Official 2024 Universal Studios HHN 33 Thread

[tony67]

The manager did say that the website says that the Express is for "event hours". She didn't say regular.

So that is when the gates open - not S&S - but I have never heard of them enforcing that - as I said in another thread I was surprised to see so many folks using express that early.

I'm guessing that is why the started enforcing it.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Can someone remind when you can enter the pre-tour reception before your RIP tour? Thanks!

 

[Bird003]

Can someone remind when you can enter the pre-tour reception before your RIP tour? Thanks!

It is the time you signed up. We have one at 6pm Sunday. They typically will not let you in until like 5 to 10 minutes before your time slot

 

[JulieBeeRN]

It is the time you signed up. We have one at 6pm Sunday. They typically will not let you in until like 5 to 10 minutes before your time slot

Gotcha, thanks. We did our first RIP last year and I couldn't remember times. Makes sense that I could find anything based on searching "how early can you arrive for pre-tour reception".

Our tour is a 830p tonight and I'm super excited. We used to just get the EP but were finding that we couldn't finish all the houses in the time frame that we wanted to be done. Originally was going to attend two nights but realized that 1 RIP night wasn't "that" much more expensive.

 

[Bird003]

Gotcha, thanks. We did our first RIP last year and I couldn't remember times. Makes sense that I could find anything based on searching "how early can you arrive for pre-tour reception".

Our tour is a 830p tonight and I'm super excited. We used to just get the EP but were finding that we couldn't finish all the houses in the time frame that we wanted to be done. Originally was going to attend two nights but realized that 1 RIP night wasn't "that" much more expensive.

We have done rip last three years and can’t imagine not doing it! We don’t live near so we can only come down for one or two nights

 

[JulieBeeRN]

We have done rip last three years and can’t imagine not doing it! We don’t live near so we can only come down for one or two nights

We don't live close either but usually have a long October trip (this year its 18 days). So we definitely would have time to go more than once, but RIP has spoiled us for eternity.

 

[Skywalker3]

So lots of facebook group chatter that they are not selling any more blinky cups, or refilling them? due to a possible safety issues. I'm bummed, love getting my souvenir blinky cup, but bigger question: are they selling any type of cup that can get refills? like just some other plastic cup? or no refill options?

 

[GhostHost24]

So lots of facebook group chatter that they are not selling any more blinky cups, or refilling them? due to a possible safety issues. I'm bummed, love getting my souvenir blinky cup, but bigger question: are they selling any type of cup that can get refills? like just some other plastic cup? or no refill options?

Ya they've def been pulled, but the reason seems to be unknown. I've heard quality issues, I've heard there was some sort of copyright issues with the design.

 

[ambula603]

Hello all,
My husband and teen daughters are going to HHN on Saturday night. They have never been. Due to the weather, we are having to rearrange some of the parts of our trip so I have some last-minute questions.

We are driving in on Saturday around lunch and had planned to just hang by the pool. But with the stormy weather headed back to Florida on Sunday-Tues when we are at the parks, we thought it might be wise to get a few hours in a park when it's sunny since we have 5 days of tickets but only planned for 3 days. Which park would you suggest? We don't have hoppers this time. My first thought was to attempt to ride Hagrids on Saturday, but then I wondered if that is what most people do so it would eat up all our time. We will have Express Passes, but I know that won't help with Hagrids. Otherwise, we plan to rope drop it on our IoA day if the weather cooperates.

When it gets time for the party I will leave the family and head to the hotel. Is there a special way for them to get into the party since they are hotel guests? Is it the same whether you come in from a park or the hotel? What time should they head over?

Normally I would read all of these threads but I don't have much time before we leave, so thanks in advance!

 

[bavarian princess]

Gotcha, thanks. We did our first RIP last year and I couldn't remember times. Makes sense that I could find anything based on searching "how early can you arrive for pre-tour reception".

Our tour is a 830p tonight and I'm super excited. We used to just get the EP but were finding that we couldn't finish all the houses in the time frame that we wanted to be done. Originally was going to attend two nights but realized that 1 RIP night wasn't "that" much more expensive.

