Official 2024 Universal Studios HHN 33 Thread

[GhostHost24]

So would we actually be better off putting the scream early funds toward an onsite stay? Our HHN is the last night of a WDW trip, so we could easily move hotels for that night and avoid the parking nightmare (and get to bed earlier after!). We are attending on a Saturday, so won’t be light crowds!

So I'm a local. . And even I try to make it a staycation when I do my hhn nights. I hate the hub area that much during hhn. It's literally the scariest thing during hhn (more than the houses lol).

Your other option, and this is what I do if I do drive in, is to grt there around 4 and just hang out at one the bars, have a drink maybe an app, then just waltz in around 630

Also just from a safety perspective, it'll be better to stay on site rather than driving down I4 at 2am

 

[CAPSLOCK]

So would we actually be better off putting the scream early funds toward an onsite stay? Our HHN is the last night of a WDW trip, so we could easily move hotels for that night and avoid the parking nightmare (and get to bed earlier after!). We are attending on a Saturday, so won’t be light crowds!

Good chance your onsite stay at Universal would be cheaper than the corresponding night at WDW. Endless Summer has pretty darn good rates.

To avoid the crush of humanity/despair, you want to be either inside the parks by 5pm or not getting in line until the masses have gone through the gates. In that case, I'd suggest grabbing a dinner reservation (you will want a reservation) and having a leisurely dinner until the initial masses have cleared, and you can just stroll casually up to the gate, wait behind 3ish people, then enter sedately.

 

[GhostHost24]

Good chance your onsite stay at Universal would be cheaper than the corresponding night at WDW. Endless Summer has pretty darn good rates.

To avoid the crush of humanity/despair, you want to be either inside the parks by 5pm or not getting in line until the masses have gone through the gates. In that case, I'd suggest grabbing a dinner reservation (you will want a reservation) and having a leisurely dinner until the initial masses have cleared, and you can just stroll casually up to the gate, wait behind 3ish people, then enter sedately.

I do want to add. If you're wanting to avoid the hub.. Endless summer and cabana bay won't good options since the busses drops you off there.

Though Cabana you do have the option to just walk.

 

[Cluelyss]

I do want to add. If you're wanting to avoid the hub.. Endless summer and cabana bay won't good options since the busses drops you off there.

Though Cabana you do have the option to just walk.

Thank you. I’m actually considering Sapphire Falls - is that where the water taxis drop off too!? We’d also have the option to walk from there, too, right? (It’s been a while since we stayed anywhere without EP!!!)

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The water taxis pick up right at the hotel and drop off right near the bridge over to Studios. It's down some steps and enough off the main walkway that only the other people using boats will be there. You would go through security at the boat dock at Sapphire Falls and avoid the whole hub area, as well as the sets of moving walkways from the parking garage.

 

[Suger Mag]

So would we actually be better off putting the scream early funds toward an onsite stay? Our HHN is the last night of a WDW trip, so we could easily move hotels for that night and avoid the parking nightmare (and get to bed earlier after!). We are attending on a Saturday, so won’t be light crowds!

that is what I am doing (Aventura)... I thought about off property, but the ease of getting back to my hotel.. not having to park... resort entrance won out. I want to stay late

 

[keishashadow]

So would we actually be better off putting the scream early funds toward an onsite stay? Our HHN is the last night of a WDW trip, so we could easily move hotels for that night and avoid the parking nightmare (and get to bed earlier after!). We are attending on a Saturday, so won’t be light crowds!

Definitely

a huge advantage other than there's a smaller line. You'll be let into the park at the same time as everyone else

To twist AaronRif’s comment, and the jury is split here as preferences…

The difference between the pushy shovey main line and the resort guest one is night and day IMO.

I hate the hub area that much during hhn. It's literally the scariest thing during hhn (more than the houses lol)

/\ this. Security can slow to a crawl with all the “metal” being worn on outfits & accessories

it'll be better to stay on site rather than driving down I4 at 2am

first, trying to escape the garage. Had a mr toad’s wild ride using Uber once too lol

Though Cabana you do have the option to just walk.

Our usual pick for HHN trips as we really don’t do the parks during the day then, except for maybe 1 ride, Bourne & into the holding pens.

A more adult option and far “safer” to be able to use the boats, is Adventura where you can easily walk to SF.

Note that boat tends to fill up quick and has longer wait times than the other resorts…due to those of us from the other resorts that meander over.

Thank you. I’m actually considering Sapphire Falls - is that where the water taxis drop off too!? We’d also have the option to walk from there, too, right? (It’s been a while since we stayed anywhere without EP!!!)

See above. If you can swing it, HRH is a short walk ‘home’.

 

[GhostHost24]

Thank you. I’m actually considering Sapphire Falls - is that where the water taxis drop off too!? We’d also have the option to walk from there, too, right? (It’s been a while since we stayed anywhere without EP!!!)

