Halloween at Universal

Halloween at Universal Studios theme parks is not for the faint of heart.

New this year, Universal Studios parks both in Hollywood and Orlando are bringing the legendary horror film series, "Friday the 13th," "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" to life. The event - which includes guest encounters with actors portraying Freddy Krueger, Jason and Leatherface - is not suitable for children under 12.

In Orlando, the themed nights will take place Sept. 28-29 through Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, and Oct.31-Nov. 3.

The Hollywood park, which will also have horror sets from Hollywood history, a new Backlot Terror Tram Tour, and mazes themed on "Nightmare" and "Chainsaw," will offer the themed nights on Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

The event begins each night at 7 p.m. Closing times vary.

Halloween Horror Nights began 17 years ago in Orlando as a one-weekend event with one haunted house. Today, it is one of the largest, most elaborate Halloween events in the country. Each night, the Universal parks in Hollywood and Orlando are transformed with haunted houses and shows, "themed scare-zones" and hundreds of actors.

For more information, discounts, and travel packages, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.