Park Journey
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Cedar Fair (Legacy)
  • Theme Park Art
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Past Updates
    • 2021 Updates
    • 2020 Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Cedar Fair (Legacy)
  • Theme Park Art
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Past Updates
    • 2021 Updates
    • 2020 Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Universal Studios

9/19/2019

Universal Studios Hollywood Park Update - September 19, 2019

Picture
How about a little break from Halloween updates for this morning and a general park update from Universal Studios Hollywood. 

It's been quite awhile since we've had a USH update (we just renewed our AP's after a break). In fact, the last update was, looks in the wayback machine, February 25th. Wow!! So let's get to it!! 

Written by Gregg Condon
After such a long break, where else would our first stop be? 
Picture
Picture
And suddenly, all was right with the world
Picture
Scary!!

"Super Nintendo Land"

I know, we shouldn't put it in quotes, and everybody knows what it is, but until it's announced we're not going to say it's definitely what it is. We're weird like that. =) 
Picture
The area is much bigger than the pictures make it out to be. 
Picture
Picture
It'll be great to have something else on the lower lot
Picture
Picture
Picture
An overhead look
Picture
Picture
Down in the early entry queue for Stranger Things
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
That'll wrap it up!! Now that we have AP's again we'll be back at the park more often. Promise I'll remember to get some Secret Life of Pets pics next time we're at the park (I believe next Sunday the 28th). 

Related Videos:

Related Updates: 
  • Halloween Horror Nights 2019 Opening Weekend Pictures, Video and Review - September 16, 2019
  • Jurassic World The Ride Media Night at Universal Studios Hollywood - July 23, 2019
  • Universal Minions 5k at Universal Studios Hollywood - May 18, 2019
  • Universal Orlando Non-Park Update - May 13, 2019
  • Lunar New year Celebration 2019 at Universal Studios Hollywood


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below

9/16/2019

Halloween Horror Nights Opening Weekend Pictures, Video and Review

Picture
The Halloween Season is officially here. On the west coast we're starting off with Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. Over the weekend we enjoyed two evenings at the event, the first during media/fan preview night and the second on Sunday night using our Frequent Fear Passes. 

We'll start off with saying that in our opinion, this is a VERY strong year for the event. One of the main reasons is that it seems they've actually learned how to have fun. More on that below. Let's get to it. 

Written by Gregg Condon
Our media night started right at park opening as we made our way all the way from the entry plaza to the backlot. 

On Sunday we used our Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Survival Guide utilizing early entry and no express passes with some success. Make sure you check it out prior to heading to the event. 

We stopped by the Universal Store to check out some of the amazing merchandise. They've really upgraded their merchandise game this year.
Picture
Slideshow of some of the awesome merchandise
Picture
The amount of mazes available for Early Entry is kind of insane, and is all of them except 2 (and Walking Dead)
Picture
Quickly pointed out that Ghostbusters is not on this, but still some amazing artwork.
Picture
Let's go to the mall!!! Today!!!
Picture
Picture
Scoops Ahoy, wouldn't mind if this was a permanent addition
Picture
Waffle Sundae 
Picture
These Universal Monster murals by Tristan Eaton are seriously amazing. We love, love, love them so much. 
Picture
Picture
Picture

So let's get on with our maze reviews. We'll preface with this ... we think that overall this is one of the best line-up's of mazes in HHN Hollywood history, if not the best ever. There is a great mix of horror, comedy, pop culture, IP's and great scenery. 

We'd been considering getting the frequent fear for years and are very glad this is the year we finally did. 

​Let's head into the mazes!! 
Stranger Things
​
We are huge fans of the show, in fact, after Season 3 we re-watched all 3 seasons again. And even enjoyed Season 2 (that this maze is based off of) more than the first time. So we were pretty excited about this maze. 

Unfortunately the maze didn't really translate from screen to maze. 
The maze suffered from a lot of duplication of scares, with Demigorgon's, Demidogs at pretty much every turn surrounded by a lot of black walls. 

The maze started off strong however.

One of our biggest concerns was the scene depicted in the artwork for the maze not being included in the maze itself. Not sure if the budget was smaller this year due to all of the other IP and extra mazes. 

We're very much hoping this one improves over the next few weeks as it's a great IP, a popular IP and we'd love to see it back in the years to come. But with it being a very strong year, something has to be last, and sadly it's this one. 

House of 1000 Corpses
House of 1000 Corpses sufferers from being compared to the amazing 3D maze that was at HHN previously, and it's really not fair. Because this maze is great fun. 
The talent in here is fantastic and really understands the source material. 

Curse of Pandora's Box
The first of the original mazes for 2019 this maze has some amazing scenes, amazing talent and a great score. Also, probably our favorite opening scene of any maze at the event. 
Lots of props from last years Universal Monsters and House of Horrors in here, which we absolutely don't have an issue with. Just a fun maze that has a high repeat factor. 

