hhn25 – Orlando Attraction Tickets blog

September 17, 2015

I’m Off To Halloween Horror Nights And I’m Scared!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So it’s almost time for me to brave this years Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. I’ve been doing my research, trying to figure out how to not get scared…it’s not looking good! With 9 houses and 5 scare zones, there really is no easy way around this. Taking into account that I don’t really watch scary films because I generally end up crying, it’s not easy for me to decide which houses I’m most looking forward to.

I’ve had a look at the scare zones this year and I would have to say I’m most looking forward to seeing ‘Scary Tales – Screampunk’. I love fairy tales so this may burst my bubble a little bit but hopefully I’ll be able to relate to them more. They look pretty creepy from what I’ve already seen anyway!

The scare zone I’m least looking forward to would have to be ‘Psychoscareapy – Unleashed’. Based on asylums and hospitals, this is gonna get scary as it’s the most realistic in my eyes. Imagine if someone in an asylum escaped?! This is exactly how it would be! Brr..sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it!

Now on to the houses.

The only film I have seen from these houses is The Purge and that scared the living daylights out of me. I wouldn’t be too sad if I didn’t get to go in this house as I know exactly what to expect. 12 hours in one day that you can commit any crime and get away with it? What is this all about?! I will probably run, scream and cry all the way through but hey, isn’t that the fun part?!

I’m kind of looking forward to seeing what ‘Asylum in Wonderland 3D’ is going to be like. Alice is Wonderland has it’s creepy bits so Universal will definitely make the most of this from the Mad Hatter, to the Cheshire Cat even to the Queen of Hearts.

Jack the Clown is a classic at Halloween Horror Nights so no matter how scared I get, I will definitely be going to ‘Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters and Mayhem’ as well as watching ‘The Carnage Returns’. Jack is a character that Universal have created themselves especially for Halloween Horror Nights and he is by far the scariest looking character I’ve seen!

Some of my colleagues have suggested I watch some of the films before I travel, which I’m refusing to do! Freddie Vs Jason doesn’t sound like a film that will help me become braver… I’m going to share some of the Snaps I take of the night via our new iPhone app so look out for them next week.

Screams included…

Louise

September 9, 2015

Halloween Horror Nights Release Directors Cut Video

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yesterday Universal released their TV ad for the up coming Halloween Horror Nights event. We’re lucky enough to have access to the Directors Cut…

Check it out here;

Also Universal released this interesting interview with Troy Scillian, Executive Creative Director who helped put the TV ad together.

Tell me about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights commercial.
First, working with psychotic killers and a small horde of undead requires extra focus. For the most part, this was manageable as the “talent” were in cages most of the time and the crew stayed behind a protective barrier.

How was working with the undead?
Well, they are inherently not great actors. They just do what they do—try to bite everyone. If it weren’t for our professional wranglers, we never would have gotten the shots we needed. I don’t know how this happened, but we ended up with three more undead and three less production assistants than we started with.

What was it like working with Jack the Clown?
Jack was heavily involved in the development of the script, the location details and even selected our young couple. (We’re not sure where he got them; he just brought them to the set.) The couple were great actors. Very method. Even when the cameras weren’t rolling they remained in character and stayed genuinely terrified

What is Jack like as a person?
Jack has none of the attitude you’d expect with many celebrities. Our director brought his son, Brandon, to the set and Jack graciously offered to show up for Brandon’s fifth birthday party. He’s just that kind of guy.

How about Chance?
Jack and Chance’s relationship has been well documented in the tabloids, so I won’t go into any of that nonsense. On set, they were nothing but professional. It was Chance’s idea to play a game with the young couple by putting them on the wheel. Jack just kept yelling, “Stop playing with your food.” Then he and Chance would laugh. I never got the joke.

Interesting fact: Jack and Chance don’t require make-up—that saved us a lot of time and money.

Tickets can still be purchased for the event at Orlando Attraction Tickets

Kind regards,

Jamie

September 1, 2015

Halloween Horror Nights 25 – The Scare Zones!

Hey Thrill Seekers…

So last week we brought you the full line up of houses for Halloween Horror Nights 25 and I have to admit that I am super jealous of anyone that is lucky enough to be going, as this year, it looks to be Universal’s best yet!

In addition to the great line up of houses there are also an array of chilling ‘Scare Zones’ to negotiate as you make your way from house to house.

