The ABC's of a FALL Trip with Friends, Food, Wine, and a Conference- D is for: Dark and Dreadful Howl-o-Scream (11/16)

[Steppesister]

Well, that explains so much!

That's me, accurately Trip -Reporting for... forever.

Boy, did you send me down a rabbit hole.
There are several different variations.
The one I have used/heard is "An infinite number of monkeys typing at an infinite number of typewriters (dated, but it is what it is) will eventually produce the works of Shakespeare."
I've now heard " if you let a monkey hit the keys of a typewriter at random an infinite amount of times, eventually the monkey will type out the entire works of Shakespeare."
And there are other variations. Some use "Hamlet" instead of "Shakespeare".

Ok, you had WAY too much time on your hands at some point. OY!!!

Good idea. Maybe if if I thrust the chicken at him, he'll be too busy eating that and I can get out of the water.

Hey, I'm full of good idea. Sometimes.

Now I'm curious if it's salt water? I don't see a reason why it should be, other than buoyancy.
And... another rabbit hole. Lil Joe is no longer at Epcot, but at "Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, along the Panhandle."
Not sure if you saw one or two manatees, but they introduced Cider and Mino in February, 2025.

I saw 2, but one was in this tank and one was on the other side, so not mixing at that time. I wonder who named them and why they went with those.

 

[Steppesister]

I giggled about your friend's knife story at TSA. My Dad forgets to leave his pocket knife at home literally every time he flies. He has had to throw many of them away, BUT how does one forget they're carrying an actual hunting knife!? Bummer that you had to go back and have your ticket fixed to use the pre-check line, ugh, annoying!

I really don't know how either. Doesn't everyone empty their bag completely and start "over" even if it's sort of "permanently" packed?

It was way too early in the morning for that kind of travel nonsense. LOL!!

YAY for arriving at a park within an hour of landing--that's amazing! Your Epcot morning sounds like it's off to a perfect start. I also didn't know they changed the tabletops at Sunshine Seasons, but I'm not surprised. Disney does the details best!

It started perfectly and ended perfectly too!! Lot of good eats and treats! This needs confirming!!! As I told Sue, I just know I looked around and ALL the tables had the Fall leaves on them.

At least there's that!! It would've been sooooo terrible to lose all of your files and photos!!! Now, let's hope Disney takes care of you, too.

Let's hope so!!! I called on Friday and while they have gotten all of my sent files, I was told my Case Worker was "still working on her investigation" and was out til Monday. Fingers crossed.

 

[Steppesister]

Can't wait to see the new USA version but I am looking forward to finally seeing the World version. I thought I would be able to see it when I went to Disneyland in 2022 but at the time they were having the California Food and Wine Festival that is in the spring out there so for those couple weeks they had gone back to the California one.

I am looking forward to riding Guardians but I am not 100% sure about my husband. I think he will go but not sure he will like it. How intense is it? Closer to Space Mountain/Big Thunder or more like Everest?

I so curious as to what locations they will go to. I'd imagine they'll keep Monument Valley OR replace that with the Grand Canyon. Maybe Devil's Tower? NYC? And I"m sure I'll miss the World one as it is now.

It's WAY more intense that both of those BUT it's also WAY more smooth. There is FAR more spinning sort of. It's really hard to describe but while intense, it's really fun. There aren't big drops but plenty of G's

 

[Steppesister]

Just getting all caught up after some knee surgery…
May I suggest detergent sheets as opposed to pods? They are great for traveling!
LOVE your new Loungefly!
Looking forward to reading about Food & Wine. It’s on my (Disney) Bucket list!

I think I've avoided surgery for a while, but not escaped it altogether. Stupid torn meniscus. How are you healing?

YES! You are brilliant. I'm definitely going to trade my white powder out for those! Super idea!

Thanks, it's a fun bag with nice, bright colors.

 

[Steppesister]

I bring detergent sheets. They are great for washing out swimming suits in the sink. I cut the sheets into smaller pieces for that.

Y'all are so super smart!! I'mma so gonna do that!

 

[Paulaparm]

I think I've avoided surgery for a while, but not escaped it altogether. Stupid torn meniscus. How are you healing?

