Universal in October - ?'s re HHN

[jksgrammy]

We are trying to plan a trip to Orlando in October with our daughter, SIL, and two grandkids (ages 7 & 9). I've been reading up on Halloween Horror Nights and obviously do NOT want to take the grandkids to that.

I've checked the Universal website and have dates for what I think are the 2007 HHN's for October and took into consideration what the dates would be for 2008. My understanding is that the parks close early on those days, that the daytime at the parks is NOT scary; the HHN actors are NOT out during the day.

What about crowds during the days there are HHNs? Does anyone know if Orlando schools have days off during any of the dates which would obviously affect crowds at park.

Would really hate to have to push trip into December because of cooler weather. Grandkids are looking forward to spending times at pools at resort and also enjoying water themed areas/rides at Universal.

Here are the HHN dates posted on the Universal website:
Sept. 28-29
Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, 31st.
Nov. 1-3

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Metro West]

We are trying to plan a trip to Orlando in October with our daughter, SIL, and two grandkids (ages 7 & 9). I've been reading up on Halloween Horror Nights and obviously do NOT want to take the grandkids to that.

I've checked the Universal website and have dates for what I think are the 2007 HHN's for October and took into consideration what the dates would be for 2008. My understanding is that the parks close early on those days, that the daytime at the parks is NOT scary; the HHN actors are NOT out during the day.

What about crowds during the days there are HHNs? Does anyone know if Orlando schools have days off during any of the dates which would obviously affect crowds at park.

Would really hate to have to push trip into December because of cooler weather. Grandkids are looking forward to spending times at pools at resort and also enjoying water themed areas/rides at Universal.

Here are the HHN dates posted on the Universal website:
Sept. 28-29
Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, 31st.
Nov. 1-3

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

You are correct...those dates were from last year but you can look at a calendar and see the dates for this year. It's basically every Thursday-Sunday in October with a Wednesday thrown in for good measure. The park hours should be posted on the website and when you see the Studios closing at 5pm...that's an HHN night.

You won't see much of anything during the day. Last year they had some signs and banners hanging up but that's about it. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't know what was going on based on what they see during the day.

The crowds aren't bad in October except during the afternoon hours when you will notice an increase of people coming in for HHN. The schools usually have a short week during HHN but I can't remember what the date is. But...that won't affect the daytime crowds too much. HHN on the other hand is a mess on "Hell Night".

 

[Jason71]

You are correct in that the "scare"-actors are not out, and the parks are not that scary, during the day. A few props may be left out, but nothing all that frightening.

However, while the Studios close early on HHN days, Islands of Adventure does not.

Local school kids are usually off sometime in the middle of the month--sorry, don't know an exact date this year, but I'm sure someone will.

 

[jksgrammy]

If I've got it right, these should be the dates for 2008 HHN's:
Sept. 26-27
Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-26, 29-31
Nov. 1

This is based on calendars for Studios and closing time of 5PM.

Thanks so much for info!

 

[Metro West]

If I've got it right, these should be the dates for 2008 HHN's:
Sept. 26-27
Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-26, 29-31
Nov. 1

This is based on calendars for Studios and closing time of 5PM.

Thanks so much for info!

Those sound right to me!