Halloween Horror Nights 35 (UOR) - Reviews, Photos, & Videos

[Kichkinet85]

After attending opening weekend and sleeping on it for a few days here is my rankings.

Houses:

1. Jack and Oddfellow
2. Hellrasier
3. Cybergoria
4. Invasion
5. H.R. Bloodengutz
6. Ozzy
7. Evil Dead Burn
8. Sinners
9. Madlands
10. Stranger Things 5

Zones:

1. Downtown Clowntown
2. Sideshow of Decay
3. I.C.O.N
4. Fortnitemares

Street Experiences:

1. Mel’s DIE IN
2. Club Horror

Shows:

1. Stranger Things:
2. Nightmare Fuel

Sure these will change some by the end of the event. But for now here you go.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

(Scare Spoiler)
Too early to review, but the biggest positive this year for me so far is the lack of those false drop down photos/windows they’ve overused over the years.

I don’t recall seeing or hearing one this year.

They are effective, but they became overutilized.

 

[Frank Drackman]

camera speed not AI

 

[Frank Drackman]

 

[Myah1220]

View attachment 30820

I especially love this one!

 

[Brian G.]

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year; and anniversary years always come with a little extra weight.

So what did we think of this year’s event? #HHN35

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando - Inside Universal

Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year, bringing another massive lineup of haunted houses, scare zones, live

www.insideuniversal.net

 

[MAC]

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year; and anniversary years always come with a little extra weight.

So what did we think of this year’s event? #HHN35

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando - Inside Universal

Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year, bringing another massive lineup of haunted houses, scare zones, live

www.insideuniversal.net

Hm... Not sure if it looks the same for everyone else or just me.

All I see is

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[hunnylvr]

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year; and anniversary years always come with a little extra weight.

So what did we think of this year’s event? #HHN35

REVIEW: Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando - Inside Universal

Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Orlando for its 35th year, bringing another massive lineup of haunted houses, scare zones, live

www.insideuniversal.net

Brian, you could be my long lost brother. Read your whole review and was agreeing with just about everything. Our only big difference would be switching the places for Ozzy and Hellraiser. However, we both have the same passion about our faves.. so there's that. Wish I would've known you were at PS - would've hunted you down for a drink. Maybe next year.

 

[MAC]

First night of HHN in the bag. Tonight was a bonus day. Spent all day traveling, got to Cabana Bay around 430pm, checked in thankfully in 10 minutes, and went up to the room to get ourselves situated.

This was intended as a 'do what you can, don't kill yourself' kind of night. Was able to do Evil Dead Burn, Jack and Oddfellow, and Madlands.

First up, Evil Dead Burn. The most paint-by-numbers house I've seen in a while. Nothing creative or innovative about it. Happy to have gotten that out of the way.

Jack + Oddfellow. Man, this house is a ton of fun and creative. They pushed the boundaries in this house and it is one I intend to repeat quite a bit before I leave. Just all around impressed with it.

Madlands. First off, got in the queue when it said 20 mins. After 20 mins (the wait time board still said 20 mins), still had some time to go. Ended up going to 50 mins. This house is not worth 50 mins. However, it's an interesting house and does more to push the envelope than Evil Dead Burn did. I'd do it again if it was a true 15-20 minute way to check it out again.

Edit (#1): Instead of making new posts, I will just add to this.

So, night #2 (and we were gone by 7PM, thank you Scream Early, the best decision someone has had in years) was a huge success. Knocked out five houses between 2-7pm and did 3 runs of a house for the first time ever.

First up, Hellraiser. Oh man, this house is intense in all the best ways, This house doesn't need to do anything new because the way it's constructed, the theming, the design of everything, is spot on. This is knowing you hae a fastball no one can hit (nothing fancy), and throwing it each time to get the final better out in the bottom of the 9th of Game 7 of the World Series. There was nothing fancy in this house (to me), but it worked. And I did three runs back-to-back-to-back. Just an amazing house and shot to the top (check better be in the mail @Brian G.)

