HHN questions

jenhum · Aug 27, 2016

I'm considering taking DD (8) to HHN on the last night of our trip. Before you think I'm too crazy, DD LOVES scary stuff. I've been taking her to haunted houses/trails/hayrides since she was 4. We get doubtful looks from everyone, and then DD giggles happily as a man with a chainsaw pops out of the woods. Another example- she loved Krampus. She has yet to even find anything scary, she thinks scary things are fun and silly. I told her about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and she immediately declared she had no interest in that.

So anyway, I'm definitely not worried that it will be too scary for her. The last night of our trip would be our only chance to go, so I think I'm just going to wait and see if we are totally exhausted or not by that point. My plan would be to get into a holding area, hit 2-3 houses, and then enjoy Diagon Alley for a while (assuming it's open) before turning in. Probably wouldn't stay super late as I know we will be tired.

With that being said, here are my questions:

1. Can we buy the add on ticket the day of (if not sold out)? Is it more expensive than buying in advance?
2. Any idea on the likelihood of selling out on Wednesday, October 26? It's midweek, but it is close to Halloween.
3. Other than the scary aspect- are there any other reasons not to bring an 8 year old?
4. I read somewhere that you get hot from running away from the scare actors. Is running a must? I have a lung disease and running and I are not friends, as I get short of breath very easily.
5. When do you have to be in the holding area? Which one would you recommend, keeping in mind we will probably only spend 1-2 hours in the houses/scare areas?

This got long! I appreciate the help!

schumigirl · Aug 27, 2016

You will get people who will say it's ok, but HHN is not in any way designed for children. People wil say their kids are fine with scary movies........it's more than that..........lot of fun, but this event is designed not for kids.

It has a 13 rating for a reason.

There is a very adult atmosphere there, not just the scary things. I find it very adult orientated and every year we see young kids crying and upset because of the content of the scary side of the event.

Funny you mention Krampus.......we watched it a few nights ago........huge disappointment.......no scares at all.

It is the one thing I wish Universal would enforce is an age limit at this event. We have seen kids in pushchairs and kinds of 8 and 9 breaking their hearts crying and terrified and forced to go through houses. Horrible to watch. It is loud, brash and not for kids in any way.

The add on is a good buy. Won't sell out. You have to be in the parks well before 5pm when they close the parks to non HHN guests.

Of course you would get hot running from scare actors.........it's usually in the big 80's when we go.........I can run and I get hot! Scare actors pop up everywhere.........it's what they do best. But running has never been compulsory at HHN.

If you are only going to spend a couple of hours at the event you are not going to see much. Houses have huge queues........if you don't get EP you could be 60-90 minutes waiting for a single house.

pcstang · Aug 27, 2016

1. Not to my knowledge.
2. Not likely
3. If you think she will be fine then go with it. In my opinion it's very adult themed. Lots of drinking, but again if you are good with it go for it. I've never experienced rowdiness, just a lot of adults having a good time.
4. No need to run
5. I think they open the pens around 4 or 4:30. I don't remember exactly. I'm sure Macraven can answer that question.

pcstang · Aug 27, 2016

schumigirl said:
You will get people who will say it's ok, but HHN is not in any way designed for children. People wil say their kids are fine with scary movies........it's more than that..........lot of fun, but this event is designed not for kids.

It has a 13 rating for a reason.

There is a very adult atmosphere there, not just the scary things. I find it very adult orientated and every year we see young kids crying and upset because of the content of the scary side of the event.

Funny you mention Krampus.......we watched it a few nights ago........huge disappointment.......no scares at all.

It is the one thing I wish Universal would enforce is an age limit at this event. We have seen kids in pushchairs and kinds of 8 and 9 breaking their hearts crying and terrified and forced to go through houses. Horrible to watch. It is loud, brash and not for kids in any way.

The add on is a good buy. Won't sell out. You have to be in the parks well before 5pm when they close the parks to non HHN guests.

