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Have Universal let HHN dates slip… again?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

***UPDATE***

Universal have now confirmed this to be true.

Everyone should know by now that we LOOOVE Halloween Horror Nights here at OAT and at any given chance we will speculate on anything we can that is related to the worlds best Halloween event!

Back when Universal confirmed that Rock the Universe was moving from early September to February we were hoping that the reason behind it was to do with more HHN dates and it looks like Christmas has come early! This was removed as quickly as it was added but luckily HHN Unofficial managed to grab a screenshot of the exciting information before it was removed..

Now there is a Friday the 13th in September and we did think that it would be a good day to start 2019’s HHN event but by the looks of it we can visit all our favourite horror characters even earlier.. from the 6th September! Yes that’s right.. the 6th! This would surely mean over 40 nights of scares, laughter and fun?! WOOO!

Speaking of Friday the 13th, I’ve had a little think about what houses we could be entering next year..

Could Jason be an icon at this event seeing as we have the perfect date for him or could there even be a special event on that day dedicated to the man himself? The last time there was a house featuring Jason was in 2015 when we had Freddy vs Jason so I think it’s about time he re-visited!

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I think there is going to be a Halloween house again next year and in particular one based on the latest Halloween movie. Why? Well the new Halloween movie wasn’t featured in this years house and that is likely to be because they didn’t want to show spoilers. HHN28 began on the 14th September and the movie was released on the 19th October meaning Universal would have spoiled main parts of the movie or not include them.. neither are in Universal nature. Also, right at the end and I mean RIGHT at the end of the movie you can hear Michael breathing and then the ‘Universal parks and resorts’ logo appears which could possibly mean the film will feature.. Who knows? Only Mike Aiello and his team at the moment!

There has also been plenty of rumours that Stranger Things will return to HHN for a second year.. I really hope so seeing as I lucked out on this year! Plus the second season was awesome.

I’m going to keep the rest of my predictions a secret for now until me prediction blog early next year. 😉

Universal will most likely keep hush hush about HHN29 for as long as possible and the dates above have not been confirmed but be assured that we will be the first to update when there is any concrete information!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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What did the creative brains behind Halloween Horror Nights 2018 have to say about this years event?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

As Halloween Horror Nights has come to a close the creative minds behind this years event have shared their thoughts on a HHN that has gone down in Universals record books as the ‘hottest’ and most haunted houses ever created!

Firstly i’ve had a look on twitter and found what Mike Aiello : Senior Director Creative Development of Universal Orlando & HHN Orlando had to say.

I have chosen a few of my favourites:

Although it is sad that HHN has come to a close after another spectacular year we can now get excited and speculate on HHN29!! We’ve already had an idea that Netflix’s new show The Haunting of Hill House would make a great addition and Mike and his team are already considering IP’s and working on original content. Wooop!!

Universal posted some closing thoughts from the creative minds behind this year’s Halloween Horror Nights…

Charles Gray: Show Director.

“On the final night of the event, I like to say my goodbyes to not only cast and crew, but to the sounds of the event. I can see visuals anytime on social media or hanging on the walls of our Art & Design offices. But year after year, the audio tracks of Halloween Horror Nights have become a special memory for me.

  • I want the environmental sounds from Seeds of Extinction and the score from Carnival Graveyard to remain in my head.
  • I will walk through the haunted houses on the final night and absorb my favourite scares.
  • I will smile when I walk through Slaughter Sinema and hear a crazed kid scream, “I’ll eat your guts for dinner!”
  • I will snicker when I hear Loomis yell, “No!  No!  No!” into the night air.
  • Hearing, “They’re heeeere” that final time will induce some melancholy and a sense of pride.

I am so proud of what the entire team has accomplished this year. That pride extends from the tech teams to the scareactors. Everyone should be proud of the heart and soul they poured into this twenty-eighth year of Halloween Horror Nights. 2019 is already shaping up to be a year of surprises. See you next year.”

Blake Braswell: Show Director.

“The end of another Halloween Horror Nights has come. And as it fades away into the fog, I know this terror-filled beast will linger long in my heart. What this talented team of creators, designers, technicians and scareactors brought to life were some of the very first horror stories I experienced as a child.

