Posted on

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

Posted on

Universal announce 2019 Mardi Gras dates

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I was lucky enough to visit Universal Orlando Resort whilst this years Mardi Gras was on and it was incredible! Beads, music and snazzy outfits.. what more can you want?!

Universal have now confirmed that 2019’s Mardi Gras will be running nightly from the 9th February to the 4th April in Universal Studios Florida. At no extra cost you can join in on all the fun of the nightly parade where floats and performers fill the streets with colour (and beads) They’ve also announced that there is going to be new parade floats next year and will be announcing more details on these soon… As well as all the music, dancing and beads that you could ever want there is also a chance to try the Cajun specialities and lots of Mardi Gras treats in the French Quarter Courtyard.

You can also ‘party to the sounds of the Bayou as bands straight from the Big Easy play in the park every day.’  Also, on select nights, Universal will be hosting their annual Mardi Gras concert series featuring today’s top artists. The lineup will be released in the coming months so we will be sure to keep you updated!

Who’s visiting between these dates and can’t wait to get their Mardi Gras on?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

Posted on

Universal Confirm Trick ‘r Treat For HHN28

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yep we’ve got another confirmed house for Halloween Horror Nights 28 along with Stranger Things and the Universal Original house Dead Exposure we can now look forward to Trick ‘r Treat !!!

Trick R Treat made an appearance last year as a scare zone but as HHN fans loved it so much in 2017 Universal have decided to upgrade it to a house. Here’s what Universal had to say about it;

We’re throwing you head first into the world of this cult Halloween film, and putting you in the middle of all the grisly scenes and demented characters. These guardians of Halloween will teach you the traditions of the holiday as you find out first hand the consequences of breaking those rules. With monsters around every turn, you need to pay attention…or suffer the ultimate fate.

The mysterious Sam who is the keeper of the rules and the ‘spirit of Halloween’ will be keeping an eye over all of the scares. I was at HHN last year and the scare zone was one of my favourites so I cannot wait to see what is in store for the house!

We’ve still got 6 more house reveals and all of the scare zones to come, are you happy about this house and what do you think is going to be the next reveal?

Screams included!

Abby

 

 

Posted on

What do we already know about Dead Exposure?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So yesterday Dead Exposure: Patient Zero was announced as the first Original House for this years scarefest at HHN28. The word ‘original’ had got me thinking before the name was even announced and I had 2 ideas: could it be an original house from one of the first HHN’s or could it be a completely new ‘original’ IP? I’m going to take this one as a win as I was kind of right, right?

I’ve been doing a bit of digging to find out just how original Dead Exposure is and it turns out that it was last seen at Halloween Horror Nights in 2008 and this years house is a sequel/prequel (i’ll get to that later). So seeing as I was only 12 back in 2008 funnily enough I have never experienced first hand what Dead Exposure is really like, all I knew was that if you had been through the house and someone mentioned its name, even 5 years down the line, your toes would still curl at the memories…

What do we know?

Dead Exposure was 1 of 8 houses featured in Universals Halloween Horror Nights: Reflections of Fear back in 2008 which was the ‘year of Bloody Mary’. It took guests on a journey ‘through’ Charlie McPhersons photographs as he navigated his way through a city of flesh eating zombies where the only source of light was his camera flash. The creators of HHN used backlight strobes perfectly timed with the noise of camera clicks to pull off the feeling that you’re walking through photographs. They also used special paint on the costumes and set to highlight certain parts. The whole house (apart from the first and last rooms) was in complete darkness with only those camera flashes to light the way.

Found on Halloween Horror Nights Wiki was a description of the walk through itself:

Reaching the front of the house, guests were greeted with loud music which had famously been featured in zombie movies. Standing in front of the entrance was a large bulletin board with ghostly pictures and notes covering it noting where in town each of the photographs were taken. Walking into a hole in the board, guests entered into photographer, Charlie McPherson’s, apartment. The electricity was out and somethings were pounding on all of the windows with guests only able to see their shadows. Charlie himself was lurking in the apartment, warning guests as they walked by of what he saw and urging them to hurry out of there and to look into his portfolio.