Of course you would get hot running from scare actors.........it's usually in the big 80's when we go.........I can run and I get hot! Scare actors pop up everywhere.........it's what they do best. But running has never been compulsory at HHN.

If you are only going to spend a couple of hours at the event you are not going to see much. Houses have huge queues........if you don't get EP you could be 60-90 minutes waiting for a single house.

My reply was a condensed version of Schumis answer. I agree with everything she said.

macraven · Aug 27, 2016

1.
You can buy the add on ticket anytime you are in the parks
All Sunday-Wednesday-Thursday Hhn tix are the same price

Show a day park ticket to buy the add on ticket for Hhn
You could buy the add on Monday and use the Hhn ticket on Wednesday

2
Wednesday has been in the past the lowest attendance for Hhn
It is mid week and most peeps have school or a job the next day

3
Those guests in the park while drinking to excess have colorful language
Expect to hear the F bomb when they get scared
Other words also

Bill and Ted show has sexual suggestions and actions, foul language is a part of the act
And some have sexy attire on

Loud noises in the show and in the scare zones

If the blood bags are sold while in line for houses or streets, the sexy TM 's don't dress for cold weather

4
The only people that run when they see scare actors in the scare zones are guests who get startled
Or teens who make a big event out of it

SA do not run or chase anyone in the park

5
Holding pens open at 5
Released from them about 6
Just depends when security gives the all clear to the TM to release all from the holding areas

If you are in a ride and it is 5:30 when you get off, show your Hhn tix and you will be escorted to the nearest stay and scream section that has room for you

I do a ride minutes before the lines are closed
This gives me less time waiting it out in the holding areas

macraven · Aug 27, 2016

Came back to add that restrooms are messy during Hhn
People puke but staff does a great job cleaning up when doing their checks

If you really have to use the restrooms , do not wait til the last minute

Some nights the waits can be 15 minutes to get in
But it is not as long as house waits

There are no refunds if you have to leave
UO lists recommended age and will not refund if you decided to leave

Only 6 rides are open during Hhn
Gringotts will stop operating before Hhn is over

jenhum · Aug 27, 2016

Thanks so much for the answers! I am 100% sure that the scariness would not bother her (in fact, I'm positive it would scare me more than her), BUT, I'm not sure I want to take her into an environment with a lot of cursing and sexual suggestiveness. I'm not a prude, but she is young and quite innocent, and I'd love her to stay that way for a while

. Also, it breaks my heart that kids are being dragged into houses crying- if I thought for a second that my kid was scared and not having fun, we'd be out of there.

I think if we decide to do it (which honestly, the chances of us NOT being exhausted are fairly low), we walk through a couple of the scare zones, 1-2 of the least crowded houses, and then just hang out in Diagon Alley until we're ready to leave.

I appreciate the responses!

babesboo99 · Aug 27, 2016

The first time my twins went to HHN was when they were 7 and they loved every minute of it. They loved all the houses and scare zones it depends on whether you think your child can handle it. Mine love horror and have seen the movies that are houses this year and they love TWD we are going this year and they will be 9 and they can't wait to arrive and start the fun

SharkyGoddess · Aug 28, 2016

jenhum said:
1. Can we buy the add on ticket the day of (if not sold out)? Is it more expensive than buying in advance?
2. Any idea on the likelihood of selling out on Wednesday, October 26? It's midweek, but it is close to Halloween.
3. Other than the scary aspect- are there any other reasons not to bring an 8 year old?
4. I read somewhere that you get hot from running away from the scare actors. Is running a must? I have a lung disease and running and I are not friends, as I get short of breath very easily.
5. When do you have to be in the holding area? Which one would you recommend, keeping in mind we will probably only spend 1-2 hours in the houses/scare areas?

I'll answer the ones I can.
#3 IMO, no. I have seen people use descriptions such as racy, or raunchy, but in the times I have been I have never seen anything that even remotely warranted these descriptions.