I couldn’t be more proud to have played a part in this year’s event. I hate to see it go, but the tendrils of next year have already crept into our view, and I am thrilled for the screams yet to come.”

Patrick Braillard: Show Director.

“We are about to close the gates on another incarnation of Halloween Horror Nights. Soon the haunted houses and scare zones that you knew this year will disappear, making way for new experiences next year.

The beast that is Halloween Horror Nights is never satisfied with the status quo. It is always evolving, always changing. Sometimes that change is seen as growth—can you say 10 houses?! Sometimes it means welcoming a group of maniacs inside—Academy of Villains, can you feel me?!

But in all of that growth and change, there are things that remain as steady today as they were during our very first event—the passion. The passion of the teams that develop, operate, and manage the event (truly the best in the world). The passion of the scareactors, who are the lifeblood of the event. And of course, the passion of the incredible fans who devote their time and energy to the promotion of all things Halloween Horror Nights (sometimes that involves tattoos…).”

I already can’t wait for HHN29! What about you?

Screams included,

Abby

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Feast your eyes on this years HHN Food

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal have just released all of the new food and drinks we can expect from this years Halloween Horror Nights!

There are five waffle dishes to choose from!! It’s always easier to discuss food when you’re looking at it and not trying to describe it.. With that being said, check these out! (can you guess which house they’re mainly based on 😉 )

Strawberry Shortcake

Location: San Francisco Bakery – two waffles, fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce and whipped cream.

Bananas Foster

Location: San Francisco Bakery – Two waffles with banana cream cheese and hazelnut spread, topped with raisins, walnuts, whipped cream and a bananas foster sauce. This one is a HUGE YES from me!!!

Triple Decker Extravaganza

Location: San Francisco Bakery – If you’re a fan of “Stranger Things,” you’ll recognize this inspired creation. Three waffles filled with layers of whipped cream, chocolate, peanut butter morsels and jelly beans.

Fudge Dipped Waffle on a Stick

Location: Benny’s Burgers, New York Area 

Waffle Ice Cream Pocket Sundae

Location: Louie’s Gelato Window – 2 chocolate chip waffles stuffed with strawberry ice cream. Top it off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, chopped peanuts, and of course, a cherry!

Christmas Tree Light Cupcakes.

Can you guess which iconic scene from “Stranger Things” these were inspired by?

11 Mini Donuts

(can you guess why 11?) covered in drizzles of red frosting. Choose from powdered sugar or cinnamon donuts.

“If you’re craving something savory, fuel up for the fear by stopping at Benny’s Burgers, named after the diner in season one of “Stranger Things,” in the New York area of the park. Here you’ll find cheeseburgers, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches, all served with a side of tasty fries.”

You can also find the return of the Fiery Onion Ring Burger at Mel’s Drive-In, the Chili Garlic Chicken Sandwich at Richter’s in San Francisco, and yes, Pizza Fries at KidZone Pizza Company.

Halloween Horror Nights 2017 Pizza Fries
Fiery Onion Ring Burger - Halloween Horror Nights 2018
Chili Garlic Chicken Sandwich - Halloween Horror Nights 2018

 Drinks

  • Totally L.I.T. (Long Island Iced Tea) – Vodka, tequila, gin, rum with triple sec, lime, sour and Coca-Cola
  • Wicked Rad Punch – Blueberry vodka, raspberry vodka, triple sec, lemonade and grenadine
  • Gnarly Twist – A perfect sweet and sour combo of both the Wicked Rad Punch and Totally L.I.T.
Totally L.I.T. Drink - Halloween Horror Nights 2018
Wicked Rad Punch Drink - Halloween Horror Nights 2018
Gnarly Twist Drink - Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Syrup & Waffles – obviously inspired by “Stranger Things.” It is a blend of flavors that even has tiny waffles on top.

Syrup & Waffles - Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Candy Corn. – The bottom layer is toasted marshmallow; the middle is your traditional candy corn flavor; and the top is whipped cream with sprinkles.

Candy Corn - Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Lets not forget about the Halloween Horror Nights Tombstone doughnut too!!

Halloween Horror Nights Tombstone Voodoo Dougnnut

 

Well, now i’m hungry! Which one looks tastiest to you?