Leaving the room, guests entered the pictures that he had taken that night. With three clicks and flashes at a time the room was illuminated to reveal a hardware store. A number of zombies surrounded both sides of the path, ready to attack. Continuing on Charlie’s path, guests entered the sewer. Drips and other sounds were heard from the darkened path, and a camera flash illuminated a zombie lurking in the sewer pipe on the wall. The path continued toward the surface again through a narrow hallway with zombies inside of the walls.

Reaching the surface, guests were inside a public bathroom. Stalls surrounded the path with some open and zombies inside of them. A zombie blocked the path out of the room and would only move between camera clicks. Once through Charlie’s pictures brought guests outside into a park. Abandoned seemingly quickly by the humans, zombies lurked in the park equipment and near the toys left by children. Leaving the park, guests entered a room full of zombies . Seemingly surrounded by dozens of zombies, there was no clear path through the middle of the area. While guests tried to navigate, zombies would attack between camera flashes.

Once the room was successfully navigated, guests entered a hallway. Camera flashes revealed zombies hanging above the path. Following the hallway around a corner, flashes revealed a lone zombie underneath the clear flooring trying to get out at guests. Done with Charlie’s pictures, guests walked back into his apartment. A number of zombies were surrounding a table to the right of the path. On the table was Charlie, screaming as he was torn apart to be eaten by his attackers. A final zombie, who looked suspiciously like Charlie, popped out of a closet at the other end of the room to scare guests out of the house.

I don’t think anyone was really prepared for how scary this house was going to be, i’ve been reading a few reviews and every single one of them mentions the impact of the pitch black and the fact you can’t even see your own hands in front of your face. Scottyrif from Halloween Horror Nights Unofficial said “The camera flashes were the only source of light throughout the entire house experience, and scareactors would scare the hell out of you in those brief moments of bright flash. Of course, once the light was out again, it was even harder to see because our eyes couldn’t adjust to the extreme change from light to dark.”

Here’s a review of Dead Exposure from HHN18 by attractions magazine:
Scare Factor: 9/10
Entertainment Factor: 7/10
You do not want to miss Dead Exposure. Period. The premise is that you’re in the world of a photographer who has stumbled upon an outbreak of zombies… and you’re stepping into his black and white photographs. It’s the most unique of all the houses as it is pitch black inside, with occasional strobes of blacklight illuminating your way, providing you only with a quick “picture” of what’s around you. A constant droning sound gets your heart racing and you never know where the next scare is coming from.

So earlier on I said that this years house Dead Exposure: Patient Zero is a sequel / prequel to the house featured in 2008. Let me explain, so basically the concept of each house is the same but there is a different storyline. This years house will actually take you back to 1982 and is set in Paris where the zombie epidemic is just beginning and the only people on your side are the military who are issuing vaccinations but with a BIG side effect… Blindness. Check out my blog from yesterday for more information on Dead Exposure: Patient Zero

Dead Exposure was also voted house of the year back in 2008 and looked absolutely terrifying – one of the scariest i’ve seen or read about and with how far technology has come in 10 years I would bet my left leg that this year it is going to be even more so…

I can’t wait!

Screams Included,

Abby

Posted on

Fast & Furious Supercharged is now open!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

‘Life’s simple, you make choices and you don’t look back’ – Han Lue. I know something you will look back on though –  memories and Fast & Furious – Supercharged will give you and your family thrills and memories that will last forever.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged is now open at Universal Studios so what are you waiting for? Get yourselves over to Universal and step right into your very own Fast & Furious film. (I know for most of you that it will take a 9hr flight but still.. get yourselves over there.. on your next holiday 😉 )

On Monday lucky old Mr Blog Squad himself, Gavin is heading out to Orlando to attend the special evening event being held for the opening of Fast & Furious – Supercharged which is being held on the 2nd May and will feature some of the stars of the films.

