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There's something you should know about me - I love Halloween Horror Nights! I wait for it basically all year long, and I wish it lasted... well, all year long! I started going for HHN20 and I'm absolutely hooked! Back then, I was terrified the whole time I was there. Seriously, I was that person that people laugh at when they constantly get scared on the streets and in the houses. I ran and screamed, which I now know is a folly! Don't run and scream if you're scared, those scare actors know how to spot you and they absolutely will follow you if you run! Even now that I don't get scared, I still absolutely adore going, and like I said, I miss it all year! Anyways, I'm going to be talking about this year's Horror Nights, HHN 26, with our lovely host, Chance! If you haven't already been, you should check it out this weekend, or next weekend - the last (an extended) weekend.
Halloween Horror Nights 26
YOU WON'T STAND A CHANCE
Jack left Chance alone last year, in the middle of the chaos that he created. Chance was captured and thrown into an asylum all this time, but she's now taken it over. This year, Chance is running the show, and you won't stand a Chance.
-HHN Houses
-HHN Scare Zones
-HHN Shows
-HHN Food & Drink Stands
-What Could Be Better About HHN?
Rides open during HHN 26:
-Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
-Revenge of the Mummy
-Transformers 3D
-Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
-MIB Alien Attack
-The Simpsons Ride
Restaurants open during HHN 26:
-*Classic Monsters Cafe* (for scare actor dining ONLY)
-Mel's DIE In (Drive In)
-Richter's Burger Co.
-The Leaky Cauldron
-Moe's Tavern (and restaurants attached)
-Bumblebee Man's Tacos (Food Truck)
For tickets, pricing, and other info on Horror Nights 26, visit the official page:
HHN 26 Houses
American Horror Story
So obviously, this house is based on the show! It covers seasons 1, 4, & 5 (Murder House, Freakshow, and Hotel) in order, and it is amazing! If you're not a fan of the show, that's okay - this house is still very entertaining for those that haven't seen it, but you'll definitely miss references! For those that are fans of this house, it is executed so well it feels like you're walking through each season! Even the small details are in the house. The house takes you through the Murder House, through Twisty's bus, through the blocked off hallway in Hotel, and more. It really is a treat to be able to walk through the show like you're a part of it, and it's got a lot of good jump scares, too! This house is one of my all time HHN favorites, so I think it's safe to say that I recommend it!
Tip: If you want to visit this house, go here first and at the beginning of Horror Nights. Before the park closes at 5pm, go to the holding zone by the Hello Kitty store, and you'll feed straight into American Horror Story when they open up Horror Nights. It's usually 60-75mins+ all night, so get to it early and quickly.
The Exorcist
This house is a really good depiction of the movie, and if you're a fan, you will love it. Regan is in almost every room, jumping out and screaming at you. There's a winding hallway filled with mattresses, vomit, and a *distinct* smell, there's a floating Regan, there's a head turning Regan, the priest is there - they thought of it all! The only thing I really dislike about the execution of this house is the one very long, pitch black hallway. In theory, this was a good idea. In reality, it didn't end up working so well. I'm serious when I say pitch black. You can't see a thing. The people walking usually end up standing still or stumbling, holding up the whole line, and people in the wheelchairs end up running into the walls or people, often having to stop as well. Perhaps it would work better if there were more workers stationed in this hallway directing people with flashlights, but with the lack of workers there now, it's really difficult to get through. As much as I don't like that, I really still love this house. It's a lot of fun to go through and it really does look great in there! Not as many jump scares as the other houses, but still scary.
Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightening Gulch
This is one of the original concept houses this year, and I absolutely love it! It is supposed to be an old west ghost town that all mysteriously died, and now they haunt the town and want you to join them! It is really entertaining in this house, has a lot of jump scares, and as an added bonus there are rainstorms and a hefty amount of AC, which in Florida doesn't go unnoticed or underappreciated! Honestly, even though Tomb of the Ancients was the fan favorite original concept house this year, this one topped it for me! Go hang with the ghosts!