Us
I'll be honest, I didn't really find Us, the movie, to be scary. Disturbing, absolutely. Interesting story, for sure. Amazing directing and acting, without a doubt!! 
The maze however, probably had the most amount of "scares" and creepiness. We absolutely loved this. Not only did it tell the story of the film, not only did it capture without flaw the feel of the film, but the talent really seemed to enjoy bringing these characters to life. It was just great. 

Frankenstein meets the Wolfman
A continuation of last years amazing Universal Monsters maze, this one definitely takes a more Gothic feel than last years maze, but is still just as great on the characters, talent, scenes and scares. 
The music definitely sets this one apart and is just such a part of the legacy of these two characters. 

Holidayz in Hell
Picture
Our absolute favorite scare zone at this event last year, and maybe one of our favorite of the entire year, this year it was brought to life as a maze. And it didn't disappoint AT ALL. 

So much so, somebody (me) forgot to hit record when we got in the maze, so sadly no video. But seriously, check this one out. The line has been very manageable during our first two visits. Not to be missed. 

Creepshow
I'm a HUGE fan of the original two Creepshow movies, they were kind of my first foray into horror when I was growing up. So I had really high expectations for this maze. And I absolutely LOVED it. 
It really is kind of a love letter to the films with a bit from the upcoming series thrown in. And if the walk-through is any indication, the new series will definitely capture the look and feel of the source material. Can't wait to see the show and go through this maze again. 

Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Remember when I said at the beginning that Universal finally figured out how to have "fun" with their mazes? Well they did. It's no coincidence that our top two mazes of this year are based on 80's horror comedy movies (and one pure comedy if we're being honest). 
Are you going to get huge scares in this maze? Probably not. But you're going to have fun. And the talent in the maze knows it. You always know when the scare-actors at any event know they've got a good time going on, and it definitely shows in this one. 

Ghostbusters
That leaves our absolute favorite maze of Halloween Horror Nights 2019. And that's Ghostbusters. To say that we were all looking forward to this maze would be an understatement. And that's usually when a maze doesn't live up to expectations. That's not the case with this one at all. 
Picture
This maze isn't exactly a literal retelling of the film, and has some typical HHN effects, but it has so much more than that. It has a lot of dedicated talent, some really cool effects and again, just a lot of fun. 

Well that wraps it up for this HHN Hollywood update. Since we have Frequent Fear so we'll be back a few more times including one night for the amazing Chainsaw Chaseout. 

Be sure to share your thoughts on the event below. We'd love to hear what your rankings are. 

Related Videos:

Related Updates: 
  • Jurassic World The Ride Media Night at Universal Studios Hollywood - July 23, 2019
  • Universal Minions 5k at Universal Studios Hollywood - May 18, 2019
  • Universal Orlando Non-Park Update - May 13, 2019
  • Universal Studios Hollywood Update - February 25, 2019
  • Lunar New year Celebration 2019 at Universal Studios Hollywood


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below

9/6/2019

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Survival Guide 2019

Picture
Every year Halloween Horror Nights seems to get bigger and bigger, and so do the crowds. 

Below you will find some of our tips for making the most out of your Halloween Horror Nights experience. Some do's and don'ts and most importantly, what should be your "plan of attack" for the night. 

You can also check out the HHN site for more information on tickets, hours, etc. ​

Note: In years past have made changes to our Survival Guide after opening weekend, and that will likely be the case this year. 
Event Dates

September: 13-15, 19-22, 26-29
October: 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 31
November: 1-3

