Is Epic Universe worth it a year in, and is Halloween Horror Nights Express worth the extra money? Short answer: yes to both if you only have one day. In this week’s Mouse Chat we share an honest Epic Universe review, real Express Pass and ride-wait notes, and our picks for the best HHN houses and scare zones of 2026.
By Steve Griswold and the Mouse Chat team — hosts of the Mouse Chat family travel podcast (15 years, 860+ episodes) and Disney College of Knowledge–certified planners at Pixie Vacations. Last updated: September 2026.
Caitlyn is back from maternity leave (welcome, baby Clara!), and Steve and Lisa just got home from their annual Labor Day weekend at Universal Orlando. This year they added something new to the tradition: a full day at Epic Universe before diving into Halloween Horror Nights. We came home with a lot to talk about.
What We Cover This Week
First up is an honest Epic Universe review now that the park has had a year to settle in. Is Express Pass worth it? If you are only there for one day, we think yes — and here is the catch a lot of guests miss: Epic Universe Express is a separate ticket that is not included with the Universal hotel Unlimited Express perk. We walk through the jaw-dropping first walk into Super Nintendo World, why Mine-Cart Madness and Ministry of Magic were down until the afternoon, and what a Universal team member told us about ride safety sensors and reset times.
We also break down Stardust Racers, the park’s dueling coaster. The difference between the green and yellow sides is bigger than you would think — one feels like Slinky Dog Dash on overdrive, while the other is a lap-bar ride more intense than VelociCoaster. Then there are the food finds: the DK Crush float in the Donkey Kong barrel mug, pumpkin juice and quiche for a Wizarding World breakfast, a hidden German restaurant down a back alley in Paris, and Burning Blade Tavern. One warning: the stairs. So many stairs.
Then it is on to Halloween Horror Nights. We explain how the new Stay and Scream wristband setup works, why the gates opened late, and whether HHN Express is worth paying more than the admission ticket — we did all 10 houses in about four hours. According to Universal Orlando Resort, HHN returns each fall with a full lineup of haunted houses and scare zones, and this year’s slate did not disappoint.
Our favorite houses this year, plus the scare zones, food booths, and the all-new closing show, are all in the episode. We also cover the annual tradition of buying $100 worth of Universal umbrellas, a surprise reunion with Bob from the original Mouse Chat crew, and the time Disney gave us a real recording studio to tape an episode.
Best Halloween Horror Nights Houses This Year
Here is a quick look at the houses we talk through on the show and why they stood out:
| House | Why it made our list |
|---|---|
| Ozzy Osbourne tribute | A loud, music-driven house that fans of the Prince of Darkness will love |
| Sinners | Strong theming and pacing — a crowd favorite this year |
| Hellraiser | Classic horror IP done right, genuinely unsettling |
| Stranger Things | The Upside Down brought to life; great for the Netflix crowd |
| Jack and Oddfellow | Original HHN characters that show off the event’s creativity |
| Madlands | High-energy chaos with big scares |
| H.R. Bloodengutz | Delightfully corny, campy fun — a nice palate cleanser |
One heads-up on scare zones: the Fortnite zone got so packed that security was routing people around it, so plan your walking paths accordingly.
Listen to This Episode
Press play below to hear the full episode (about 48 minutes):
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epic Universe Express Pass worth it?
For a single-day visit, we think it is worth it — the park is popular and lines build fast. Just remember that Epic Universe Express is a separate paid ticket and is not included with the Universal hotel Unlimited Express perk that covers the other parks.
How many haunted houses are at Halloween Horror Nights this year?
We hit all 10 houses in about four hours using HHN Express. Whether Express is worth the upcharge depends on the night’s crowds, but on a busy evening it can save you hours of waiting.
What is the difference between the green and yellow sides of Stardust Racers?
They race side by side but feel very different. One side rides like Slinky Dog Dash on overdrive, while the other is a more intense lap-bar experience that we found stronger than VelociCoaster.
Can Pixie Vacations help me plan a Universal Orlando or Epic Universe trip?
Yes. Our agents plan Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, and Disney World vacations at no cost to you. Reach out for a free quote and we will handle the details.
Plan Your Universal or Disney Trip With Us
Ready to experience Epic Universe and Halloween Horror Nights for yourself? Our team offers free Disney and Universal vacation planning from Pixie Vacations — no fees, ever. Host Steve Griswold is Disney College of Knowledge–certified, and our advisors plan Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, Disney World, cruises, and all-inclusive getaways for families every day.
Get started with a free vacation quote, or call us at 678-815-1584. We would love to help you build your next magical (and maybe a little spooky) family trip.