Yea SF is a great option. Nice resort, my only knock is it usually isn't worth the price they're asking for. It's borderline premier pricing without the benefits. If Aventura is a decent amount cheaper, I'd recommend there. They share the same parking garage with SF, and you can just walk through the lobby of SF to get to the boats.

 

[keishashadow]

It's borderline premier pricing

IMO the resort is near a deluxe vibe. Very nice restaurant & bar. Popular enough to command the higher rates without EP. Lots of conventioneers landing there likely keep the rates higher. For a difference of $100 - $150 a night for a trip of just a few nights, off to CB we go. Adventura in a pinch, just not a fan of their pool scape.

CB is taking their time on (any) HHN upper lobby attraction this year. Any time, guys! It’s nice having it right there to hit before HHN. Hope it makes the cut this year. The lobby bar is lively, bar tenders give a good pour & it draws a fun crowd for the event.

 

[keishashadow]

Stumbled on this, news to me, may have missed it be posted already

For orientation purposes, believe the MIB building is off to the right, you can see the lake in that upper corner

Different tent houses this year, prepare your feet. Last year’s construction walk around was rather rough when doing multiple run through.

Circled in:

Red = old sprung tents

Blue = new sprung tents

 

[GhostHost24]

IMO the resort is near a deluxe vibe. Very nice restaurant & bar. Popular enough to command the higher rates without EP. Lots of conventioneers landing there likely keep the rates higher. For a difference of $100 - $150 a night for a trip of just a few nights, off to CB we go. Adventura in a pinch, just not a fan of their pool scape.

CB is taking their time on (any) HHN upper lobby attraction this year. Any time, guys! It’s nice having it right there to hit before HHN. Hope it makes the cut this year. The lobby bar is lively, bar tenders give a good pour & it draws a fun crowd for the event.

Yea i've enjoyed the little things CB does for HHN. I'm staying there this year for my hhn weekend. Good price too for Oct.

 

[GhostHost24]

Stumbled on this, news to me, may have missed it be posted already

For orientation purposes, believe the MIB building is off to the right, you can see the lake in that upper corner

Different tent houses this year, prepare your feet. Last year’s construction walk around was rather rough when doing multiple run through.

Circled in:

Red = old sprung tents

Blue = new sprung tents


View attachment 885919

Yep, I THINK these tents are permanent, which is why they're in a different place

 

[Skywalker3]

We were inside the park last year, near the Exorcist house, when they opened the gates, and wow, that was insane to see the crowd let in. Was like a horde from the walking dead….or more like world war z

 

[tony67]

I do want to add. If you're wanting to avoid the hub.. Endless summer and cabana bay won't good options since the busses drops you off there.

I booked both Aventura and Endless summer and ultimately I decided to go with endless summer.
Aventura was 40% more a night even with an AP rate
Yes, I like the boat and the ability to walk

I don't like dealing with the hub in theory, but honestly its really efficient. I did it last year for 10 nights of HHN.

 

[Robo56]

So would we actually be better off putting the scream early funds toward an onsite stay? Our HHN is the last night of a WDW trip, so we could easily move hotels for that night and avoid the parking nightmare (and get to bed earlier after!). We are attending on a Saturday, so won’t be light crowds!

Absolutely, staying onsite will be a big advantage for your comfort.

Take advantage of the pool at your resort and relax the day of your HHN evening. You will do better going in rested and fresh for a night of HHN.

Look at the weather for the day. They are pretty accurate with the weather prediction in Orlando. This way you can have ponchos on hand if needed.

You will have no parking worries and when you are done with HHN for the night you can head back to your hotel and go to bed.

Also if you stay at a premier resort then you can enjoy Unlimited Express for the rides the day you check in until closing the next day when you check out.

 

[LilyWDW]

I do want to add. If you're wanting to avoid the hub.. Endless summer and cabana bay won't good options since the busses drops you off there.

Though Cabana you do have the option to just walk.

Would arriving early for a dining reservation at 4 at Citywalk help with that? We are at Endless Summer.

 

[GhostHost24]

Would arriving early for a dining reservation at 4 at Citywalk help with that? We are at Endless Summer.

Yes. If I'm driving in I usually get there by 4 at the latest.

 

[keishashadow]

Yea i've enjoyed the little things CB does for HHN. I'm staying there this year for my hhn weekend. Good price too for Oct.

Take a look @ your rates if you haven’t for awhile. AP ones I’m watching for family that month dropped last weekend

or more like world war z

Haha oh yeah, they are booking! There is no walking back with a rope going on there.

Look at the weather for the day. They are pretty accurate with the weather prediction in Orlando. This way you can have ponchos on hand if needed.

Good advice. One thing about staying onsite, if there is lightening, you can easily hang out @ your resort until the skies clear

Would arriving early for a dining reservation at 4 at Citywalk help with that? We are at Endless Summer.

Maybe even a bit earlier, people do tend to book a table and linger until closer to event time.

 

[keishashadow]

Rumors no stiltwalkers in scare zones this year

 

[GhostHost24]

Hmm.. Hadn't heard that anywhere... Kind of bummed if true, but not a huge deal