I first arrived at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 26 thinking that maybe I would encounter a few scares here and there but that overall I would leave the park with my sanity intact. After making my way through my eighth haunted house, or "maze," of the night at the amusement park — which includes houses with Krampus, The Walking Dead, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre themes — I realized I was dead wrong (emphasis on dead). The new American Horror Story-themed house, which show creator Ryan Murphy personally ensured was up to terrifying snuff, packs in high-quality scares from seasons one (Murder House), four (Freak Show), and five (Hotel). Once I'd calmly walked through it myself (read: stumbled blindly in a state of agonizing fear, screaming for my parents), I can confirm that it will leave you just as mentally scarred as the show. Take a look at the most blood-curdling moments here!
While waiting in line for the maze, this sign hangs outside to prepare you for what's inside: NIGHTMARES.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
One of the first things you see after stepping over the Murder House threshold and into season one is mad surgeon Dr. Charles Montgomery. In between cutting away at something gruesome on the table, he lashes out at you with his surgical tools. If pressed, I'd give his bedside manner a solid 3/10.
(Note: his terrifying son Thaddeus, aka Infantata, also jumps out at one point, and it shaved approximately 63 years off my young life.)
Beware, vegans, because Piggyman is front and center in a room that features the creepy character leaping out from behind a closed shower curtain, brandishing a meat cleaver. Since Eric Stonestreet wasn't there to comfort me, I was forced to yank my boyfriend toward me by the neck of his t-shirt in terror (he almost choked, I wouldn't recommend it).
Another angle, in case you weren't properly terrified by the first one.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
As you walk further into the depths of the maze, you come to a red-tinted room with a bunch of mannequins dressed as the Gimp standing around. Just when you think you've made it to the end of the room without any near-death experiences, one of the "mannequins" turns out to be an actual human, who lunges at you full force.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
Next, you bid Murder House adieu by stepping through the gaping mouth of a demented-looking ring master, signaling the start of Freak Show.
There are plenty of ghoulish jump-scares throughout the Freak Show section courtesy of Twisty the Clown, but mostly it's about observing some stomach-churning vignettes.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
The worst one? The dramatization of Elsa getting her leg chainsawed off for a German snuff film.
Ready to check in to the Hotel Cortez? Lady Gaga's Countess character welcomes you in by writhing within a faux elevator, and also snarling at you. Wouldn't hurt to take a hospitality course or something, girl.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
For any fans of the 10 Commandments Killer, his trophy room is displayed in all its bloody glory.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
Although not necessarily scary, there's a room filled with the coffins of the Countess's sleeping vampire children, and it's beyond creepy.
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Quinn Keaney
The maze ends with a person exploding out of a hole in the mattress, a moment that ironically made me realize I'll never be able to sleep again.
