Park Journey
Menu

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood Survival Guide 2016

9/12/2016

1 Comment

 
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: Last year we did make changes to our Survival Guide after opening weekend, and that will likely be the case this year. 

Updated: 9/16/2016

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
  • BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!!! The event sells out. Tickets will not be available at the ticket booths. 
  • 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. You must arrive between 5:00 and 6:00 to get early entry. 
  • 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 Despicable Me, 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 Day/Night Combo Pass so you can ride during the day and get scared at night. Day/Night Combo passes are available on the HHN site when you buy tickets. 
  • WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! This should pretty much be a no brainer but you'd be surprised. You will be walking on trails on the Terror Tram. You will be taking escalators up and down to the lower lot. Do yourself a favor and be comfortable. 

Maze Order
Note: We've learned that there will once again be no shuttle from the lower lot to the metro set mazes. With this in mind we've modified our Maze Order below. 
Early Entry: 

Update from John Murdy (@horrornights) regarding early entry: 

At HHN we reward the Early Bird by allowing guests to enter early and get a jump start on the mazes before the event "officially opens". 
Three will be 3 mazes available for Early Entry. The Exorcist, American Horror Story and Freddy Vs Jason. Early entry usually begins around 6ish. Listen for announcements at the main gate. I believe Exorcist opens 6:15, FVJ & AHS 6:30.


Metro Set Mazes: 

Most people assume that you should head to the Terror Tram first. And if you don't show up when the event starts then this is probably your best bet. But if you have followed the instructions above and are at the for Early Entry you should follow the Early Entry instructions above.

If you do not get there in time for early entry but are there at opening first thing you should do is head down to the Metro Sets and go through American Horror Story, Freddy vs Jason and Krampus. 

We are also assuming that American Horror Story will be one of the most popular mazes this year, if not ever as it is extremely anticipated. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Front of the Line tip: If lines are short when you get to the Metro Sets (if you are there for Early Entry DO NOT use your Front of the Line Pass at that time) go through once with the GP and use your FOTL pass later in the evening when it's busier. 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. ​

Lower Lot Mazes: 

Once you have finished the Metro Set mazes and made your walk back to the Lower Lot, we suggest doing Halloween and Exorcist prior to heading back to the upper lot. 
Picture
Picture
Front of the Line tip: If the lines are 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 you don't have a Front of the Line Pass, don't be tempted by "Jurassic Park: In The Dark". It's just "Jurassic Park: At Night". But if it's hot and there isn't a line, by all means go for it. ​

Terror Tram: 

At this point you've already completed 5 of the 7 mazes so it's time to head over to the Terror Tram. ​
Picture
Depending on the night, you may have a bit of a wait if you don't have a Front of the Line pass, so be sure to use the restroom and get a snack/drink before getting in line. Even if the line seems long it's always moving unlike maze lines. 

Front of the Line tip: If it's an unexpectedly slow night and there isn't much of a line, feel free to go in with the GP and go again with your FOTL pass. But more likely than not you are only going to be able to do one trip on the Terror Tram. 

You are probably going to need to rest by now, feel free to stop by Springfield or Mel's and get a snack, a meal, etc. Sit around the upper lot scare zone and watch the talent do their thing. 
Picture

Upper Lot Mazes: 

If you've followed the strategy at this point you'll only have two mazes left and plenty of time to do them. Obviously The Walking Dead is a year-round attraction so we'd recommend doing Texas Chainsaw Massacre first. 
Picture
Picture

Jabbawockeez

Like last year, there is only one show at HHN this year. If this is a priority for you then you may want to flip this with The Walking Dead or even the Terror Tram. Once we get showtimes we'll update this with recommended times to go. 
Picture

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. 

​Related Updates: 
  • American Horror Story coming to Halloween Horror Nights
  • Universal Orlando unleashes amazing details for HHN26 
  • Krampus coming to Halloween Horror Nights
  • ​The Walking Dead returns to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando
  • The Exorcist coming to Halloween Horror Nights


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

If you have any comments, please share them below
1 Comment

Universal Orlando Resort Update - Toothsome opens, Hulk and Kong

8/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Now that summer is winding down and many of our AP's are becoming valid again, we're going to start having some new updates, and first up is Renée and Morgan's trip to Universal Orlando Resort yesterday where they got to check out the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. They were also able to check out Reign of Kong and the newly re-opened Hulk. 

