Halloween at Universal

[Princess Amy]

We will be in Disney for our honeymoon Oct 4-11. I am a avid fan of halloween and was considering doing one of the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. Does this happen at both parks or just universal. Is it something definitly worth considering? We would have to find transportation to and from the park and besides we just went to Universal/IOA in March. So everything is fresh in my mind, but if the park is significantly different for halloween I would like to go. Anyways, tell me about your experiences at universal for halloween. :teeth:

[Don Pacho]

HHN is an event you cannot miss. It is so popular that the tickets will dissapear fast once on sale. I've been only at the studios, last year they had it at IOA. Let's see this year.

:thumbsup2

[Metro West]

If you're going to be here during that time, do NOT miss HHN. It's a great event and for a Halloween lover, a lot of fun. In 2004, they did HHN at the Studios and last year at IOA. I tend to enjoy 2004 better but that was my first experience. Last year had some awesome houses but still enjoyed the previous year better.

It's really cool to stand outside the gates at dusk...watching the fog cover the entrance and hearing the music and screams from within. :stir:

You will have a blast! :thumbsup2

[tricky1]

I been to the last 3 events, and just love HHN, My wife and I look forward
to this event every year, It is awesome!!!! :thumbsup2




If you want more ,check out HHN vault.com
cool site.

[ChrisFL]

If you're going to be here during that time, do NOT miss HHN. It's a great event and for a Halloween lover, a lot of fun. In 2004, they did HHN at the Studios and last year at IOA. I tend to enjoy 2004 better but that was my first experience. Last year had some awesome houses but still enjoyed the previous year better.

It's really cool to stand outside the gates at dusk...watching the fog cover the entrance and hearing the music and screams from within. :stir:

You will have a blast! :thumbsup2

Actually in 2004 it was in BOTH parks

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I LOVE HHN! In fact I have told some relatives from NE that they MUST come down during October so they can go to it.

Now having said that - I prefer the non-peak nights as the crowds can get a little insane - numberwise and actionwise.

[Ghost]

HHN is AWESOME... and another reason why I try to go during the Halloween season on my WDW trip. Normally I go for 2 to 3 nights using the frequent fair pass. This pass is only valid on off peak nights!

I make sure I can do every house 2 to 3 times every nights. Sometimes more... (with planning right, this is possible). I do not do rides as I can do those on any other day.

HHN is a must for a halloween fan... in 2003 I was one of the first one in a house, walking it on my own... nobody in front, nobody in the back... yeah....

[spoiltrotten12]

We are going to MNSSHP at Disney, we never even thought about Universal at Halloween. Hmmm, considering doing this too!

Can anyone give me any information about Halloween at Universal?

Thanks.

[pluto's fan]

We will be in Disney for our honeymoon Oct 4-11. I am a avid fan of halloween and was considering doing one of the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. Does this happen at both parks or just universal. Is it something definitly worth considering? We would have to find transportation to and from the park and besides we just went to Universal/IOA in March. So everything is fresh in my mind, but if the park is significantly different for halloween I would like to go. Anyways, tell me about your experiences at universal for halloween. :teeth:

My DH and I went in 2004 for our Honeymoon and we had a blast!! We enjoyed it so much we went again last year and are going this year. I'm sure you'll love the event!!! Congrats and I hope you have a beautiful wedding :wave:

[flatline]

and besides we just went to Universal/IOA in March. So everything is fresh in my mind, but if the park is significantly different for halloween I would like to go.

significantly different is barely a description of what happens after the park closes and reopens for HHN for the night. ;) people from all over the world plan their Universal vacations for this event, and that's not an exaggeration.

[ChrisFL]

We are going to MNSSHP at Disney, we never even thought about Universal at Halloween. Hmmm, considering doing this too!

Can anyone give me any information about Halloween at Universal?

Thanks.

I believe Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is the most popular halloween event in the U.S., ...and it's nothing at all like MNSSHP, It's VERY scary as the park(s) are totally transformed into different scare themes, mostly very dark, and with "scareactors" in many places

[flatline]

We are going to MNSSHP at Disney, we never even thought about Universal at Halloween. Hmmm, considering doing this too!