Smiles Included

Abby

Halloween Ho

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First Look Inside Slaughter Sinema

Hey Thrill Seekers,

This years Halloween Horror Nights is fast approaching and Universal have treated us to yet another sneak peek into one of the houses.. 😍

Take a look at this teaser trailer..

This original house will see you enter 3 different 80’s B-movies at a local drive-in. The first stop is the snack bar.. not your usual snack bar though as this one will fill you with dread right from the get go.

Before you enter each movie you will be met with posters that will give you a glimpse into the terror that awaits you..

Be prepared to meet biker werewolves, swamp yetis, deadly barbers and in Universals words ‘a few that you have to see to believe‘ 😯

In Pumpkin Guts, you’ll discover more than the gooey entrails of pumpkins waiting for you. Amazon Cannibals from Planet Hell takes you to a distant planet where you’re the main course on the menu. And Cult of the Beast Baby…I’ll leave that one to your imagination.

It’s not long now.. are you excited or scared? 👀

Screams included,

Abby

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First look at the Stranger Things house

Hey Thrill Seekers!

Today is a good day! Universal have given us a sneak peak into the Stranger Things house…

From the moment you step inside, you’re going to feel as if you have become a part of the show. The team has recreated all the fan-favorite, iconic scenes from Season 1 in sets that rival the show. The detail is incredible from the Upside Down to the creation of the Demogorgon (which we’re going to leave for you to discover when you come to the event). There are even intricate details that only a hardcore Stranger Things fan would recognize (again, going to let you find those for yourself!)

So Universal have given us an insight…. but not too much has been given away to spoil it. Perfect. Check out the cool images and video that they’ve released..

Eeeeeeekk!

Screams Included,

Jess

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There’s More to Halloween Horror Nights than the Houses..

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So I’ve heard a few people mention that they’re ‘too scared’ to go to Halloween Horror Nights because of the houses but would still like to experience HHN28 or are visiting with friends who are a bit more… well, brave. 😉 so I thought i’d do a little post to let you know about all of the other things you can experience during HHN28.

Ride in the dark

The main thing that would attract you to visit Universal Studios during HHN is the fact you can ride loads of attractions in the dark and with minimal queues! The rides open during HHN28 are: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Trandformers: The Ride 3d, Revenge of the Mummy, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Men In Black: Alien Attack.

Visit The Wiazarding World of Harry Potter in the dark

Diagon Alley is open during HHN as is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. What better time to visit the Wizarding World than in the dark with a lot less people around to spoil photo op’s! 😉 It’s also a great chance to ride Escape from Gringotts which is not to be missed!

Scare Zones

Every year Universal create AMAZING Scare Zones which are personally one of my favourite things about Halloween Horror Nights. Scare Zones are areas within Universal Studios full of actors and props themed to specific ‘horror’ ideas.  This year the Scare Zones are: Revenge of Chucky, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, The Harvest, Twisted Tradition and Vamp ’85 New Years Eve.

If you’re still worried about the Scare Zones, don’t panic because you can always just sprint through them – i can’t promise that you won’t be confronted by  a Killer Klown or a high school vampire but there’s a better chance! If you can make it through the Scare Zones though then you can build yourself up to venture into a house.. that’s what I done anyway!

Shows

Now we all know Bill & Teds is no more but don’t worry, Universal have something just as thrilling in store for you! Academy of Villains is back ‘with a wicked mix of dance, acrobatics and theatrics, Academy of Villains is back for an all-new performance of pounding synths and neon lights.’ Universal really know how to put on a show and this show will be full of entertaining surprises.

Now I think that’s enough reasons for you to get pumped for HHN28 which is running from Sept 14th – Nov 3rd.

Screams Included,

Abby

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The 10th and final house has been announced for HHN28!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal have just announced the final HHN house and it looks like they’ve saved the best until last… Let me introduce you to ScaryTales: Deadly Ever After.

We’re all familiar with the classic fairytales and the warm, fuzzy feelings you get with the “happily ever after” endings. Well, you can kiss those warm, fuzzy feelings goodbye.

This brand spanking new house puts a ‘demented twist’ on everyone’s favourite fairytales.. The Wicked Witch of the West has taken control of the fairytale realm and is tormenting beloved characters in horrible storylines.. pure turned evil!

