Some Halloween Horror Nights questions

[mergatroid]

Hi there,

we've still never tried the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal yet despite being tempted however this year we're really thinking about giving it a go . I've always been interested but often been put off by the price, but after a little youtube research this afternoon it really piqued my interest and I realised that the price seems fair for what you get. I particularly liked this Walking Dead house



And also this Cabin in the Woods house



Also just walking around the park looks great as shown here



Anyhow right now in England you can buy tickets for £55 that give you up to 16 visits to Halloween Horror Nights for that one price which seems really good, but I have a few questions for the veterans of these events on here please.

How many visits do you think we'd need to see all the houses if we got there at a 6.30pm opening and stayed till midnight?

Are many attractions open during these events and if so do you know which ones usually?

Some of the areas on the videos look unfamiliar, are backstage areas used and where are the 'houses' situated?

I've heard Bill and Ted show is a must see, is it on multiple times and is it easy to get in if it's very popular?

As usual, any answers, help or tips in general are very much appreciated

 

[Disneyhead'71]

HHN is the best upcharge event at any of the parks. It usually takes at least 2 nights to see all of the houses.

Be prepared for drunks (resemble "walkers" from The Walking Dead), crowds, and crazy fun.

 

[TubaGeek]

How many visits do you think we'd need to see all the houses if we got there at a 6.30pm opening and stayed till midnight?

If you want to see all shows and houses: three.

Are many attractions open during these events and if so do you know which ones usually?

They want to keep lines down, so it'll be all the rides that are popular for adults, and not terribly expensive to operate. Be warned, though, I THINK Rowling insisted that London and Diagon Alley be closed off during the event. But nothing has been officially stated.

Some of the areas on the videos look unfamiliar, are backstage areas used and where are the 'houses' situated?

Most are in sound stages (since it is a legitimate "studio" park), with two in semi-permanent "tents" and one in the outdoor, but covered, extended queue for Disaster.

I've heard Bill and Ted show is a must see, is it on multiple times and is it easy to get in if it's very popular?

That depends on when you go. Generally it gets more popular as the evening progresses, and the final night is packed all day.

 

[draybook]

Depends on when you go. We only did one night and saw every house with plenty of time to spare(about 2 hours left over). Our kids were 13 and 12 and LOVED the Walking Dead street actors. While I will admit that it's pretty pricey for one night, it was worth every penny.

The Walking Dead house was back behind the Woody Woodpecker play area and while going through the queue line you can see the old abandoned Hard Rock, which was pretty cool for me. Plus, the After Life house was back behind MiB, so that was "backstage". I think you'll love the event!

 

[Jwhee]

If you get express you can do it all in ine night

 

[draybook]

I would NOT suggest getting express. It's a waste of money, and that's the advice I was given by an actual staff member during our trip. He said that there are very few nights where you actually need it.

 

[neoshinok]

Another HHN question, My Universal AP expires Sept. 14th. Does anyone know if I purchase HHN tickets before the pass expires for dates AFTER the pass expires, can I still use the HHN tickets? Thinking about holding off on renewing until they offer the get 3 free months promo.

 

[danpam1024]

If you get express you can do it all in ine night

Last year we had express and still missed 2- SUPER busy day!!! Still a great time and HIGHLY recommended Can't wait to see what this year's going to be

 

[Disneydreamer23]

When I went I only missed one house but left at 10

 

[mergatroid]

Thanks for the contributions so far guys. Probably won't go for the express pass as we have virtually unlimited visits on the tickets I've seen (16 nights). Out of curiosity what time do they close the studio to prepare it for the 6:30pm re-opening? Might for the first time ever consider the Universal Meal Deal for $25 for the day if we we're allowed to use it for lunch and then the evening event (do they allow that?).

Mrs Mergatroid watched some of the clips this afternoon and agreed it looked good and something she would do. Looks like it could be on this year ladies and gentlemen

 

[draybook]

Thanks for the contributions so far guys. Probably won't go for the express pass as we have virtually unlimited visits on the tickets I've seen (16 nights). Out of curiosity what time do they close the studio to prepare it for the 6:30pm re-opening? Might for the first time ever consider the Universal Meal Deal for $25 for the day if we were allowed to use it for lunch and then the evening event (do they allow that?).

