Halloween Horror Nights 33 (UOR) - Employee Preview

[Clive]

I've always been surprised that I didn't hear of more issues with stilt walkers being pushed. If a stilt walker is pushed/falls.. there's literally no way to brace for that fall. They're smacking hard right into the concrete.

Interested to see where they are in the houses though! Garraka?

Stilt walkers are (supposed to be) trained in how to fall “safely,” even when the fall is unexpected. It’s still dangerous and can result in injury, which is why stilt walkers are paid more in addition to the fact they have a specialized skill. It’s effectively hazard pay.

In Hollywood, every stilt performer has a dedicated PA that follows them when on set to help mitigate the risk of unruly guests trying something. I’m not sure if Orlando ever did that, but they should.

I am disappointed they are pulling stilts from the streets, but I’m also not surprised. Orlando appears to use cheaper stilts that are harder to effectively move in, and the scope and density of the crowds limit what the performers can actually do.

 

[FaceBagman]

Not a fan lol

All I can think of when I see these are the costumes from the old Rock Odyssey educational film that a teacher fed my 6th grade science class for nightmare fuel many moons ago...

In Hollywood, every stilt performer has a dedicated PA that follows them when on set to help mitigate the risk of unruly guests trying something. I’m not sure if Orlando ever did that, but they should.

Iirc, scare zone actors had PAs in/around the zone, but not always directly with them. An incident happened a few years ago (maybe Vikings? I can't recall what year.) when I witnessed a Central Park stilt walker just outside the zone being harassed by young attendees. The actor had to go notify someone at that small staff area between there & Hollywood Blvd., who then came over with security to boot the kids. Was really difficult and sad to watch.

 

[Rikku]

From what I saw of Demon Queens in videos it looks like less props and stages than I have ever seen in that area. All I can pray for is that some of those costumes aren’t final, in particular the ones that look like just black cloaks….looks very underwhelming

 

[Clive]

From what I saw of Demon Queens in videos it looks like less props and stages than I have ever seen in that area. All I can pray for is that some of those costumes aren’t final, in particular the ones that look like just black cloaks….looks very underwhelming

I also noticed some literally reused masks from Dark Zodiac last year.

 

[Wesker69]

Videos? *searches the interwebs*

 

[Casper Gutman]

I also noticed some literally reused masks from Dark Zodiac last year.

Is there any positive word about the scarezones this year (especially the zones other then Swamp)?

 

[Brian G.]

Is there any positive word about the scarezones this year (especially the zones other then Swamp)?

It seems like Faire and Swamp have been received well.

 

[tittlediddle]

From what I saw of Demon Queens in videos it looks like less props and stages than I have ever seen in that area. All I can pray for is that some of those costumes aren’t final, in particular the ones that look like just black cloaks….looks very underwhelming

I died at the black cloak with the purple swirls on it. It reminds me of the Hide and Shriek scarezone from 13.

 

[Rikku]

I died at the black cloak with the purple swirls on it. It reminds me of the Hide and Shriek scarezone from 13.

Same!!!! The costumes and makeup at LEAST I hope can change/improve from what was shown at preview. Atrocious

 

[Wesker69]

Hey now. Don't insult Hide & Shrieeek like that. The creative team thought the black/white camo room of doom would work as a SZ... they were wrong.

Also, if we're going to refer to anything with Dementor robes, it'd be the 2005 North/South Hallow SZ.


anyway, back to 2024. Found a video... the scarezones.. well they exist. It's definitely not an "EP night" issue, but a "very meh" dull vibe.

Demon Queenz - what? Why? No.
Swamp - well themed, but needs werewolves
Blumhouse -
Torture - well it tried

There seemed to be a lack of "fun" from what I could see. Nothing gave me impression of "Wow! I want to grab a drink & hangout here". I'm probably just old & jaded, but I've seen HHN do better.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Something very obvious just occurred to me…

With the changes in entrance and exit locations, isn’t the area between Central Park and the Simpsons Ride completely empty? Why would they not use that space? It used to be a scarezone, of course. It would have seemed logical to move the San Fran bottleneck to Kidzone.

 

[Brian G.]

Something very obvious just occurred to me…

With the changes in entrance and exit locations, isn’t the area between Central Park and the Simpsons Ride completely empty? Why would they not use that space? It used to be a scarezone, of course. It would have seemed logical to move the San Fran bottleneck to Kidzone.

Never a scarezone, occasionally a "horde" location.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Never a scarezone, occasionally a "horde" location.

Unless my memory fails, Cirque du Freak and the excellent Fractured Tales were in the area I’m thinking of.

 

[Brian G.]

Unless my memory fails, Cirque du Freak and the excellent Fractured Tales were in the area I’m thinking of.

OHHH, I'm sorry - that area.

Yea - congestion issues and the area doesn't lend itself well creatively.

 

[HHN Yeti Lover]

found the reviews: reviews

 

[Wesker69]

Unless my memory fails, Cirque du Freak and the excellent Fractured Tales were in the area I’m thinking of.

That was the "Kidzone Hub" for Cirque.
Fractured was actually IN Kidzone

 

[Sledge]

Cirque was in the "Kidzone Hub", while nothing was in Central Park that year. Next closest scarezone would have been Horrorwood Drive-In in front of Mel's. Having Central Park scarezone-less made for a buffer between the zones.

At 21, we did have the Canyon of Dark Souls a little further down towards International Food Festival, but it wasn't well received. There was also Grown Evil in Central Park, so there wasn't much of a gap between the two scarezones.

 

[Wesker69]

Cirque was in the "Kidzone Hub", while nothing was in Central Park that year..

*GASP* Nothing!? How dare you insult the canopy of spooky jack-o-lanterns like that!

 

[Sledge]

*GASP* Nothing!? How dare you insult the canopy of spooky jack-o-lanterns like that!

Stupid me. How could I forget the fabulous attraction that was 'Spooky Trail with Some Pumpkins'. I think I even bought the shirt for it that year...

[Universal Orlando Resort] – This September and October, prepare to be thrilled as Halloween Horror Nights unveils its brand-new "Spooky Trail with Some Pumpkins," an enchanting yet eerie walk through a shadowy forest, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.

As dusk falls, the trail comes to life, shrouded in the mystery of overhanging trees that form a natural, haunting canopy. Suspended among the branches are intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns, their flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows that guide you through the twists and turns of this unforgettable adventure.

Join us as we celebrate the magic and mystery of Halloween with this unique and memorable experience. The Spooky Trail with Some Pumpkins will be open from September 23rd to October 29. Don’t miss out on this enchanting Halloween adventure! This is not a real press release. Tickets on sale now.

 

[Wesker69]

I think I even bought the shirt for it that year...

You joke, but pumpkin merch would've sold!!
*points to Lil Boo merch*

Especially those "HHN icon" jackolanterns