Here's why Universal's Ghostbusters house was not all that 'Frozen'

September 12, 2024, 11:52 AM · When Halloween Horror Nights opened at Universal Studios Hollywood last week, one of its most-anticipated haunted houses was not as advertised.

The Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire house is based on one of the most popular franchises ever depicted at Halloween Horror Nights. Based on the latest installment of the movie series, the Ghostbusters house features a scene of a frozen dinner party. But staged in a tent in the 100-degree-plus temperatures that plagued the Los Angeles area over the weekend, Universal's Ghostbusters house felt anything but frozen.

The sweltering scene was not was Universal wanted for the house, Creative Director John Murdy has revealed. In a Q&A session with fans on X last night, Murdy said that Universal's original plan was to install an air conditioning unit that would chill the house to a more appropriately themed conditions.

So what happened? Well, the AC, uh, gave up the ghost.

John Murdy post on X

The good news is that Universal is working to restore the AC unit. And temperatures have plunged in Southern California this week, with temps expected in the mid- to low 60s during Halloween Horror Nights this weekend. So even if the house won't immediately be as "Frozen" as advertised, it at least will feel much cooler than it did on opening weekend.

To encourage fans to come out for this year's event, Universal is discounting Halloween Horror Nights tickets, which you can buy via our partner's Universal Studios Hollywood tickets page.

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Replies (2)

September 16, 2024 at 7:38 AM

I heard they blew their budget on the car prop

September 18, 2024 at 9:31 PM

There are tons of tickets left for the Hollywood Horror Nights at USH, which surprised me. I looked up the ticket availability on the website and found that there is very little "sold out" evenings. I always get the "Express" tickets and they were VERY available as well. Oddly enough, Universal is offering a Buy 1- Get 1 ticket at THIS time of year. The passholder portal is offering that same ticket starting at only $99! Is Universal having problems selling tickets? Seems odd that the Horror Nights are still widely available PLUS a 2-for-1 ticket with very modest blockout days for the 2nd day. I bought one for a friend yesterday and am already planning his 2nd day later this month!

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