I know we're moving on - this isn't meant as a retort or continuation of the argument. Below is just my evaluation of the lineup in terms of draw/impact.
Walking Dead is what it is. It was inevitable, and for many guests, a continual draw. And, in fairness, Walking Dead is certainly now a core part of the event's history.
Freddy vs. Jason is HUGE. 2 for the price of 1. A good get, and honestly great for the anniversary year because it has roots in 2007.
Insidious is less of an "anniversary" property, but it is a *good* property that should translate to a strong house if executed correctly.
Scream is a strong older property with no roots in the anniversary theme - so again, not a great pick for the 25th, but a good pick otherwise. Purge, its replacement, was obviously last minute - but is in some ways fitting. It's a Universal film - almost every year with the exception of HHNXX had some Uni film tie-in. *Synergy!*
The Anniversary House is the spiritual successor to Hallow'd Past. Hugely necessary and will hopefully be strong.
Psychoscareapy vs. Body Collectors is a cool way to incorporate two classics into something new and interesting - the exact opposite of a "retread." Very into it.
RUN 3 could go a couple of ways, depending on the direction they take it. I think most would prefer the original 2001 game show/"Running Man" approach - it'd be a way to try the house as a "do over" without the complications of 9/11. This'll be significantly less interesting if they go for the "Hostel" interpretation from the 2006 sequel.
Asylum in Wonderland 3D makes total sense, both as an extension of the venerable Scary Tales franchise and another in the long line of 3D houses. Should be really cool.
American Werewolf in London Redux is honestly the only *true* disappointment in the lineup - a revival/retread of an old concept from 10 years ago is one thing (see RUN), but 2 years ago isn't enough time. I understand this is A&D's "favorite," they can justify using the expensive puppets again, and they didn't really have the budget to wholly fabricate a new 9th house, so it has its advantages. I certainly won't mind walking through it again.
Things get even *better* when you look at the scare zones...
Steampunk Scary Tales is a great blend of Path of the Wicked's steampunk-leaning aesthetic with Scary Tales proper. Classic HHN property gets its presence.
The icon zone goes without saying. I'm wondering how it'll be framed/set up - probably something like Fear Revealed with vignettes.
The All Night Die-In zone should be a wonderful tribute to both the black and white classic monsters of old and the newer, in-color slashers. Really excited to see a bunch of old HHN favorites - I'd expect Mary Shaw and Chucky, for example.
Traditional Central Park zone ties into numerous HHN properties - hard to say what exactly since we don't know the backstory they're shooting for. But given the theme, it obviously has its place.
The one question mark is the New York "fall festival plus something," maybe Psychoscareapy inmates, maybe something else - who knows. Should still be cool.
Add in the hordes (Chainsaw Drill Teams) and you've got a strong street presence.
Honestly, this is the best lineup I've seen since 2011. I preferred that house lineup (keep in mind I'm a big Originals > IPs guy) but depending on how they turn out this year's zone lineup could easily end up being better.