Can anyone give me any information about Halloween at Universal?

Thanks.

imagine the moat around Cinderella Castle filled with blood and on fire and Mickey and the gang impaled in front of the 'Partners' statue. :)

[nerdboyrockstar]

Yeah, it's a really fun time but definitely not for kids. Even some of my adult friends are too scared to do it.

From the FAQ on the official website:

Q. Is this event suitable for children?

A. This event may be too intense for young children. Adult discretion is strongly advised. There are no child ticket prices for this event.

[spoiltrotten12]

Thanks for the info!

[Don Pacho]

This event may be too intense for young children.




Even for adults.

Many scenes are just too real...

[DOOM1001]

Halloween Horror nights is the best Halloween event anywhere, I never miss it.If you go, and you must just remember non-peak nights get ridiculously crowded and peak nights even more crowded, so it's best to do a non-peak night early in the month.

:rotfl: :banana: :rotfl: :banana: :rotfl: :banana: :rotfl: :banana: :rotfl: :banana: :rotfl: :banana:

[deany]

I have already mapped out all of our days and restaurants for our trip Sept 29 to Oct 13. We are staying at POR in WDW and just bussing to US for two separate days, one at each park. Now I see that both of those days are days of HHN. I am assuming that the crowds would be a lot busier on the days when they have HHN in the evening? Can anyone comment on this? Should I reschedule? For the HHN, when are guests allowed to enter the park? And how do they go about kicking everyone else out? Sorry for all the questions - I am just a HHN rookie!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[spoiltrotten12]

Soooo, I don't think my 2-year-old DD is quite ready for this! Hopefully she'll be ok at MNSSHP!

[Fan2CSkr]

imagine the moat around Cinderella Castle filled with blood and on fire and Mickey and the gang impaled in front of the 'Partners' statue. :)


Thats a vision! Sounds like you've given thought to having HHN at Disney. :hmghost:

[DOOM1001]

Days at the Universal parks are not necessarily busier because of Horror nights, this event brings out a lot of locals and people just for the event.I've been to the parks on days they have HHN and the parks have been pretty empty.If you go on a saturday or sunday you're going to see crowds with or without HHN.I would go on Oct. 11-12 It's a wednesday and thursday the parks won't be very busy during the day and HHN will probably have lighter crowds.If you want to go earlier in the month, it's only on Fridays, saturdays and sundays, I would suggest a sunday.

[dansyr1]

We did the event last year...a first for me....and it was absolutely awesome. Planning on going 9/29 this year. Anyone have any idea on when the tickets go on sale??

[tinkersmama]

Here is some info on what nights and the theme "Sweet Sixteen"

Halloween Horror Nights®
September 29 & 30
October 6-8, 11-15, 19-22, 26-29 & 31

Dare to face the most frightening Halloween Horror Nights® ever, when Universal Orlando® Resort transforms into a darkened world where ghastly creatures emerge from the darkness. Chilling haunted houses with uniquely bizarre themes appear out of nowhere. And screams of pure panic pierce the night.

This year, Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its petrifying “Sweet Sixteen”. For nineteen nights in 2006—September 29 and 30, October 6-8, 11-15, 19-22, 26-29 and 31.


I LOVE HHN!!!!!!

[JLTraveling]

Hey all... just wanted to chime in on this thread. I'm a mild-mannered spieler at Universal by day, and a Scareactor for HHN. HHN is definitely worth checking out, as others have said, the park is completely re-made for the event. I can't give you advance info on this year's event, I'd lose my job in a second, but from what I hear HHN is returning to its roots this year. I'll leave it at that.
I disagree with the "go on a non-peak night" advice though. Yes, the park is much more crowded on peak nights. However, it also closes later to accomodate the increased crowds. But most importantly, a lot of key entertainment happens only on peak nights. The houses are significantly better staffed, and a LOT of street performers are there only for peak nights. You really lose a lot of the intensity on non-peak nights. And for the actors, we feed off the energy of the crowd. Yes, we're professionals, and yes, we'll scare the pants off you no matter when you go. But just like at a concert, when an arena crowd juices up the band into a frenzy, the same thing happens at HHN on peak nights. The energy exchange between performers and guests is just phenomenal.
Just my two cents though. Feel free to ask if you have any questions that are non-specific to this year's event.

