Halloween Horror Nights ????

[Kaitysmom]

Hi - I am new over here and actually just read about Halloween Horror Nights. Sounds cool - for those who have been, how was it? Are there any discounts tickets? - doubt it but gotta ask! I am not sure if we'll try it but we loved IOA last time we went there.

 

[Kaitysmom]

Can anyone tell me anything about this event? Is it like the Six Flags Halloween events? I saw on the other post that it is great but have no idea what to expect - I have searched the web and haven't found much!

 

[rocketman23]

There are usually:
*5 haunted houses
*2 shows
*parade
*scaractures

In addition to that, some of the rides will be open. Also, since it's at IOA this year, there may be no parade. It is pretty fun and I'm willing to bet it is much better than the Six Flags event. I went my first time last year, loved it, and am planning on making it a yearly visit. I suggest you try it out if you like haunted attractions at all.

 

[jtopicz1]

HHN is simply the best (along with Knotts Scary Farm) halloween event around. Many parks try to mimic this event but just can't do it. Universal practically invented the horror movie after all. This will be the first year HHN is held at IOA instead of USF and hopefully the transition will be successful!

Here's a few tips for HHN newbies:
1) If you must go on a weekend, do one of the first two Friday nights. All Saturday nights, and Friday nights towards the end of October are packed. Sure the park will be open two hours later, but there will also be double or triple the amount of people.
2) Arrive early (or if visiting the park, stay in the park in the designated area). Sometimes they let you get in a bit early, and you should be able to get quite a bit done the first hour or so.
3) Commonly asked question: Will HHN be okay for my 5 year old that is afraid of the dark? You know your kid best. If you have to ask it's probably best not to bring them. This event is intense and there is really no place to go to escape the "Scareactors". To sum it up, I've seen 5 year olds who love it, and 13 year olds crying an hour into it. You know best how your kids react.
4) Take advantage of discounts. Annual Pass allows you admission for $19.99-$29.99 depending on the night. A stay and scream pass lets you add HHN to your day in the park for about $20-25.
5) If possible, go two nights! It REALLY is worth it. I started doing this two years ago and it worked out great. Experience all the haunted houses and shows the first night. The second night you can take your time, take in the atmosphere, redo favorites, and watch all the great street scares.
6) Do NOT miss Bill and Teds show. Any HHN veteran knows why. Simply put this is the best show anywhere, ever, period. Makes fun of the entire years pop-culture events.
7) The parade runs several times a night (almost continuosly on peak nights). For maximum beads, grab a spot at the very beginning or very end of the parade route. You'll have less people to compete against for bead catching. If you want a chance to ride the float, stop by guest services very early in the day for info. I believe children must be a certain height to do this and capacity is VERY limited.

Hopefully this info will help someone out there!!

Jim (It's seems like it's been ages since my last post!!)

 

[Kaitysmom]

Thanks for all the info! It sounds great! Unfortunately, I will be one of the fools going on one of the peak nights as I am going to be there 10/18 - at least I know what to expect and I will try to get there early!!

I know that it is the first time over at IOA but what rides were open at the other park? Do they announce what rides are open beforehand?

 

[jtopicz1]

At USF, generally all major rides were running. Usually the only things not running were Woody Woodpeckers coaster and some shows (if their stage was needed for HHN shows).

I would expect all rides at IOA to be open except for Suess Landing possibly, but of course thats just a guess based on past years at USF.

Jim

 

[robvia]

You are smart to get there early.
Because Orlando is out of School 17-18th, Tampa is out the 18th.
I moved my plans back a week because of this.
I'd suggest you get to IOA at 08:30am. Sometimes they open early when they expect a large crowd. Go on all the rides, goto your hotel room to rest. Then come back and be in the park with your HHN ticket as they kick everyone else out. You can beat the crowd if you are at the gate before they open.

 

[Kaitysmom]

I'm actually flying in that morning so I was just planning to go at night. What time do you think we should get there? Do they let people in a bit ahead if there is a crowd? I am really dreading the crowds but don't want to miss it! How bad do you think it will be?

 

[neilybealy]

my g/f read about the HHN on the net and the first day of these events is actaully our last full day in orlando (oct 4) ......

do you think we'll need to buy a ticket for the first night now or wait til be we get to universal as we'll have already bought a 4 park orlando flex ticket?

lastly, is is really worth the extra money to go?

thanks

neil