Second, was Stranger Things 5. Now, I've never done a ST house, so this was all fresh to me and I thought it was good. I could understand if it's essentially the same house each year that it would grow old. WIth that being said, I enjoyed this house much more than I thought I would considering that and appreciated the unique scares, the design of the house, the recreation of the house and the scenes and I say that as someone who has watched ST from time to time.

Third, was Cybergoria. This is a really strong house that is intense in the right ways. It doesn't recreate the wheel, but what it does, it does well. I appreciate the story going into the house and felt like it accomplishes what it set out nicely.

Fourth, was Invasion: Alien Whatever. They shouldn't have this house running. It's bland. It's short. It's nothing special. At least have it empty out into the same queue as Sinners and Hellraiser so I can queue up for one of those houses when I'm done with this.

Fifth, was Sinners. And this was a house I was really excited for and it's a beautiful house, but it's just a solid house. I think I saw like six vampires in the entire thing? Just, not there for the scares, but I was there for the vibes.

So, early ranking are as follows:

1) Hellraiser
2) Jack + Oddfellow
3) Cybergoria
4) Sinners
5) Stranger Things 5
6) Madlands
7) Evil Dead Burns
8) Invasion: Alien Abduction (?)

Left to experience? Ozzy. HR Bloodengutz.

Edit (#2): Alright, managed to complete the last two houses last night.

HR Bloodengutz - Loved this house and hope get to get a couple more runs of it before I leave this week. This house does a good job with the humor and poking fun at things, which is the highlight for me. It runs counter to everything else about the event in the best way. Great facade coming in and the transition rooms were nice to get you ready for the next room. Great design, great sets, and there was even a scare that surprised me.

Ozzy - Fun house all around. It felt like walking through each of Ozzy's videos. Not so much on the scares, but I love the thought and care they put into this (and I say this as not a big Ozzy fan).

Updated Rankings
1) Hellraiser
2) Jack + Oddfellow
3) HR Bloodengutz
4) Ozzy
5) Cybergoria
6) Sinners
7) Stranger Things 5
8) Madlands
9) Evil Dead Burns
10) Invasion: Alien Abduction (?)

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Attended 6 nights, 4 with express. The 2pm opening is great, just don't go until 3, then Hellraiser is a walk on, and ST and J+O die down after that.
Wednesday with no express I got 15 houses done from 3pm to 2am, with lots of chill time in zones and Diagon Alley. I was by myself that night so could go long.

Houses:

1. Hellraiser, just an awesome house, lots of scares and very long. I might like Insidious more, but it is very very close.
2. Jack and Oddfellow, very fun house and still get good scares. Love the tunnel and slanted floor.
3. Evil Dead Burn, I thought it was good if you watched the movie, which was bad, but I really like the house.
4. Ozzy, love Ozzy and loved the music, would be higher with a few more scares, especially on the Crazy Train, need more SA's there!
5. ST5, I feel like if you like ST you will enjoy the house. I think it is similar to H.R., where the house depends on your love for the source material. I do not think H.R. deserves as much praise, as it is just a fun non scary house.
6. H.R. Bloodengutz, fun and non scary as said above. Some scenes are just way to short of a walk thru to have this house any higher. I really liked the short TV descriptions before each room, just wish it was a longer house.
7. Cybergoria, most runs were fine, but not as intense as I've seen other reviews. If my 1 or 2 intense runs were every time, then it would be higher.
8. Madlands, had a couple good runs, nothing special but not bad
9. Sinners, just did not find this house good at all, poor man's Darkest Deal, Very poor mans.
10. Invasion, did not like. Aliens did a weird dance all the time and just was not good.

Zones:

1. Downtown Clowntown, super fun, lots to see, can spend a ton of time here. Only complaint is the overcrowding in front of Chance, but nothing you can do about that.
2. Sideshow of Decay, Cool zone that is pretty chill due to location and not needing to travel thru to get to houses.
3. I.C.O.N
4. Fortnitemares, I don't hate the concept, but do Hate the Execution of it. Put this in Club Horror instead, because as is, Club Horror Sucks!

