Listen as Pete Werner interviews one of the creative forces behind Halloween Horror Nights.
What is it:
Halloween Horror Nights is Universal Orlando’s annual Halloween party, and it is one of the most popular events in Orlando. Especially if you’re a fan of horror films, this is a ‘don’t miss’ event for those looking for something a little edgier then Disney. This year’s event is entitled “Carnival of Carnage” and features Freddy Kruger (Nightmare on Elm Street), Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) and Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre). 2007 will mark the events 17th year, and its popularity is wide spread and well deserved. As part of the festivities, a series of “haunted houses” are set up around Universal Studios. These are usually temporary structures set up specifically for the event (although, in the past, certain attractions have been converted into haunted houses for the event). Each of the houses is themed around a different horror film or genre. As you walk thru the attraction, any number of things or people are likely to jump out at you. Don’t worry, they won’t ever touch you, but they come pretty close. In addition to the haunted houses, Universal has set up ‘scare zones’ around the park.These are usually dimly lit areas with a variety of special effects (dry ice, strobe lights), and again – any number of creatures chasing you down the street or lunging at you from behind corners wielding chainsaws. TIP: While the haunted houses are a blast, the lines for them aren’t. Saturday nights are by far the worst, with the average wait per house easily reaching 2 hours long. Sunday – Thurs is much less crowded, and lines early in the evening are much more manageable 15-30 minutes (on average).
Who should attend:
This event is geared more towards teens and adults. The theme and tone of the party is modeled after horror films, and some of the ‘players’ you’re likely to encounter will be very scary – some bordering on disturbing. If you’re comfortable watching a horror film without getting nightmares, then it’s a safe bet you’ll enjoy Halloween Horror Nights. This is definitely NOT an event that small children should attend. No costumes are allowed to be worn at Halloween Horror Nights
Don’t Miss:
The haunted houses change every year, but at least 2 or 3 emerge each season that are considered “don’t miss”. This year, Jack's Funhouse is a must!! You wear 3-D glasses throughout the entire haunted house.
Another highlight of the event is the “Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure” show at the Fear Factor theater. Based on the Bill and Ted films, the show is a dazzling array of song and dance numbers, topical pop-culture parodies and a first rate cast.
Dates and prices:
The dates for Halloween HorrorNights 2007 are Sep 28 & 29, Oct 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, 31, November 1-3.
Prices for the event are wide ranging. The list price is $64.95 per person. This is considered a ‘hard ticket’ event (meaning that it requires separate admission and is not included with your multi-day pass). Universal is offering a “Frequent Fear Pass” that offers 13 nights for the price of 1 – for $64.95 you could attend Halloween Horror Nights as many as 13 nights (September 28, 29, October 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 31 & Nov. 1). The best deal is reserved for those who have the 2 park unlimited admission ticket ($86 plus tax). With that ticket, you can add on Halloween Horror Nights for just $24.95 + tax (Sun-Thu) or $39.95 + tax (Friday). There are no discounts offered on Saturday night events.
You can purchase an express pass to by-pass the lines on the haunted houses – but you’ll pay for it. An express pass for most days is $35.99 + tax (this is in addition to the price you pay to attend the event). On busier nights, the cost of the express pass jumps to a steep $65.99 + tax. Keep in mind that on busier nights an express pass is the difference between seeing one or two of the haunted houses or all of them.
Another offering this year is a behind the scenes and specialty tours. The first is the Unmasking the Horror tours.These consist of daytime tours that offer a behind the scenes look at the making of Halloween Horror Nights. The Mysteries of the Midway tour is conducted twice daily from Sep 28 – Nov 3. The tour is 2 hours long, includes a basic overview of Halloween Horror Nights, a behind the scenes look at three haunted houses and a museum exhibit designed especially for the event. The Secrets of the Sideshow tour is basically the same, but three hours in length and offers a more in depth look at HHN. It also offers a Q & A session with one of the Halloween Horror Nights creators. The Mysteries of the Midway Tour is $39.99 p/person + tax. The Secrets of the Sideshow tour is $54.99 + tax.
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What is it: 
Who should attend:
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