I’m healing well, thank you! Follow-up appointment tomorrow morning. Mine was also torn meniscus and they removed some arthritis.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We then sat through about 50 full cycles of The Three Caballeros while the announcement now told us to sit tight, we’d be moving soon.

It would have been a lot more fun to take a secret evacuation route.

Spaceship Earth was running with a 5-minute wait for its soft opening. HUZZAH!!

We were walking out of Epcot during our trip and noticed that Spaceship Earth was open. It wasn't open earlier in the day. Anyway, I tried hard to see what might have been new. But most of it seemed the same, except cleaner.

 

[pkondz]

Lori and I had finished up in Future World (call it whatever you want, it’s gonna be Future World henceforth in these parts)

I'm okay with that.

Especially since I have no idea what it's (they're) supposed to be called.
Yes I've been told. No I don't remember.

Of the two, the ravioli was the clear winner by far.

Sounded good. I think I would've liked to have tried the chili if I'd been there. sounds interesting.

We made it to a couple booths before saying good-bye and it was so nice to get to spend a bit of time with one of my dearest DISFriends!

One of mine too.

Kari had her eye on the Pavlova with berries.

Kari is smart.

Sometimes, it’s the unplanned goodies that end up being surprising hits. This was one.

Not at all surprised. Sounded good.

Kari ended up launching a huge wad of hers off her plate and down the side of our trashcan table making it look like a Florida chicken had a "too many Casey's fries accident" there.

Oh dear.

The boats backed up. We sat. And sat, and sat, and sat. After a few minutes we got an announcement that we were likely to be evac’d very soon.

And yet... I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being evac'd from that ride... might've been an interesting experience.

We then sat through about 50 full cycles of The Three Caballeros

I was tempted, but then thought of the “Cucumber Lady” on It’s a Small Garden and a possible lifetime ban.

yeah.... don't do that.

On our way out, they told us we could visit a Guest Experience Team for some LL’s and I was hoping for a TT one that we could do on the way out, but no such luck.

Too bad. And too bad they got wasted.

The noodles were pretty high up on my list so that’s what I got. The portion was quite generous and, true to the reviews, this was really, really good!

Good to hear. I've had noodles there before and they weren't very good.

I think to myself… who took off their disgusting gym socks?!

Interesting selfie.

thanked the Phoenicians as we cruised by. I mean, I can read.

Valid point.

(Why am I #137?! )

Huh. That's actually a good question. No idea.

I was up at 5:30 AM on Friday for work, didn’t sleep that night, left at 2:30 AM Saturday morning, and wouldn’t be to bed until about 1:00AM that night.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Looks like a nice sampling of F&W, I agree on the little deliciousness of those pumpkin ravioli yum!!
I have to say this year was the first time I tried some new F&W booths and loved it!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Mmm, some tastiness for sure in this chapter!! I'm not much of a sweet tooth either, but it was nice to be able to sample some of Lori's without having to waste any money on a full portion.

Yay for making a soft opening on Spaceship Earth...even if the updates sound pretty minor.

I was sort of rooting for your evac from It's a Small Mexico because don't we all just want to experience this some time!!!?? I don't think I realized there's a Hidden Mickey in that tiling, but best believe I will be on the hunt, as well, in December!

I'm looking forward to hearing all about Howl-O-Scream! I haven't been to Sea World in 20 years on a regular day, let alone for a special event. Can't wait to find out how it all was!

 

[buzzrelly]

****The Laptop Saga continues…. I got my estimate back from the repair shop and it came in about $75 less than what the new Laptop/HARDWARE (laptop itself with NO extras like the Microsoft Suite, added protection, etc…) came in at. I’m hoping that Disney at least gives me that!!! I sent in photos of the damage, my original receipt for the old laptop, a receipt for the new one, the printed estimate, and a note saying that I sincerely hoped Disney could reimburse for the entire amount of the new laptop… We shall see… Meanwhile, apparently, the repair shop cut away the bent portion around the charging port so I can get the jack in now. That will allow me to get all of my files, photos, data… off of it for which I am VERY, VERY thankful!****

Oh my gosh, that's the least they can do. I wonder how long this will all take to get figured out.