Written by Renée Girard 
​Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
Our passes aren't blocked anymore, so we decided to stop by Universal Orlando Resort for the evening
Picture
Before the parks, we thought we'd check out the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk
Picture
Picture
The quick service counter at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is to your left as you enter, with lots of sweet desserts.
Picture
The gift shop is to your right as you enter the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Picture
Picture
There are quite a few unique "steampunk"-ish items for sale in the gift shop as well. ​
Picture
There are quite a few unique "steampunk"-ish items for sale in the gift shop as well. ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​We were intrigued by the different types of marshmallows that they had, including absinthe
Picture
Picture
​The cotton candy display looks awesome and colorful
Picture
​You can also watch as some of the chocolate treats are made right in front of you
Picture
​Entering the actual restaurant at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is quite impressive.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​The team members are great and interactive, including a robot going around to the tables to greet guests.
Picture
​With an hour wait at the restaurant, we opted to just get a drink at the bar upstairs, where you could also get food
Picture
​The chocolate stout beer is made exclusively for the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It's delicious!
Picture
​At the bar, there is a nice view of City Walk as well.
Picture
​The menu is basically a giant book, with several pages of food and drink offerings.
Picture
If you want brunch all day, you can have it here! ​
Picture
The drink selection is huge, and this page is only for the beer.
Picture
The desserts look amazing, and I definitely plan on trying at least one of these next time!
Picture
Picture
​It's really cool to see what they did with the former NBC City restaurant. Toothsome looks fantastic!
Picture
Picture

We ventured to Islands of Adventure to ride the newly updated Hulk coaster.
Picture
​The new locker system works out really well! Just make sure you keep your ticket with you and not in your locker.
Picture
​The new signs, queue and sound system are awesome!
Picture
Picture
​Hulk smash! It's great to have this coaster back!
Picture
​We also finally visited our friend King Kong at Skull Island. 75 minute wait posted was only 55.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
We liked Skull Island, nothing amazing but a solid ride for IOA. Wish they used more animatronics than screens!
Picture
Had a great time checking out the new additions Universal Orlando Resort!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Thanks again to Renée and Morgan for the amazing update, Toothsome looks amazing and of course it's always nice to see an update from Universal Orlando. 

We'll be back at Universal Orlando soon for Halloween Horror Nights!! 

Related Updates: 
  • American Horror Story coming to Halloween Horror Nights
  • Universal Orlando unleashes amazing details for HHN26 
  • Krampus coming to Halloween Horror Nights
  • ​The Walking Dead returns to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando
  • The Exorcist coming to Halloween Horror Nights


​​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
0 Comments

Universal Studios Hollywood Park Update (HHN and More)

6/29/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
After The Walking Dead premiere yesterday we decided to spend some time at the park because we could, and we had taken the day off. (if you missed our coverage of The Walking Dead check it out here)



Written by Gregg Condon
​Below is a quick update from the park including some HHN preparation pics as well as some work going on near Transformers for a new attraction that everybody knows about but isn't announced yet so we'll call it "The Public Death of Wild Animals" (that's opposite of what it is right? ;) ) 

​A busy park without AP's ... imagine that. =) 
Picture
Picture
Down on the lower lot work is already going on for HHN
Picture
Picture
Picture
The spot for "The Public Death of Wild Animals" ... 
Picture
Picture
Picture
The new soundstages near the Metro Sets are HUGE and coming along quite nicely. 
Picture
Picture
Maze at the Metro sets ... from looking at this facade we are about 95% we have this one figured out. 
Picture
Shark Week!! 
Picture
Since Universal Florida decided to send out their humidity since they are mad that Universal Hollywood got The Walking Dead, we needed some yummy refreshments in the afternoon at one of our favorite spots in the park. 
Picture
We hadn't seen Waterworld in about 10 years, so we were overdue
Picture
Picture
Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. We're probably about another month or so away from getting our Annual Passes again and resuming regular park updates but we hope this one is enough to hold you over in the meantime. 

Related Updates: 
  • Media Day and Review of The Walking Dead at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Walker Boot Camp at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • The Walking Dead returns to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando
  • Behind the scenes of The Walking Dead at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • The Exorcist coming to Halloween Horror Nights


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
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Categories

    All
    2014 Attractions
    2015 Attractions
    2016 Attractions
    2017 Attractions
    2018 Attractions
    2019 Attractions
    2020 Attractions
    2021 Attractions
    Bourne Stuntacular
    Cabana Bay
    Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
    Diagon Alley
    Dreamworks Theater
    Epic Universe
    Eyegore Awards
    Fast And Furious: Supercharged
    Grinchmas
    Halloween Horror Nights
    Harry Potter
    Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
    Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
    Hogwarts
    Hulk
    Islands Of Adventure
    Jurassic Park
    Jurassic World
    Lunar New Year
    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 Nintendo World
    The Incredible Hulk Coaster
    The Voice
    The Walking Dead
    Transformers: The Ride
    Universal Cinema
    Universal Citywalk
    Universal Orlando
    Universal Running
    Universal Studios Florida
    Universal Studios Hollywood
    Universal Studios Japan
    Volcano Bay
    Wizarding World

    Archives

    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

  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Cedar Fair
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Park Journey Shop
  • Theme Park Art
  • Past Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Cedar Fair
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Park Journey Shop
  • Theme Park Art
  • Past Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us