If you want a bit more info about this years event, check out John's panel from Midsummer Scream
Tips: 
  • BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!!! The event sells out. Tickets will not be available at the ticket booths. Make sure you print them or use your phone to get in the gates. 
  • GET A FRONT OF THE LINE PASS!!! We can't stress this enough. If your budget can swing it this is truly the best way to have an enjoyable and relaxing night at the event. Click here for Front of the Line Pass info and prices. Front of the Line passes sell out so your best bet is to get them online. 
  • DON'T GO ON A FRIDAY OR SATURDAY NIGHT!!! If you cannot swing the cost of the Front of the Line Pass then you should try to go on a slower night.  
  • DON'T BE LATE!!! You are paying a LOT of $$ to go to HHN. Don't show up at 9:00pm and expect to do everything or expect there to be no lines. The event starts at 7:00pm, you should be lined up by 6:00pm AT THE LATEST. Earlier on Friday and Saturday nights. 
  • USE EARLY ENTRY!!! Basically this is your best way to get into the event easily. Early Entry begins at 5:45 and certain mazes open at 6:00. (As of this time we do not know what mazes will be available but we will assume Stranger Things will be one of them). This means you need to be at the park and in line for early entry by 5:00. 
  • IGNORE THE RIDES!!! (Unless you have a Front of the Line Pass). You are there for Halloween Horror Nights. You can come back on most days and ride Jurassic World, Mummy, The Simpsons or Transformers: 3D all you want. Especially if you have an Annual Pass. Ride lines are typically longer during HHN than they are during the day. If you have visitors from out of town, consider the After 2pm Day/Night Pass so you can ride during the day and get scared at night. These passes are available on the HHN site when you buy tickets. 
  • Get the App!! The Universal Studios Hollywood app is great, even better during HHN. It will allow you to see what has lines and what you can come back to later in favor of something not so long. New for 2019: The App new has a Halloween Horror Nights Game for you to play horror trivia and more while waiting in line. Be sure you download this prior to attending. 
  • WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! This should pretty much be a no brainer but you'd be surprised. Even though there is no Terror Tram this year you will still be walking A LOT. You will be taking escalators up and down to the lower lot and walking to the Backlot. Do yourself a favor and be comfortable. 
  • Avoid the busiest nights: HHN is busy every night, some nights are "less busy". Assume that any night not included with the regular Frequent Fear Pass to be the busiest nights. These would be October 5, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26

Early Entry Mazes

The line-up for Early Entry Mazes is kind of ridiculous, ridiculously awesome. 
Picture
The times for early entry are as follows: 
  • 5:30 - Walkway to Backlot opens
  • 6:00 - Us, Stranger Things and Creepshow 
    • Note: we have heard that Stranger Things can open at 6:15, but it was definitely open at 6:00 the night we used early entry
  • 6:15 - Frankenstein vs Wolfman 
  • 6:30 - Ghostbusters and Holidayz in Hell 
  • 6:45 - Pandora's Box 
  • 7:00 - House of 1000 Corpses and Killer Klowns
Themed Nights

In addition to Fan Preview Night they are also doing 80's nights this year on Thursdays. Thursdays usually are pretty good days to go so we're not sure if this will change things. We'll definitely be checking out at least one of them. 

We used our strategy below on Sunday Night September 15th, a few notes: 
  • We are still going to suggest doing Stranger Things first even though Ghostbusters is definitely the most popular maze through the first weekend
  • If Stranger Things isn't a priority for you then we suggest going to the backlot as soon as it opens. You have a few options here
    • Creepshow opens first, and you can typically walk right on this (as we did last night)
    • Frakenstein vs Wolfman seems to get the longer line quicker so you can also go here first (as has been recommended by some scare-actors we know)
    • Ghostbusters does get a long wait. The wait time was posted at 125 minutes when we got in line. We waited about 30. 
    • So with that said, we'd suggest doing Frakenstein vs Wolfman first, then Ghostbusters then Creepshow before heading back to the Lower Lot
  • Killer Klowns longest line of the night was right around 8pm. We think it was just simply due to crowd flow. We'd almost kind of recommend going back to the upper lot at this point and then coming back down for Klowns later in the night. It's a GREAT maze and the word is spreading that it's great. Which means it will be popular. 
  • We really enjoyed having the Frequent Fear as it meant we didn't have to do EVERYTHING in one night. Definitely recommend if you can swing it. 

Maze Order

Stranger Things:
​
There are two scenarios for this maze, one for Early Entry, one if you missed it. ​
Picture
Early Entry: As mentioned above, early entry will begin at 6:00pm. Stranger Things is one of the mazes available (we have heard that this can actually open at 6:15). If this is the case you should absolutely head here first. 

No Early Entry: If you do not get there in time for early entry but are there at opening check the wait time for Stranger Things. If it's 45 minutes or more, head to the Metro Set Mazes first. The line will be there all night. Better to wait in some shorter lines and come back and wait for Stranger Things later.
Front of the Line tip: If lines are short when you get to the lower lot (or if you are there for Early Entry) DO NOT use your Front of the Line Pass for Stranger Things. Go through once with the GP and use your FOTL pass later in the evening when it's busier.

Metro Set:
Once you have walked through Stranger Things we suggest skipping Killer Klowns for now and heading to the Metro Set. 

Frankenstein vs Wolf Man:  We suggest to begin here, as the flow of the Metro Sets takes you in a natural progression. 
​
Ghostbusters: Frankenstein vs Wolf Man exists at the entrance to Ghostbusters. The time posted may be longer than what it actually is. If there are 3 full switch-backs full it's about a 30-40 minute wait. 