[Slacking]

Yeah, one of my greatest pet peeves about HHN is how understaffed it feels some nights (specifically non-peak). I've walked through some houses and could probably count the scareactors I see on no more than two hands, which leads to very disappointing walk-throughs. Unfortunately, due to a job I had last year (scareactor at a competing event) I could only go on non-peaks and never saw the houses at their full potential. IMO, this upsets me a bit. I'm paying as much as everyone else, but because I'm not going on a Friday or Saturday, I receive a weaker product? I hate that.

[JLTraveling]

I'm paying as much as everyone else, but because I'm not going on a Friday or Saturday, I receive a weaker product? I hate that.

Well, technically no you're not, last year ticket prices were tiered according to peak and non-peak. But I definitely agree with the sentiment behind what you're saying. Last year we did have one night, a Thursday I believe, that was sort of a bonus, a "peak" night at non-peak prices (and the Frequent Fear pass was valid that night). But it wasn't really advertised as such, and there was a lot of confusion even among the actors, many of whom were surprised to arrive at work and be told we would be open till 2 am. Personally, I'd rather go back to one ticket price, the same show for everyone, every night. Unfortunately they don't ask for my opinion :sad2:

[Slacking]

Well, technically no you're not, last year ticket prices were tiered according to peak and non-peak. But I definitely agree with the sentiment behind what you're saying. Last year we did have one night, a Thursday I believe, that was sort of a bonus, a "peak" night at non-peak prices (and the Frequent Fear pass was valid that night). But it wasn't really advertised as such, and there was a lot of confusion even among the actors, many of whom were surprised to arrive at work and be told we would be open till 2 am. Personally, I'd rather go back to one ticket price, the same show for everyone, every night. Unfortunately they don't ask for my opinion :sad2:


Thats true, but it wasn't like it was that much more, was it? But, its still not fair to those who come just for HHN and may not have a choice but to visit on a non-peak night, still spend good money, and still get a weaker show (not to mention less attractions as was the case last year and a few nights in 2004). I'm not a fan of that policy.

[Metallicat]

Kinda off topic a bit, but if anyone is ever around Birmingham Alabama at Halloween time, The Atrox factory puts on an EXCELLENT haunted house. it is a very long house to walk through and things actually TOUCH you in pitch black darkness. they have a few celebrities come out and sign autographs. last year we got to meet Leatherface from the Texas chainsaw massacre. of course it doesn't compare to HHN, but it was probably the most scariest haunted house that I have ever been to in my life.

I am so glad that HHN may be 'returning to its roots.' I wanna see them bring back the classic monsters that made Universal famous to begin with and for goodness sakes do away with the chicks dancing in the cages!! :confused3

[F-L-A]

I'm pretty sure that's not what they meant by HHN "returning to it's roots."

And you just made me glad that Universal doesn't take advice from outsiders. :p

[Slacking]

Here is a quote that I found on a well-known HHN fansite. If this doesn't give it away, I don't know what will, lol.

But what's this I hear about 'horror returning home?' Perhaps, ghoulies... sixteen will be the year horror, does in fact, return to its true home.

...Homecoming party anyone?

[Metallicat]

I'm pretty sure that's not what they meant by HHN "returning to it's roots."

And you just made me glad that Universal doesn't take advice from outsiders. :p

What is your idea of Universal returning to its roots?
mine is bringing it back to the studios, parade, more scarey monsters etc.. the way it was back in 1999 or 2000. I didn't mean JUST bringing back the classic monsters. (duh) although I want to see them featured in a house and maybe a few of the characters walking around too.

I guess Universal figures that if they put a few girls dancing in cages that it will keep the teen guys/boys happy. they are too young to go to strip clubs and see the real thing so it will make them feel big watching some sort of soft porn. now that I think about it, it's kinda funny seeing these boys hanging around drooling. to me laughing at them is an attraction in itself. :rotfl2: but hey, if they put Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves in a cage half naked, I would stand there all night and stare too.

