Official 2024 Universal Studios HHN 33 Thread

[Skywalker3]

Ok, so need to real advice from folks who have done HHN in a LOT of rain, possibly heavy. I know a lot will depend on if it's just rain, or rain with lightning. Our one night is this Sunday. We're driving down tomorrow.
What houses are prone to flood? are they the ones in the back of the park, by MiB?
Are scare actors out in scarezones? are the props uncovered, and anywhere for them to be, even if not roaming?
Do the booths stay open? and if so, any advice for best places to eat that might be covered. last time I was able to sit in the outside area by Minions Cafe. but where else in the parks?
I know all about Florida rain, unpredictability, etc. and had lots of rainy Disney days, but we've not had an experience with HHN in heavy rain, or really any rain. Maybe they'd work with us, but we're too close to our hotel checkin time now to change. I actually still have a THursday room booked, that I was going to cancel, but was possibly considering switching tickets if Universal would do that. We don't really like change like that tho....so idk....just trying to get in my mindset it's going to be very, very wet.
and our daytime activities in US and IoA sure look wet too.....I hope we get at least once Velocicoater ride

 

[bavarian princess]

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!!

Thank you very much Glad to hear that you weren’t affected by the rain. We got lucky as well - it didn’t rain.

We arrived by Uber at 7:30pm and were amazed how busy city walk was. That was the first but certainly not the last time we were happy that we decided on the RIP tour.

We also missed the RIP check in and had to ask were to go. The check in was done in a minute and everyone was super friendly.

Since we had an our before our tour started we went to ride Rip Ride followed by a couple of scare zones. We really liked the chain saws but I must say I liked the scare zones in 2018/2019 better. Since my husband had never been to the event he was just amazed and really loved the whole event

We went to Café LaBamba a little before our 8:30pm slot and no one asked questions. Therefore, I recommend coming a little earlier if you want to take time for the buffet.

At 9pm, they asked us to meet our tour guide in front of the Makeup Horror Show. I couldn’t believe that there were only 4 more people in our tour. So with us we are only 6! With such a small group we were super quick and efficient Our tour guide was lovely with such a bubbly personality. Fun fact - she used to work with Disney.

We did all the houses and scare zones, had two 15 min breaks and even watched the death eaters. We were done by 12am which was perfect timing for the last show. We all loved it! After the show we had time to hit a couple of rides which was great.

It was a great evening and the RIP tour was really worth it

 

[CAPSLOCK]

was possibly considering switching tickets if Universal would do that.

They will let you switch HHN tickets (assuming there is availability on your new night). You would have to pay the difference if the new night costs more than you paid for your ticket. I changed my night from a Wed to a Sun with no issues - IIRC they refunded the first purchase and I purchased new.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Thank you very much Glad to hear that you weren’t affected by the rain. We got lucky as well - it didn’t rain.

We arrived by Uber at 7:30pm and were amazed how busy city walk was. That was the first but certainly not the last time we were happy that we decided on the RIP tour.

We also missed the RIP check in and had to ask were to go. The check in was done in a minute and everyone was super friendly.

Since we had an our before our tour started we went to ride Rip Ride followed by a couple of scare zones. We really liked the chain saws but I must say I liked the scare zones in 2018/2019 better. Since my husband had never been to the event he was just amazed and really loved the whole event

We went to Café LaBamba a little before our 8:30pm slot and no one asked questions. Therefore, I recommend coming a little earlier if you want to take time for the buffet.

At 9pm, they asked us to meet our tour guide in front of the Makeup Horror Show. I couldn’t believe that there were only 4 more people in our tour. So with us we are only 6! With such a small group we were super quick and efficient Our tour guide was lovely with such a bubbly personality. Fun fact - she used to work with Disney.

We did all the houses and scare zones, had two 15 min breaks and even watched the death eaters. We were done by 12am which was perfect timing for the last show. We all loved it! After the show we had time to hit a couple of rides which was great.

It was a great evening and the RIP tour was really worth it

I feel like the only problem is that you are spoiled for life now, lol.

 

[disneyseniors]

Aquestion for anyone who can help out?
We are going on November 3rd, the last day, and only doing the 3 house tour in the day time. I am a big chicken and would probably have a heart attack if we did the real HHN, LOL. HOnestly, I can't stand people walking up behind me or scaring me, so we opted for the daytime tour of the houses.
I would like to know what to expect on that tour from those of you who have done it. How long does it really take? The instructions say it can take up to 2.5 hours for the 3 house tour? Are there stops in between the houses to rest a little if there is a lot of walking? Just wondering about what it entails. Any information will be greatly appreciated. We can hardly wait for this tour

 

[tony67]

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.

Yeah - I dont see how anyone can say this year is worse than last - last even even express had a long wait in September.

These are the same folks that were in line behind me complaining that they paid so much for express - why are they letting in so many non express people. Whatever not worth getting into. Your wait should be about half of the posted time with express - 90% of the time its better than that.

I have lots of issues with this years event - but wait times were not one of them.

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

IDK - I went last October so many of those Multilight that say sold were the ones that go into October.
I don't think they ever stopped selling the ROF with express this year and those would have the biggest affect on September IMO.
Since we don't have actual numbers its hard to say.
I think the issue last September was just poor planning by Universal.