The Walking Dead
If you attended Halloween Horror Nights last year, you probably know that the Walking Dead house was fairly sub-par. It was mostly just woods, woods, woods, a trough, and more woods. Granted that they didn't have much more to work with in the show than woods, but it wasn't great. This years house covers all of the seasons, and it is awesome. You walk through the prison, you see the RV, you see the trough and Terminus... it encompasses a lot, and it rocks at it. There are a fair amount of jump scares, and there's a rainstorm in the middle of the woods at one point, and like I said before, that's a welcome beauty in Florida! If you're a fan of this show, you will absolutely love this year's house!
Krampus
Unlike the movie, the house starts out right in the middle of the problem - it's after Krampus has been called upon. The AC inside is on full blast (yay!), and you enter the front of the main house in the film. It seems quaint, and you slowly, like the movie, get introduced to the Christmas demons Krampus has brought with him. I absolutely love the mannequin work in here - Krampus looks phenomenal, and they've even got huge scary clown from the movie in the attic! It isn't as 'scary' as the rest of the houses, but this one is fun. Also, strangely, it smells like muscadines in there! So if you like that smell, it's an added bonus! Anyways, I really enjoyed this one!
Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield
This Halloween house is based on the first two movies in the Halloween franchise. They have a ton of jump scares and about a million different Michael Myers in there waiting to get at you with his knife, and it is fantastic. Let me just say that there were plenty of ways that they could have made this house really crappy, and they just didn't! You get more scare actors than just Michael Myers too, in case you're wondering! I am super entertained every time I go in this house, and they really get people good with their hiding places. You enter through a closet and go through Haddonfield, you go through the hospital from Halloween 2... you even see Myers after he's gone to hell and he's still trying to get at you - seriously, dude? Just give it up! Just kidding! HHN, bring back Michael Myers whenever you like, I can't be the only one okay with that!
Tomb of the Ancients
This house is another of this year's original concept houses, and it is arguably the big hit of the 3 originals this year (and it's amazing, but not my top favorite!). You find yourself in ancient ruins, and it looks like an Indiana Jones expedition gone wrong. Fair warning, there are about 8... hundred thousand vines hanging throughout the house - glasses wearers beware! They also like to stomp on the ground a lot inside this house, in fact this accounts for a lot of their jump scares! I absolutely love the decorations in this house, the theme rocks and they of course execute it as well as you would expect these awesome people to! My favorite part of this house is the giant lizard animatronic near the end of the house - it reminds me of the amazing puppetry work done on the American Werewolf in London house last year. It gets a lot of scares, the detail is amazing, and it looks scary af - all in all, hell yes to this house.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Since I've never seen this movie before, I can't judge it based on accuracy from the original 1974 film. So I won't! Honestly, I liked this house (I don't dislike any of them!) but it wasn't my favorite. There aren't a ton of jump scares, but I really love the detail work on the atmosphere. Also, for some reason to me it smells like ginger root in this house. I don't know if I'm just imagining it or they did it on purpose and it's some movie reference, but I swear it's there! Anyways, you see Leatherface a few times, but not as much as I thought they would put him in there. I thought it would be a little more filled up, like the Halloween house. *Spoiler alert!* The best scares are the ones no one expects after you're out of the house. This house usually doesn't have a ridiculous wait, either, so it's usually a good go-to if you're trying to find something short to do.
