The hype for HHN 35 has been brewing since the end of last season and rightly so. This year’s event marks 35 years of terror, hair raising screams and fear. Considering its humble beginnings as a three-day event featuring a single house, it makes sense to celebrate the explosive growth, popularity and success of this beloved event with the most iconic season to date.
Let’s go back to February at Megacon Orlando 2026 where some lucky event attendees (including myself) were surprised with a major HHN house announcement and design reveal during a panel discussion.
The audience went wild when the panel announced the name of the first HHN 35 house along with the two icons that join forces to create the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.
Besides Jack & Oddfellow Chaos & Control, Universal Orlando has officially confirmed four other original houses for this season:
- H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Frightacular
- Madlands: Caged Cannibals
- Cybergoria
- INVASION: Alien Abduction
This already sounds like a winning lineup of original houses. I predict Jack & Oddfellow Chaos & Control to be one of the top three busiest, most popular houses of the season. My advice is wear comfortable shoes, bring your patience or buy an HHN Express Pass.
As an HHN regular (2019 was my first event) I’m still learning about all the infamous icons that most super fans have come to know and love (and fear), but this year my focus is on John Schmidt, better known as Jack the Clown.
Jack made his HHN debut in 2000 during the 10th year. He was so well received that he returned in 2006 with a detailed backstory that solidified Jack the Clown’s existence and rightful place in HHN history as the very first HHN Icon and in my opinion the most popular HHN icon.
You can’t mention Jack the Clown without mentioning Dr. Rich Oddfellow, another HHN icon who also debuted in 2000 at HHN 10. Based off HHN history it’s fair to say Jack the Clown wouldn’t exist without Dr. Oddfellow. They each feed off the other in the most cruel and unusual ways and this season, they finally realize they can achieve more by working together than fighting each other.
I’m super excited to see what Jack, Oddfellow and the Infernal Carvival of Nightmares has in store for us this season.
After the blockbuster movie Sinners left its mark on global cinema in early 2025 it didn’t take long for rumors to spread of a future Sinners house. As expected, horror fans continued to fuel the rumor mill flames into 2026.
You couldn’t avoid all the social media speculation videos about a possible Sinners house. Finally on May 21, 2026 Universal Orlando officially announced that a Sinners house would debut at HHN 35.
Sinners merch was released on May 21, 2026 and of course I got my hands on a t-shirt. The merch released so far is already looking 200% better than last year’s disappointing collection.
Universal knew how big HHN 35 would be. My guess is in an effort to save money Universal used the strategy of investing less in HHN 34 merch in order to go big for HHN 35 merch.
This is just speculation on my part of course, but when you think about it, it makes total sense why merch was was so lackluster last year.
Hellraiser makes its debut at HHN 35 with an official announcement by Universal on June 30, 2026. This popular horror movie franchise goes back to 1987, based on a mystical puzzle box that summons extra-dimensional beings called Cenobites. The movie adaptation was based on the novel The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker.
I’ve never seen this movie series nor have I read the book but I may consider picking up the book from the library depending on how much I like the house.
Universal made the big announcement on June 21, 2026 that Stranger Things would return as a haunted house for HHN 35.
Well before the official announcement fans had already made Stranger Things a returning house. Speculation only grew once the long running streaming series finally ended. I can’t lie, I’ve heard more complaints than praises for the last Stranger Things house from 2023. I truly hope Universal knocks this one out of the park.
The new Stranger Things merch looks great this year. I expect these T-shirts to fly off the shelves so I’m definitely picking one up on my next park visit.
Universal has confirmed 10 houses for HHN 35 including five original houses and five IP (Intelectual property) houses. They have yet to announce details on the two remaining IP houses but considering we’re heading into mid July I’m sure it won’t be long until they do.
What we do know is the name and theme of this year’s Nightmare Fuel show: Blood Noir. Universal announced the details on July 8, 2026. Fans of this edgy musical stage show can expect more of the same blood pumping energy, booming music and impressive stunts but with a dark, vampire themed twist.
Besides the two remaining IP houses, Universal still has yet to announce any details on this year’s food offerings and scare zones but in typical Universal fashion the announcements will drop when they’re good and ready.
Videos and photos are already being posted across social media showing all the signs of what park guests have come to recognize as scare zone preparations. Things like scaffolding, lighting, covered props and stage installation are clearly visible in areas of Universal Studios such as New York, San Francisco, Central Park and Hollywood Blvd.
What about the Tribute Store? No official announcement has been made by Universal but social media speculation is claiming a possible set up in the Revenge of the Mummy indoor extended queue – you sure about that?
This of course is based merely on the visible changes going on right now in the Mummy outdoor extended queue, where temporary white tents have been set up to redirect riders into the queue.
At this point we know plenty yet so little about the HHN 35 line up and the anticipation keeps growing. Even with so few details I can tell Universal has an incredible HHN experience in store for us.
HHN season is an exciting time to visit Universal Orlando, especially for horror fans. If you’ve never been to HHN and are curious about attending, this is definitely the year to visit. I’ll be watching closely for more event updates as Universal announces them, in the meantime remember that HHN 35 runs from August 28 – November 1, 2026. You can check out available ticket, HHN Express and RIP Tour options and prices here.
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