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Invasion, did not like. Aliens did a weird dance all the time and just was not good.

This is surprising hearing it here because two people in our group rated it #1. I think that’s a sign of a good year where there’s such divergence in rankings.

 

[Lucky Planet]

 

[Parkscope Joe]

My rough rankings.

1. Jack & Oddfellow
2. Ozzy
3. Cybergoria
4. Hellraiser
5. Aliens
6. HR BNG
7. ST5
8. Madlands
9. Sinners
10. EDB

 

[Kichkinet85]

After going Saturday and Sunday I can say scare actors are getting better. Saturday was nice crowd wise but Sunday got very busy with the holiday on Monday. Felt more busy than opening night. Had the AAP so still managed 13 houses Sunday. Speaking of AAP, making the break period longer is annoying and a pain but I see why they did it. It’s annoying though I would get out of the house at times and still have to wait till I could get a new time. Overall it was still a nice weekend and got a lot done.

 

[JonsMovies]

Could you please elaborate on the break period for the AAP? Haven't been in a few years so I know the procedure is quite different but haven't heard about this new rule yet.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Could you please elaborate on the break period for the AAP? Haven't been in a few years so I know the procedure is quite different but haven't heard about this new rule yet.

There’s a delay between the time you “check in” at a house to the time you can get your next return time.

The delay prevents guests from getting an AAP immediately after they get checked in at a house. It’s suppose to account for the time going through the house and any express waits to be fairer.

 

[OrlandoGuy]

There’s a delay between the time you “check in” at a house to the time you can get your next return time.

The delay prevents guests from getting an AAP immediately after they get checked in at a house. It’s suppose to account for the time going through the house and any express waits to be fairer.

That sounds fair, no?

 

[UniversalRBLX]

That sounds fair, no?

Yes, there’s been a few complaints online but it’s ultimately a fair solution. The system is meant to emulate the standard guest experience, not enhance.

 

[Brian G.]

Please keep this to review talk. Thanks!

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Opening thoughts:
Overall, I’d say this is a pretty solid year. It definitely does not have as consistent of a house lineup as last year did, which is a bit disappointing for an anniversary year. However, there are some true standout houses and excellent energy throughout the scarezones.

Houses:

10. Invasion: Alien Abduction (Grade - 5/10; Runs - 2): All my worst fears about this house came true sadly. It’s super short with poor scareactor placement. I’d be a little more forgiving if the set design was massive, but it isn’t! The house honestly feels like reheated nachos from Scarecrow and Hive without any of the intensity those houses had. If I end up going again at the end of the season, I might give it one more shot, but it isn’t worth the 20-30 min investment when I think every other house this year at least offers something appealing to me.

9. Evil Dead Burn (Grade - 7/10; Runs - 2): It’s got a cool start, and there are two scares in the middle that can absolutely scare the hell out of you coming right after SIF. Aside from that stuff? Eh. Both casts are clearly trying to make the most of pretty plain character design, and it isn’t a boring house to walk through at least. It’s sort of a weird double edged sword because there are scenes that clearly utilize the benefits of being in a soundstage, but a tighter tent setting might’ve helped a bit.

8. Madlands (Grade - 7/10; Runs - 3): considering how much I’ve read about this being the weakest house, I’m pleasantly surprised this wasn’t the case for me at least. The set design is fun, albeit hit or miss with how it actually utilizes the soundstage space it’s in, and the casts are aggressive despite unscary costumes.

7. HR Bloodengutz (Grade - 7.5/10; Runs - 2): I posted this in the dedicated thread the other day, but it’s a house that wants to be fanservice without actually delivering anything substantial. It’s a fun walkthrough but not much more.

6. Stranger Things 5 (Grade - 7.5/10; Runs - 4): Dare I say this is the best Stranger Things house Orlando has done? Sure, Vecna and the Demogorgans aren’t the scariest, but I felt all the actors at least gave a damn about their performances and made the most of being in an end of run franchise house. Even hero actors like Hopper and Mike startled me. There are a lot of standout sets too.