 

[tony67]

Aquestion for anyone who can help out?
We are going on November 3rd, the last day, and only doing the 3 house tour in the day time. I am a big chicken and would probably have a heart attack if we did the real HHN, LOL. HOnestly, I can't stand people walking up behind me or scaring me, so we opted for the daytime tour of the houses.
I would like to know what to expect on that tour from those of you who have done it. How long does it really take? The instructions say it can take up to 2.5 hours for the 3 house tour? Are there stops in between the houses to rest a little if there is a lot of walking? Just wondering about what it entails. Any information will be greatly appreciated. We can hardly wait for this tour

Yeah 2.5 sounds about right. They will stop over my MIB for a quick bathroom brake from what I recall.

Its a lights on tour to just to look at the stuff in the houses - there wone be anything scary

 

[bavarian princess]

I feel like the only problem is that you are spoiled for life now, lol.

Haha yes that’s true

 

[tony67]

What houses are prone to flood? are they the ones in the back of the park, by MiB?

The three I recall having issues this year were Goblins, Universal Monsters and Museum.
It was not the houses that flooded but the line area.

No scare actors in the zones when it rains - we dont want them slipping - its just too risky.

 

[soniam]

The three I recall having issues this year were Goblins, Universal Monsters and Museum.
It was not the houses that flooded but the line area.

No scare actors in the zones when it rains - we dont want them slipping - its just too risky.

Goblins and Monsters are what I remember too. It was only one night when I was there. I don't even know if it was due to rain though; they were just listed as closed for a bit. It rained another night and nothing closed. Museum had rerouted some of the line before you get on the platform, but it was still running. I guess Slaughter Sinema could potentially have issues, but I didn't see that.

 

[GhostHost24]

Finally time to do my full hhn night

 

[Robo56]

What houses are prone to flood? are they the ones in the back of the park, by MiB?

I did a night after it had rained earlier in the evening. The lines for Goblins and Eternal Bloodlines did have some flooded areas, but not terrible. Did my feet get wet yes, but it is HHN it happens,

Are scare actors out in scarezones? are the props uncovered, and anywhere for them to be, even if not roaming?

The Scare Actors will not be out in the rain.

Do the booths stay open?

The booths were open.

There is some nice covered seating by Animal Actors area. This is where they sell the walking Taco bags.

You can also cool off in Knockturn Alley and watch the Death Eaters while you rest.

I would like to know what to expect on that tour from those of you who have done it. How long does it really take? The instructions say it can take up to 2.5 hours for the 3 house tour? Are there stops in between the houses to rest a little if there is a lot of walking? Just wondering about what it entails. Any information will be greatly appreciated. We can hardly wait for this tour

Ruth I did six house tour so I can’t help on what the three house Tour set up is, but I would suggest calling VIP Tours and they should be able to help answer your questions if no one pops up here with the information.

 

[Robo56]

I don't think they ever stopped selling the ROF with express this year and those would have the biggest affect on September IMO.

I did see that ROF with EP did sell out before I left on the 19th.

 

[GhostHost24]

Least crowded Friday I've ever been to

 

[tony67]

Least crowded Friday I've ever been to

Yeah was watching a live stream and it looked much slower - no more ROF with express.

 

[GhostHost24]

Yeah was watching a live stream and it looked much slower - no more ROF with express.

Highest wait time I saw was insidious with like 75...not sure any houses got higher.

The last house of the night was monstrous, we did it just after 1, and there was no one in line. Walked right into the house without stopping

 

[keishashadow]

https://universalparksblog.com/2024...ional-updates-as-hurricane-helene-approaches/

Wanted to bring this link over as it details Universal's "severe weather policies":

"In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed."

We postponed our U portion of trip that was to have started tomorrow.

Do hope no issue using our tix on the new nights. Really had to scramble to find any sort of replacement for onsite accommodations. scariest thing ever...Rack rate only

 

[macraven]

I don’t think you will have any issues using your tickets for the new nights.

 

[tony67]

https://universalparksblog.com/2024...ional-updates-as-hurricane-helene-approaches/

Wanted to bring this link over as it details Universal's "severe weather policies":

"In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed."

We postponed our U portion of trip that was to have started tomorrow.

Do hope no issue using our tix on the new nights. Really had to scramble to find any sort of replacement for onsite accommodations. scariest thing ever...Rack rate only

Sorry to hear that - hope it all goes well.
Paying rack rate is a bummer - It could be a lot worse.
I've had a bad year in general but nothing like what people are going with these storms.

I was originally meant to go from the 8th to the 22nd - but had to cancel since I could not get a FF with express so I went in early September. Guess I really lucked out.

One thing I did not mention before - but when I saw it I was a bit concerned.
I think they planted corn (or did something with corn) for the new your city HHN event. (Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares)
Not sure if its true - but I recall reading it somewhere.

 

[keishashadow]

Paying rack rate is a bummer - It could be a lot worse.

Admittedly, 3rd world whining

Still, it felt good

Just struck me interesting, same ballpark I paid at RP for HHN not that long ago lol

My house in one of those challenging phases the last few years, too. I like to think fate is cyclical, it all evens out in the end. Hang in there!

I think they planted corn (or did something with corn) for the new your city HHN event. (Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares)
Not sure if its true - but I recall reading it somewhere.

Yes, they should know better by now lol

however, this year I'm blaming howl o scream