I finally went to the event [10/07] I've heard so much about since my first visit to Universal Studios back in 1999. And what I didn't know, is this event goes back to the second year Universal Studios opened in Orlando, Florida.
All I have to say – is it was money well spent.
This year was huge for this particular event. Universal was able to "lift" three horror icons from another banner. Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface – oh my! Because this was my first year, I didn't really know what to expect. Reading past years [on various sites], it sounds like they have special theme haunted houses all around the park (and now experiencing it first hand, I see why it generates a lot of people).
I first proceeded to the house I was most anxious to see. A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dreamwalkers.
The wait time listed one hour. No biggie. It's like standing in line at a haunted house back home.
Correction: 90-f__________g minutes, I stood in line. I was ED! And I really didn't have too many good things to say about this entire thing.
The line queue was behind Twister. Since this was my first time at this event, I didn't know line queues were back-stage (makes sense, since, umm, where are you going to fit all those f'n' people!)
It was neat, to see back-stage, since it's no different than behind stage at Disney – land/trailers/and land. They could easily build a few more attractions, since they still have some land.
Anyhow – as I was getting a bit perturbed over the whole ordeal (not to mention, being stuck in line with some obnoxious teens), they did had a nice little "pre-show", with a projector projecting a film, made for this house. The story line is a doctor got inspired to make a sleep-care medication after the events unfolding in the Nightmare movies. Of course, with such a concept, Freddy lurks within the dream-esque shadows. After 90 F__________G minutes in line, I finally approached the house. Some of the coolest fog I've seen, as it makes you feel like you are in sleep-land…then you walk through another room, that looks like the lab room with all the kids in bed from Freddy Vs. Jason. You finally walk toward the outside of "the house" from the first Freddy flick. Very-very-very-very sweet in detail. And the rooms that follow go hand to hand of some of the locations presented in the Freddy series. The long wait was really worth seeing all of this.
The "scares" were, as cliché as haunted houses go. Peek-a-BOO, as actors (or, what Universal prefers, "scareactors"), hide in the darkness, behind walls/doors/or whatever…and randomly pops out. In this case, the "Freddy's" were all at their best – personality, wise. But the costuming could have used some work. I mean, come on, Freddy masks? Don't be too obvious, Universal! *wink* I mean, you have a Horror Makeup Show on the propriety, for Christ sake!
One thing I forgot to mention with the scares – out of all the houses, this was the house that really put the "boo's" to full volume. With the concept like Freddy, a lot of the trickier of treats here is to ________ with you, psychological. Letting your eyes deceive you. This was the only house (that I partaked in, at least), where they ________ with your eyes with their use of lighting. A nice addition to the house (and something I always look forward to when going to these haunted houses, it adds the element that's been done in horror movies).
After that, I walked all the way to The Thing: Assimilation, located near the E.T./Barney attractions (talk about adding a bit of creep factor, walking in the Barney attraction itself, to get to the line queue).
The wait time was roughly 20 minutes. Not bad at all. And this was real neat where they have it – in the middle of nowhere – very fitting for the story (and, again, never noticed how much land Universal actually has!)
The story for this house is also quite original. A sequel to the John Carpenter's classic remake of "THE THING". From the first moment you step near the "house", you feel like you are at something quite unique (and unique for the other houses featured this year). You feel like you are in the setting that takes place in the film (a great quality Universal does in the past, transporting you into the movie sequences you "awwed" at).
Now, while the story is quite original – the concept isn't. I've been to haunted houses before, where there was a freak "accident", people turning into zombies, or something kills people, or whatever the case maybe. It's a classic formula for haunted houses…making it more unique than a typical "BOO". But in this case, while there were a few "in the dark – BOO" moments – this house relied all its energy on the amazing animatronics. Nothing as gory as the film (now, that would have been a treat), or "wow" as the stuff Disney does. But still, this was something that I've never ever seen before in a haunted house – theatrics. I wish I saw this more often. I am surprised they haven't thought about doing something around the movie Carrie. With something similar to their Earthquake or Twister attraction, I could see a very intense reenactment of the "prom" in Carrie. Now, that would be amazing to see!
After accomplishing two haunted houses – and just about half of the night gone before my eyes (thanks to the 90 F__________G minute wait for Fredrick Kruger!), I decided to check out the Bill and Ted show. Bill and Ted have been featured at these Halloween nights since its second annual year, and I dig Bill and Ted. Not sure why it's part of the whole Halloween deal – but whatever the case maybe – I've heard from various people that night, it's one of the best continuing shows they have during the Halloween mishmash year to year.
The show was very satirical (poking fun at the current pop culture fluff, like Spears/how much Spiderman 3 sucked/Transformers/the war between Trump and Rosie, and other ________ they thrown in). I couldn't believe what they were doing, how they were doing it, and when they did it. They even poked fun at Universal itself, with the disappearing act of a certain Delorean *coughs*. Certainly the most entertaining "fluff" show I've seen between Universal/Disney. And also tells me, these Halloween events is a completely different atmosphere, to the Universal during the day. VERY adult-theme.
After that show, I decided to tackle The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Flesh Wounds, located near the Earthquake attraction. I anticipated that it would be a long wait, and that it would be my last house for the night, which was all right for me. Although the line wait stated 60 minutes, it really didn't felt like it. Maybe – 45 mins?
Because of space – they weren't able to duplicate the full view of the outside of El Hewitt's house…but instead, you got the side of it (with the abandon cars/and other ________ outside of the house). Once you reach the door, you feel like you are exactly in the house, depicted from the Texas Chainsaw remake. The old man in the wheel chair, stomps his cane on the floor, "get out of my house". Next room – the kitchen, with the fruitcake lady. And the next room, Leatherface, in all his glory. The chainsaw is heard very loud in your earlobes.
There was even a bit of theater work here, where there were "victims" in the mix of the people walking through the house, the victims would do their spiel, 'get out of the house, help me". Nearby, a Leatherface comes and attacks the victims. This made it felt like you were in the movie itself, and as realistic as they can possibly do, without actually killing off people! The following rooms are locations within the two films: the basement where "the magic" happens, the meat-room, and outside the house with the "sheets".
All and all – one of the most ambitious looking houses they have. I was really amazed with the detail. I know some cats prefer the original to the remake. It would have been nice if they mixed the two. But I myself prefer the remake – so I was in heaven.
The only complaint I have – is they did have the sliding door – but – well – it didn't slide! That would have made the whole thing top-notch, if the sliding door SLIDED!
I still didn't get the "scares", like most. Chainsaws use to scare the living ________ out of me when I first experienced haunted houses as a kid. But now, it's just passe. It's still by far, the most "intense" of the houses – just because of the subject matter/graphic nature.
Looking at my watch, I still had plenty of time. So I decided to finish the big three at this event…
Friday the 13th: Camp Blood. Located near, around, and within the Jaws attraction (makes sense). After a 20-mintue wait – I was able to be in the core of mediocre bliss (KIDDING!)
Once again, detail is grand. You really feel like you are at Camp Crystal Lake (only thing missing is the lake, which makes no sense, since it is near the Jaws ride). The several of rooms all felt like you were in all the horrid Jason sequels, given their location depictions.
The Jason's – like the movies, acted silly. But the highlight, is the last room, with the head of Jason's mom in a nice little shrine, from Friday the 13th Part Deux. A very-very nice touch indeed.
I still had a little bit more time, so I went to a random house, for s and giggles.
Psychoscareapy: Home for the Holidays. A ten-minute wait located just the opposite side of the Freddy line. This was one of the their "original" houses, not based on any particular movie (though, hearing the fictitious radio station playing Christmas music, there were little references to A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation).
The story – crazies just escaped from a mental hospital, whom were being transported on a bus. They escaped in a small-town (around Christmas time).
This isn't of the "scary" or "thrilling", but like some horror stories, of the "weird", and "bizarre". And that's exactly what you get. The atmosphere is really captivating – making you feel like you are at a small town, during Christmas. Fake snow was an added touch (but being born and lived in Michigan all his life, it's not the same cold white ________!)
As you walk through the house – you see blood, mix with snow/Christmas decorations – and the crazies, all roaming the areas as they please.
You know what could have been great – drop kick the "crazies", and turn this into "Gremlins". Because aside from the "crazies", it did felt like being on the set of the first Gremlins movie.
All and all – I was able to invade 5 out of 8 haunted houses at this Universal Halloween deal. Not to bad at all. It would have been nice to check out the Dead Silence house (though, I haven't seen the movie yet, I heard the house was something grand indeed). And reading about the houses in the past – would have been nice to experience some of those houses. It sucks I missed the dozen's of "Psycho" houses. I am sure, though, people are tired of Norman Bates.
The experience, overall, was something I never quite experienced before. It does suck, wasting time for some of the houses. But then, going in them, you feel it's worth it, just admiring the detail Universal puts into these houses. They do make a promise – you are "in the movies". The Thing, Texas Chainsaw, Elm Street, and El 13th were exact replicas of the scenery presented in their designated films.
On one hand, it's admirable, on their part. The Halloween themed event does transport you to an entirely different "Universal". I couldn't even recognize the park – it was like a completely different park all-together. That's not an easy feat to accomplish.
On the other hand, if they used just a teaspoon of their passion for these events, toward their parks year round – they could gain the recognition they once had of being a top-notch theme park. Every single one of their attractions needs a new paint job. And, although Harry Potter land and a Simpsons ride is a nice concept – it's sad Universal has to "lift" from other banners, when they have the history non other banner has (surpassing even Disney's history). But in the end – Disney still has Space Mountain, a Small World, and Haunted Mansion. They still have majority of the beloved classic attractions. What does Universal have?
I know I am trailing off here – but when I think of Universal, I get mix-mix feelings. Feelings of nostalgia, love, and passion for the history/my first time at the park/and just the sheer promise they once made on transporting you into the movies I love. But I also get a bitter after-taste, looking at the park now, and feeling depressed. It's sad I notice paint fading (and peeling) at the line queue for Spiderman. Wasn't this considered the best ride in its time?
It's depressing to see the print for T2, ty. Shouldn't it be digital, by now?
I miss the Hitchcock attraction. Shrek is cool and all – but it's not the same!
And it's even more depressing to see Back to the Future, gone…
I am excited for The Simpsons. But – they have SO MUCH ROOM…why, oh why!
The Halloween event made me feel like I was 15, again…experiencing Universal for the first time, again. But I know it's a one shot deal. After October, the cool houses will be tore down. And the park will be the ty park once again – with arrogant "team members", and decaying paint.
Hmmm…I say they should make the Halloween thing, year round! HOW BOUT IT?!?!
Still, though, this was money well spent. And I take pride in the shirt I purchased. The experience I had – was something quite different and unique to what I am use to back home. As the saying goes, "you've been to one haunted house, you've been to them all". They are all the same – with the cliché "hiding behind the door/wall", with a quick "BOO", and off you go! What Universal had, was something I've always longed. Themed – theatrical - atmospheric – and transporting oneself into another world entirely. I wasn't a bit scared. There were a few moments of "ahhh", with a Freddy here, or a Leatherface there. But all and all – I didn't go for the "scares". I went for the atmosphere.
All I have to say – is it was money well spent.
This year was huge for this particular event. Universal was able to "lift" three horror icons from another banner. Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface – oh my! Because this was my first year, I didn't really know what to expect. Reading past years [on various sites], it sounds like they have special theme haunted houses all around the park (and now experiencing it first hand, I see why it generates a lot of people).
I first proceeded to the house I was most anxious to see. A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dreamwalkers.
The wait time listed one hour. No biggie. It's like standing in line at a haunted house back home.
Correction: 90-f__________g minutes, I stood in line. I was ED! And I really didn't have too many good things to say about this entire thing.
The line queue was behind Twister. Since this was my first time at this event, I didn't know line queues were back-stage (makes sense, since, umm, where are you going to fit all those f'n' people!)
It was neat, to see back-stage, since it's no different than behind stage at Disney – land/trailers/and land. They could easily build a few more attractions, since they still have some land.
Anyhow – as I was getting a bit perturbed over the whole ordeal (not to mention, being stuck in line with some obnoxious teens), they did had a nice little "pre-show", with a projector projecting a film, made for this house. The story line is a doctor got inspired to make a sleep-care medication after the events unfolding in the Nightmare movies. Of course, with such a concept, Freddy lurks within the dream-esque shadows. After 90 F__________G minutes in line, I finally approached the house. Some of the coolest fog I've seen, as it makes you feel like you are in sleep-land…then you walk through another room, that looks like the lab room with all the kids in bed from Freddy Vs. Jason. You finally walk toward the outside of "the house" from the first Freddy flick. Very-very-very-very sweet in detail. And the rooms that follow go hand to hand of some of the locations presented in the Freddy series. The long wait was really worth seeing all of this.
The "scares" were, as cliché as haunted houses go. Peek-a-BOO, as actors (or, what Universal prefers, "scareactors"), hide in the darkness, behind walls/doors/or whatever…and randomly pops out. In this case, the "Freddy's" were all at their best – personality, wise. But the costuming could have used some work. I mean, come on, Freddy masks? Don't be too obvious, Universal! *wink* I mean, you have a Horror Makeup Show on the propriety, for Christ sake!
One thing I forgot to mention with the scares – out of all the houses, this was the house that really put the "boo's" to full volume. With the concept like Freddy, a lot of the trickier of treats here is to ________ with you, psychological. Letting your eyes deceive you. This was the only house (that I partaked in, at least), where they ________ with your eyes with their use of lighting. A nice addition to the house (and something I always look forward to when going to these haunted houses, it adds the element that's been done in horror movies).
After that, I walked all the way to The Thing: Assimilation, located near the E.T./Barney attractions (talk about adding a bit of creep factor, walking in the Barney attraction itself, to get to the line queue).
The wait time was roughly 20 minutes. Not bad at all. And this was real neat where they have it – in the middle of nowhere – very fitting for the story (and, again, never noticed how much land Universal actually has!)
The story for this house is also quite original. A sequel to the John Carpenter's classic remake of "THE THING". From the first moment you step near the "house", you feel like you are at something quite unique (and unique for the other houses featured this year). You feel like you are in the setting that takes place in the film (a great quality Universal does in the past, transporting you into the movie sequences you "awwed" at).
Now, while the story is quite original – the concept isn't. I've been to haunted houses before, where there was a freak "accident", people turning into zombies, or something kills people, or whatever the case maybe. It's a classic formula for haunted houses…making it more unique than a typical "BOO". But in this case, while there were a few "in the dark – BOO" moments – this house relied all its energy on the amazing animatronics. Nothing as gory as the film (now, that would have been a treat), or "wow" as the stuff Disney does. But still, this was something that I've never ever seen before in a haunted house – theatrics. I wish I saw this more often. I am surprised they haven't thought about doing something around the movie Carrie. With something similar to their Earthquake or Twister attraction, I could see a very intense reenactment of the "prom" in Carrie. Now, that would be amazing to see!
After accomplishing two haunted houses – and just about half of the night gone before my eyes (thanks to the 90 F__________G minute wait for Fredrick Kruger!), I decided to check out the Bill and Ted show. Bill and Ted have been featured at these Halloween nights since its second annual year, and I dig Bill and Ted. Not sure why it's part of the whole Halloween deal – but whatever the case maybe – I've heard from various people that night, it's one of the best continuing shows they have during the Halloween mishmash year to year.
The show was very satirical (poking fun at the current pop culture fluff, like Spears/how much Spiderman 3 sucked/Transformers/the war between Trump and Rosie, and other ________ they thrown in). I couldn't believe what they were doing, how they were doing it, and when they did it. They even poked fun at Universal itself, with the disappearing act of a certain Delorean *coughs*. Certainly the most entertaining "fluff" show I've seen between Universal/Disney. And also tells me, these Halloween events is a completely different atmosphere, to the Universal during the day. VERY adult-theme.
After that show, I decided to tackle The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Flesh Wounds, located near the Earthquake attraction. I anticipated that it would be a long wait, and that it would be my last house for the night, which was all right for me. Although the line wait stated 60 minutes, it really didn't felt like it. Maybe – 45 mins?
Because of space – they weren't able to duplicate the full view of the outside of El Hewitt's house…but instead, you got the side of it (with the abandon cars/and other ________ outside of the house). Once you reach the door, you feel like you are exactly in the house, depicted from the Texas Chainsaw remake. The old man in the wheel chair, stomps his cane on the floor, "get out of my house". Next room – the kitchen, with the fruitcake lady. And the next room, Leatherface, in all his glory. The chainsaw is heard very loud in your earlobes.
There was even a bit of theater work here, where there were "victims" in the mix of the people walking through the house, the victims would do their spiel, 'get out of the house, help me". Nearby, a Leatherface comes and attacks the victims. This made it felt like you were in the movie itself, and as realistic as they can possibly do, without actually killing off people! The following rooms are locations within the two films: the basement where "the magic" happens, the meat-room, and outside the house with the "sheets".
All and all – one of the most ambitious looking houses they have. I was really amazed with the detail. I know some cats prefer the original to the remake. It would have been nice if they mixed the two. But I myself prefer the remake – so I was in heaven.
The only complaint I have – is they did have the sliding door – but – well – it didn't slide! That would have made the whole thing top-notch, if the sliding door SLIDED!
I still didn't get the "scares", like most. Chainsaws use to scare the living ________ out of me when I first experienced haunted houses as a kid. But now, it's just passe. It's still by far, the most "intense" of the houses – just because of the subject matter/graphic nature.
Looking at my watch, I still had plenty of time. So I decided to finish the big three at this event…
Friday the 13th: Camp Blood. Located near, around, and within the Jaws attraction (makes sense). After a 20-mintue wait – I was able to be in the core of mediocre bliss (KIDDING!)
Once again, detail is grand. You really feel like you are at Camp Crystal Lake (only thing missing is the lake, which makes no sense, since it is near the Jaws ride). The several of rooms all felt like you were in all the horrid Jason sequels, given their location depictions.
The Jason's – like the movies, acted silly. But the highlight, is the last room, with the head of Jason's mom in a nice little shrine, from Friday the 13th Part Deux. A very-very nice touch indeed.
I still had a little bit more time, so I went to a random house, for s and giggles.
Psychoscareapy: Home for the Holidays. A ten-minute wait located just the opposite side of the Freddy line. This was one of the their "original" houses, not based on any particular movie (though, hearing the fictitious radio station playing Christmas music, there were little references to A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation).
The story – crazies just escaped from a mental hospital, whom were being transported on a bus. They escaped in a small-town (around Christmas time).
This isn't of the "scary" or "thrilling", but like some horror stories, of the "weird", and "bizarre". And that's exactly what you get. The atmosphere is really captivating – making you feel like you are at a small town, during Christmas. Fake snow was an added touch (but being born and lived in Michigan all his life, it's not the same cold white ________!)
As you walk through the house – you see blood, mix with snow/Christmas decorations – and the crazies, all roaming the areas as they please.
You know what could have been great – drop kick the "crazies", and turn this into "Gremlins". Because aside from the "crazies", it did felt like being on the set of the first Gremlins movie.
All and all – I was able to invade 5 out of 8 haunted houses at this Universal Halloween deal. Not to bad at all. It would have been nice to check out the Dead Silence house (though, I haven't seen the movie yet, I heard the house was something grand indeed). And reading about the houses in the past – would have been nice to experience some of those houses. It sucks I missed the dozen's of "Psycho" houses. I am sure, though, people are tired of Norman Bates.
The experience, overall, was something I never quite experienced before. It does suck, wasting time for some of the houses. But then, going in them, you feel it's worth it, just admiring the detail Universal puts into these houses. They do make a promise – you are "in the movies". The Thing, Texas Chainsaw, Elm Street, and El 13th were exact replicas of the scenery presented in their designated films.
On one hand, it's admirable, on their part. The Halloween themed event does transport you to an entirely different "Universal". I couldn't even recognize the park – it was like a completely different park all-together. That's not an easy feat to accomplish.
On the other hand, if they used just a teaspoon of their passion for these events, toward their parks year round – they could gain the recognition they once had of being a top-notch theme park. Every single one of their attractions needs a new paint job. And, although Harry Potter land and a Simpsons ride is a nice concept – it's sad Universal has to "lift" from other banners, when they have the history non other banner has (surpassing even Disney's history). But in the end – Disney still has Space Mountain, a Small World, and Haunted Mansion. They still have majority of the beloved classic attractions. What does Universal have?
I know I am trailing off here – but when I think of Universal, I get mix-mix feelings. Feelings of nostalgia, love, and passion for the history/my first time at the park/and just the sheer promise they once made on transporting you into the movies I love. But I also get a bitter after-taste, looking at the park now, and feeling depressed. It's sad I notice paint fading (and peeling) at the line queue for Spiderman. Wasn't this considered the best ride in its time?
It's depressing to see the print for T2, ty. Shouldn't it be digital, by now?
I miss the Hitchcock attraction. Shrek is cool and all – but it's not the same!
And it's even more depressing to see Back to the Future, gone…
I am excited for The Simpsons. But – they have SO MUCH ROOM…why, oh why!
The Halloween event made me feel like I was 15, again…experiencing Universal for the first time, again. But I know it's a one shot deal. After October, the cool houses will be tore down. And the park will be the ty park once again – with arrogant "team members", and decaying paint.
Hmmm…I say they should make the Halloween thing, year round! HOW BOUT IT?!?!
Still, though, this was money well spent. And I take pride in the shirt I purchased. The experience I had – was something quite different and unique to what I am use to back home. As the saying goes, "you've been to one haunted house, you've been to them all". They are all the same – with the cliché "hiding behind the door/wall", with a quick "BOO", and off you go! What Universal had, was something I've always longed. Themed – theatrical - atmospheric – and transporting oneself into another world entirely. I wasn't a bit scared. There were a few moments of "ahhh", with a Freddy here, or a Leatherface there. But all and all – I didn't go for the "scares". I went for the atmosphere.
