Universal Orlando Resort is taking action to increase guest interest in its Stranger Things offerings.
It's no exaggeration to say that Stranger Things is arguably Netflix's biggest success story, turning a sci-fi horror series about a group of kids in small-town Indiana into a global phenomenon.
However, after nearly a decade of Demogorgons, government conspiracies, and trips to the Upside Down, its fifth and final season left fans divided, with storylines such as Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) ambiguous fate – something that upset Brown herself – Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) underwhelming defeat, and several unresolved questions frustrating viewers.
The show's popularity also made it a natural fit for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. Stranger Things haunted houses debuted in 2018, returning in 2019 and 2023. These attractions proved hugely popular with guests, regularly attracting lengthy queues as fans rushed to experience Hawkins for themselves.
Universal brought Stranger Things back for Halloween Horror Nights in 2026, this time with a haunted house inspired by season five and a lagoon show celebrating the entire series. Given the franchise's history at the event, another major hit seemed likely. However, that doesn't seem to be entirely the case this year.
Universal Slashes ‘Stranger Things' Prices
Universal Orlando Resort has slashed prices on its Stranger Things merchandise, with all items now available at 50% off during Halloween Horror Nights 35.
As shared by the social media account @HorrorNightsORL, the sale includes a wide range of merchandise inspired by the Netflix series. Photos show Stranger Things sweatshirts, varsity-style jackets, Demogorgon plush toys, themed slippers, and other accessories, all of which are now available at half their original prices.
The discounts come amid reports that this year's Stranger Things haunted house hasn't attracted the same level of interest as previous versions. Guests have reported that the attraction has had some of the shortest wait times at Halloween Horror Nights 2026, a surprising development considering the franchise's previous popularity.
All Stranger Things merchandise is now available at 50% off. #HHN35 @HorrorNightsORL pic.twitter.com/MEvUEqY6ud
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) October 9, 2026
Of course, shorter queues don't necessarily mean guests dislike the house. Wait times can fluctuate throughout the night, while merchandise discounts aren't necessarily proof of poor sales. Still, the decision to cut prices by 50% while Halloween Horror Nights is ongoing raises questions about demand for this year's Stranger Things offerings.
As one fan wrote on X, “Given that the house is also one of the lowest waits in the event consistently, it's safe to say Stranger Things is out the door and not many people are enthusiastic about what happened with that final season.”
This year's Stranger Things haunted house takes inspiration from the show's fifth and final season, throwing guests into the battle to save Hawkins. Along the way, visitors encounter an army of Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, and Vecna himself as the Upside Down threatens to consume the town.
The house recreates several locations from the Netflix series, including the Wheeler family home, Hawkins National Laboratory, the MAC-Z military base, and the Abyss. Developed in partnership with Netflix, the attraction is one of 10 haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights 35, which runs through November 1.
Elsewhere, this year's Halloween Horror Nights lineup includes houses inspired by Sinners, Hellraiser, and Ozzy Osbourne, alongside several original concepts. These include Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, INVASION: Alien Abduction, CYBERGORIA, and H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!
Are you a fan of this year's Stranger Things house?
