How to Conquer Halloween Horror Nights 34 Without Express Pass

The Ultimate Game Plan for Surviving HHN 34 Without Express

Halloween Horror Nights 34 is here, and if you’re braving the fog without Express Pass, you’ll need a strategy sharper than Art the Clown’s blade. Wait times this year are no joke, with Freddy Fazbear and Jason Voorhees devouring hours off the clock. But with the new Stay & Scream system for 2025, plus some smart timing, you can slash through every house in one night.

Related: Our ‘Terrifying’ Review of Halloween Horror Nights 34

The New Stay & Scream System

This year, HHN flipped the script. Instead of being locked into holding areas, Stay & Scream lets you check in starting at 3 p.m., grab a wristband, and roam the park until houses open. You can:

• Ride an attraction
• Fuel up with food and drinks
• Shop HHN merch early
• Scope out scare zone details before the fog rolls in

The big advantage: house queues start opening at 4 p.m. Most of them are ready by then, except:

• Jason Universe – queue opens between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (after Fast & Furious closes)
• Hatchet & Chains – queue opens just after 5 p.m. (after The Simpsons closes)

That means Stay & Scream guests can already be deep in the first houses while the gates are still packed outside.

If You Have Stay & Scream

You’ll want to use your early access to tackle the monsters that get the longest lines:

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s – Beeline here right at 4 p.m. This house rockets past 2-hour waits by 7 p.m. most nights.
2. Terrifier – The next big wait hog. Knock it out while the line is manageable.
3. Fallout – A solid mid-tier wait that peaks around 8 p.m.
4. Jason Universe – Hit this as soon as it opens at 6 p.m. before it snowballs.
5. Hatchet & Chains – Quick to do after it opens around 5:15–5:30 p.m. for a zero wait experience

From there, float through the remaining houses as the night progresses: Dolls, Galkn, El Artista, Grave of Flesh, Wyatt Sicks. After 10 p.m., most of these hover under an hour, with late-night waits dipping closer to 30 minutes on average.

If You Don’t Have Stay & Scream

You’ll need to play catch-up, but it’s still doable. Be at the gates early so you’re among the first in.

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s – First stop, no exceptions. The line will balloon instantly.
2. Terrifier – Tackle this while lines are still building.
3. Jason Universe – Next biggie, and waits spike fast.
4. Fallout – Get this in before 9 p.m.
5. Dolls, Galkn, El Artista – Flexible middle group; do whichever is closest.
6. Grave of Flesh, Hatchet & Chains, Wyatt Sicks – Save these for later. By midnight, you’ll practically walk into them.

Other Tips for Both Plans

• Weekdays are your friend. Friday and Saturday nights are by far the busiest.
• Don’t miss the shows. Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay closes out its 5-year story arc this year with more fire, aerials, and energy than ever. It’s the perfect break between houses.
• Stay late. The last hour of the night is prime time for short waits. If you can power through until 1 a.m., you’ll sweep through houses that had 90-minute waits earlier.

Related: Universal and WWE Unleash The Fiend with The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks at Halloween Horror Nights

Suggested House Order Recap

Stay & Scream Plan: Freddy’s → Terrifier → Fallout → Jason Universe (6 p.m.) → Hatchet & Chains (after 5 p.m.) → Dolls → Galkn → El Artista → Grave of Flesh → Wyatt Sicks

No Stay & Scream Plan: Freddy’s → Terrifier → Jason Universe → Fallout → Dolls → Galkn → El Artista → Grave of Flesh → Hatchet & Chains → Wyatt Sicks

With this game plan, you’ll turn what could’ve been a 10-hour scream-fest in the queues into a night of pure haunted-house hopping. Who needs Express when you’ve got strategy?