Sin City welcomes the spooky season all year long.
Universal Horror Unleashed, the first-ever year-round horror attraction created by Universal Destinations and Experiences, has opened at AREA15 in Las Vegas. The pioneering experiential art hub, home to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, is “the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district” and is celebrating its 5-year anniversary.
And now Universal is adding chills to its groundbreaking lineup.
“Horror Unleashed will provide unique character interactions that will thrill fans of both horror and immersive entertainment,” Page Thompson, the president of new ventures for Universal Destination and Experiences, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.
The experience is set inside an abandoned production warehouse and brings thrill seekers through four immersive haunted houses and four themed areas complete with live entertainment. Visitors will also be able to sample an array of specialty food and beverages.
Universal Horror Unleashed is an offshoot of the wildly successful Halloween Horror Nights, an annual event that takes place at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. A second location is anticipated to open in Chicago.
Haunted Highlights
Each haunted house is inspired by either original or beloved horror stories and features “dedicated show moments with deeper storytelling that places guests in the midst of horror,“ like “Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer,” inspired by the 2023 film. Other haunted houses include “Universal Monsters,” featuring legendary monsters from the historic film studio; “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” based on the original 1974 cult film; and “Scarecrow: The Reaping,” an original Universal story.
The experience also features four foreboding themed areas with further opportunity for storytelling and character engagement, including Dead Storage, which is inspired by the theme park’s earliest horror productions; and Jack’s Alley, where guests must keep their eyes peeled for the sinister Jack The Clown’s “evil maniacs.”
Frightfully-themed eats and craft cocktails also await. At the Premiere House, a tapas bar inspired by recent Blumhouse films, feast on bites like Broiler Bread (a garlic-herb stuffed pumpernickel roll with a smoked paprika cheese sauce) and The Crow’s Nest (bourbon BBQ chicken lollipops with a fried rice noodle nest).
In addition, exclusive merchandise is available, including a line of Vegas-inspired souvenirs.
How to Visit
Universal Horror Unleashed is open year-round and located at AREA15 Zone 2, just off of the famed Las Vegas Strip. Tickets can be purchased in advance with general admission starting at $69.
For the ultimate Las Vegas splurge, a “Haunted High Rollers” VIP package is available, which includes expedited all-access tickets and a personal host for your scream squad. That experience starts at $2,750 per group for up to six guests.