I do love, love, love the size, shape, and configuration of these bags… They really are the perfect park bag size and fits my rolled-up rain shell, charging brick(s), all the stuff…

So funny because I love the look of the Lounge Flys but the size and shape are an absolute deal-breaker for me. They are too small and I end up shoving everything in and then having to unpack it all to get to the bottom. I've gone back to my Vera Bradley backpacks and am loving it. And BONUS...they have a side pocket for my water bottle!

I like that it’s bright and colorful and has some vintage EPCOT things as well as some of the newer elements. I especially love that it has Figment. Silly little dragon.

Very cute bag

Here is the Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Pecorino Cheese, Pomegranate Seeds, and Hazelnut Praline (Emile's Fromage Montage Offering)- $5.50

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and here is the Schiacciata Sandwich: Mortadella, Prosciutto Ham, Sun-dried Peppers, Arugula, Stracciatella Cheese, Fall Squash Mostarda, and Pistachio Pesto on Warm Focaccia- $6.25
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Mike and I shared both of these in October. You're right...the ravioli were delicious. The sandwich was good too but too filling. I wasn't even going to get it but Mike wanted it so I ended up sharing with him and then after those two items I was kind of too full for anything else.

Right about the time we left there and headed towards WS to start our circuit, we caught up with Kari ( @Malia78 ). We made it to a couple booths before saying good-bye and it was so nice to get to spend a bit of time with one of my dearest DISFriends!
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Nice pic!

Mixed Berry Pavlova with Crunchy Meringue Shell, Macerated Berries, and Whipped Cream- $4.75
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I forgot I wanted to try this. I see them making Pavlova on The Greast ritish Baking Show all the time! Maybe next year!

Psych!!!

We then sat through about 50 full cycles of The Three Caballeros while the announcement now told us to sit tight, we’d be moving soon.

Oh no! Not a great ride to get stuck on!

We were running right on time, but wait! What’s this?! Spaceship Earth was running with a 5-minute wait for its soft opening. HUZZAH!!

We got on it too and I was so excited!

I was up at 5:30 AM on Friday for work, didn’t sleep that night, left at 2:30 AM Saturday morning, and wouldn’t be to bed until about 1:00AM that night. I was tired, but ready for a party nevertheless.

Crazy girl!!

 

[Steppesister]

D is for: Dark and Dreadful Howl-o-Scream
October 19, 2025​

By 5:30, Lori and I had gotten back to our room and freshened up for our evening out over at Sea World.

I did take a few photos of our room and some of the resort grounds as we walked to and from. Honestly, this resort is such a hidden gem. It is very quiet being mostly filled with conference folks, the kids seem to go mostly to the Dig Site so the Casitas area where we were was very quiet and serene.

​

I love the fountains and water features here and especially love the lagoon and dining options.

(Yes, we have some bananas... ) ​

When I booked this trip, I originally contacted some of my very most long-standing DISFriends, Pat and Marv. Incredibly coincidentally, Pat had a conference at the SAME resort starting ON THE SAME DAY as ours did and, at the same time, Mary Ellen who’d booked our trip was cooking up a plan for all of us to go to Howl-o-Scream together. For $39 a ticket, sure, why not? They also have a couple of other friends whom they met during one of their many trips to that park who would be joining as well.

At about 5:45, we met up with Pat and Marv along the Coronado waterfront and called up a Lyft. They paid for the ride over there; I paid for the one getting us back later that night.

The party started at 7:00, but there was a “holding corral” open at 6:00 so we found the line for the party entrance and hopped in it. I wasn't surprised that there was a line since it was already after 6:00 when we got there. Obviously, while we were in line without umbrellas or ponchos it poured for about 5 minutes. We all know that’s plenty long enough to get soaked. Luckily, it was warm enough that we didn’t all freeze and the humidity wasn’t high enough that it didn’t take too terribly long to dry out either.

Finally, by 6:15 they let the now fairly large crowd into the holding corral/pre-show area via a metal detector and ticket scanners.