*I would recommend doing this house after you've done Halloween & Tomb of the Ancients, in that order. The Halloween exit spits you out at the Tomb of the Ancients entrance, and the Tomb of the Ancients exit spits you out right at Texas Chainsaw Massacre.*
LuNaTiCs PlAyGrOuNd 3D: You Won't Stand A Chance
This is my absolute favorite original concept house this year! It's one of my favorite houses ever, too! This house is like last year's Alice in Wonderland house - neon paint, black lights, strobe lights, and 3D glasses. You're in the asylum that Chance has been locked up in for over a year, and the first thing you see is Chance! She's in here a lot, which is great because I love Chance! She's also got inmate friends helping her find and torture the doctors that held them captive, and boy are they helpful! There are some good jump scares in this house but my favorite thing about it is the entertainment factor - I just can't stop being enthralled in there! But then again, I had HHN 25, when Jack the Clown hosted, to fall in love with his 'Harley Quinn' so to speak, Chance! Outside this line is also fantastic - while you wait to get in, you can watch Chance get interviewed in the asylum and see her delicious madness unfolding. Two thumbs up! And another added bonus? The exit spits you right out where you entered, which is also next to Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure! So you can go right back to Chance or enjoy the oh so excellent Wyld Stallyns!
HHN 26 Scare Zones
A Chance in Hell
HHN Description: Get ready for the audition of a lifetime. Chance may be locked away, but that hasn't stopped her. As the alarms ring and the bloody remains of those who tried to stop her lie around, she's busy recruiting cellmates to join her biggest act yet.
My thoughts: I've already said that I'm partial to Chance, so I have to say I love this zone. There isn't tons of decorations in this zone, but it is still pretty awesome. Chance comes out and does a show every so often, and her female minions walk around with Chance's attitude and state of mind - you're their new best friend! Which probably means they're going to kill you (Amanda!), but then again, you probably already knew that. Not that you won't, but definitely check out this zone.
Survive or Die Apocalypse
HHN Description: A Global catastrophe has ruined Earth's atmosphere. Now three warring gangs fight for control of a machine that provides clean air. All three gangs are looking for new members to help them destroy the others. Join them, or feed their starving ranks.
My thoughts: I really like this scare zone! The zone set up here is usually pretty neat - they have a lot of space to work with, so the actors can roam about and scare the bejeezus out of park guests. They're really into the story line and their parts, because the scare actors in this zone are all constantly trying to get you to join them or hunt you down. It's really fantastic and fun to sit and watch if it doesn't scare you!
Dead Man's Wharf
HHN Description: Today, on the anniversary of the disappearance of the fishing vessel Annabel Lee, a thick fog has rolled in. The spirits of the lost crew have returned to punish the town that left them to die on the open seas, and make sure the dock earns its morbid nickname.
My thoughts: The concept of this scare zone is awesome. The decorations are spot on, and so are the costumes, but I wasn't as impressed with this scare zone as I thought I would be. The scare actors there, from what I've seen, don't do a lot of scaring, they really just walk around aimlessly. I don't know if this is on purpose, but it feels kind of lackluster, especially compared to the other scare zones. Also, since Fast and Furious is under construction this year, this scare zone is super cramped. There really isn't tons of space for the scare actors to walk around in, let alone the park guests. I really kind of wish they had spread the zone out a little more instead of condensing it into such a small area, because I've been trampled more than a few times by the scare actors and the park guests. Should you go see it? Yes. Is it the best thing there? Nope! Not this year, anyways!
Lair of the Banshee
HHN Description: Deep in the forest, there is a centuries-old dark hollow where evil spirits and horrific creatures of the ancient world roam free. Now the modern world has found the entrance to this sinister place. Enter, if you dare, and meet the primordial horror of these dark spirits.
My thoughts: The costumes, decorations, and concept of this zone are all awesome. They have good cover and a creepy look because of the trees hanging overhead, and there's always a ton of fog covering up the walkway. The actors really get some good mileage out of this, because honestly you can barely see in this zone. They probably get some of the best scares in the park!
My thoughts: This year Universal announced that they would have roaming hoards. I like the concept of having a lot of people walking around with chainsaws, which is what ended up happening, but they don't really roam out of their zones, so I'm not sure about why they named them that. They've got some chainsaws set up over by The Simpsons Ride and by Transformers 3D, which I really like because it gives a little HHN life to the sections that otherwise have none. I hope they keep this up, but I'm not sure I get the point of the name!
What Could Be Better About HHN?