Creepshow: Finish here before doing the mini scare zone and heading back to the Lower Lot. This line moves pretty quick. 
Front of the Line tip: If you don't want to make the walk back to the Metro sets later in the night, go through them once with the GP and then use your FOTL privilege right after to get two trips through each maze. ​

Killer Klowns: 
Once you have finished the Metro Set mazes and made your walk back to the Lower Lot, we suggest doing Killer Klowns prior to heading back to the upper lot. ​​

Note: After visiting 2 Sunday nights without Express we can clearly state ... MAKE SURE YOU GET IN THIS LINE AT 7:00PM, or even line up for it before 7:00pm!!! This maze is proving to be the most popular at Halloween Horror Nights 2019. At 7:15 the line is already over an hour and it doesn't go down the rest of the night!! Even if it means walking back from the Backlot and skipping one of the mazes and then walking back. It WILL save you time. 
Picture
Front of the Line tip: If the line for Killer Klowns is not long go through once with the General Public and then use your FOTL pass later in the evening. Getting back down to the lower lot mazes is easy to do later in the night. If the line is long use your FOTL for Killer Klowns and Stranger Things (if you didn't use it earlier). 
Jurassic World: ​This is usually the part of the survival guide where we tell you to skip Jurassic Park (now World). But we're not heartless. We realize many of you will not have ridden Jurassic World yet. So this once, we're going to give you a pass. But seriously, do single rider, and only if you haven't ridden it yet. Because it's truly awesome. 

But even with that, we'd suggest coming back down to do it later in the evening, after you've finished all of the mazes. 

​Upper Lot: 

You are probably going to need to rest by now, feel free to stop by one of the eateries and get a snack, a meal, etc. Sit around the upper lot scare zone and watch the talent do their thing. 

If you've followed the strategy at this point you'll have four mazes (and Walking Dead) left and plenty of time to do them. 
Us and Pandora's Box: Since there is no Terror Tram this year they are utilizing the Studio Tour queue area for these two mazes. The line will likely move slower than the Terror Tram simply due to capacity. But there's always nice video clips and more here so enjoy that while you wait. 

Holidayz in Hell: This maze is right in the middle of the upper lot so will probably be rather popular. That said, in years past this maze has had a shorter line in the 10pm-12am timeframe simply due to the fact that everybody is on the lower lot or backlot during this time.
House of 1000 Corpses: The last new maze is located near Waterworld. Many people will go here first when getting to the event, because it's the first thing they'll see. Don't make that mistake. Head over here last. 

Walking Dead: ​If there is no line or you don't visit the park much then go for it. 

Front of the Line tip: Same as Lower Lot and Backlot. If the lines are on the short side go through once with the GP and once using your Front of the Line. You always see different things on each walk-through. ​

Jabbawockeez

Like the last few years, there is only one show at HHN this year. Once we get showtimes we'll update this with recommended times to go. 
Once you have completed all the mazes you can hang around the scare zones and watch the talent, check the wait board to see if there are any short maze or ride lines or if you have a Front of the Line Pass use up any trips you haven't already. 

Do some shopping, grab a t-shirt, hang out in the scare zones and drive home safely.  

Pro Tip: If you are at the event until it closes you may get to experience the amazing "Chainsaw Chase-Out". It's a great HHN tradition. ​
Alright, that'll do it for this years Survival Guide. We will be attending 2 nights over the first weekend (once with Front of the Line and once without) so we'll be updating this for sure early next week. 

Related Videos:

Related Updates: 
  • Jurassic World The Ride Media Night at Universal Studios Hollywood - July 23, 2019
  • Universal Minions 5k at Universal Studios Hollywood - May 18, 2019
  • Universal Orlando Non-Park Update - May 13, 2019
  • Universal Studios Hollywood Update - February 25, 2019
  • Lunar New year Celebration 2019 at Universal Studios Hollywood


If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

If you have any comments, please share them below

    Categories

    All 2014 Attractions 2015 Attractions 2016 Attractions 2017 Attractions 2018 Attractions 2019 Attractions 2020 Attractions 2021 Attractions 2022 Attractions 2023 Attractions 2025 Attractions 2026 Attractions Bourne Stuntacular Cabana Bay Celestial Park Dark Universe Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem Diagon Alley Donkey Kong Country Dreamworks Theater Epic Universe Eyegore Awards Fast And Furious Fast And Furious: Hollywood Drift Fast And Furious: Supercharged Grinchmas Halloween Horror Nights Harry Potter Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey Helios Helios Grand Hotel Hogwarts How To Train Your Dragon Hulk Islands Of Adventure Isle Of Berk Jupiter's Claim Jurassic Park Jurassic World Lunar New Year Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge Minions Nintendo Nye Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon Reign Of Kong Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash Simpsons Springfield Studio Tour Super Mario Land Super Nintendo World The Incredible Hulk Coaster The Voice The Walking Dead Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Transformers: The Ride Universal Cinema Universal Citywalk Universal Horror Unleashed Universal Orlando Universal Running Universal Studios Florida Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Japan Volcano Bay Wizarding World

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    RSS Feed