Here’s what we know so far about the attraction..

You’ll get to ride alongside members of the Fast Family such as Dom, Letty, Hobbs, Roman, Tej and Mia who are all played by the stars themselves. You’ll find yourself immersed in a recreation of the crews warehouse headquarters where there will be actual props from the films, iconic scenes and of course, supercharged vehicles, 15 to be exact that you will be able to see throughout the queue, the ride and in the retail shop. Many of those 15 have been driven by the Fast Family themselves.

Whilst waiting to enter the action you can gear yourself up by using the special mobile experience to play games, receive messages from Mia and the rest of the family, do quizzes, check out character bios and even try and unlock some surprises – this can be found on the Universal app.

Last but not least Fast & Furious – Supercharged is the next attraction at Universal Studios to feature the new Virtual Line system.. Just like Jimmy Fallon, all you will have to do is select the time you wish to ride on the app or at a kiosk located near the attraction entrance. You can then do whatever you like while you wait for your ride time.

Stay tuned for lots of pics, videos and information from Gavin on our Facebook and Instagram pages next week!

Smiles included,

Abby

Posted on

Take A Sneak Peak At Fast & Furious Supercharged

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Fast & Furious Supercharged is set to open this Spring at Universal Studios and although we don’t have a firm opening date confirmed today’s images seem to imply that our wait is almost over…

Here’s what Universal had to say;

From the moment you enter the attraction, you’ll become immersed in the storyline. You’ll encounter Dom’s iconic car parked out front of the new home base of operations for the Fast & Furious family.

Once inside, you’ll get to explore familiar scenes from the films like Tej’s high-tech War Room, where you learn more about your mission.


And of course, garages filled with supped up cars designed by Dennis McCarthy, the man behind the vehicles created for the films. Several of the cars you’ll see are from the Fast & Furious movies. You’ll even come across an all-new vehicledesigned exclusive for the attraction – Letty’s Turbo Truck!

If you’re a car fanatic, keep your eye out for modifications that only a true fan would recognize. I’m not what you would call “car savvy”, but it was pretty cool to walk through and see it all.

Keep checking our blog and facebook page for more information about the release date of this highly anticipated attraction.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Posted on

Universal Confirm Halloween Horror Nights 28 Days

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Now we don’t like to blow our own trumpet BUT….  Yesterday we were the first UK ticket reseller to start selling the brand new HHN28 ticket this brand new offering represents amazing value at just ÂŁ59 per person it gives you the opportunity to visit not once but twice from the 14/ 09/18 until 03/11/18… (imagine flames here)

Now we know that Halloween Horror Nights doesn’t run everyday of the week, yep even zombies and ghouls get a day off, so we’ve been patiently waiting for confirmation of dates and today we finally got them.

The Halloween Horror Nights Flex ticket is Valid any two of the following nights:

SEPTEMBER
14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 28, 30
OCTOBER
3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31
NOVEMBER
1, 2

Universal also confirmed the number of mazes we can expect by stating

Some of the most terrifying names in horror – both from the past and present – will come to life to haunt you in nine brand-new mazes based on hit TV-shows and haunting original stories.

If you’ve never been to Halloween Horror Nights you’re in for a treat. Check out our top tips video to get the best out of your fright night.

You can purchase your Halloween Horror Nights 2nd Night Free directly from us and get your freak on!

Screams included…

Jamie

Posted on

Halloween Horror Nights tickets now on sale!!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

YES! Its still March and we have Halloween Horror Nights tickets on sale can I get a WOOOHOOO!

