ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Madness, mayhem and horror will be unleashed tonight at Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights - the largest, most intense Halloween event in the country. Jack, The Clown Prince of Halloween, invites you inside his "Carnival of Carnage." Once inside, there's no turning back as curiosity becomes panic becomes fear becomes physical and psychological terror.

This year, Halloween Horror Nights 17 becomes the most extreme, fear- filled event in its history. With its leading cast of modern day horror icons, guests will come face-to-face with New Line Cinema's Freddy Krueger, Jason and Leatherface for the first time ever - and they will find the fear so real they will wish it were just a movie.

The Carnival of Carnage creates an unprecedented level of fear. Universal Orlando is creating more haunted houses, more Halloween-themed shows -- and adding more event nights -- than ever before. And, of course, every carnival needs a clown. And when it comes to clowns, there is only one that is maniacal and twisted enough to be Ringmaster for the Carnival of Carnage. That would be Jack.

Halloween Horror Nights runs 23 nights and features eight all-new haunted houses - three of which are created around New Line's Freddy Krueger, Jason and Leatherface. There will also be four new shows - more than ever before - including a show dedicated to Jack, a tribute to the Rocky Horror Picture Show and an even more excellent and irreverent version of "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure."

Halloween Horror Nights will run from September 28-29 through October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, and Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Advance tickets and vacation packages are on sale now.

Halloween Horror Nights is a special ticket event and is $64.95 plus tax. Florida residents can save up to $30 off the full admission price of Halloween Horror Nights 17 tickets. For more information on discounts and travel packages, or to purchase tickets, guests may call 407-224-5500 or visit the event's website at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/. Event tickets are also available at the front gate of the theme parks and select outlets such as Publix Supermarkets and Ticketmaster. Because of the event's popularity, tickets are expected to sell out and should be purchased far in advance.

Universal Orlando Resort (http://www.universalorlando.com/) - With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando has created the world's most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture's most compelling films and stories.

Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride" and "Shrek 4-D." Islands of Adventure is the world's most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include "Jurassic Park River Adventure" and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man."

In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination's three on-site Loews hotels include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort.

CONTACT: Public Relations for Universal Orlando Resort, +1-407-363-8220

Web site: http://www.universalorlando.com/
http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/