Now…. When I booked this party, I honestly had no idea what to expect at all. I’ve never been to any other Halloween event other than MNSSHP which IMHO is delightful with just the right mix of whimsical fun and “scary”. I have heard others talk about the HHN at Uni but hadn’t or read anything about this event. I did start some reading about this one online after agreeing to go since I really wanted to see MaryEllen and Denny and the others again, but I’m just not really a fan of gore and jump scares which this one seemed it was going to be heavy on. I’d been to SeaWorld one other time with Kari a couple years back and it's actually not a bad park with some good coasters and interesting animal exhibits.

So, the holding corral… if one word could describe the vibe of this party I think I’d choose grunge. Okay, let’s add a couple more just to be thorough. Sleezy and adult-themed might be 2 more. (Keep reading, though)

​

The pre-show area had a few snacks available and several stands and one legit permanent bar serving alcohol open. Actors were roaming through the crowd in make-up, but it was very definitely geared to portray macabre, violent, and under-world themes. There were lots of jump scares already with the actors coming up behind people and banging a bat on a trashcan lid or doing a running skid on metal knee pads that sparked kinds of stuff. But the thing that made me go, "huh" was the overtly striptease-style pre-show dancing done up on the scaffolding rigging above the crowd just before they let us in. Full-on pole dancing. Ummmm, ok.

Lori, by then, was hungry for a snack. The way SeaWorld has it set up is that they encourage you to buy a lanyard “punch card” for either 1 Snack and 3 drinks (alcoholic) for $45 or 2 Snacks and 5 drinks for $75. Basically, the snacks end up being “free” as drinks were $15 each. I will say, the drinks were stiff and well worth the $15. We’d decided to buy the $45 option and each have a drink and split one and probably end up paying for an additional snack OOP. This was before I knew Lori doesn't really drink. Unfortunately, Lori’s appetite was a bit mis-timed. The only option really in the holding corral was a pretzel which ended up being stale and pretty awful. The worst part was that that’s what we ended up using the snack credit on. Just ugh. The art of getting the best value out of a pre-paid plan, like the DDP, takes some practice, I guess. It was awkward for me to suggest that we wait and use it on something of higher value later on and ask her to pay OOP in the moment so I just did the easy thing on this one. Oh well, it’s just money.


$$$


Right about 7:00 they let us in, and we made our way through the first “Zone”. This is where things got really bizarre and kinda soured me for the rest of the party. The whole Zone was called The Blood Light District and is was straight up soft p0rn. Actors dressed up in raunchy, and barely there, outfits with whips, chains, etc… honestly, and sorry if this is your jam, but I was totally grossed out. Just yuck. It reminded me of the Red Light District our family accidentally ended up in Bangkok and the sex workers were cat-calling my 9 year old. (Just keep reading)

MaryEllen and Denny were already there with 2 other of their friends, John and Dave; I’d met John on that previous trip with Kari. He’s an older retiree, widower whose mission in life now is to ride the coaster ‘Mako” as many times as he can before he passes. He goes about 3-4 days a week and hangs out at the park riding it a few times each trip and visits with the friends and cast members he know and has made there. I’ll circle back to John later in the chapter…

We made our way to one of the bars they were headed to and met up. We all grabbed our first drink and gave toasts and hugs all around. This made the $39 ticket worth it. It was fun to be among old and new friends again. MaryEllen was the friend who finally talked me into getting my NP degree and she was happy to finally get to congratulate me in person and give me a big hug for a job well done. She’s the bestest!

(I joked that since we were at a medical conference we may as well start refreshing our anatomy!)​

Then it was time to head to our first house. Now… while I hated the first scare zone and pre-show stuff, the Houses were actually really well done and had very good theming. The jump scares weren’t nearly as bad as I’d feared they’d be, but then again, we’d all made Dave go first as he’d been to this year’s party like 9 times already (He’s an employee of the company, but not a CM.) so knew what to expect. The make up and effects were really good and I suspect that a lot of the same talent is shared across Orlando for these events. Dave eluded to that at some point during the night.

I took very few photos of anything that night which now makes me kind of sad since I really don’t have a lot to show you. Sorry!

My favorite House was the Insane Asylum where Lori and I joked the whole way through that most of those patients needed a bit more ketamine or a B-52 “to make everything better”.

