Official 2016 HHN-26 Thread

[schumigirl]

We will be attending our first HHN party on Wednesday, Oct 12th after a full day in the park. We are staying at Royal Pacific. Should we go to a waiting pen when the park closes or return to our hotel? I heard there was a separate entrance for deluxe hotels. Also, is the express pass worth it? I'm willing to spend the extra money if it will save me time. I would like to see it all in 1 night.

If you want to see it all in one night, get EP.

We can go 10 nights on our trip and we always have EP, I hate queueing..........even on so called quiet nights those queues can get crazily long! Opeing night in 2014 the regular queue for the Halloween house was 90 minutes.

The hotel guest entrance is to the right hand side of the entrance to Studios.........you can see it signposted and someone usually has a sign pointing to it.

You go through a seperate metal detector and bag check from regular guests, usually much less of a queue depending on time. This seperate entrance closes around 8pm.

We don't do the holding pen any more as it wastes too much time for us, only because we can go so often we don't use it now, but it does give you a head start from regular park guests. We always got 2 houses done before they let regular guests in.

If I only had one night I would get EP and use the holding area.

 

[Laura12]

If you want to see it all in one night, get EP.

We can go 10 nights on our trip and we always have EP, I hate queueing..........even on so called quiet nights those queues can get crazily long! Opeing night in 2014 the regular queue for the Halloween house was 90 minutes.

The hotel guest entrance is to the right hand side of the entrance to Studios.........you can see it signposted and someone usually has a sign pointing to it.

You go through a seperate metal detector and bag check from regular guests, usually much less of a queue depending on time. This seperate entrance closes around 8pm.

We don't do the holding pen any more as it wastes too much time for us, only because we can go so often we don't use it now, but it does give you a head start from regular park guests. We always got 2 houses done before they let regular guests in.

If I only had one night I would get EP and use the holding area.

Great, thanks for the advice. We will be purchasing the EP and will wait in the holding area.

 

[RAPstar]

I really hope Chance has an actual physical presence at the park. And they didn't just hire her to shoot some icon promo material and put her face on things, but not have a nightly role to play.

The new descriptions on their website seem to both ask that question, and dodge answering it, so I'm not sure what to make of it.

I've never been during a Jack year, but I'd like to go next time he shows up. That said I've watched lots of footage of last year, and enjoyed their show immensely, and found Chance to be the highlight, so I was happy to see she was the icon. Was hoping she'd have a similar (but different) presentation this year, but step into the starring role.

That said, I suppose she could still show up in her scare-zone in some kind of mini-show, kill or... even an organized meet-and-greet (I don't know if Universal has ever done that with an Icon, but I know I've seen some demand for one w/ her. *Shrug*)

The only year I've attended in the past was 2005, which was The Storyteller's debut. And frankly she had very little presence for an icon. So I think I err on the side of pessimism, haha. This will be my first year back since.

The Storyteller was more of a marketing character they put on posters and commercials, which I think is where my doubt comes from. I don't even think she fit the theme well that year, she felt very tacked on. The theme of 2005 (for those who may not recall) was they basically turned IoA into a warped fantasy LotR-esque continent, and the Storyteller's only real connection was she was allegedly the one telling us the story of said fantasy continent. Most of the houses located within IoA played into that fantasy theme, with zero presence from her. Then there were a couple more generic houses in the soundstages that I think were loosely connected by being presented as some additional stories from her book. I think she may have appeared outside one of said generic houses, but her presence was minimal at best. She seemed to be more prominent in later years, when they brought her back as a classic icon, frankly.

I'm thinking that she may be part of the scare zone? Like maybe have her up on a platform with a megaphone or something egging people on, and then have actors as her in the house to scare people, that way you get the best of both worlds. Or at least that's what I hope.

I am very much more excited by the newly released Houses and Scarezones. I must prefer original ideas
From the sound of Academy of Villains: House of Fear – Join this high energy performance troupe of inmates in an explosion of insanity that will thrust you into a realm of mayhem and maniacal terror featuring dance and specialty acts. The Show Must Go On!
I think it will tie into Chance's Scarezone...A Chance In Hell – Get ready for the audition of a lifetime. Chance may be locked away, but that hasn’t stopped her. As the alarms ring and the bloody remains of those who tried to stop her lie around, she’s busy recruiting cellmates to join her biggest act yet.

Just a thought

Just to let you and everyone know, Academy of Villains is not a UO original, it is a dance troupe that uses horror-themed costumes and music. Kinda like how HHN Hollywood had the Jabbawockee dance crew last year. You can find videos of them on YouTube.

 

[RAPstar]

Here's video of the Academy of Villains group:

 

[avic77]

Just to let you and everyone know, Academy of Villains is not a UO original, it is a dance troupe that uses horror-themed costumes and music. Kinda like how HHN Hollywood had the Jabbawockee dance crew last year. You can find videos of them on YouTube.

Oh yea i knew they were not UO original. I was referring to the houses that were not Movie/TV Show themed. I am excited to "step into the movies" but you kind of know what to expect with those, the original houses are more of a surprise.

 

[BagOLaughs]

Good pick up, it would be such a shame if chance didn't have much of a presence in the park.

If she's out and about however, in a scare zone or what not, then I might be able to get a picture with her.

 

[RAPstar]

Virtual Reality experience coming to HHN. $50 bucks, Sept 29-Oct 31

https://blog.universalorlando.com/whats-new/hhn26-virtual-reality-experience/

 

[babesboo99]

I would love to do this but paying for the hotel, then buying the PTP tickets and then the HHN FF with EP and now this not sure if I want to spend more money.

 

[Gillbob316]

While I certainly don't relish the idea of dropping another $50 ($100 overall considering I'm half a party of two), I'd still do this in a heart beat just so I didn't regret not doing it later... you only live once.