My thoughts: The costumes, decorations, and concept of this zone are all awesome. They have good cover and a creepy look because of the trees hanging overhead, and there's always a ton of fog covering up the walkway. The actors really get some good mileage out of this, because honestly you can barely see in this zone. They probably get some of the best scares in the park!
Vamp '55
HHN Description: Welcome to Hollywood High School's 1955 Homecoming Parade. Everything is perfect until the greasers roll into town with fangs as sharp as their switchblades. The festive scene has turned to chaos as vampires attack from all around.
My thoughts: This is my favorite scare zone this year! It's like Vampire Diaries meets Mel's DIE In, and it's amazing. I love the style, the decoration, the concept, and the actors! They have greaser vamps running around charming the ladies *winkwink*, high school girls running around and begging park guests for help, and the prom king and queen are having none of those whining little girls. I could stay in this zone and watch the awesome unfold for a long time, and since it's got a great location, you pretty much can if you want to!
Roaming Hoards
My thoughts: This year Universal announced that they would have roaming hoards. I like the concept of having a lot of people walking around with chainsaws, which is what ended up happening, but they don't really roam out of their zones, so I'm not sure about why they named them that. They've got some chainsaws set up over by The Simpsons Ride and by Transformers 3D, which I really like because it gives a little HHN life to the sections that otherwise have none. I hope they keep this up, but I'm not sure I get the point of the name!
HHN 26 Shows
House of Fear
HHN Description: As a riot breaks out in Shadybrook, this take-no-prisoners performance troupe thrusts you into a realm of madness and mayhem. High-energy dance and specialty acts mix in an explosion of insanity. The inmates are now running the asylum!
My thoughts: Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from this show. Watching dance shows has never been a huge thing for me, but this show was absolutely full of mind blowing talent and they had me hooked! With an excellent stage, concept, soundtrack, and execution, this show rocks the night and it will rock yours, too!
Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure
HHN Description: Party on as those two most excellent dudes return to skewer the biggest names in politics, show business, and pop culture.
My thoughts: I. Love. This. Show. Seriously, I love this show. Every year, I look forward to this most at HHN! It's hilarious, entertaining, and worth every second of your time. I see it several times myself, and as someone who re-watches movies, re-reads books, listens over and again to music, it's really a treat that I am able to come and see this show and support it every year. Like the description says, every year its full of pop culture references from over the course of the year, and they're not afraid to touch on anything! The talent in the show is phenomenal as well. The writing can only do so much without good talent and vice versa, and Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure lacks neither. If you're not big on the idea of stopping to see a show, believe me it isn't a waste. I know you want to go and see all of the houses, but you really should go see this at least once. I didn't regret it, and if you appreciate awesome, neither will you! I myself attended HHN for several years before I gave it a chance, and I wish I could go back and see it all those years I missed! So, to sum up... you pretty much 100% should go see the most excellent Wyld Stallyns and let them wish you a Happy Halloween, Audience Dudes!
HHN 26 Food & Drink Stands
I really only go to a few different stands, and I don't drink alcohol. So I can't help too much here! I got some info from Universal Orlando's Blog, and if you'd like more,
here's the link to their blog entry about this!
*I would like to note that because of Hurricane Matthew, some of the food stands have been taken away for this year's HHN. I don't know why they made this decision or if they will be back next year. As far as I have seen, they only have the Bars back up, the Twisted Tater stand, and the Chicken Stinger stand.*
*I would like to note that because of Hurricane Matthew, some of the food stands have been taken away for this year's HHN. I don't know why they made this decision or if they will be back next year. As far as I have seen, they only have the Bars back up, the Twisted Tater stand, and the Chicken Stinger stand.*
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| Photo credit: http://blog.universalorlando.com/extras/food-and-drinks-at-hhn26/ |
Food Stands
There are food stands set up and open only during Horror Nights operating hours. You can find them near Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit/Revenge of the Mummy, on the pathway from there towards the back of the park, by the bridge across the water next to the Simpson's ride, and just past the Lair of the Banshee scare zone near Halloween & Tomb of the Ancients.
