I don't think TWD venue will be an option for next year as they will have to throw some money into gutting it for a flex venue. Even if they were to start gutting it for flex space like Nov 1st, they would still need time to asses the space and think about how they will use it. By the time the process of converting it into an open venue would be complete, construction for houses will have already started, making it too late to plan for a house in there. So unless they decide to mothball TWDA until next year or just make a really cheap overlay like Walking Dead Remix or Zombiez: Music by Slash, I don't see them using that space next year.
They do have the Curious George lot available for the event now, but if you have the Metro sets as well....that's a LOT of walking bro. I don't mind the walk but I doubt a lot of people are going to be down for all of that exercise. If they do bring back the Metro sets for HHN, I don't think the Curious George lot will be necessary. I know some of us are eager to add houses, but let's be real here: If we want a good event with little-to-no black walls, they can't afford to do like eight houses and the tram. You'd be amazed how much the tram cost to operate during the event. If they only run the electric ones then that will probably shave the cost of fuel and maintenance.
They really, REALLY need to focus on quality over quantity. I know the event has been getting pretty crowded this year, but I don't think adding more houses will help the event. The event should be no bigger than seven houses and the tram MAX (Though six plus the tram would be more ideal IMO). Anything more than that is too much for the event's budget. If you add wednesdays into late September and throughout October, I think the crowds will be balanced out pretty good, especially if you keep Potter open and have Dark Arts operating for the event. They need to prioritize improving the event.