This year there’s been a change to the ticket offered for HHN so drum-roll please…

NEW FOR 2018:  Halloween Horror Nights Flex Ticket

This ticket will allow you entry into 2 HHN28 dates that fall on and between 14th September 2018 – 2nd November 2018 (Saturdays are excluded).  This ticket will allow you into Universal Studios on select HHN event nights from 6.30pm until park close. If you’re a true thrill seeker and would prefer to make a day of it, to enter the park before 6.30pm you will still need your Universal 3 Park Explorer ticket  .

Having had the opportunity to visit Halloween Horror Nights for the first time last September I really cannot recommend it enough. I have never laughed so much whilst being terrified at the same time! Universal Studios will be transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth of haunted houses, outrageous live shows, and electrifying scare zones while an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roam the darkened studio streets.

Things you should know…
  • Halloween Horror Nights™ are scary! We do not recommend this ticket for children under 13.
  • Please do not wear masks or costumes as you will not be refused entry.
  • The Halloween Horror Nights™ Event begins at 6:30 pm and closing times vary.

The Halloween Horror Nights Flex Ticket will be sold between March 29, 2018 and June 6, 2018. The Halloween Horror Nights event begins at 6:30 pm and closing times vary.

Screams Included,

Abby

* please note that this ticket is a special offer ticket and is not included in any other special offers or promotions.
Posted on

What’s Happening This Christmas At Universal Orlando Resort

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Is it ever to early to talk about Christmas?

Last year Universal knocked Christmas out of the park and this year is going to be no different. Today Universal confirmed that many of last years favourites are making a return and the festivities will officially begin on November 17, 2018, until January 6, 2019.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Last year saw the very first projection mapping experience on Hogwarts Castle and it was AMAZING. This amazing experience will be returning and that’s not all at the Wizarding World. At Hogsmeade you can take in the festive dĂŠcor, listen to the Frog Choir sing holiday themed songs and grab a Hot Butterbeer.

At Diagon Alley you’ll be able to immerse yourself in stunning holiday decoration and witness s the talented Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing their holiday hits.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is returning to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. This colourful parade fills the streets with music, confetti, and some of your favourite characters, including the Despicable Me Minions, Shrek and Fiona, King Julien, the Penguins of Madagascar, and more!

And, of course, there’s a visit from Santa as he rides high in the sky on a beautiful float, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Aso making a return is Grinchmas. Hear the tale of the Grinch and help the Whos down in Whoville save Christmas during a wonderful live stage show. Sing along to all your favourite songs and get into the Grinchmas spirit.

Seuss Landing will also be decked out for Christmas by the bustling Whos as they get their final preparations in order for Christmas.

Mannheim Steamroller

Fan-favourite the Mannheim Steamroller will also be returning to perform live on the Music Plaza Stage. Their performances will take place on select night during the months of November and December.

Christmas is only 279 days away so you better start planning 😉

Smiles included…

Jamie

 

Posted on

Abby’s Annual Halloween Horror Night Predictions

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yep its that time again where I try to guess what this years Halloween Horror Nights houses will have in store for us. Last year I got 3/6 correct which I was pretty happy about to be honest.

Last year I had the privilege of attending HHN for the first time and it was INCREDIBLE. I feel as though it has also given me an advantage for this blog.  This year I’m confident of beating my previous score and if I’m correct HHN28 is going to be awesome.

Stranger Things

We thought this might make an appearance at HHN27 after Universal big cheese, Mike Aiello, expressed his love for the show on twitter, however due to time constraints (they start working on the following years Halloween horror nights as soon the latest one starts) we feel this might make an appearance this year.

With 2 seasons under its belt and no sign of viewer fatigue we’re guessing that a Stranger Things house will cover the events on season 1 & 2, so expect Demogorgans and a girl with a nosebleed. 

Likelihood: 8/10

IT

One of 2017 most anticipated remakes and although it split audiences it still raked in $700 Million  on a budget of just $35 Million proving that there is definitely a strong fan base there.

