HHN Food Review: What we ate at Universal Studios

If you know me, you know I don’t just go to Halloween Horror Nights for the jump scares. I go for the snacks! I have spent the last five years navigating the fog at Universal Studios. I am already prepping my appetite for HHN 35 in 2026.

People often ask me if the food at HHN is just standard “theme park” fare. The answer is a loud “No!” Universal’s culinary team treats every food booth like a haunted house. They use unique flavors, spooky colors, and clever names to tell a story. Last year, Alan and I spent an entire night just “booth hopping.”

Are you curious about what to eat during your 2026 scream session? I am breaking down our favorites from last year. I will also share how these flavors tie into the horror we love. Here is your ultimate guide to the food and drinks of HHN.

My 2025 Favorites: Nostalgia and Sweet Treats

Last year, I focused on the sweeter side of the event. Universal loves to play with nostalgia. Many of the 2025 dishes felt like a twisted version of a childhood lunch.

Mom Cut the Crust Off PB & J

This was easily my favorite savory-sweet hybrid. It is a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, Universal adds a “horror” twist with a spicy kick in the jelly.

Flavor: The outer crust is crunchy and warm. The inside is gooey and comforting.
Inspiration: This dish usually ties into a “slasher” house set in a 1980s house. It reminds you of home right before the monster appears!
Price: These usually run around $9.99. It is a great, filling snack for the price.

Toy Box Cider

I paired my sandwich with the Toy Box Cider. This drink was beautiful. It featured a shimmering, swirling glitter effect that looked magical under the neon lights.

Flavor: It tasted like a crisp green apple with a hint of cinnamon. It wasn’t too sweet, which I appreciated.
Inspiration: This drink sat near the “Major Sweets” or “Toy Factory” style scare zones.

Phantom Punch

If you want something stronger, the Phantom Punch is a staple. It comes in the iconic Blinky Cup!

Flavor: It is a mix of rum, fruit juices, and a secret “dark” syrup.
Price: Expect to pay about $16.00 to $18.00. Remember, refills in your Blinky Cup are cheaper!

Alan’s Picks: Savory Heat and Seasonal Brews

My husband and fellow agent, Alan Thompson, prefers the “meat and potatoes” side of the fog. He looks for bold, spicy flavors that keep him energized for a 2:00 AM finish.

Tostitos Birria Beef Walking Taco

Alan still talks about this one. It isn’t just a bag of chips. They fill a bag of Tostitos with slow-cooked birria beef, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Flavor: The beef is incredibly tender. The crunch of the chips makes it the perfect “walking” food while you wait in the Express line.
Price: This was a steal at $13.00. It is one of the most filling items at the event.

Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale

For the beer lovers, the Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale is a must-try. Alan says it tastes like “liquid pumpkin pie.”

Flavor: It has strong notes of nutmeg, cloves, and real pumpkin. It is a heavy beer, so it is perfect for a chilly October night.
Inspiration: This drink represents the harvest themes often found in the “Central Park” scare zones.

The Classic: Twisted Chips

No HHN trip is complete without Twisted Chips. They are a legendary staple of the event. Universal takes a whole potato, spirals it onto a long stick, and deep-fries it.

The Varieties: You can get them plain, seasoned with salt and vinegar, or even coated in garlic parmesan. I prefer the garlic parmesan.
Katy’s Pro Tip: These are the best value for families. They are easy to share and always hot. Plus, they make for a great “I’m at HHN” photo!

2026 Food and Drink Strategy

Food vendors at HHN Universal Studios Orlando

In 2026, the food booths will likely be themed after the newest houses like Five Nights at Freddy’s or Fallout. Here is how to handle the “foodie” side of your trip:

Eat Early: The food booths open around 5:30 PM. Grab your main meal before the sun goes down and the house lines get long.
Use the App: You can check menus and prices on the Universal Orlando App. Some booths even allow mobile ordering!
The Gift Card Hack: Buy a themed HHN gift card. It usually comes with a lanyard. It helps you set a “food budget” for the night so you don’t overspend on cocktails.

Expected HHN 2026 Food Prices

Item Type	Estimated Price
Specialty Snacks	$9.00 – $14.00
Large Entrees	$13.00 – $17.00
Specialty Cocktails	$15.00 – $18.00
Canned Beer & Seltzer	$12.00 – $15.00

Why Book Your 2026 HHN Package with Gallivanters?

You could just show up and eat a burger. But why would you? When you book with Gallivanters Vacations, you get the “Alan and Katy” advantage.

The Culinary Map: I provide my clients with the real life experience of having been there and sampled that. I highlight the must-try items so you don’t waste your appetite on mediocre food.
Hotel Proximity: I suggest hotels like Sapphire Falls or Aventura. Why? Because they are a quick boat or bus ride away when you have a “food coma” at midnight.
Price Monitoring: We watch for “Dining Deal” packages that Universal sometimes releases. If we see a way to save you money on your treats, we apply it instantly.

Are you ready to taste the terror in 2026?