Why I Make Time for Halloween Horror Nights Even While Running a Healthcare Practice

In the heart of fall, my calendar looks a little unusual. Alongside patient appointments, staff meetings, and leadership planning for Central Health, you’ll find something that has nothing to do with medicine: Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) at Universal Studios Hollywood.

At first glance, it might seem like a strange combination—how does a healthcare provider spend long days in clinic and then willingly walk into haunted houses at night? But for me, HHN is more than entertainment. It’s a deliberate reset, a reminder that joy, play, and even a little adrenaline have a place in a well-rounded life.

A Shift in Perspective Running a healthcare practice requires constant focus on others: their symptoms, their fears, their goals. HHN offers the opposite. For a few hours, I’m not the decision-maker or the guide—I’m simply a participant. That change of perspective helps me return to clinic more grounded and present for my patients.

Stress, Release, and Renewal Healthcare is demanding, and so is leadership. HHN gives me a space to release that tension. Screaming through a maze may not be a traditional stress management technique, but the laughter that follows? That’s medicine of its own kind. It’s a reminder that emotional release is just as vital as clinical treatment plans.

Family and Shared Memory As a parent, HHN isn’t just my reset—it’s a family tradition. My kids and I experience the park together, navigating the mazes, holding hands in the crowds, and creating memories we’ll retell for years. Just as I encourage my patients to invest in experiences that nourish connection, HHN has become a touchstone for my own family’s story.

\The Bigger Picture Ultimately, my nights at HHN reinforce something I tell patients often: health is more than lab results, weight loss, or symptom control. Health is also the ability to live fully, to carve out moments of joy, and to carry those experiences back into daily life.

This October, I’ll return to Universal Studios after long days in clinic, knowing that the balance between hard work and personal joy is what keeps me energized, focused, and ready to lead. At Central Health, that’s exactly what I want for every patient too—not just the absence of illness, but the presence of a life worth living.

Dr. P’s Tips and Tricks for HHN 2025

Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of my favorite annual traditions. Between running a busy healthcare practice, raising four kids, and keeping Central Health moving forward, I rarely get the chance to step into another world. HHN is that escape—fog-filled walkways, movie-perfect sets, and just the right mix of fear and fun.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to make the most of these nights. Here are my go-to strategies for HHN 2025:

[1] Pick the Right Ticket for the Right Night If your goal is to soak in the atmosphere, shop, and ride attractions, a General Admission ticket works fine. If you want to maximize haunted houses, Universal Express is worth it. My family uses a mix of both—we dedicate certain nights for ambiance and others for maze marathons.

[2] Start in the Afternoon HHN tickets include park entry after 2 PM, which means you can enjoy rides and food before the event officially begins. This makes the day feel longer without paying for separate daytime admission.

[3] Don’t Underestimate the Walking Universal Studios is built on a hillside. That means escalators, stairs, and lots of uphill climbs between mazes. Comfortable shoes make all the difference—trust me.

[4] Fuel Strategically Food at Universal is an experience in itself. My family likes to order one or two plates and share, then pick up snacks as we go. It keeps us satisfied without slowing down or wasting food. CityWalk is also a good late-night option after the park closes.

[5] Plan for Potter and Mario Even if HHN is your focus, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World deserve time. Riding Mario Kart at night with the neon glow of the land around you feels almost surreal.

[6] Build in Recovery A full HHN night means late hours and plenty of adrenaline. The next morning, give yourself space to rest. Hydrate, eat a balanced breakfast, and reset before the next round. The experience is so much better when you approach it with energy instead of exhaustion.

For me, HHN 2025 isn’t just about scares—it’s about immersion, tradition, and connection with my family. It’s also a reminder that balance matters. Just as I tell my patients at Central Health to invest in both their physical well-being and their experiences, HHN has become part of my own self-care: a place where I can laugh, scream, and reset before stepping back into the clinic.

I’ll be there this October with my crew, making memories in the fog and returning to Central Health ready to serve with energy and perspective. Maybe I’ll even see you in the maze.