Hey thrillgeeks and metalheads! If you thought Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights couldn’t possibly top itself this year, get ready to lose your minds. HHN just dropped a massive announcement that is music to our ears—and a nightmare for our souls.
For this year’s event, Universal is paying the ultimate, terrifying tribute to the pioneer of heavy metal himself: Ozzy Osbourne.
Coming to both Universal Orlando Resort (kicking off Friday, August 28) and Universal Studios Hollywood (starting Thursday, September 3), the all-original house—“Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness”—is set to be a wild, head-banging ride through 45 years of the icon’s legendary solo career.
All Aboard the Crazy Train
Developed as a “living horror movie” through the signature lens of Halloween Horror Nights, this non-traditional memorial will transport guests on a twisted journey across both coasts, completely soundtracked by the Prince of Darkness’s iconic solo albums. We’re talking tracks and themes pulled straight from Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, No More Tears, Scream, and Ordinary Man.
Sharon and Jack Osbourne shared their excitement for the collaboration:
“Ozzy never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created. Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life. Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognize so many moments inspired by his music and imagination.”
Coast-to-Coast Terrors: What to Expect
While both coasts are getting the Ozzy treatment, each park’s haunted house will offer a uniquely terrifying experience inspired by his sprawling career:
- At Universal Studios Hollywood: Executive Producer John Murdy and his team are taking fans back to where it all began—Birmingham, England. Guests will board the “Crazy Train” right out of the gate, traveling through time from Ozzy’s early childhood to an Osbourne Asylum inspired by Diary of a Madman. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic iterations of his persona, from Madman Ozzy and Werewolf Ozzy to the full-blown Prince of Darkness.
- At Universal Orlando Resort: Mike Aiello and the entertainment creative team are sending guests deep into ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons before boarding their own version of the “Crazy Train.” This path leads into a surreal, fantastical realm inspired by album covers like Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, The Ultimate Sin, and Black Rain. Keep your eyes peeled, Orlando fans—creators tease that there are plenty of meaningful Easter eggs hidden throughout the maze!
If you can’t wait until late summer to start repping your love for the Prince of Darkness, Universal has you covered. A brand-new, limited-release merchandise line inspired by the house is dropping. You can snag a killer new T-shirt and an Ozzy acrylic figure (which fits right into the separately sold Infernal Carnival collectible display) at both parks right now, or online at shopUniversal.com starting tomorrow, July 30, at 9:00 AM PST.
Whether you’re a lifelong metal fan or just love a heavy dose of rock-and-roll horror, this is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about houses of the season.
Are you ready to step into Ozzy’s twisted imagination? Let us know on Twitter/X if you’re grabbing your HHN tickets early, and stay tuned to the blog and our HHN 35 Ultimate Thrill Guide for more haunt updates!
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83