Universal Studios first brought fans into the world of Hawkins in 2018 through its Stranger Things maze at Halloween Horror Nights. The attraction debuted at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort on September 14, 2018, followed by a version at Universal Studios Singapore. Visitors were able to move through recreated locations from the series, including suburban streets and scenes from the Upside Down.
The creative team, led by show director Patrick Braillard, designed the maze to make guests feel as though they were stepping directly into the series. More than 40,000 reference images were used to recreate sets, props, and details from the show. The Demogorgon suits were made by the same team that designed the creature for the series, and performers were trained to replicate its movements. The goal was to provide a fully immersive experience, allowing visitors to inhabit Hawkins rather than simply observe it.
The maze combined visual accuracy with audio design, using music and sound effects from the series to heighten suspense. Dimly lit hallways, shadowy corridors, and sound cues created tension and mirrored the pacing of the show. Guests could encounter familiar monsters and experience sequences that evoked both nostalgia and excitement, aligning the physical experience with the emotional tone of the series.
The 2018 maze’s success led to follow-ups in 2019 and 2023. The 2019 version incorporated storylines from Seasons 2 and 3, while the 2023 iteration focused on Season 4, bringing Vecna’s influence to life. The design process involved collaboration with the Duffer Brothers and contributions from Kyle Lambert, the official illustrator of Stranger Things, ensuring that the maze’s sets and visuals maintained consistency with the series’ aesthetic.
Interactive and sensory elements enhanced the experience. Sound effects, lighting cues, and choreography allowed guests to feel as though they were participating in the events of Hawkins, rather than simply watching them. This approach reinforced the series’ immersive qualities and allowed fans to engage with the narrative on multiple levels.
With the release of Stranger Things 5 scheduled for November 2025, there is an opportunity to reinvigorate the Halloween Horror Nights maze. New storylines, creatures, and locations could be introduced to reflect the events of the final season. Replicating Season 5’s suspenseful sequences in the maze would allow fans to experience the show’s climax in a physical, interactive format, providing continuity between the series and the theme park experience.
A return of the Stranger Things maze would also support community engagement among fans. The attraction has historically celebrated the series’ characters, storylines, and 1980s references while offering a shared experience of suspense and discovery. Authentic replication of sets, costumes, and creatures demonstrates how television properties can be effectively translated into immersive theme park attractions.
The continued popularity of the mazes underscores the series’ ability to combine storytelling, nostalgia, and interactive engagement. By recreating Hawkins’ streets, the Upside Down, and iconic monsters, the Halloween Horror Nights experience has allowed fans to participate in the series’ world directly. With the fifth season approaching, updating the maze to include Season 5 storylines would provide an opportunity to extend the narrative in a tangible, high-impact way.
Universal Studios’ Stranger Things mazes exemplify the convergence of television storytelling and immersive attraction design. The combination of visual detail, sound design, and performance created a fully realized version of Hawkins. A new maze for Season 5 could continue this tradition, offering fans an opportunity to relive key moments, encounter familiar threats, and engage with the series’ final narrative arc in a physical and emotionally resonant way.