Scare Zones

Psychoscareapy: Unleashed — The criminally insane inmates of Shadybrooke Asylum have escaped and unleashed their horror onto a Halloween block party in the streets of New York. Come join the party goers as the inmates kill for the best Halloween costumes for their very own special costume contest where you will be the judge. Oh, and this will be one of the bloodiest scare zones ever!

ICONS: HHN — And now for the scare zone I’m looking forward to the most! It’s time to take a look back in history and come face-to-face with the icons from our past. Iconic characters from the event’s 25 year history such as The Caretaker, The Storyteller, The Director and more will be found roaming the streets of Hollywood. I’ve even heard The Rat Lady will be making her grand return!

Scary Tales: ScreamPunk — This year, we’re bringing to life our most horrifying Scary Tales characters with a new twist. This steampunk-inspired version of Scary Tales is sure to leave you screaming.

Evil’s Roots — It’s time to be immersed in Halloween’s most evil traditions in the scare zone located in Central Park. Here you’ll find the event’s traditional jack-o-lanterns in the air as you encounter evil fairies, humanoid bats, scarecrows and more. Think “Grown Evil” from 2011 but on a whole ‘nother level!

All Nite Die-In: Double Feature — Last but certainly not least is a double feature of horror at The Carey DrIvE IN movie theatre. Wander down the streets of San Francisco and you’ll come across this theatre that has been named “DIE IN”, due to the gruesome murders that occurred. Enter if you dare…

Plus dont forget the 2 amazing live shows;

The Carnage Returns — Jack the Clown is taking Halloween Horror Nights back in a blaze of murderous mayhem with his army of feared followers and his companion in carnage, Chance. Remember, Jack always has the last laugh.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure — Of course, they’re back in an all-new Halloween adventure. I could never describe the hilarious insanity of that show. It has to be seen to be believed. Party on, dudes!

There is still time to be part of this amazing event…

Orlando Attraction Tickets offers 2 ticket types that cover entry into Halloween Horror Nights;

The is event is strictly ticketed and is not suitable for children.

Screams Included…

Karl

August 20, 2015

Universal Release New Purge HHN25 Video

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hot off the announcement that the Purge will be promoted from street experience to a dedicated house Universal have released this video teasers which they describe as;

This Halloween Horror Nights 25 crime is declared legal as The Purge tradition commences. Find yourself within arm’s reach of the most sadistic collection of killers imaginable as these law abiding citizens express their right to purge.

The Purge joins…

…as confirmed experiences for HHN25 along with the return of Jack the Clown! Halloween Horror Nights is a special ticketed event. You can purchase tickets from Orlando Attraction Tickets, we offer either the 2 park bonus ticket with Halloween Horror Nights or the Frequent Fear Pass.

Scream’s included…

Jamie

August 17, 2015

Universal Confirm The Purge For Halloween Horror Nights 25

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal have today confirmed that The Purge will return to Halloween Horror Nights but with a difference. Last year The Purge was a street experience full of chainsaw wielding maniacs and people out to cause violence.

This year however the purging will take place in a dedicated house.

You’ll be hunted by dozens of masked vigilantes who will stop at nothing to purge as they are entitled. And just like in the films, you’ll either fight to survive or succumb to the chaos of the Purge.

The Purge joins…

We’ll keep you updated as and when Universal reveal more…

Screams included…

Jamie

August 3, 2015

What Does It Take To Be A Halloween Horror Nights Scare Actor

Hey Thrill Seekers,

With Halloween Horror Nights just around the corner its interesting to see Universal step up their marketing. Last week we saw the new video for The Walking Dead at HHN25 and before that the confirmation of Insidious.

Last year at HHN24 The Walking Dead house, that I had to pleasure/mispleasure of experiencing live, boasted the largest amount of scare actors ever used at Universal Orlando, it truly was a sight to behold. Their Aliens Vs Predator House also had a boast of its own with it scare actors, who played the role of the Predator required to be 6’7″ or taller!!

So what requirements do you Universal need for the perfect Scare Actor, well today’s roll call might just give us a clue.

What stands out for me is the lack of really good female scare rolls. The first requirement stated is

Male candidates 6’3” and up in height with medium to athletic builds

Only 5% of adults in America are over 6’2″ so Universal are appealing to a very small demographic here.

However if you aren’t over 6’2″ or male, there is still a requirement for your services.