#4 I've never run. Like in the least. There was never any need unless that's just the reaction you chose to being startled.

#5 I would look at the HHN map and see which houses you are most interested in then choose a holding area that is the closest.

BelleWannabe4 · Aug 29, 2016

I agree with the above posters. I think if you're there early and leave early-ish on a Wednesday, it will be fine. I went on a Saturday last year and it was incredibly crowded and it seemed like 95% of the people were hammered. By 10:30ish, it definitely had a party vibe that I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing younger kids to. Honestly, I like a good time but this was a bit much for me (people getting sick in lines, excessive PDA, etc). For the first few hours though, I didn't notice any of that. Also, maybe skip Bill & Ted - they definitely have some colorful jokes

chrystie4141 · Aug 29, 2016

jenhum said:
I'm considering taking DD (8) to HHN on the last night of our trip. Before you think I'm too crazy, DD LOVES scary stuff. I've been taking her to haunted houses/trails/hayrides since she was 4. We get doubtful looks from everyone, and then DD giggles happily as a man with a chainsaw pops out of the woods. Another example- she loved Krampus. She has yet to even find anything scary, she thinks scary things are fun and silly. I told her about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and she immediately declared she had no interest in that.

So anyway, I'm definitely not worried that it will be too scary for her. The last night of our trip would be our only chance to go, so I think I'm just going to wait and see if we are totally exhausted or not by that point. My plan would be to get into a holding area, hit 2-3 houses, and then enjoy Diagon Alley for a while (assuming it's open) before turning in. Probably wouldn't stay super late as I know we will be tired.

With that being said, here are my questions:

1. Can we buy the add on ticket the day of (if not sold out)? Is it more expensive than buying in advance?
2. Any idea on the likelihood of selling out on Wednesday, October 26? It's midweek, but it is close to Halloween.
3. Other than the scary aspect- are there any other reasons not to bring an 8 year old?
4. I read somewhere that you get hot from running away from the scare actors. Is running a must? I have a lung disease and running and I are not friends, as I get short of breath very easily.
5. When do you have to be in the holding area? Which one would you recommend, keeping in mind we will probably only spend 1-2 hours in the houses/scare areas?

This got long! I appreciate the help!

chrystie4141 · Aug 29, 2016

I have been taking my DS for 3 years. He will be 10 this year for his 4th visit. He loves it. We get the express pass and normally leave by 10:30. Yes some are adult theme but I will say you can shield some of it. Most people as respectful in line when they see someone younger. I will say the later it gets the more the party cranks up which is why we leave early. I would say take her and just be mindful of what is around you. Mine loves to get pictures with the scare guys.

tinkerpea · Aug 29, 2016

I went in 2008 and man I nearly died lol I'm scared easily and I total wimp,
However my 13yr old is not, and desperate to have this as part of his 14tb bday present....
So we're going we have purchased the frequent fear pass, I know my oldest will be fine, but my twin 11yr olds also want to go and they are not as amazing with horror.
We have a deal that dad will stay with the oldest and the twins and I will leave as soon as it gets too much for them, I'm definitely not one of those mum's who will drag my upset child through the house's or scare zones. And I simply can't believe that people do this, how awful for the child! Especially one of pram age going through the houses

schumigirl · Aug 30, 2016

tinkerpea said:
I went in 2008 and man I nearly died lol I'm scared easily and I total wimp,
However my 13yr old is not, and desperate to have this as part of his 14tb bday present....
So we're going we have purchased the frequent fear pass, I know my oldest will be fine, but my twin 11yr olds also want to go and they are not as amazing with horror.
We have a deal that dad will stay with the oldest and the twins and I will leave as soon as it gets too much for them, I'm definitely not one of those mum's who will drag my upset child through the house's or scare zones. And I simply can't believe that people do this, how awful for the child! Especially one of pram age going through the houses

We were most shocked about 3 years ago. We saw one family who had 4 kids......not one of them was over 6. The mum and dad took them in the house with what looked like grandpa.......then we saw grandpa exit with the all the kids upset........really upset. Everyone around us couldn't believe it.......

