at Halloween Horror Nights)

Secondly, let’s talk about where you’re going to be staying. If you want the absolute best experience you will need to stay in 1 of 4 Universal on-site resorts. The Hard Rock, The Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, or Sapphire Falls. Staying at any of these resorts allows access to an exclusive line outside Universal Studios, which lets you into HHN 30 minutes early before the rest of the public rushes through the gates. Not only do you get in early by staying on-site, but each of these resorts has a boat transportation that drops you off right in front of Universal Studios. The boats run till 2 in the morning, and it’s good that they do because after walking endless miles in the park, your legs won’t be able to make it back to your hotel room. The room could run $250-$350 a night, but split that up between 4 people and it’s not too bad. You're hardly going to be spending any time in the room and are just using it for the benefits.

If you follow this advice you’re going to have the best night of your entire life. So start booking your tickets and get ready to be scared!