Female and Male candidates of all sizes and looks

If you fall into the tall, male category Universal ask you to email them directly at auditions@universalorlando.com, if like me, you don’t. Then Universal ask you to apply for an audition via a link to schedule an appointment – https://www.schedapple.com/appointment/10319 .

Following the link also gives you an option that’s quite interesting; Drummers and percussionists , Hmmm… What could Universal require drummers and percussionists for?

There’s also something for those interested in getting involved but don’t fancy being a scare actor.

If you want to be a part of Halloween Horror Nights, but scaring or drumming isn’t your thing, no worries! You can also apply to be a Haunted House/Show Attendant. In this role you will help our guests experience the terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, and streets.

One interesting point unrelated to HHN25 but within the same article, Universal want Drummers for something else.

BONUS: Not for Halloween Horror Nights, but we’re also looking for bold, dynamic, and dexterous Drummers and Percussionists for a new entertainment offering

Hmmm…. again what could this be? Tickets for Universal Halloween Horror Nights are still available from Orlando Attraction Tickets.

Smiles included…

Jamie

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015

The Walking Dead Returns To Halloween Horror Nights 25

Hey Thrill Seekers,

As predicted AMC’s the Walking Dead will return to Universal Orlando’s famous scarefest, Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal are promising this years Walking Dead House will be even more gruesome and more horrifying than ever before which will be pretty impressive considering the amount of scare-actors they employed for last years Walking Dead house.

With regards to this years themeing Universal give us quite a clue by stating;

Encounter the atrocities of the “W” #walkers and witness the horror of victims besieged by AMC’s The Walking Dead in season 5 at #HHN25. If the #hordes don’t get you, the flood waters will…

Sounds awesome! You can still purchase Halloween Horror Nights tickets directly from Orlando Attraction Tickets here, if you’re brave enough!…

Screams included…

Jamie

July 16, 2015

Universal Confirm Insidious For Halloween Horror Nights 25

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We’ve been patiently waiting for more Halloween Horror Nights news ever since we got the nod from a secret source of what we could expect and finally today we’ve got an offical reveal.

Universal confirmed today via their blog that;

Insidious: Chapter 3 has hit the theaters, and Halloween Horror Nights 25 is celebrating the trilogy by opening the “red doors” to the Further. For those new to the successful franchise, Insidious has scared audience members for the last six years, and all three films are represented in this year’s event.

You’ll come face to face with the evil denizens of the Further—the Long Haired Fiend, the Lipstick-Face Demon, the Bride in Black, and the newest evil: The Man Who Can’t Breathe.

The path through this terrifying maze can only be accomplished by going into the Further, the mysterious world of the spirits. Many of these spirits crave the souls of the living. And while guests are dodging the grasping hands of death, the Further will disorient any who travel into the great beyond.

Paranormal mazes bring a unique opportunity to engage the guests with an eerie theme and pervasive creepiness that will inhabit every turn. You can look forward to an unsettling feeling of terror following you home and roaming your nightmares.

So far we’ve been spot on with what we expect from HHN25 and its safe to say its going to be the biggest and most scary Halloween ever.

You can purchase tickets to this amazing event by visiting www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk

Screams included…

Jamie

June 27, 2015

Could These Be The Houses For Halloween Horror Nights 25?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

So I occasionally get contacted by customers or people within the industry who discover some juicy information and feel it’s their civic duty to pass on this info to an extremely attractive blogger (thats me)…

Last night I received a tip as described above from a customer of ours who has just returned from Orlando. she normally goes to Halloween Horror Nights every year but this year she can’t make it. Which she’s devastated about as it’s the 25th anniversary. Anyway, I can’t reveal how she found out but she believes that the House’s I’ll describe below will be the record breaking 9 houses for HHN25.

Now before I start remember these are just rumours, to date Universal have only confirmed the return of Jack the Clown and the Freddy V’s Jason house, so take it all with a pinch of salt.

Insidious

Now I thought this was a possibility for a house last year, but with Insidious 3 just released in the U.S. perhaps they’ll take advantage.

What’s it about?

Parents (Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne) take drastic measures when it seems their new home is haunted and their comatose son (Ty Simpkins) is possessed by a malevolent entity.

Walking Dead

A staple of Halloween Horror Nights, it’s pretty much a given that we’ll see a Walking Dead house. Last years effort was amazingly creepy and boasted the most amount of scare actors ever…

What’s it about?