But every year we see it. One TM commented with us last year he had seen almost as many strollers that night than he does during the regular day hours.

It's not good if SA have to tone down what they do because of little ones......and some have said they do......most don't I hope. We grumble and hear folks around us grumble when we see someone really young in the queue near us........one guy a few years ago asked someone to stop swearing as his kids were there.........not a chance. That wasn't pleasant. Ironic thing was the dad ended up swearing at the guy who was swearing first.......lol.....

Sounds like you have a good plan to leave if the 11 year olds don't like it. Hope you have fun.........

tinkerpea · Aug 30, 2016

schumigirl said:
We were most shocked about 3 years ago. We saw one family who had 4 kids......not one of them was over 6. The mum and dad took them in the house with what looked like grandpa.......then we saw grandpa exit with the all the kids upset........really upset. Everyone around us couldn't believe it.......

But every year we see it. One TM commented with us last year he had seen almost as many strollers that night than he does during the regular day hours.

It's not good if SA have to tone down what they do because of little ones......and some have said they do......most don't I hope. We grumble and hear folks around us grumble when we see someone really young in the queue near us........one guy a few years ago asked someone to stop swearing as his kids were there.........not a chance. That wasn't pleasant. Ironic thing was the dad ended up swearing at the guy who was swearing first.......lol.....

Sounds like you have a good plan to leave if the 11 year olds don't like it. Hope you have fun.........

Yes I definitely won't be staying if they don't like it,but I want to give them the chance, we've watched loads of hhn on YouTube to try and prepare them, but I know how it is in person.
I'd don't really enjoy hearing swearing myself, but I guess my child will see worse then then what he will be hearing

Claudia1 · Aug 31, 2016

Will the express passes sell out? Do I need to get them early? We are going Thursday, 10/20. I'm assuming that the resort express pass won't work, right?

macraven · Aug 31, 2016

Claudia1 said:
Will the express passes sell out? Do I need to get them early? We are going Thursday, 10/20. I'm assuming that the resort express pass won't work, right?

Resort ep not valid for Hhn

Saturday can be a sell out for ep depending on date

baxter24 · Sep 1, 2016

Hope it's ok if I jump in on this thread! My husband and I are going to be at universal when HHN first starts. We are not planning on attending HHN and I saw that it starts at 6:30. How soon do they start to get you out of the park if you aren't staying for HHN? Also, how soon before it starts do the scare zones start up? I think it's awesome that universal has HHN but the stuff scares the mess out of me (and not in a fun way) so I'd like to avoid it if I can. Thanks!

macraven · Sep 1, 2016

Studios closes at 5 but if you are on a ride you get to finish it

TM will close the line at a certain time
Those already in line will be allowed to stay in it and do the ride

With no Hhn tix. TM will escort peeps out of the park when off the ride

Ioa will close between 7-8 depending on the night you are there

Weekends have the longer hour

wilkeliza · Sep 1, 2016

baxter24 said:
Hope it's ok if I jump in on this thread! My husband and I are going to be at universal when HHN first starts. We are not planning on attending HHN and I saw that it starts at 6:30. How soon do they start to get you out of the park if you aren't staying for HHN? Also, how soon before it starts do the scare zones start up? I think it's awesome that universal has HHN but the stuff scares the mess out of me (and not in a fun way) so I'd like to avoid it if I can. Thanks!

The park officially closes and has a close time as such so I would think a 6:30 start would have 6 as the close time. Scare Actors do not start until the event starts. Everyone will be hard removed from the park if they do not have a HHN ticket. I believe they even start shutting ride lines down to make sure everyone is out before the event starts. Especially if that ride's queue is used for a house that night.

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