Mrs Mergatroid watched some of the clips this afternoon and agreed it looked good and something she would do. Looks like it could be on this year ladies and gentlemen

They closed at 5pm when we went.

 

[JT3000]

I would NOT suggest getting express. It's a waste of money, and that's the advice I was given by an actual staff member during our trip. He said that there are very few nights where you actually need it.

Depends whether or not you're okay with spending your entire night waiting in line for houses. It's possible to get everything done without Express, but you'll have to do so with no real flexibility on most nights, and the longer the event goes on, the more crowded and more difficult it gets, eventually to the point that it's no longer possible. Having Express gives you the ability to see shows, go on rides, or just chill in the scarezones whenever you want. It makes a big difference in the event's enjoyability, if nothing else.

 

[draybook]

Depends whether or not you're okay with spending your entire night waiting in line for houses. It's possible to get everything done without Express, but you'll have to do so with no real flexibility on most nights, and the longer the event goes on, the more crowded and more difficult it gets, eventually to the point that it's no longer possible. Having Express gives you the ability to see shows, go on rides, or just chill in the scarezones whenever you want. It makes a big difference in the event's enjoyability, if nothing else.

Like I said, it depends on when you go. We went at the end of September and did all of the houses, plus scare zones, plus the other little stuff and still had time to do the rides that were open as well as stand at Mel's and enjoy the street actors. We especially liked the "bread" truck that drove around unleashing the walkers.

 

[mergatroid]

Another question, sorry. A friend here in the UK reckons that it's free to park at Universal after 6pm every night of the year to encourage people to go to City Walk? Is this even true and if so, does this apply to HHN also (I can't see this being the case myself)?

 

[71jason]

Another question, sorry. A friend here in the UK reckons that it's free to park at Universal after 6pm every night of the year to encourage people to go to City Walk? Is this even true and if so, does this apply to HHN also (I can't see this being the case myself)?

Nope--full parking fees in effect until 10 pm on HHN nights.

(Also, rest of year only free to Florida residents and Annual Passholders--I think it's $5 after 6 pm for everyone else)

 

[71jason]

Might for the first time ever consider the Universal Meal Deal for $25 for the day if we we're allowed to use it for lunch and then the evening event (do they allow that?).

Another no. Your meal deal ends at 5 pm sharp (realistically probably earlier than that, as 5 pm is a hard close, most quick-serve restaurants probably closed by 4).

 

[71jason]

How many visits do you think we'd need to see all the houses if we got there at a 6.30pm opening and stayed till midnight?

Keep in mind going through a house once is like riding Pirates once. You're never going to see everything. A lot of the effects are timed and can be easy to miss, and there's just so much detail everywhere. If you get the Frequent Fear Pass, it's worth it to go as many nights as you can.

Are many attractions open during these events and if so do you know which ones usually?

Mummy, MiB, Transformers and Simpsons are pretty much a lock. Expect Rockit as well, Despicable Me probable (was open last year). Diagon Alley is the $64k Question right now. Everything else is unlikely to be open.

I've heard Bill and Ted show is a must see, is it on multiple times and is it easy to get in if it's very popular?

It is a must-see, generally runs 5 - 6 times a night. First and last shows rarely fill up even on busy nights (final night being an exception). Other shows occasionally fill up on busy nights, but should be fine if you're there at least a half-hour in advance.

 

[mergatroid]

Well ladies and gentlemen it's definitely on, so thanks for all your advice. I've booked two Frequent Fear Passes for £55 (each) from a reputable company here in the UK. I'm aware that they're vouchers to be exchanged for the passes when over there but we're really pumped about it

Our first visit is going to be Saturday 20th September (so the second night of HHN24). We've forgone the express passes as the reviews say that the first few weeks are manageable and we plan on being there about 45-60 mins before opening time on our visits. In fact on the 20th we plan on hitting City Walk for about 4pm, collecting our tickets and then eating at either the Hard Rock Cafe or a City Walk restaurant. When done eating we'll look at the entrance queues and either join them or look in the shops for a while if they're very small.

We're really excited about it now so once again thank you all for your advice and contributions

 

[Fix It Felix Senior]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...alloween-horror-nights-walking-dead/10087447/

The Walking Dead is returning for the third year running.

 

[mergatroid]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...alloween-horror-nights-walking-dead/10087447/

The Walking Dead is returning for the third year running.

It certainly sounds great!!!