[JLTraveling]

Heehee...very good Slacking. I knew you would get it. And now you can pass the word, and my job shall stay safe. Makes me really happy, though, that is of course where HHN belongs, IMHO.

[Slacking]

I've only attended HHN 2004 and 2005, so I'm excited for this year's event!

[Metallicat]

If they could ever get it as scarey as it was in the year 2000, I would love it. it was by far the scariest year that I've ever attended.

[PoohnPglet]

We LOVE HHN. In fact, last year we went as many nights as we could on the frequent fear pass. I had thought about auditioning for a role this year, but then thought about how if I was working the event, I couldn't party at the event! I would definitely recommend putting it into your schedule. Be sure to check out the Bill & Ted show as well!

[Slacking]

We LOVE HHN. In fact, last year we went as many nights as we could on the frequent fear pass. I had thought about auditioning for a role this year, but then thought about how if I was working the event, I couldn't party at the event! I would definitely recommend putting it into your schedule. Be sure to check out the Bill & Ted show as well!

Yeah, if you work HHN, you can't party, but being a scareactor (like I said, I haven't worked HHN but I worked HOS last year) is a blast itself. Its so much fun!

[PoohnPglet]

Yeah, if you work HHN, you can't party, but being a scareactor (like I said, I haven't worked HHN but I worked HOS last year) is a blast itself. Its so much fun!

Yeah, I had a lot of friends working it last year. They probably will again this year. But as much fun as it looked to go around scaring the crud out of people, is how much fun I have getting the crud scared out of me!

Didn't make it over to HoS, how did it compare to HHN?

[Slacking]

Yeah, I had a lot of friends working it last year. They probably will again this year. But as much fun as it looked to go around scaring the crud out of people, is how much fun I have getting the crud scared out of me!

Didn't make it over to HoS, how did it compare to HHN?


I'm trying not to be biased, but honestly, I thought HOS was a better event than HHN last year. I found HHN 2005 to be somewhat of a disappointment with only 1-2 great houses, while most of HOS houses delivered the few times I walked through them.

I definitely recommend checking it out though.

[JLTraveling]

Yeah, I had a lot of friends working it last year. They probably will again this year. But as much fun as it looked to go around scaring the crud out of people, is how much fun I have getting the crud scared out of me!

Didn't make it over to HoS, how did it compare to HHN?

I didn't make it to HoS either, so I can't answer that part. But actually, you can have the best of both worlds at HHN. I worked every night and still managed to see all of the other houses and most of the streets. It's possible because there are two casts that alternate shows and breaks. While you're not allowed to go out on your break, your alternate will do the last show of the night on half the nights. By the time you get out of makeup and costume, you generally have between 30-45 minutes before park closing. My castmates and I went out as a group almost every night, and we were able to get FotL access and see one or two houses a night. Some even managed to catch the last Bill and Ted show one night (I didn't go cause I had an appointment for last call at the local bar). I had my dad take pics of a few things that I didn't manage to catch, like the Terra Throne show, and I feel I had a full HHN experience as both an actor and a guest.
Also, you don't have to work every night. Several of my castmates took a night off specifically to go in as a guest -- when they came through our house, let's just say they got a bit of an extra show. If you set it up in advance, you're perfectly allowed (and then you don't have to pay to get in).
Just my thoughts, if you want to audition it is definitely worth it!!

[AdioSkater]

oops - sorry! Wrong thread!

[PoohnPglet]

I didn't make it to HoS either, so I can't answer that part. But actually, you can have the best of both worlds at HHN. I worked every night and still managed to see all of the other houses and most of the streets. It's possible because there are two casts that alternate shows and breaks. While you're not allowed to go out on your break, your alternate will do the last show of the night on half the nights. By the time you get out of makeup and costume, you generally have between 30-45 minutes before park closing. My castmates and I went out as a group almost every night, and we were able to get FotL access and see one or two houses a night. Some even managed to catch the last Bill and Ted show one night (I didn't go cause I had an appointment for last call at the local bar). I had my dad take pics of a few things that I didn't manage to catch, like the Terra Throne show, and I feel I had a full HHN experience as both an actor and a guest.
Also, you don't have to work every night. Several of my castmates took a night off specifically to go in as a guest -- when they came through our house, let's just say they got a bit of an extra show. If you set it up in advance, you're perfectly allowed (and then you don't have to pay to get in).
Just my thoughts, if you want to audition it is definitely worth it!!