THAT said, my HHN trip is the second weekend in Sept, and this "10th House" attraction (if you can even call it a house) appears to not open until the third weekend. Which irks me a bit since I'll miss it. Almost feels like they deliberately dodged most of the Rush of Fear dates, for whatever reason. (But at the same time, it makes me slightly relieved, as the decision to drop the $100 is completely removed from my hands, hahaha)

Still, having no experience w/ this sort of attraction, I have to wonder if they might offer soft openings in the first two weekends to work the kinks out. If so, I'll likely do it. If not... I don't really have a choice.

Thanks for the warning Universal! Had I known this 6 months ago I'd have booked my trip a week later! *Shakes Fist*

 

[RAPstar]

^Rumor is that it got approved rather late in the game per say. Which is part of the reason why it was just announced, and maybe why they aren't able to have it ready by the first couple of weeks? IDK.

 

[Jujumama]

Hi Everyone:

We bought our AP's and will be picking them up at the resort Columbus Day Weekend. I tried to see if I can purchase HHN tickets using the AP discount but it asks for a login which I don't have yet because I haven't picked up the annual passes (its asks for pass numbers). Is it best to call or should I just buy the Tickets when I check in at the resort? We are still sorting out sitters for the kids so are aiming for Oct 12th but may have to go Oct 9th.

Thanks

 

[macraven]

The 12th will have lower crowds than the 9th

I'll be there both those nights

I changed things around and booked a non private rip tour for that Sunday
It will Work better for me than the ep

Get your AP once you arrive at the parks
And then buy the Hhn tix and get the discount with the AP

 

[imprint]

Hi Everyone:

We bought our AP's and will be picking them up at the resort Columbus Day Weekend. I tried to see if I can purchase HHN tickets using the AP discount but it asks for a login which I don't have yet because I haven't picked up the annual passes (its asks for pass numbers). Is it best to call or should I just buy the Tickets when I check in at the resort? We are still sorting out sitters for the kids so are aiming for Oct 12th but may have to go Oct 9th.

Thanks

Call the Annual Passholder phone number (I think it is 1-866-PASS-4-FUN). Use one of the options to talk to a real person. Tell them you ordered APs but do not have them in-hand yet, but you'd like to order HHN tickets for the AP discount rate. My experience last year was they let me do it no problem. They just verified I had bought the APs already. I don't remember what information I had to give them, though. Having said that, I don't believe there is any risk of single night tickets selling out before you get your APs. My OCD anxiety prodded my early purchase last year (I was paranoid they'd sell out of Frequent Fear passes early). I ordered single night tickets early this year, but this time we got non-private RIP tour, and I was afraid those would sell out on our night.

 

[Chumpieboy]

Just called - reservations are booked one at a time (can't do a party of 3 for example) but they can try to book each individual for the same timeslot. Allegedly all folks with the same timeslot are in the same grouping (i.e. there aren't 2 separate 8PM tours, etc.)

You pay when you arrive not in advance.

Check-in is at the BMG theater; you may need to exit the park to get to the BMG check-in. Checkin paperwork takes a half hour, so you need to arrive 30 minutes before your resv time.

And as usual, for new events, the folks on the phone weren't given the full set of information and not everything was loaded into the reservation system in time for the calls. (same experience I've had for the HHN scareactor meal at monster café.) Not the TM's fault.

 

[Chumpieboy]

scratch that - got a call back from a supervisor saying that I needed to submit payment now. She weasel-worded her explanation but like most times things go on sale at UO, the TMs on the phones are the last to know.

You do need to pay up front. Be sure to get a 2016MMDD-gcc-xxxxxxxx-1 confirmation/receipt number (proof of payment) in addition to your timeslot reservation number (Booking ID with a bunch of numbers)

 

[Gillbob316]

Random Question for HHN Vets:

Is the Green Eggs & Ham restaurant typically open during the HHN season?

For a good long while I had assumed the restaurant had closed permanently, but upon researching... As I understand it, Green Eggs & Ham opens and closes seasonally these days. Sort of at Universal's whims/with the crowds. I used to love Green Egg & Hamwiches, but never seem to be visiting at the right time to catch it open anymore, and haven't had one in like 10 years. (Mostly, I assume, because they open it during peak seasons, and I make it a point to visit during Non-Peak seasons.)

ANYWAY, Fall isn't typically a time I visit, so I'm not sure what the lay of the land is. This will be my first trip back in the fall since HHN 15, 11 years ago. Honestly not expecting it to be open (I learned not to set myself up for that disappointment years ago, haha) but will be pleasantly surprised if it is.

 

[PrinceofPabst]

Anyone have an idea (ballpark idea) how busy Wednesday Oct 12 will be? I'm assuming not as busy as a FRI, SAT, or SUN but this is my first time doing HHN and just want to get an idea. Thank you all for your help!

 

[KayKayJS]

Hi guys!! What's the best deal for someone who is coming from out of town on a HHN ticket? We have 2 friends visiting for the Oct 19th HHN.

We're Florida Residents so we can get a discount but I'm not aware of any discounts we can buy them or they can get as an out of state resident?

Thanks!

 

[RAPstar]

We may be getting close to a full reveal. There was a teaser on Twitter yesterday that had a small video with reverse audio. The only thing on the screen was "Who What Where When Why How" with the word Where crossed out. When the audio was un-reversed, it just said "California, Florida" repeatedly. So we know it will be something for both events. The code for the video had AHS in it. So hopefully we'll have final confirmation soon.

 

[RAPstar]

It's official: AHS at HHN 26!! Featuring scenes from the Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel seasons!!

https://blog.universalorlando.com/featured/hhn-26-american-horror-story/