Halloween Horror Nights Taste of Terror: A guide to Universal Orlando's new experience
Heading to Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights but desperately want to treat yourself to a killer feast beforehand?
No need to seek out a spell from a witch or strike a deal with a devil. Officials are offering fans a brand-new tasting experience previewing food and beverage offerings from this year’s Halloween event.
From bloody cakes to cordyceps pasta, feisty foodies can dine on items inspired by both classic horrors and this year's haunted houses.
Think you can handle this spine-chilling preview of the event's dishes? Here's what you should know before you indulge in Taste of Terror. There's no turning back.
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What does the menu look like for Taste of Terror?
Select menu items include, but are not limited to:
The Last of Us – Left Behind Ravioli
Yeti – Bloody Campground Poutine
Day of the Dead– Vegan Walking Taco
Traditional Halloween – Peanut Blooder Burger
Desserts – Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Puff, Trick or Treat Bucket, Bloody Snowball, Mummy Oreo Cheesecake Pop and more.
Without hesitation, Universal Orlando Resort Executive Sous Chef Christopher Colon said his favorite menu was the Left Behind Ravioli.
"It's just so cool and unique … the fact that we got the cans and you could grab it and continue walking around the event and enjoying the Halloween Horror Nights experience," he said.
Has Universal ever done anything like this for Halloween Horror Nights?
Colon shared with USA TODAY that the theme park has never done anything like this before despite always talking about it. Finally, this was the year they went for it.
"Based on the successes we've had year after year, I think this year with all the new (intellectual properties) that we got, it was just a no-brainer to be able to want to let our guests in for a little sneak peek," he said.
Colon said it's exciting to give this experience to guests and give them a literal taste of what is to come from the event this year.
"It's just a great experience, you're able to come in here and eat and drink some of the food and beverages, without essentially chaos or worrying about a chainsaw guy coming and chasing you," Colon joked.
How did the chefs curate the menu for this experience?
The process started about a year ago. Once they had an idea of themes and what they will be working with, Colon said they got to researching.
"I have amazing talented chefs. We get in the kitchen, and if it's a game like The Last of Us … I played the game, a couple of our other chefs play the game, and we told the other team members like, 'Hey, you got to play the game, we want to immerse ourselves into it,' " he recalled. "We did that. We all played the game. We watched the Surfer Boy part in the 'Stranger Things' season so we're able to cook it."
They are able to also pitch to the creators of these universes and get their opinions on the dishes. There is a slight pressure to do these stories justice, he admits. Especially since he's a huge fan.
"I think to myself that if I went to an event and I was eating this food, would I appreciate the little details or would I not appreciate that, would I wish they did something different?" Colon said. "So we have that opportunity to really dig into those details."
How do some of these items pay tribute to their respective universes?
Speaking of the nitty and gritty details of the dishes, Colon gives examples of the items on the menu, starting with The Last of Us' Left Behind Ravioli.
"That represents The Last of Us, so you got the cheese ravioli mushroom emulsion, fried enoki mushrooms … it's all pouring out. Kind of how we're selling it is that FEDRA, the group that is this military, that's kind of just what got left behind," Colon said. "There might be some overgrown mushrooms because there's just an infection going everywhere so the people that live in these QZs are just getting the scoop of ravioli and on your way."
"Stranger Things" fans will also see one of the onscreen meals bought to life — Surfer Boy pizza.
"If you've seen 'Stranger Things,' you know about Surfer Boy pizza," Colon said. "We wanted to take that and put a little twist. They do by the slice traditional Hawaiian. We made a pineapple chutney, we're doing crispy Spam. It's roasted béchamel on the bottom of it, so it's a creamy different kind of texture."
Will these items be sold during the actual event?
Colon said patrons will see these items on all the Halloween Horror Nights dates.
How much is the Taste of Terror experience?
The Taste of Terror experience runs $135.99 plus tax per person. Guests can purchase a Taste of Terror ticket on Universal Orlando's website.
Where and when do you check in for the tasting?
Guests will check in and experience Taste of Terror over at Soundstage 33. The experience runs for two hours from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Check-in time runs from 6 p.m. to 6:30 pm at the end of the street, around the "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon" ride within Universal Studios Florida. Attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes before check-in time.
What dates does the tasting run?
Guests can dine on select nights through Aug. 26.
The specific dates are Aug. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26.
Halloween Horror Nights doesn't begin until Sept. 1 at Universal Orlando.
What do attendees get with the experience?
All you can eat preview of select food and beverage items that will be featured at this year's Halloween Horror Nights
Non-alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages are included via a hosted bar for those 21 and older with a valid photo ID.
One souvenir Halloween Horror Nights light-up cup (21+ only)
Halloween Horror Nights Coca-Cola Freestyle cup (Separate fee applies to activate)
One digital download of one photo taken at the Taste of Terror
Is there an age limit to the event?
There is no age limit. However, patrons must be 21 and older with a valid photo ID to drink alcohol and receive a light-up cup.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Orlando's new Taste of Terror offers fans early taste of HHN