Led by police officer Rick Grimes, his family and a group of other survivors find themselves constantly on the move in search of a safe and secure home. But the pressure each day to stay alive sends many in the group to the deepest depths of human cruelty, and Rick discovers that the overwhelming fear of the survivors can be more deadly than the zombies walking among them

Anniversary House

Hmmm Anniversary House… could this be a selection of some of the best houses over the 25 years or could this be Jack the Clowns house?

What’s it about?

Not sure yet!

Alice in Wonderland 3D

Perhaps just me but I find Alice in Wonderland quite creepy as it is… given the HHN touch this could be quite chilling.

What’s it about?

On an ordinary summer’s afternoon, Alice tumbles down a hole and an extraordinary adventure begins. In a strange world with even stranger characters, she meets a rabbit with a pocket watch, joins a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and plays croquet with the Queen! Lost in this fantasy land, Alice finds herself growing more and more curious by the minute . . .

Body Collectors

Now I’m not a 100% sure on this one but I seem to remember a Body Collector’s House at Halloween Horror Nights before, I’m guessing they’re bringing it back?

What’s it about?

Here, the Body Collectors take random parts and organs from victims turning them into tools and artwork. The Black Guard trades coin for some of the parts in order to create a new Terra Throne Blade for the Terra Throne sacrificial rituals.

Scream

The film often believed to have rescued the horror genre in the early 2000’s. The Scream mask has been a Halloween best seller for ages now and the films, especially the first one lend well to a HHN house.

What’s it about?

The sleepy little town of Woodsboro just woke up screaming. There’s a killer in their midst who’s seen a few too many scary movies. Suddenly nobody is safe, as the psychopath stalks victims, taunts them with trivia questions, then rips them to bloody shreds. It could be anybody…

Freddy V’s Jason

This house has already been confirmed…

What’s it about?

Read more here…

American Werewolf in London

Universal debuted this house a couple of years ago to much success. I’ve got a soft spot for this one as I got to meet John Landis as part of the build up.

What’s it about?

David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), two American college students, are backpacking through Britain when a large wolf attacks them. David survives with a bite, but Jack is brutally killed. As David heals in the hospital, he’s plagued by violent nightmares of his mutilated friend, who warns David that he is becoming a werewolf. When David discovers the horrible truth, he contemplates committing suicide before the next full moon causes him to transform from man to murderous beast.

Run 3

This is another call back to a previous HHN house, purely based on speculation, although we’re not the only site guessing at this one…

What’s it about?

The original RUN took place within a sinister and haphazard “game show”, an intricate labyrinth made from junkyard refuse, designed and built by Eddie himself. The contestants? The guests. The grand prize? Getting out alive. The rule? Only one…RUN!

RUN 2 – An underworld exists where anyone can fulfill their most ghastly fantasies. Where the innocent could be kidnapped, tortured and killed all for a price! This featured some ideas heavily based on ideas similar to the ‘Hostel’ movies, in which american backpackers travelling Europe were kidnapped and pretty much auctioned to people who wanted to kill/torture people without repercussions.

Again none of these houses except where marked have been confirmed and this post if pure speculation but…

ITS SOUNDS AWESOME!!!

Screams included…

Jamie

June 10, 2015June 10, 2015

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 25 Confirms Freddy Vs Jason House

Hey Thrill Seekers,

All has been a bit quiet on the scare front ever since Universal confirmed that Jack the Clown would be returning for Halloween Horror Nights 25… that was until today when Universal dropped a scream filled bomb!

Taking elements from the 2007 film, the Freddy vs Jason house will drop visitors in the middle of the battle between two iconic halloween figures.

At this year’s event, both Jason and Freddy will attack the guests from all sides, as the two villains try to tear each other apart.

The winding path will take the guests/victims through recognizable locations from each character’s world. Freddy and Jason will each get their due, but we must remind you…. this is Freddy versus Jason.

Will Jason and Freddy attack the guests? Absolutely. But they’ll also be stabbing, slashing and ripping each other apart. From Camp Crystal Lake to 1428 Elm Street, there will be many surprises capturing famous film moments.

This house holds something for everyone. The casual fan will be immersed in the environments and the scares. The uber fan will have the opportunity to scout out the multitude of Easter eggs hidden throughout the house.

Orlando Attraction Tickets offers 2 ticket types that cover entry into Halloween Horror Nights, the 2 park bonus with Halloween Horror Nights Combo ticket and the Frequent Fear Pass. The is event is strictly ticketed and is not suitable for children.

Screams included…

Jamie