Hmmm... definitely food for thought. Thanks for the info!

[LOLA2]

We went I think it was 2003 or 2004 when it was at
IOA. It had the girls in the front of the park writhing on some stage, and then we went though a haunted house where we walked into a movie screen, and then there was a 3-d funhouse and a mental ward. Lots of cool houses. That was the only HHN hubby and I have been to and have wanted to go back ever since. We are finally going this October 26 and will be leaving the kids at Camp LIttLe Rock. We are very excited but just can't picture it at US. I hope it is as good As the year we went but I guess we have nothing
to compare too.

The bubbles in the street at Marvel were really fun.

[Princess Amy]

Just curious...how are the haunted houses? how many are there? what are the hours for HHN? I am going to ask dear husband to be that this is a must on our trip. Do these things usually sell out? Can we purchase tickets at the gate or is it something I should plan out in advance. Thanks so much for everyone's feedback on my post!! :goodvibes

[F-L-A]

Just curious...how are the haunted houses? how many are there?

There have been 7 houses the past few years. The event is constantly changing & expanding, so there's a possibility they increase it to 8. It's always a different experience.

Do these things usually sell out? Can we purchase tickets at the gate or is it something I should plan out in advance.

I would buy tickets in advance, especially if you plan on attending a peak night (Friday, Saturday) as these nights have been known to sell out.

[Corryn]

and for goodness sakes do away with the chicks dancing in the cages!! :confused3
:rotfl2: :lmao: My husband made me take photos of him in front of those ladies! :rotfl:

[LOLA2]

:rotfl2: :lmao: My husband made me take photos of him in front of those ladies! :rotfl:


I had no idea at the time but when we sat down to watch the footage it was ladies dancing for 5 minutes then a ghoul on stilits for 5 seconds back to ladies dancing for 5 minutes back to ghouls for 5 seconds this went on for about 15 minutes. I could not beleive it, it was so funny to watch! :happytv:

[JLTraveling]

Just curious...how are the haunted houses? how many are there? what are the hours for HHN? I am going to ask dear husband to be that this is a must on our trip. Do these things usually sell out? Can we purchase tickets at the gate or is it something I should plan out in advance. Thanks so much for everyone's feedback on my post!! :goodvibes

Definitely buy in advance. Advance tickets are usually a little cheaper, and like others have said, they do tend to sell out, especially peak nights and especially later in the month. The entire event is extreme. The houses themselves are world-renowned, but it's not just the houses, it's the streets as well. Last year was a "no safe zone" year, meaning that from the time you walk through the gates, anywhere you go you're fair game for the scareactors. And that does mean *anywhere*. Several years ago, before I started working the event, I went with my at-the-time husband. I was a scaredy cat, one of those screamers that invariably gets chased more cause of my reaction. We went to dinner at Mel's Diner, thinking it was a safe zone where I could catch my breath. Sat there for 30 minutes or so watching out the window at people being scared on the street. Just when I relaxed and was ready to go back out, a group of chainsaw guys came INSIDE the restaurant and headed directly for our table. To this day I don't know how I did it, but in five seconds flat I was over the table and in the corner hidden behind hubby! Very embarrassing looking back on it.
The hours vary, depending on whether it's a peak or non-peak night. Peak is usually Friday and Saturday, but occasionally there will be a weekday peak. Peak hours are 6 pm - 2 am, non-peak are 6 pm - midnight. Those are rough estimates though, they'll often stay open a little later depending on crowds. Peak is more crowded, but also has more entertainment.

[magicmouse2]

Sound brilliant! anyone know when tickets will be on sale to AP holders ? :cool1:

[MickeySP]

I just talked to AP services. I was told definitley not unitl after the 4th of July more than likely closer to the end of July.

I seems to me this is way later than usual.