One scare zone was hilarious. It was called the Trailer Park Tragedy where the characters who "lived" in the park were roasting road kill on their BBQs and telling you to stop trespassing with chainsaws. Honestly, it was a riot because it wasn’t so far off from reality at least in my neck of the woods. LOL!!

Oops time for another drink!!



​

Lori got another drink but she's really NOT a drinker and had only taken a few sips only to throw it out before we went to another house where you can't take them in.

$$
​

Anyway, we got through 4 of the 5 Houses and 3 or so Scare Zones and had an all-around fun time. Around 9:00, the group wanted to see if any of the coasters were open and there were howls of anguish when they learned their collective fave, Mako, was down. Dave who is actually a maintenance employee called up his friends and was told it was down for the whole night, they’d put the cars away, and there was no chance of riding it that night. They then headed towards another bigger coaster and Lori, John, and I didn’t really want to ride it. John had just had some sort of knee procedure done (injection? surgery?, dunno) so we chose to find a seat in a nearby bar and chat. We marveled at his stories of working for Lockheed in Burbank during the early 60s and his career as an engineer, losing his wife of 60 years, and now living his best life here near Orlando. He was fascinating and I loved just sitting with him. I hope our paths cross again someday.

Nearby, there were some gross bar games going on. Contestants were challenged to eat mystery meats and cat food and, if they didn’t puke, they got free drinks. Okaaaaay…? Weird but whatever. The group returned again disappointed that that coaster too was down. Like what?!

One thing that was left on our list of “must-do’s” was the show called Monster Stomp. This show was so bizarre. I *think* the storyline was that Jack the Ripper returns to Victorian Era London and wreaks havok? There is a ton of tawdry dancing with a female and a male character who lure his victims or kidnaps them? I’m not even sure. To be fair, the set design and lighting were great and the show was definitely high energy. Dave told me that the dancers are actually the Orlando Magic dance team. So, the talent IS legit. My favorite acts during this were the Scimitar drumming number a la Jammitors-style and the Black light Skeleton Dance.

​

By now I was hungry and nearby was a kiosk selling the Party’s Bison Burger. For $15 I got a fairly good-sized freshly made:

Ripper’s Revenge: Bison patty with vampire blood jam, chèvre, bacon, and arugula (the jam was an onion jam)

This was actually VERY good! Pat and Marv got one as well and with that, most of us decided we’d kind of played this party out. It was only about 10:00 or so, but that seemed to be enough and we chose to say our good-byes and head back to the Coronado.

Overall, I'd say you get what you pay for at this party. It's low-budget compared to Disney's or HHNs. It has some good elements to it, but in general, the crowd is "rougher", it's DEFINITELY geared toward the seedy side of life, the rides being open is obviously not guaranteed, there is a LOT more alcohol flowing, and about 3 hours is plenty. Take my opinion for what it's worth.

Next up, Conference Day 1 and an afternoon at DHS!

 

[Steppesister]

I’m healing well, thank you! Follow-up appointment tomorrow morning. Mine was also torn meniscus and they removed some arthritis.

How did that follow up go?

 

[Steppesister]

It would have been a lot more fun to take a secret evacuation route.

Oh for sure, totally.

We were walking out of Epcot during our trip and noticed that Spaceship Earth was open. It wasn't open earlier in the day. Anyway, I tried hard to see what might have been new. But most of it seemed the same, except cleaner.

Same with us, closed when we got there and open as we walked out. Not something I'd go all the way back to the front of the park to check (and of course it wasn't on the app yet) so felt we lucked out. I was kinda hoping for a bit "more" but at the same time glad they didn't completely turn it into a "new" attraction either.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm okay with that.

Especially since I have no idea what it's (they're) supposed to be called.
Yes I've been told. No I don't remember.

Some habits are hard to break! And some things are best left alone.

Sounded good. I think I would've liked to have tried the chili if I'd been there. sounds interesting.

I think I've tried that several years ago and it was actually quite good.

One of mine too.

Kari is smart.

yeah.... don't do that.

It's hard to believe how dumb some people can actually be.

Good to hear. I've had noodles there before and they weren't very good.

