Universal Studios Is Bringing ‘Ghostbusters’ to Life For Halloween Horror Nights

Carlye Wisel

If you’ve ever hoped to encounter Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you won’t need a Proton Pack — just a ticket to Universal theme parks.

For the first time ever, "Ghostbusters"-themed haunted houses can be found at Halloween Horror Nights, the fright-filled event at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida on select nights this fall.

One of the reasons Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is a long-running fan favorite event — and debatably the best Halloween celebration in the country — is the level of detail within temporary themed houses and mazes. Tucked inside Hollywood’s replica of the famed Ghostbusters Firehouse is a walk-through of all pivotal scenes and characters from the ‘80s classic, offering an experience that packs in just as much nostalgic joy as it does thrills, all set to the movie’s iconic soundtrack.

Courtesy of Universal Studios
Courtesy of Universal Studios

From a Janine Melnitz look-alike scrambling to answer calls to a holographic Gray Lady ghost haunting the New York City Public Library, Universal’s parks provide every detail a die-hard fan of the paranormal comedy franchise would hope for. The experiences vary between coasts, but each has their own virtues; Orlando’s "Ghostbusters" house recreates the showdown with Gozer the Gozerian in large scale, while Hollywood’s maze ends upon an impressive replica of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

Whether you walk underneath an illuminated Ghostbusters sign to pass through the firehouse doors or a Zuul-controlled Dana in full glory, both will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside the comedic classic — right down to Florida’s marshmallow-covered walls.

Fans are sure to be surprised by Slimer popping out from the Sedgewick Hotel’s hallways, but the biggest highlight for "Ghostbusters" fans might be outside the house. Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store is like a "Ghostbusters"-themed museum of its own, packed with plenty of easter eggs, not to mention must-grab souvenirs like mugs and Slimer hats.

"Ghostbusters" is just one of the haunted houses and mazes inspired by beloved TV shows and films at Halloween Horror Nights on both coasts. "Us" brings scarlet-colored jumpsuits and gilded scissors to experiences themed after Jordan Peele’s horror masterpiece on both coasts, while Stranger Things reprises its supernatural walk-through and "Killer Klowns From Outer Space" delivers ‘80s carnival charm. Tickets are still on sale for the event, which runs until Nov. 2 at Universal Studios Florida and until Nov. 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.