Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights is considered the best Halloween event in the United States. According to the creators, we will not have a single chance with “Chance” a disturbed woman that happens to be the companion to Jack the Clown. This year she is the protagonist of this world of terror.
Being easily scared, I really do not wish to have a chance with any of the frightening legends of the nine haunted houses spread throughout the park. However, as part of the ThemeGo team I took the risk for the ones that would die (such a macabre appropriate word) to be there.
On the opening night the media had the opportunity to hear from the creators of the event, as well as from big name producers like Greg Nicotero, currently working as co-executive producer, special makeup effects supervisor and occasional director on the AMC TV series The Walking Dead. Chance herself was the host of the presentation and showed us with her high voice and scary face how the night would be. I confess I was already terrified.
A group of actors of the show Walking Dead also came to the stage to say hello. “The mazes are horrifying. You can close your eyes but you will still sense the fear all around you” said Lauren Cohan, best known for her role as Maggie Greene on The Walking Dead.
We were then guided by VIP Universal guides through the nine haunted houses inspired by the most terrifying legends of pop culture. I was relieved the Walking Dead was the first one to visit. Actually I do not think the word relieved fits in here, but since my heart could only put up with two mazes I was glad I faced my fears. Well … faced them with my eyes closed, but I was there listening to those zombies breaths and screams, not to count to the soundtrack that echoed in my ears. Definitely the longest ten minutes of my life.
In this maze you will see some of the most recognizable scenes from past seasons, such as the one from the hospital in the first episode, Terminus, the prison and Alexandria. Some friends of the group thought the attention to detail was great. Another friend told me about the room full of mirrors, which made her feel like she was being enclosed by a zombie horde.
“- Ok. This is my one and only” I said. But part of the group needed to see “the wimp” going to one more and before I could recover I found myself on the second maze, Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch – the theme is set to the late 1800’s in a town where gold miners bring death and destruction. A great set themed to the Old West.
As I promised, and I am a woman of my word, that was my last one. But I was there waiting to get all the information for ThemeGo fans. Below are the rest of the houses:
3 – American Horror Story – This house recreates scenes from seasons including Murder House, Freak Show and Hotel. To some people it was scary. To others, not so scary, as this house tries to highlight some of the show’s best characters and sets.
4 – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Here, you experience scenes from the hit horror movie with your host, Leatherface. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I did not see a flesh and bone face let alone a leather one. However, I can assure you very tall men were inside the house with chainsaws.
5- The Exorcist – One of the most famous horror movies of all time, you will experience all that this possessed little girl goes through. Warning: you will see the girl with the spinning head!
6 – Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield – Mike Myers is back and more murderous than ever. Like Chain Saw Massacre very barbarous set.
7 – Krampus – If you were not nice but naughty before Christmas, the Austro-Bavarian legend says that you will go to hell. Monsters come to life to take away those who misbehaved for Christmas. Sort of a comedy-meets-horror house to visit.
8 – Lunatics Playground 3D – Be careful with this one. It is a visit through Chance’s mind while you are in the asylum she is in. If you have issues with being dizzy, this house makes you feel very disoriented as you walk through psychedelic rooms.
9 – Tomb of the Ancients – Experience creatures from the ancient Egyptians to the Mayans as you take a trip through the beginning of civilization.
“- Well, if you think party is over, you are wrong. Staying outside is scary as well. Universal prepared the Scare Zones and while you are walking you can see the crazy people wandering on the streets. I jumped and screamed a couple times.”
Scare Zones:
1 – Survive or Die Apocalypse – This post-apocalyptic scene has you in the middle of a gang war, fighting for clean air.
2- Lair of the Banshee – Find yourself in a centuries-old habitat where an evil comes to life. This zone aims to scare with its tight spaces and elaborately dressed actors.
3 – Dead Man’s Wharf – A ghost ship has returned to haunt the living. Set in another small area, old-school divers with brass helmets and barnacle-encrusted sailors surround you.
4 – Vamp ’55 – Vampire greasers are ready to suck the living out of their 1955 Homecoming Parade. It’s a procession of chaos with vampires ready to take a bite out of anyone in sight.
5 – A Chance in Hell – Chance is locked away but she manage to recruit her cellmates to join her biggest act yet. Pay close attention, because she can be here. You will not literally miss your Chance for a picture, will you?
Wow … I survived! But we are not done. Below find more details you need to know before you go:
- Not recommended for children under 13 years of age. No costumes allowed.
- Dates: Select nights from September 16 – October 31
- Hours: 6:30pm – 1am, 2am on select dates.
Rides that will be open:
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Men In Black: Alien Attack
- The Simpsons Ride
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Admission (prices vary):
- Individual (no access to park before HHN event): $104.99
- General Admission Add-On (must have regular park ticket): Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: $55.99 – $59.99, Friday: $66.99-$72.99, Saturday: $82.99
- Express Pass (highly recommended): $79.99-$139.99
Had fun at Halloween Horror Nights? Share your experience below:
http://www.themego.com/theme-parks/universal-studios-florida/events/halloween-horror-nights
The photos are a courtesy of Universal Studios.