5. Sinners (Grade - 7.5/10; Runs - 3): Sigh… I enjoyed all my runs through this house (and my last run of the weekend had some good scares), but I wanted a much more visceral experience. Almost half the house centers around the first 50-60 mins of the movie, and the explosive finale is reduced to essentially 2 rooms. Since I love the movie, it was always fun to go through, but it’s essentially on par with Fallout for a book report house.

4. Ozzy Osbourne (Grade - 8/10; Runs - 3): This is a very unique house and a clear love letter from the creative team. I’m not the biggest Ozzy fan/listener, but the soundtrack makes it engaging throughout the full run. I especially loved the Crazy Train scenes and the final room. It isn’t overly scary, though the blackout room was always anxiety inducing to go through. Overall, just a strong, crowdpleasing house.

3. Cybergoria (Grade - 9/10; Runs - 3): While I don’t think it quite hits the highs of Jason last year, all my runs were extremely uncomfortable and felt inescapable. My last run on Sunday had me going “[Frick] this” for half the house. The cyborg design looks appalling and gets even more off putting by the end of the house, and because there’s one around almost every corner, you feel their brutality in every movement. The only thing keeping this from being a standout for me is the set design. Obviously the house is dimly lit to hide the gore, but there’s about one too many barren hallway for my liking. The intensity barely bumps it up to a 9 for me

2. Jack and Oddfellow (Grade - 9/10; Runs - 5): In some ways, this is a comfort house of the year. Is it the scariest? No. Is it doing anything truly new and original for the event? For me, not really. However, the story and lore make this house a blast. The dueling narrative and narration between Jack and Oddfellow make the whole house cohesive, and while the scares aren’t the best this year, I had a few good jumps in all my runs. This house reminds me why icon houses can truly succeed.

1. Hellraiser (Grade - 9.5/10; Runs - 7): Hell. Yes. Considering I did this house 6 times on my trip, it says a lot that my later runs continued to scare the living hell out of me. The layout is such a labyrinth that makes you forget where you’re walking or how many rooms you’ve been through, and I’m truly in awe at how actors can easily jump between rooms. It’s the kind of house that reinforces why I visit this event annually, and more than that, it’s a house that would justify going down to Florida again before the season ends.

Zones:
Overall, I think the team did a fantastic job with zones this year. I’d rank them Clowntown/Sideshow/Fortnitemares/ICON, but the first 3 really made me stop and watch the chaos unfold. Sideshow in particular had an aggressive cast on the streets.

Shows:
Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins was a fine lagoon show, but it’s more of a vibe / sendoff for the franchise at the event than anything super exciting. Growing up with the show as a teen, I definitely felt nostalgic for the earlier seasons (which is more than I can say about the final season). It’s a fine 7/10, I guess.

Didn’t do Nightmare Fuel because I was pressed for time and genuinely don’t care. It would be nice to get a new show…

Closing Thoughts:
After opening weekend last year, I knew that I would try my best to come back for another trip that season because it truly felt like HHN got its groove again, and I did return for the final week. When I asked myself if I’d want to come back at the end of this trip, I was torn. While my top three would have heavy pull for another visit, I don’t think the house lineup overall has enough “very good” houses to make spending $1,000+ on a weekend trip too financially sensible relative to my enjoyment. There were lessons learned from last year that helped keep the energy up, but the house lineup feels closer to a 2021-2023 type year (it’s still miles ahead of 2024 at least). Next year, I’d like to see some bigger risks taken on the original houses, especially when 3/5 of this year’s originals ended up in my bottom half for the ranking. For IPs next year, give me more Hellraiser/Ozzy houses that take liberty to stray from the source material and less book reports like Sinners/Stranger Things/Evil Dead. I need to give some thought on where I’d rank this year overall since I started attending in 2024, but it’s probably somewhere right in the middle.