IT feels like a very obvious choice for me, the theming is right up Universal’s alley and I can see the house moving from scene to scene easily. Also last year we didn’t see a house with a resident clown so maybe it’s time to step up the clown antics at HHN or could the recent uproar of working clowns vs scary clowns affect this?

Likelihood: 9/10

American Horror Story 

One of the highest rated houses from HHN27 and HHN26 (and my personal favourite) could well return, American Horror Story season 8 is rumoured to be hitting TV’s in the Autumn and will centred around either lust or violence (following the 9 circles of hell.) In 2016 the house featured Murder House, Freak Show and Hotel. Last year it featured Asylum, Coven and Roanoke with their biggest floor plan of the year (you can hear me screaming my way through the 4+ minute house here. ) I think it’s obvious that we would see Cult featured this year!

Universal obviously have a working relationship with FX and the creators of AMS and as Walking Dead’s popularity falls I think American Horror Story is in a good position to become a HHN regular.

Likelihood: 8/10

Five Nights at Freddy’s 

Now this one’s a bit of a hail Mary but bear (excuse the pun) with me. For those who don’t know Five Nights at Freddy’s is a computer game about a security guard looking after a Pizzeria at night, during the night the animatronics come to life and are hell bent on killing stuff.

Here’s the reason we think this could have a chance. Chris Columbus of Harry Potter, Home Alone  and The Goonies fame has signed on to direct a film based on the computer game. The Studio making the film? Friends of Universal, Blumhouse. Who you might remember had a house last year based solely on their horror franchise.

The only thing that makes us doubt ourselves is the timing, the announcement that a film was in the pipeline only happened a few days ago. So perhaps we’re looking at HHN29?

Likelihood: 3/10

Titans of Terror

In Hollywood last year they were blessed with the Titans of Terror, yep Jason, Freddy and Leatherface. We’re thinking that perhaps these classic horror icons might make the trip east to appear at HHN28.

Here’s what Hollywood said about the house;

Fall victim to the silver screen’s most deplorable killers, whose affinity for bladed weapons, redefined the horror movie genre as slasher films: Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) wielding his iconic chainsaw, Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) brandishing his relentless machete, and Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) swiping his trademark glove armed with razor blades.
The new maze will be an assault on your sensibilities as you descend into the forbidden realms of these iconic horror monsters and discover the place where these depraved legacies were born.

Likelihood: 6/10

The Purge

Okay, bear with me on this one. I know that the Purge franchise is very popular and featured as a scare zone in 2014, a house in 2015, didn’t feature in 2016 and was back as a scare zone in 2017. It works extremely well in a scare zone  BUT there’s a new Purge film set to be released this year called ‘The First Purge’ (also known as Purge: The Island) which will be a prequel that will focus on the events that lead up to the very first Purge event. So with all loose ends tied up, a beginning, middle and end it could be upgraded to its own house again.. I hope so anyway!

The Purge was by far my favourite Scare Zone of HHN27 and I could imagine it to be a very adrenaline pumping, high energy house that can now also tell a story.

Likelihood: 6/10

Now this one is not included in my predictions as such, it’s more of a wish.. and that is the idea that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter could be incorporated in HHN. How? I hear you ask… Let me explain..

Death Eaters Attack Diagon Alley.

This has already happened at the Japan park, what’s to stop it coming to Orlando?! In Japan guests saw Death Eaters attack Hogsmeade so for Studios if this were to ever happen it would have to take place in Diagon Alley as HHN only features in Universal Studios.

In Japan, as night fell the cheerful world of magic transformed into a world of darkness as the Death Eaters appeared wearing black hoods and masks enabling guests to come fact to face with the followers of Lord Voldermort

This is a very far-fetched idea and I’m pretty sure JK Rowling wouldn’t allow for the Wizarding World to be part of HHN but I think it would be amazing!

Likelihood: 0/10

So there you go, my predictions for Halloween Horror Nights 2018 are out there.. none of these have been confirmed by Universal.

What would you like to see come to HHN this year?

Screams included…

Abby