Here are some of the foods you can find:
-Twisted Taters
-Loaded Fries
-Chips
-Chicken Tenders
-Hot Dogs
-Bavarian Pretzel
-Bavarian Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
-Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites
-Ham and Swiss Pretzel Sandwich
-Funnel Cake Sundaes
-Giant Elephant Ears
-Meatball Subs
-Chicken Parmesan Subs
-BBQ Chicken Wings Platter
-Regular Chicken Wings Platter
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| Photo credit: http://blog.universalorlando.com/extras/food-and-drinks-at-hhn26/ |
Bar Stands & Bloodbags
There are a ton of bar stands around Universal during Horror Nights. This year there are three cocktails you can order in a Chance HHN26 cup, and of course there's also beer (and specialty beers).
Specialty drinks:
Chance's Kiss: Don Q Coconut Rum, Margaritaville Spiced Rum, Watermelon Schnapps and fruit juices.
Chance's Curse: Seagram's Vodka, Raspberry Liqueur, Blue Curacao, sour mix, and orange juice.
Mayhem Madness: This is a mixture of the two drinks above, and from what I've heard, it's super delicious.
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| Photo credit: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/10/12/saturday-six-top-six-snacks-universals-halloween-horror-nights-23/ |
Blood Bags/Jello Shots:
There are always women walking around with blood bags at Horror Nights, and from what I understand it's just jello shots in a blood bag! If that's your thing, be sure to bring cash.
What Could Be Better About HHN?
Wheelchair Accessibility & Smoking Zones
Honestly, HHN is totally awesome. My only real quarrels with it this year are wheelchair accessibility and all.the.smoking.
As far as the wheelchairs go, yes, the lines are wheelchair accessible - by some standard of the word. All of the doorways to the houses are difficult to enter, many of the ramps (and cords) aren't covered well enough for a wheelchair to enter, and aside from the entire park being riddled with dips and a whole lieu of problems for anyone on wheels, it's really very difficult to navigate the mazes inside the houses. The houses are great. Their doorways? I'm actually not sure how I've managed to get a wheelchair through them, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. But honestly, this pales in comparison to the smoking. I could not say this enough times. Aside from the fact that we know cigarettes are harmful, you never know who around you could be more adversely affected by them. There are pregnant women walking around, children walking around, and in my case, I have asthma that is irritated by all of the smoke, E-Cigs or otherwise. I usually leave each night coughing up a storm and taking my rescue inhaler for all its worth. What really is frustrating, though, is that it isn't like there is no place for smokers to go. If you would like to take a smoke break, Universal has specifically designated zones for smoking located conveniently for you around the park. But people smoke walking through crowds, through performances, through scare zones, in line for houses, as soon as they exit houses, in and by the restrooms, and just about anywhere else you can think of. I have honestly never had such a problem with it before, because in previous years, HHN workers were very vigilant about seeing the smokers and asking them to put out their smokes and pointing out the nearest smoking zone. But this year I have seen workers look straight at people that absolutely are smoking where they should not be and not saying a word. I don't know whether it is because they haven't been trained to deal with this specific problem heavily this year or they don't care, but it is a safety issue and if I didn't love this event so much, it would be enough for me not to attend it. Don't get me wrong, as you can tell from my gushing above, I don't dislike this event and I'm not bashing it, but I'm really hoping that Universal can fix up the smoking (and hopefully wheelchair) issue next year around, and in the years to come.
All of the opinions listed here are my own, I am not sponsored or paid, and I wasn't given admission to this event for free. Some information I found from other sites, which I have credited. I found all of my photos on Google, on the official Halloween Horror Nights Orlando website, or elsewhere as credited. If I used a photo of yours and did not give credit, please contact me and I will credit you or remove the photo if you want me to.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them here!
Bis zum nächsten Mal!
Ray Kay
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