Me too. They can be hit or miss and I don't think I'd have tried them if they hadn't been getting good reviews online.

 

[Steppesister]

Looks like a nice sampling of F&W, I agree on the little deliciousness of those pumpkin ravioli yum!!
I have to say this year was the first time I tried some new F&W booths and loved it!

Gosh they were just sooooo good! I'd love the recipe.

Me too. I usually try one or two new things and about half have been good. The others confirmed why they weren't really on my list.

 

[Steppesister]

Mmm, some tastiness for sure in this chapter!! I'm not much of a sweet tooth either, but it was nice to be able to sample some of Lori's without having to waste any money on a full portion.

Exactly! Always best to share everything so you get more tastes!

Yay for making a soft opening on Spaceship Earth...even if the updates sound pretty minor.

It's one of my faves at EPCOT so happy it was open again before I left.

I was sort of rooting for your evac from It's a Small Mexico because don't we all just want to experience this some time!!!?? I don't think I realized there's a Hidden Mickey in that tiling, but best believe I will be on the hunt, as well, in December!

I've never actually gotten to be evac'd from a ride. It's like a little badge of honor. LOL!

Gotta have a cell phone light shining on it which can be annoying to other guests, so maybe best to go at the very, very end of the night and try to get your own boat. Plus, one person should sit in a row back and shine the light, while the person in the row in front can snap the photo when it comes into view.

I'm looking forward to hearing all about Howl-O-Scream! I haven't been to Sea World in 20 years on a regular day, let alone for a special event. Can't wait to find out how it all was!

It's posted... enjoy.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh my gosh, that's the least they can do. I wonder how long this will all take to get figured out.

Probably another week or two. They told me they'll re-imburse the repair amount which was about less than half of the new one.

So funny because I love the look of the Lounge Flys but the size and shape are an absolute deal-breaker for me. They are too small and I end up shoving everything in and then having to unpack it all to get to the bottom. I've gone back to my Vera Bradley backpacks and am loving it. And BONUS...they have a side pocket for my water bottle!

In general I'm a super-minimalist- less is more for me. I never carry water and get those free ice waters fairly often. See? Bags for all travel-styles!! Love it. When you find one that works, it's great!

Mike and I shared both of these in October. You're right...the ravioli were delicious. The sandwich was good too but too filling. I wasn't even going to get it but Mike wanted it so I ended up sharing with him and then after those two items I was kind of too full for anything else.

That's the danger of these Festivals. I hate when I get too full and can't try a large variety of goodies.

I forgot I wanted to try this. I see them making Pavlova on The Greast ritish Baking Show all the time! Maybe next year!

Just make sure to not fling a large chunk off as you try and "cut" it.

We got on it too and I was so excited!

No big changes which IMHO is a good thing. I like it just the way it is!

 

[pkondz]

the Casitas area where we were was very quiet and serene.

I've heard that, but never been to the resort.

Like the sliding barn door.

I can't tell... what is that on the shelf below the folding luggage rack?

Pretty! I didn't think it'd be that nice, tbh.

(Yes, we have some bananas... )

We have some bananas today. (To complete the paraphrasing.)

Incredibly coincidentally, Pat had a conference at the SAME resort starting ON THE SAME DAY as ours did

Perfect!

The party started at 7:00, but there was a “holding corral” open at 6:00

Obviously, while we were in line without umbrellas or ponchos it poured for about 5 minutes.

But of course.
Could've been worse... could've rained during the entire party, I suppose.

MNSSHP which IMHO is delightful

IMHO, MNSSHP is AOK and A1.

I’d been to SeaWorld one other time with Kari a couple years back and it's actually not a bad park with some good coasters and interesting animal exhibits.

It's been many, many years since I've been to SeaWorld. Guessing... over 25 years?

Sleezy and adult-themed might be 2 more.

This really surprised me. I don't mind and might even enjoy an adults only Halloween party, but... for a major theme park, this surprised me.

or doing a running skid on metal knee pads that sparked kinds of stuff.

Okay, that's kinda neat.

But the thing that made me go, "huh" was the overtly striptease-style pre-show dancing done up on the scaffolding rigging above the crowd just before they let us in. Full-on pole dancing. Ummmm, ok.