And with portions of the house nicknamed: “Revenge,” “Toupee,” and “Splatter” during development, you can bet the stories you grew up on will be ending very differently within this experience. The Witch’s spell spares no one. Her influence is felt throughout the land. With so many nightmares around each turn, you’ll wish it was just a story. Below are a few of the banners you’ll come across as you step into the haunted house, leading you to your “deadly ever after.”

This one looks absolutely AMAZING! There is no happy ending here….

WAIT.. THERE’S MORE! Due to popular demand of HHN, Universal have added 2 more event nights: September 19th and 26th! Included with your HHN tickets

Screams Included,

Abby

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The Horrors of Blumhouse is back for HHN28

Hey Thrill Seekers,

YAY! Horrors of Blumhouse is back for HHN28 with a all new scary lineup in store..

This year it will feature scenes from Happy Death Day and The First Purge (which i watched on Sunday and found equally amazing and terrifying!)

Survival is key as you encounter not only Happy Death Day’s Babyface Killer, but also the nation’s very first wave of Purgers.

In the Happy Death Day scene you will encounter a college student trying to break a deathly cycle and will relive her death over and over again.. Can you work out who her killer is before you come face to face?

Can you hear the sirens yet?? You’re about to find out how the first purge came about and see how everyone reacts when all crime is legal for one night only. Last years Purge scarezone was my favourite part of HHN27 as i found it the most jumpy and heart racing as you never knew what to expect next and I think bringing it to a more confined space will make it 10 x scarier!!

In this haunted house, there is no escape.

The Horrors of Blumhouse joins an already incredible lineup:

  • Stranger Things
  • Halloween 4: The return of Michael Myers
  • Poltergeist
  • Seeds of Extinction
  • Carnival Graveyard: Rust in Pieces
  • Slaughter Sinema
  • Trick ‘r’ Treat
  • Dead Exposure: Patient Zero

Screams Included

Abby

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Halloween 4: The Return of Micheal Myers announced for HHN28

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We wait and we wait for Halloween Horror Nights announcements and then BAM they all come at once!

Today, Universal have announced that the main man himself; Michael Myers is returning for a terrifying ordeal for everyone involved. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.

If you don’t know him, then get to know him because you’ll need to know everything you can about Michael Myers before taking on this house.. featureless mask, iconic jumpsuit, the plunging knife.. from the Shape to the Boogeyman to name a few, he is a force to be reckoned with and no one is safe.

In this house he has escaped from a prison transfer and hunted down his niece in Haddonfield..

“You’ll be dropped right in the middle of Michael Myers’ path, where he is on his way to eradicating his niece. He takes out everyone in his way…and you’ll be right in the middle of the action. Try your best to escape the bloodbath – not even Loomis, Myers’ psychiatrist, can save you.”

I LOVE THIS ONE!! Do you?!

Screams included,

Abby

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Universal Confirm Poltergeist For HHN28

Hey Thrill Seekers,

2 on the trot, YES!!

We’ve known about this one for a couple of weeks now but we were sworn to secrecy… and its been killing us not being able to just shout it out but finally Universal have confirmed that Poltergeist will be a house at this years Halloween Horror Nights.

It knows what scares you…….

Poltergeist was released in 1982 (characterised as one of the scariest films of all time) and continues the 80’s texture that’s running throughout this years event. The film tells the story of an average California family, the Freeling’s (Steve, Diane, teenaged Dana, eight-year-old Robbie and five-year-old Carol Ann) who’s troubles begin when ghosts commune with them through their television set. To start with the spirits are friendly and playful however they turn unexpectedly menacing and when Carol Ann goes missing Steve and Diane turn to a parapsychologist and eventually an exorcist for help.

The living representation of Poltergeist coming to this years HHN will take guests into some of the most iconic scenes whilst encountering memorable characters throughout. The house will ‘lure’ guests to the house on top of the cemetery where you will find your lives threatened by frightening ghosts.

Scenes we already know are includes include the iconic flickering TV, menacing Beast from beyond and the pool filled with corpses. As you head toward the ‘light’ you will find yourself surrounded by vanishing walls, floating furniture and a creepy clown….

Will you make it back to the world of the living or forever be trapped?

Poltergeist joins a very strong line up this year including;

Which one are you most excited for and what would you like to see announced next??

Screams Included

Abby