Universal vs. Halloween Theme Park Value

In this special video episode, watch Sally brave haunted attractions and reveal the surprising rise of Halloween vacations.

Is Halloween travel worth the money right now? Which fall travel deals are worth your time? Watch hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how Halloween became a peak travel moment and what it really costs — and see how Sally reacted to some of this year’s scariest attractions — so you can plan smarter and still get your thrills. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including limited-time Hilton card welcome offers, Hilton’s Q4 “1,500 bonus points per stay” promo, Spirit’s one-off bonus points offer for round trips and off-peak days, and British Airways’ new nonstop from St. Louis to London Heathrow.

Then, Meghan and Sally discuss the surge in Halloween travel anchored by theme-park events, including Universal’s new year-round Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Universal Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash. They share tips and tricks on timing trips for lower airfare/hotel costs and leveraging simple promos/points without overcomplicating it. They also discuss destination costs and alternatives, free or low-cost ways to join the Halloween fun, how to pack and plan multiple costumes, and real-world logistics like lining up childcare for Halloween travel. 

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-honors-aspire 

• Hilton AmEx Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-amex-review 

• Hilton AmEx Surpass Review: Credits Can Offset the High Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/hilton-amex-ascend 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  

In this episode, the Nerds discuss: Halloween travel trends, spooky season getaways, haunted destinations, haunted houses, haunted mazes, horror travel, Vegas attractions, Area15 Las Vegas, Universal Studios, Universal theme parks, theme park tickets, theme park events, Disney World, Disneyland, Halloween events, fall vacation planning, shoulder season travel, cheap flights in October, off-peak airfare, hotel promotions, travel rewards points, travel credit cards, hotel loyalty programs, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, travel points value, British Airways routes, St. Louis airport, London Heathrow flights, Spirit Airlines flights, luxury hotels, Halloween destinations USA, Salem, Stanley Hotel, New Orleans Halloween, Winchester Mystery House, family Halloween travel, Halloween costumes travel tips, and quiet airports.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices