Question about Halloween Horror Nights

[LittleMerman]

I'm going for the first time next month (yay!) so I don't know how it works. Is it like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party where you can go into MK for a few hours before the event starts? I'm asking because I was hoping to ride some of the rides in Universal Studios that aren't going to be open during the event like the new Minions ride. Thanks for any info!

 

[ryan1]

You have to have a day ticket to Uni if you want to go into the park before HHN starts.

 

[JT3000]

I'm going for the first time next month (yay!) so I don't know how it works. Is it like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party where you can go into MK for a few hours before the event starts? I'm asking because I was hoping to ride some of the rides in Universal Studios that aren't going to be open during the event like the new Minions ride. Thanks for any info!

You can enter USF prior to HHN, but you'll need daytime admission and then you'll have to report to a Stay & Scream area before the park closes. HHN guests don't get to free roam during the switchover.

 

[Rob562]

Minor addition to the above:
If you don't have daytime admission to the park via a regular ticket or AP, you can buy a "Scream Early" ticket from Universal. For $40+tax it gets you entry to the park starting at 3pm. From there, you're just like any other day guest from 3-5pm. (Note you *must* be inside the park before 5pm or you'll be locked out) You can go on any ride, show or restaurant, though as you approach 4:00 you'll find some pathways blocked off for crowd control.

Starting around 4/4:15 they start setting up the Stay & Scream corrals in New York, Springfield (enter through Central Park by Mel's) and San Francisco. (Sometimes by Today Cafe) You can then enter these holding areas using your HHN ticket to wait while they clear the park and change over to HHN. Each S&S area offers access to bathrooms and some sort of food and drink. They'll also have the beginnings of queues set up for the earliest-opening houses, and you'll be released to those before the front gates open. You can bang out a couple houses in rapid succession, especially those at the back of the park, before lines start to build.

-Rob

 

[LittleMerman]

Minor addition to the above:
If you don't have daytime admission to the park via a regular ticket or AP, you can buy a "Scream Early" ticket from Universal. For $40+tax it gets you entry to the park starting at 3pm. From there, you're just like any other day guest from 3-5pm. (Note you *must* be inside the park before 5pm or you'll be locked out) You can go on any ride, show or restaurant, though as you approach 4:00 you'll find some pathways blocked off for crowd control.

Starting around 4/4:15 they start setting up the Stay & Scream corrals in New York, Springfield (enter through Central Park by Mel's) and San Francisco. (Sometimes by Today Cafe) You can then enter these holding areas using your HHN ticket to wait while they clear the park and change over to HHN. Each S&S area offers access to bathrooms and some sort of food and drink. They'll also have the beginnings of queues set up for the earliest-opening houses, and you'll be released to those before the front gates open. You can bang out a couple houses in rapid succession, especially those at the back of the park, before lines start to build.

-Rob

Interesting, thanks for the info! In your opinion, do you think it's worth buying that?

 

[Rob562]

Interesting, thanks for the info! In your opinion, do you think it's worth buying that?

Assuming you don't have daytime admission, you're only going for one night, and won't buy Express Passes, yes, it's invaluable.

While long lines will be inevitable, the first 90 minutes of the event are critical to stay ahead of the crowds and knock out 3 or 4 houses. It's also worth having a general gameplan. The first and last 90 minutes of the night will see your shortest lines. In between, you can enjoy the scare zones, the show (arrive at least 30 minutes early), food and drink booths, a ride or two, and any houses you decide are worth the wait or that happen to get short lines. (Just don't cross the entire park trying to chase a short line that shows up in the app wait timed, others will be doing the same and flood the line before you get there. I speak from personal experience)

Orlando Informer often comes out with a touring plan for the houses. I'll look and see if I can find a link to this year's.
Edit: https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/halloween-horror-nights/

-Rob

 

[LittleMerman]

Assuming you don't have daytime admission, you're only going for one night, and won't buy Express Passes, yes, it's invaluable.

While long lines will be inevitable, the first 90 minutes of the event are critical to stay ahead of the crowds and knock out 3 or 4 houses. It's also worth having a general gameplan. The first and last 90 minutes of the night will see your shortest lines. In between, you can enjoy the scare zones, the show (arrive at least 30 minutes early), food and drink booths, a ride or two, and any houses you decide are worth the wait or that happen to get short lines. (Just don't cross the entire park trying to chase a short line that shows up in the app wait timed, others will be doing the same and flood the line before you get there. I speak from personal experience)

Orlando Informer often comes out with a touring plan for the houses. I'll look and see if I can find a link to this year's.
Edit: https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/halloween-horror-nights/

-Rob

Thanks for all the great info, so good to know!!