Huh, indeed!
Not sure what that has to do with Halloween?

I will say, the drinks were stiff and well worth the $15.

As opposed to Disney's (so you've said) weak drinks.

This was before I knew Lori doesn't really drink.

More for you!

The only option really in the holding corral was a pretzel which ended up being stale and pretty awful.

Ew. I tend to want pretzels and, unless they've just been freshly made, wind up being disappointed.

The worst part was that that’s what we ended up using the snack credit on. Just ugh.

It reminded me of the Red Light District our family accidentally ended up in Bangkok and the sex workers were cat-calling my 9 year old. (Just keep reading)

Oh dear. I had a similar experience in Paris... or so my mom tells me. Funny story.

He’s an older retiree, widower whose mission in life now is to ride the coaster ‘Mako” as many times as he can before he passes.

You could do worse for a mission.

We all grabbed our first drink and gave toasts and hugs all around. This made the $39 ticket worth it.

MaryEllen was the friend who finally talked me into getting my NP degree and she was happy to finally get to congratulate me in person and give me a big hug for a job well done.

Awww... nice to finally meet up with the person who most helped you find your calling.

(I joked that since we were at a medical conference we may as well start refreshing our anatomy!)

The jump scares weren’t nearly as bad as I’d feared they’d be, but then again, we’d all made Dave go first

Oh, sure. "Jump scares don't scare me when they jump out at someone else first!"

I took very few photos of anything that night which now makes me kind of sad since I really don’t have a lot to show you. Sorry!

Well, sheesh... TR fail!

My favorite House was the Insane Asylum where Lori and I joked the whole way through that most of those patients needed a bit more ketamine or a B-52 “to make everything better”.

One scare zone was hilarious. It was called the Trailer Park Tragedy where the characters who "lived" in the park were roasting road kill on their BBQs and telling you to stop trespassing with chainsaws. Honestly, it was a riot because it wasn’t so far off from reality at least in my neck of the woods. LOL!!

Dave who is actually a maintenance employee called up his friends and was told it was down for the whole night, they’d put the cars away, and there was no chance of riding it that night.

I guess at least it was good to have a friend who could find out what was going on.

We marveled at his stories of working for Lockheed in Burbank during the early 60s

That'd be very interesting. The cusp of the jet engine days.

losing his wife of 60 years,

I'm sure you didn't "marvel" at that part of his story. Sad.

and now living his best life here near Orlando.

He was fascinating and I loved just sitting with him. I hope our paths cross again someday.

I'm sure you could. Just talk yourself into getting an AP and going down more often and you could see him all the time!

Nearby, there were some gross bar games going on. Contestants were challenged to eat mystery meats and cat food and, if they didn’t puke, they got free drinks. Okaaaaay…?

Yeah... definitely gross. Just... really? I'll just by a drink, thanks. You can keep the cat food for the cats.

The group returned again disappointed that that coaster too was down. Like what?!

Another one??

Not exactly getting your money's worth out of this party.

My favorite acts during this were the Scimitar drumming number a la Jammitors-style and the Black light Skeleton Dance.

That skeleton video was kinda fun. More in line with what I think a Halloween entertainment should be.

Ripper’s Revenge: Bison patty with vampire blood jam, chèvre, bacon, and arugula (the jam was an onion jam)

This was actually VERY good!

Sounds really good!

Overall, I'd say you get what you pay for at this party. It's low-budget compared to Disney's or HHNs. It has some good elements to it, but in general, the crowd is "rougher", it's DEFINITELY geared toward the seedy side of life, the rides being open is obviously not guaranteed, there is a LOT more alcohol flowing, and about 3 hours is plenty. Take my opinion for what it's worth.

Thanks for the honest review. Never really had much interest in HHN, but would go if someone invited me I suppose. Now I know that this one is probably a pass as well.

 

[pkondz]

It's hard to believe how dumb some people can actually be.

Oh, no. I totally believe how dumb some people can be.
I've just seen too much, at my age.

Me too. They can be hit or miss and I don't think I'd have tried them if they hadn't been getting good reviews online.

Ah. Makes sense.