I hope you had a great night - despite the rain.

We are going to attend tonight’s 8:30 RIP tour. It will be our first RIP tour and my husband’s first HHN. May I ask at what time did you arrive in the end? Any ‚lessons learned‘ or tips that you (or anyone else) want to share?

I must say I am a bit nervous after all the not so great reports of this year’s HHN


Edit: Does the RIP tour come with some sort of buffet? I am asking because we did the VIP tour at Universal Hollywood earlier this year and we did get some nice food

 

[soniam]

Ya they've def been pulled, but the reason seems to be unknown. I've heard quality issues, I've heard there was some sort of copyright issues with the design.

Someone who was there last night I think received a different refill cup. It said universal and had the globe. Supposedly the UOAP group admin said they were out of the normal blinkie cups but are coming back in. Then I also heard something about the electronics catching on fire or sparking. So who the heck knows

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Edit: Does the RIP tour come with some sort of buffet?

Yes, savory foods and desserts, and free bottled soda/water. And a cash bar. Pretty good and easily enough to be a dinner.

 

[bavarian princess]

Yes, savory foods and desserts, and free bottled soda/water. And a cash bar. Pretty good and easily enough to be a dinner.

Thank you so much! That sounds great.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

I hope you had a great night - despite the rain.

We are going to attend tonight’s 8:30 RIP tour. It will be our first RIP tour and my husband’s first HHN. May I ask at what time did you arrive in the end? Any ‚lessons learned‘ or tips that you (or anyone else) want to share?

I must say I am a bit nervous after all the not so great reports of this year’s HHN


Edit: Does the RIP tour come with some sort of buffet? I am asking because we did the VIP tour at Universal Hollywood earlier this year and we did get some nice food

We caught a little rain while we were driving but nothing after we parked. Ended up getting there around 810p and they let us right in.

The RIP check in is between guest services and regular ticket entrance. There’s a sign but it’s kinda hard to see in the dark. They took us inside to scan our tickets and receive the lanyard. We walked over to Cafe La Bamba for the pre-tour reception. There was bottle water and pop (cash bar as well). The food was decent and filled us up. There was fruit, salad, taco bar, pizza fries, cupcakes, fruit turnover and cookies. I brought a backpack so I could bring some extra waters and pop with us. They also had Starbucks coffee.

You walk across the street and check in for the tour. The last tour is 850p They put you in random groups (ours had 12 total). We had a great group and tour guide. It was SO much fun! Started at 830p and were done with the houses & scarezones by 1130p. That included two 15 min stops in air conditioning w/cash bar. We didn’t want to see Nightmare Fuel, but they will take you to special seating for the show.

Hope that you have a great time!!

 

[mamapenguin]

Ya they've def been pulled, but the reason seems to be unknown. I've heard quality issues, I've heard there was some sort of copyright issues with the design.

I have one in my cupboard. The quality was perfectly fine. I guess now it’s a collectible

 

[keishashadow]

Interesting

As much as people are complaining re long wait times, this year's numbers are less than 2023

 

[tony67]

Interesting

As much as people are complaining re long wait times, this year's numbers are less than 2023View attachment 900439

Not surprised you don't have any really big IPs which attract crowds for a specific house - Stranger Things and Last of us brough in a lot of people who may not have gone otherwise IMO.

With all the issues last September I expected it to be a lot worse.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

As much as people are complaining re long wait times, this year's numbers are less than 2023

With all the issues last September I expected it to be a lot worse.

The limited number of multi-night passes with Express that were sold have to help out the standby queues a lot.

 

[keishashadow]

This is so contrary to the plethora of FB insistent boohooing accounts re wait times being "worst ever"

A relief to see the chart for us, a very late start for us next Weds

 

[soniam]

This is so contrary to the plethora of FB insistent boohooing accounts re wait times being "worst ever"

A relief to see the chart for us, a very late start for us next Weds

I haven’t been hearing about long waits/crowfs from friends that go consistently and are usually pretty accurate about judging the event. Whereas, last year, they were saying the opposite. I think it’s the general complainers that complain about everything.