Guests visiting Universal Horror Unleashed at Area15 in Las Vegas were left frustrated after the haunted attraction closed prematurely on Thursday night. Despite an advertised 10 p.m. closing time, reports suggest that three out of the four houses inside the 110,000-square-foot, self-guided haunted experience were shut down well before 9:30 p.m. In some cases, attractions were closed much earlier, leading to a growing line of disappointed visitors seeking answers.
What Happened in Las Vegas?
Universal Horror Unleashed is a highly anticipated horror-themed experience located in Las Vegas, making its debut in January 2023. The self-guided, walk-through haunt, which spans a massive 110,000 square feet, has drawn significant attention for offering immersive and terrifying encounters. It is the second horror-themed experience from Universal Destinations & Experiences, following the massive success of Halloween Horror Nights.
The attraction, housed within the Area15 complex, features a mix of creepy atmospheres and thrilling scares across multiple themed houses. However, on Thursday night, the experience fell short of expectations when several houses reportedly shut their doors much earlier than expected.
Guests who arrived later in the evening were left disappointed, with some waiting in line only to find that their anticipated scares were no longer available. A growing number of visitors took to social media to express their frustrations.
Despite an advertised 10pm closing, 3 of 4 houses inside Horror Unleashed were closed before 9:30pm. Some were closed quite a bit before that, so there is now a line to complain. pic.twitter.com/1ceCl3qXxf
— Universal Parks News Today (@UniNewsToday) August 15, 2025
A Frustrating End to a Highly Anticipated Experience
Universal Horror Unleashed has already been a hit with those looking for a unique and thrilling haunted attraction. However, the early closures sparked dissatisfaction among guests who had traveled to the venue expecting the full experience until the advertised closing time.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, known for its world-class attractions and Halloween Horror Nights, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the early closure. Visitors are hoping for clarification on the situation, with many questioning whether the early shutdowns were a one-time occurrence or a larger issue that could affect future events.
The situation left some guests wondering if they would receive compensation or be offered tickets to return at a later date. As of now, there has been no official response from Universal regarding refunds or adjustments for those impacted by the early closures.
What’s Next for Universal Horror Unleashed?
While Universal Horror Unleashed continues to draw crowds and provide guests with spine-chilling experiences, Thursday night’s premature closure has raised concerns about the attraction’s operations. Fans of Universal’s horror events are eagerly awaiting the company’s response, as they look forward to future nights filled with thrills, screams, and surprises.
With Universal’s track record of delivering high-quality horror events, it is expected that the company will work to address the concerns of guests to ensure a smoother experience in the future. As Universal Horror Unleashed continues throughout the Halloween season, visitors will be hoping for a more consistent and fully operational experience, where they can enjoy every haunted house until the final bell rings.
The post Universal’s Haunted Houses Close Early: Guests Demand Refunds appeared first on Inside the Magic.
