Legendary monsters, terrifying scarecrows, and eerie exorcists come together to create spine-tingling experiences at Universal Horror Unleashed, which officially launched on August 14 in Area15, Las Vegas. This immersive attraction marks Universal Destinations & Experiences’ inaugural year-round horror-themed offering, serving as the cornerstone of an ambitious expansion within the 40-acre Area15 arts and entertainment district, strategically located just west of the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Kim Scott, the attraction’s senior director and general manager, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Universal is a brand that has stood the test of time, and we’re excited to bring that to the local market."
What Guests Can Expect
Visitors stepping into the venue will be greeted by an abandoned 110,000-square-foot production facility that offers four distinctly themed entertainment zones, complete with four chilling haunted houses. The inventive design, ominous props, and impressive special effects create truly unique and frightening experiences. “Guests are not prepared for what’s around every corner. They’re taken to a new level of horror,” Scott mentioned.
The Universal Monsters house features classic horror film characters stalking their victims. Guests will journey through a series of thrilling interactions and stunts, exploring areas like Dead Storage and Castle Dracula. A stop at the Boiler Bar allows visitors to unwind and enjoy cocktails amidst a menacing ambiance.
“Our zones take you on a journey through Universal films and the history of horror,” noted Scott, highlighting the integration of iconic creatures found in the Universal Monsters house. Following that experience, guests enter the Kill Vault, navigating through an environment populated by slasher film artifacts.
Haunting Experiences Await
Next, thrill-seekers will delve into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house, starting amid a graveyard and encountering characters reminiscent of the film’s harrowing scenes. With the sound of chainsaws echoing throughout, guests will face Leatherface and his ominous family. This frightful experience flows into the Rough Cuts dining area, where patrons can indulge in chainsaw-carved small plates.
The Prop Graveyard, housing disturbing dolls and dismembered mannequins, serves as a precursor to Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer house. Here, guests immerse themselves in supernatural terror as they witness the story of two girls falling into demonic possession. The atmosphere intensifies as visitors traverse through creepy woods, homes, hospitals, and culminate with an exorcism.
For a lighter fare after such chilling encounters, the Premiere House tapas bar serves dishes with decor invoking Blumhouse’s horror themes.
The Scarecrow: The Reaping house draws inspiration from the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, where vengeful scarecrows await. Misadventures begin amidst a windstorm and lead to eerie farmhouse encounters with grotesque creatures.
Adjacent to this attraction, guests can relax with specialized cocktails at Jack’s Alley Bar, a vibrant space filled with jugglers, dancers, and fortune-tellers, overseen by the sinister figure of Jack the Clown.
Important Visitor Information
Universal Horror Unleashed welcomes guests daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. General admission tickets, starting at $69, offer entry at specified times for same-day access to each haunted house. An unlimited pass is available from $99, and VIP packages, starting at $2,750, include perks like priority entry and food credits.
Guests should note that the experience is not recommended for those aged 13 and under, with parental discretion advised. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, while those over 18 are required to show valid identification to enter after 8 p.m. on weekend nights.
Visitors should plan to allocate two to four hours for the complete experience and have the option to wear costumes, barring masks. The attraction maintains strict safety protocols akin to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, ensuring that no guest is confused with staff costumes.
For those who wish to experience horror at their own pace, the thematic areas provide engaging environments less intense than the haunted houses. Interactive characters help offer a more narrative-driven experience, allowing visitors to curate their own horror journey.
As Scott articulates, "You can be as scared as you want to be… We want everyone to come out and have a great time." For more information on ticketing and details, visit Universal Horror Unleashed.
