Universal vs magic kingdom for Halloween?

[lisakramer]

hi all - wdw vet planning our 1st family trip to universal for fall 2016.
Our son will be 8 and is not a scary movie kid. But we have Harry Potter costumes that I've made, so I was thinking of doing universal for Halloween.
We've been to MNSSHP a few times and love it, but I'm wondering about the universal party. Is it only scary stuff? Is it kid friendly? Is there Halloween stuff happening during the daytime?
Thanks!

 

[schumigirl]

HHN is not kid friendly at all. Not a party either. They don't recommend it for under 13.

And you are not allowed costumes or masks of any kind.

I would stick to kid friendly Disney for this one.

 

[kbelle8995]

I would not do it. The Universal event y is not kid friendly. And If your son is only eight and not into scary movies I would not do it. Stick with the Disney party it is much more kid friendly

Halloween Horror Nights is extremely intense and scary. Go in the daytime and let him visit Potter instead when the truly scary stuff is gone. Plus I believe last year Diagon Alley was not open during Halloween Harror Nights

 

[gemologygal]

Many years ago, DH and his coworkers went to HHN one evening as a corporate bonding activity paid for by his company while they were in Orlando for a conference. He said it as one of the scariest experiences ever and most of the group screamed and got terribly scared during those themed building walk-thrus.

Guess that was one way to do team-building with your coworkers...

 

[Lynne G]

There's also no real Halloween happenings during the daytime. In fact, the Studios close early to get ready for HHN. I'd let him wear his costume even at a Disney party. When we went to the Party last year, I saw all different kinds of costumes, not just Disney ones. He will have more fun, and not be scared, at Disney. HHN has Horror in its name, for a reason. It's the nights adults can enjoy the horror inspired houses and scares and drink. Though I am sure kids have been to HHN, I would not bring an 8 year old to it. In fact, both my teens are not horror fans, and they enjoyed the Disney party a lot. Enough, that they would go to it again. If your DS is into Potter, then I would go during the day and enjoy both IOA and the Studios, during the day. He can dress up even during the daytime at Universal. I've seen many wands, robes and hats on all ages of people. Also, IOA will stay open longer than the Studios, so you can still get a full day in by going to the Studios and DA first, then spending the rest of the day over at IOA and Hogsmead.

I hope you have a great time at USO, even if not going to HHN. The fall is a great time to visit.

 

[HM]

He's the perfect age for dressing up and going to the MNSSHP at Magic Kingdom. If you guys have never done it before, I recommend it. Great parade, dance parties, meet and greets, trick or treats, etc.

 

[RMulieri]

It is NOT for kids.It is themed and geared to no younger than 13yrs old and adults.It is scary and intense.Lots of alcohol around too.

 

[macraven]

no way could i ever recommend HHN for a child.....

i wouldn't want my kid to want to sleep with me for the next year if i took him to an event like that..........

i have seen families go to HHN and when the kids start crying and wanting to leave, the family wants a refund on the tickets.
tickets aren't cheap.

no refunds for hhn tickets.


mickey's halloween party would be great for your child to attend.
he would love it and be able to do the trick/treating there at the MK.
and he won't beg to sleep in the bed with you after doing that event.

 

[puffkin]

We are going this fall, just a mommy/DS trip. We have spent the last 2 years reading the HP books and watching the movies as we finish each book so it is kind of our thing together. My DS will be 9.5 then and is fine with scary movies/rides and he rides all the big coasters and stuff. We are staying at Hard Rock and visiting the Universal Parks for 3 days but will not be doing HHN. We will enjoy the parks during the day and then hopefully the weather will be fine to relax by the pool at night. I don't feel comfortable with him in that environment or myself. I know they usually do movies by the pool too. Our last day/night we are moving over to Saratoga Springs (I have some DVC points that were expiring) and doing MNSSHP that night going in at 4pm with our party tickets. I think it will be a perfect trip for him at his age and interests.

 

[schumigirl]

We are going this fall, just a mommy/DS trip. We have spent the last 2 years reading the HP books and watching the movies as we finish each book so it is kind of our thing together. My DS will be 9.5 then and is fine with scary movies/rides and he rides all the big coasters and stuff. We are staying at Hard Rock and visiting the Universal Parks for 3 days but will not be doing HHN. We will enjoy the parks during the day and then hopefully the weather will be fine to relax by the pool at night. I don't feel comfortable with him in that environment or myself. I know they usually do movies by the pool too. Our last day/night we are moving over to Saratoga Springs (I have some DVC points that were expiring) and doing MNSSHP that night going in at 4pm with our party tickets. I think it will be a perfect trip for him at his age and interests.

