For the past 20 years Universal Studios has honored the Horror genre with their outstanding Halloween extravaganza that is Halloween Horror Nights. This is the first year I have attended the event and I must say that it was truly incredible. Since I am writing two articles (one in 1st person one in 3rd) for the newspaper, I decided to put them both on the site.
- My Personal Experience of HHN 20-
For several years now I have longed to visit Universal Studios Florida's annual Halloween event that is Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) and this year, the event's 20th anniversary, I finally got the chance. Soon after I entered the gates I knew things were going to get intense fast. The first thing I noticed was a band of zombie marines wielding chainsaws; they stood still until the captain gave them the word to attack and then all of the un-dead raced through the streets chasing and frightening all those who were near. Seeing this I there was one word that went through my mind...sweet! From their I proceeded to experience all the haunted houses, scare-zones, and shows that are scattered throughout the park.
In HHN's haunted houses, I felt like I was immersed in a horror film. Each house used all my senses (besides taste) to try to convince me that I was trapped in a real nightmare. The sight of anyone from a prisoner in an insane asylum to a demented little girl, the smell of the dirt in underground catacombs, the sounds of gunshots, chainsaws and screeches of scareactors, and the feeling of having to push hanging severed heads away to get to the next room (while being chased by a demon), all contribute to the stunning atmosphere. Universal also succeeds in the props, costumes, sets, and overall design of their houses. The best example of this was in the house titled, "Hades: Gates of Doom" which I consider both the best and scariest house. Based on creatures of Greek Mythology, "Hades" showed me different areas of the Underworld in which snarling creatures like minotaurs and Medusa are waiting to make those walking by scream. This house boasted large and detailed set pieces, stunning costumes, and plenty of scares. The other two houses I enjoyed were "Havoc: Dogs of War" in which the side effects of a super solider program cause the "Dogs of War" to become raging killing machines, and "ZombieGeddon" where you go to the Zombie Awareness Program to learn how to kill Zombies...until the un-dead take over. How do the haunted houses do a great job of scaring its visitors? For me it was because the mazes did a good job of distracting me. Two good examples of this are all the visual effects and misdirection. First, some houses have a combination of lighting techniques. Whether its dark inside, lights are flashing, or the very effective strobe lights are shining, these effects make it difficult for me to analyze my surroundings until BOOM, someone or something was in my face. The other factor was the misdirection which is simply when someone pops out at the person in front of you and, when you look at them, someone from the opposite direction gets you.
Out in the streets I walked through the different scare zones, each with a different theme, in which scareactors roam the streets searching for victims to scare. For me, these zones weren't nearly as scary as the haunted houses and were more about the atmosphere and pictures opportunities. In the "Fear Revealed" scare zone (my favorite) I came face-to-face with this years icon, Fear himself as well as the minor icons Jack the Clown, the Caretaker, the Storyteller, the Director, and the Usher. Not much else to talk about with the scare zones.
The last thing to talk about are the two very entertaining live shows at this year's HHN. The first and best show is "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure." In this show I found myself cracking up as I saw the show make fun of 2010's films, TV shows, music, and other pop-culture. Iron Man 2, Toy Story, Justin Bieber, Lindsay Lohan, and Jersey Shore are just a taste of what the show makes fun of. The second show was a magic/illusion show put on by "one of the countries most outrageous illusionists," Brian Brushwood. He stuck a needle in below his eye and it came out his mouth...enough said.
Overall I was astounded by the everything I saw at this year's HHN. The houses, shows, costumes, scare zones, etc. was truly amazing and at times almost convinced me that it was real. This is an outstanding event where being scared is not an option, but a guarantee. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking to experience the heart and soul of Halloween.
-Fear has Arrived!
For the past 19 years, something has been lurking in the shadows, something has been watching every scream that has been echoed through the years. His minions, a clown (who he refers to as Chaos) , a caretaker (Death), a storyteller (Legend), a director (Sacrifice), and an usher (Vengeance). He has been waiting for 19 years and now, on the 20th year, he will make himself known to take ultimate control. He...is...FEAR.
This year at Universal Studios Florida's Halloween Horror Nights, Fear has arrived to create "a new age of darkness" and to present the most intense environment ever experienced at Halloween Horror Nights. This year during select nights of September and October, people will be able to witness the 8 haunted houses and 6 scare zones that Fear has created.
Whether it's being stuck inside an insane asylum full of vengeful inmates, or running through the gates of the Underworld, Fear has provided a variety of original houses that will surly terrify all those who enter. The houses are beautifully designed all the costumes are very detailed making the experience all the more real.
And for those who think staying out of the haunted houses will keep them safe, Fear begs to differ. This year's HHN features 6 different scare zones spread throughout the park that will make sure that no one is left out from the scares. These areas are good for those who may want to take a break from the haunted houses but still want a place to go to for atmosphere and lighter scares.
One thing that Fear doesn't seem to have complete control over just yet are the two outrageous live shows. The first and best is the annual "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure" show that makes fun of 2010's pop culture including movies, TV shows, and music. The 2nd show is a magic and illusions show put on by "one of the countries most outrageous illusionists", Brian Brushwood.
Do keep in mind when planning to attend this event that HHN is not for the faint if heart, for those who don't like being scared, and especially not for children. Universal themselves even say on the HHN website that this event is not recommended for those under the age of 13. When inside the gates people are at the mercy of the scareactors and they will show no mercy for anyone no matter their age. However, for those who enjoy the spirit of Halloween, no event could be better to attend. Fear has taken control, and the final key to his plan is YOU!
