Halloween Horror Nights 23 Speculation

[TylerDurden]

BTW, this had been tossed around before, but got solid confirmation re: this year's SZs--no chainsaws, no stilts, no rodents.

What is the reason for this? I can try to find the positive side of all Walking Dead scarezones and heavy IP inspiration for the houses...but this is just kind of turning into a joke. Like what exactly are they trying to accomplish by getting rid of these things, especially chainsaws which have become not only a staple for the event, but for all Halloween events in general?

 

[Clive]

What is the reason for this? I can try to find the positive side of all Walking Dead scarezones and heavy IP inspiration for the houses...but this is just kind of turning into a joke. Like what exactly are they trying to accomplish by getting rid of these things, especially chainsaws which have become not only a staple for the event, but for all Halloween events in general?

I've got an answer - and it isn't a pleasant one.

Money.

 

[Cupcakes]

I think it's even a bigger slap in the face that they're going to ruin the Rat Lady tradition this year in addition, something that's always been a staple of the event since Day One.

 

[Clive]

I think it's even a bigger slap in the face that they're going to ruin the Rat Lady tradition this year in addition, something that's always been a staple of the event since Day One.

That one I suspect has less to do with money (though I'm almost positive the "Rat Lady" herself gets paid more than the standard issue scare actor) and more to do with jumping in bed with AMC. AMC won't want anything in the streets to distract from/break the cohesion of its Walking Dead palooza.

Actually, come to think of it, that still has a ton to do with money. $$$ gained through this very lucrative selling out to AMC is more important over allowing the tradition of the Rat Lady, stilts, or chainsaws to continue.

 

[TylerDurden]

I've got an answer - and it isn't a pleasant one.

Money.

It sucks because I back up their decision to use IP's because I understand they have to make money...but in them making so much money by attracting so many fans of the IP's they're planning on using, you'd think they wouldn't have to cut costs on simple things like this that, when put together, make up a big part of the event.

If it's really all because AMC is that strict on what Universal can do with their property, then that kinda blows but hopefully they're a complete nightmare to work with and won't stick around for too long after this year.

 

[Clive]

It sucks because I back up their decision to use IP's because I understand they have to make money...but in them making so much money by attracting so many fans of the IP's they're planning on using, you'd think they wouldn't have to cut costs on simple things like this that, when put together, make up a big part of the event.

If it's really all because AMC is that strict on what Universal can do with their property, then that kinda blows but hopefully they're a complete nightmare to work with and won't stick around for too long after this year.

The cutting philosophy reminds me a lot of a certain mouse-based resort down the street......

See, I thought the same thing, last year - and then we have this. Honestly, I think the marketing/pencil-pushing/executive folks don't care about the creative sacrifices/stranglehold AMC gets (probably doesn't help that they're used to giving away such control to people like JKR). They likely make the call, tell AMC they get what they want, and then tell A&D and the other HHN creatives to "deal with it."

 

[shiekra38]

The cutting philosophy reminds me a lot of a certain mouse-based resort down the street......

See, I thought the same thing, last year - and then we have this. Honestly, I think the marketing/pencil-pushing/executive folks don't care about the creative sacrifices/stranglehold AMC gets (probably doesn't help that they're used to giving away such control to people like JKR). They likely make the call, tell AMC they get what they want, and then tell A&D and the other HHN creatives to "deal with it."

HHN is slowly becoming the WDW of the haunt industry


No Chainsaws, Rodents, or Stilts...that's OK we have Zombie meet and greets
Anyone else find it hard to tell the difference between those that have had too much Duff and the Zombies...I'm trying to lighten things up..:blank:

 

[Hockeyman55]

How much does it seriously cost to run some chainsaws each night Besides the cost for each TM and the gas, it shouldn't really cost much. I can see the stilt guys being cut due to being a safety issue with the drunks running around.

 

[SeventyOne]

I think it's even a bigger slap in the face that they're going to ruin the Rat Lady tradition this year in addition, something that's always been a staple of the event since Day One.

I totally agree. I might not even notice the lack of stilts--but no chainsaws or Rat Lady?

How much does it seriously cost to run some chainsaws each night Besides the cost for each TM and the gas, it shouldn't really cost much. I can see the stilt guys being cut due to being a safety issue with the drunks running around.

What safety issue? In my 12 years of going, never heard of anyone being injured by a chainsaw.

 

[Hockeyman55]

I totally agree. I might not even notice the lack of stilts--but no chainsaws or Rat Lady?

I can see the stilt guys being cut due to being a safety issue with the drunks running around.

What safety issue? In my 12 years of going, never heard of anyone being injured by a chainsaw.

Stilt guys not the chain saw guys

 

[tiredoldspook]

Still just sitting back

 

[shiekra38]

How much does it seriously cost to run some chainsaws each night Besides the cost for each TM and the gas, it shouldn't really cost much. I can see the stilt guys being cut due to being a safety issue with the drunks running around.

....an arm and a leg apparently *bud dum psst*


I'll find the exit, no need to escort me

 

[Shucker]

Holy over reactions. I am again going to reiterate this for potential first timers to HHN that are coming to this site, it is going to be an awesome experience (assuming you like Halloween stuff). Universal over the past several years has made dramatic changes to how they do business in all aspects of the parks. Virtually every change has been a home run. I betting this too will follow that same trend even if they do have bow down to the evil AMC (as they did with JKR and man that really made the Harry Potter world suck). As for the chainsaws and rat lady, I bet if they kept those gags in that people would actually complain, come on creative, cant you think of something new!