Sounds lovely......he will adore the Potter stuff!! Your plan sounds good......enjoy the parks during the day and have some pool time with movies at night........sounds perfect!

We are always amazed every year we go how many little kids are taken in to horror nights.....and every year we see kids get taken out of houses crying their eyes out. We saw one grandparent take 4 children, all distressed out of a house one year.......oldest was about 7. So shocking some think this is a good idea.

It's definitely not for children in any way.

Hope you and DS have a blast!

 

[bsiev1977]

hi all - wdw vet planning our 1st family trip to universal for fall 2016.
Our son will be 8 and is not a scary movie kid. But we have Harry Potter costumes that I've made, so I was thinking of doing universal for Halloween.
We've been to MNSSHP a few times and love it, but I'm wondering about the universal party. Is it only scary stuff? Is it kid friendly? Is there Halloween stuff happening during the daytime?
Thanks!

Halloween Horror Nights is as far from kid friendly as something can possibly be. The haunted houses are scary, both visually and with very loud noises piped in to increase the jump scare factor. In addition there are "scare zones" throughout the park where costumed actors with run up or sneak from behind and scare you.

In your situation, I'd say go to Universal in the morning and see Harry Potter then have plans to do something else in the evening.

 

[bumbershoot]

Most definitely NOT kid friendly.

This is just about the only time I say "go to WDW" over Universal.

 

[BagOLaughs]

Our son will be 8 and is not a scary movie kid. But we have Harry Potter costumes that I've made, so I was thinking of doing universal for Halloween.

Just want to add my voice to the masses. HHN is not suitable for your 8 year old, stick to disney.

 

[Bluer101]

Our DS did his first HHN this past year at the age of 12 and was still a little nervous in the first few houses. One of the reasons for letting him join is the private tour. I think if we had to wait inline to long would give him to much anxiety. So instead of waiting we walk up and right in which there is no time to think about it.

One other benefit was the Unmasking the horror day tour thanks to a special someone. This was nice as he was able to see everything with the lights on and see the magic behind the scenes. Now that he has been that's all he talks about and can't wait for this year if he does good in school.

 

[BagOLaughs]

To add to my previous post. You've said that you have got Harry Potter costumes made. Its not been confirmed (but is most likely) Diagon Alley won't be open for HHN. You haven't said if you wanted to go there or not but its important you should know.

 

[schumigirl]

To add to my previous post. You've said that you have got Harry Potter costumes made. Its not been confirmed (but is most likely) Diagon Alley won't be open for HHN. You haven't said if you wanted to go there or not but its important you should know.

DA Won't be open for HHN. JK Rowling didnt want it to have any part of HHN.

And regardless, you are not allowed costumes or masks of any kind at the event.

 

[Grumpy92]

This is not an event for children. The HP sections are not open nor are the characters part of the event. I know alot of adults who get scared to death on HHN. Frankly I dont see the appeal of being chased by a bloody person with a chainsaw and the louder your scream the more they come after you. The themed haunted houses also have some pretty graphic sites.
You might want to watch last years podcast on HHN. They gave a very good overview.
2013 Podcast

2014 Podcast - http://www.disunplugged.com/2014/09/19/dis-unplugged-podcast-091914-universal-show/

 

[kbelle8995]

I do know Teens and Adults who absolutely love it. One was one of my student workers at a library. She got trapped against a wall by one of the chainsaw people one time but she loved it. Some people just liked to be scared. But younger kids no. I would never take a young child to HHN.

As a pp stated it is not recommended for anyone under 13 and I think they make that recommendation for very good reason.

 

[bumbershoot]

OP, wear the HP costumes at WDW! Our cousin went as HP and my son went as a "men in black" person, for the MK Halloween party. And they were NOT alone. We saw a terrific young-Snape costume, and he glared MOST appropriately at our "Harry". It was terrific. So don't be afraid to wear non-disney outfits to the Disney party. It's actually great fun!

 

[heidijanesmith]

I was worried about my then 16 yr old DD for her 1st HHN, as far as it being inappropriate. She is a huge haunted house fan and volunteers at several. She loves all things scary. She loves HHN! Bill and Teds was raunchy, I think I was more embarrassed than she was.