So I attended the event three times this year, once at the start of September, the start of October, and the final night. Overall a solid year all things considered, even with some of the choices and challenges making it happen. I’m like many who feel nothing was outright bad but also there’s little to consider outstanding.
10. Triplets of Terror: I regret missing this on the final night because I’m sure I would’ve had a new perspective. It’s a house that I’ll remember wanting more from for sure. Some energetic performers and a unique setting but it was just too brief. I feel like the podcast room could’ve been ditched since it’s already so short, but I understand doing a cohesive fast-forward was what they wanted to do. I’m glad there were some big fans of this one though, that’s always nice to see.
9. Eternal Bloodlines: I never went through with a full cast. I went four times and I know I didn’t see it all which is a shame. I feel the story could’ve been simpler and the globe-trotting aspect should’ve been replaced with the castle alone for a more focused experience like Legends Collide, but I do respect the design choices. There’s some good ping-pong scares and a cool finale but it just felt a little too much with too little happening if that makes sense.
8. Monstruos: Maybe it’s the familiarity with the Hollywood house, I’m not sure, but I tend to forget about this one which makes me feel bad because it’s a fine house. The performers were great, especially the stiltwalkers. I can’t deny the intensity here, but I just never got into it.
7. A Quiet Place: This house didn’t seem to change much on repeat visits, and that’s by its own design. That said, it was enjoyable every time. The soundscape was very intense and the puppets were always fun to see come to life.
6. Slaughter Sinema 2: Although not as scary as the first, it was still a good time. I really don’t have much else to say, it was a solid sequel.
5. Museum: What a weird house. I can’t think of a house with this many strange decisions put into it, and although not all great, I found myself enjoying it a lot. I think this cast improved the most throughout the season, some were really fast and in your face the last night, which helped the haunt tremendously.
4. Ghostbusters: A lot of fun. Tons of variety of characters and scares gave the house a lot of personality and energy, plus the massive scale of it all was cool to see.
3. Major Sweets: Makes me excited to see future F&F houses, because this blew the previous ones out of the water. Claustrophobic and fast-paced with interactive elements makes this a stand-out for sure.
2. Goblin’s Feast: Not much to say that hasn’t been said. Awesome sets, costumes, and performances. My only gripe is that I wish it had one or two more scenes.
1. Insidious: Very good. Fantastic cast. I can’t think of anything I would want more from this house. A well-deserved HOTY.
I didn’t see the zones enough to rank them, but with the exception of Duality (whose scareactors were still great), they were pretty good.
I can agree somewhat that the year did feel a little different, but it was still HHN through and through. I had massive fun every night and every TM working the event gets a big thank you from me. Next year will be an interesting beast with Epic on the way, so I’m curious to see what vibes 2025 brings, especially with Aiello back. And finally a big shoutout to all scareactors, you are all incredible and make HHN what it is every year!