SeventyOne
Platinum Member
My memory sometimes is a little foggy but hasn't HHN always been a overly crowded event year in and year out? I could swear I have seen some of these long lines in years past whether it was in one park or both parks and even before express was even around. Im also only going by Friday and Saturday nights since I never have been on a weekday night and have tried to go earlier in the event but that hasn't always been the case either.
Going back to 2001, Hell Week has always been crowded--generally the second to last weekend, as well. Not sure 150-minute lines were ever that common, tho. (And the consistent topping out at 150 implies lines were actually longer, that's just where they quite counting). Also, earlier nights, say the first three weeks, were never that bad. This year, early opening weekend has seen Hell Week like crowds almost every night.
It's basically like Food & Wine being crowded on a Wednesday.
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Well last night there was a line within the lines of people buying drinks in those little drink stands. And I talked to one of those nurse chicks who sells the blood bags, they have been sold out of those for a while now. They had little Halloween buckets filled with tiny jello shots going for $5.50. Even the express people had a drink stand, which the line for Gothic seemed to be about half an hour, at least that's how long I we waited after catching up to them.
No doubt they're making some money, but the REAL money is in the full drinks (with blinky cup!) and merch. Food, too, at the prices they get. And the in-line sellers require cash (many people just don't carry it anymore). There is plenty of money being left on the table with 2.5-hour lines.