I am super excited about the event and it seems like every time I come to this thread it is always about how bad its going to be and how Universal is becoming money hungry Disney wannabes.

 

[Clive]

Holy over reactions. I am again going to reiterate this for potential first timers to HHN that are coming to this site, it is going to be an awesome experience (assuming you like Halloween stuff). Universal over the past several years has made dramatic changes to how they do business in all aspects of the parks. Virtually every change has been a home run. I betting this too will follow that same trend even if they do have bow down to the evil AMC (as they did with JKR and man that really made the Harry Potter world suck). As for the chainsaws and rat lady, I bet if they kept those gags in that people would actually complain, come on creative, cant you think of something new!

I am super excited about the event and it seems like every time I come to this thread it is always about how bad its going to be and how Universal is becoming money hungry Disney wannabes.

Andddddd there it is... right on cue.

If you're honestly seeing cutting a bunch of time-honored traditions as a "good thing," don't know what to tell you. No one's saying the event will be complete crap. We're expressing our disappointment that Universal is slowly cutting away little things that made it special.

Rodent of the Haunt Industry... that's good.

 

[shiekra38]

Holy over reactions. I am again going to reiterate this for potential first timers to HHN that are coming to this site, it is going to be an awesome experience (assuming you like Halloween stuff). Universal over the past several years has made dramatic changes to how they do business in all aspects of the parks. Virtually every change has been a home run. I betting this too will follow that same trend even if they do have bow down to the evil AMC (as they did with JKR and man that really made the Harry Potter world suck). As for the chainsaws and rat lady, I bet if they kept those gags in that people would actually complain, come on creative, cant you think of something new!

I am super excited about the event and it seems like every time I come to this thread it is always about how bad its going to be and how Universal is becoming money hungry Disney wannabes.

I see your point(s)..however..day product and HHN should never be compared..The author of Harry Potter involved in the Harry Potter section of the park is a lot different than..AMC involved in UNIVERSAL's Halloween Horror Nights...once it is called AMC's Halloween Horror Nights I will stop complaining about them having a stranglehold on Universal..but for now they are a money making thorn in our side..People and money make the event..we understand this, but for the sake of losing what made the event great is what we are concerned about...No chainsaws at HHN is like replacing wine with cranberry juice at Epcot's Food and Wine festival...it's just wrong..and it's the chipping away at the foundation of the event that continues to spoil it...the event has become less of a 'come and see' event and more of a Billboard for other horror properties..I hate to say it, but I see a day when HHN becomes so deluded that we will no longer have any interest in it and be forced to visit HOS only (which by the way far exceeded HHN in every aspect last year)

 

[Shucker]

I dont see it as cutting, I see it as changing/evolving. Not saying change is always better, but I would trade Kong for the Mummy, Jaws for HP2, and even BTTF for what all they have done with the Simpsons. Plus, I would be willing to bet with all the IPs they are bringing in, Universal is laying out more cash for the event then in the past (of course with the hope to make more $$$, boo hiss, evil Universal).

I could be wrong, but think its going to be a great year with some over the top sets and layouts. I just wish there more excitement in this thread other than the sky is falling.

 

[Cupcakes]

Well, I'm sorry, but you're just going to have to tolerate our opinions.

And to be fair, we don't think everything about the event will be bad. We have shown a fair amount of interest in the American Werewolf in London house as well as the Cabin in the Woods house. Plus, we are curious as to how the non-IP based houses will turn out. It's mostly the streets we're not feeling good about.

 

[Tbad556]

From the HHN Facebook page:

Join us in learning what fate has in store for you at HHN23 during ‪#‎HHNRevealWeek‬.

Next week, we’ll be revealing new info about HHN23 every midnight (ET) beginning August 12. Keep an eye out for daily hints on what’s to come…

 

[Shucker]

I figured since I have been complaining about the negativity and not posting anything positive myself I should actually post something about the event:

"Next week, we’ll be revealing new info about HHN23 every midnight (ET) beginning August 12. Keep an eye out for daily hints on what’s to come…"

Oops, looks like TBAD beat me to it

 

[Tbad556]

I dont see it as cutting, I see it as changing/evolving. Not saying change is always better, but I would trade Kong for the Mummy, Jaws for HP2, and even BTTF for what all they have done with the Simpsons. Plus, I would be willing to bet with all the IPs they are bringing in, Universal is laying out more cash for the event then in the past (of course with the hope to make more $$$, boo hiss, evil Universal).

I could be wrong, but think its going to be a great year with some over the top sets and layouts. I just wish there more excitement in this thread other than the sky is falling.

I'm just going to jump in here as a somewhat neutral perspective because I'm not completely sold on the chainsaws/stilts/Rat Lady info to begin with.

Out of curiosity, what piece of information on this year's event has left of you thinking that it is evolving/progressing this year? To be quite frank, we haven't really been presented with anything that the event hasn't seen before. We've seen IP houses, park-wide scarezones, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show before at Halloween Horror Nights events.

As for excitement, people have mentioned quite a few times that they are indeed excited to see things such as the Cabin in the Woods house, the American Werewolf in London house, and all of the original houses. They've even been fairly positive about the return of Rocky Horror. Most of the disappointment thus far simply lies in the scarezones. I also believe that the event will have some fantastic sets and I'll reiterate that I'm sure I'll enjoy the event this year. However, that doesn't mean that myself and others may not feel disappointed about certain aspects of the event that have been announced thus far.