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Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 27

Leigh Saleh

“IT’S NEVER TOO SOON TO START PANICKING”…..as it’s been told by Universal Orlando when they talk about this year’s upcoming Halloween Horror Night event! Too late! I’m panicking! They released some details of this year’s event, and it includes a SOUL COLLECTOR! I'm kinda scared to admit but YOU'RE the SOUL COLLECTOR! Yes, YOU!

Once your soul has been collected you become the newest soul collector sent out to reap as many souls as you can before the event starts to become an "Elite Soul Collector." How many souls have you collected?

On select nights from September 15th through November 4, 2017, you’ll have the chance to explore NINE terrifying haunted houses to play in! Follow the sounds of each of the Soul Collectors laughter as you explore this years event. You’ll stumble upon FIVE scare zones throughout the streets where creatures lurk around every turn scaring the life out of you. You'll get the chance to enjoy TWO truly outrageously funny live shows, and experience many of the park’s most exciting rides and attractions too!

Let's talk about the first two "haunted" houses that have been announced so far........

American Horror Story

By: Michael Aiello "You've been patiently waiting for the first house reveal of Halloween Horror Nights 2017, and this one won't disappoint. I'm excited to announce we're bringing back FX's American Horror Story for a second year.

This all-new house will feature brand new content from Season 2: Asylum, Season 3: Coven and Season 6: Roanoke. And to really blow it out, we're using our largest floor plan—aka our uber-maze—to bring to life the three incredibly detailed seasons.

American Horror Story has some of the most intricate and intimidating characters I've ever seen. We've worked hard to once again bring this unique anthology to life, recreating the series with every turn of this maze.

In Asylum, travel through the decades of the notorious Briarcliff – evade Dr. Arden's grotesque human “Rasper"experiments and come face to “face” with the serial killer, Bloody Face. New Orleans aesthetics will surround, as you're drawn into the wrath of descendants of the Salem witches and their unquenchable thirst for power in Coven.

And finally, relive the horrific story of the Millers in Roanoke – where you'll be at the mercy of Piggy, the grisly Polk family and the ghosts of the blood moon.

With the help of series creator Ryan Murphy and 20th Century Fox, we've perfectly captured the environments, moments and scares American Horror Story entails.

Halloween Horror Nights 2017 is going to be incredible and over the next several months you're going to be hearing from three talented (and equally twisted) members of my Creative Development Team, Show Directors Patrick Braillard, Charles Gray, and Blake Braswell. They will be announcing everything from houses to scare zones to show slates."

The Shining

By: Charles Gray "When bringing iconic horror films to life at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, a common question we find ourselves asking is, “How the heck are we going to turn this movie into a haunted house?” But, hey—we're always up for a challenge.

This year is no different. We're bringing you The Shining™. There are so many intense and creepy moments packed in the whole film. So we held hands, took a deep breath, and entered the Overlook Hotel.

I just finished looking at some of the house designs and am thrilled by the story we're telling. It will be the warped psychological thriller you know and love with our own Halloween Horror Nights twist.

We cast the Overlook Hotel as the aggressor and view it as if you have the “shining.” Our goal is to have you constantly doing a double take and give you that, “Did I just see that?” feeling. After watching this movie for the first time I remember saying, “I would never go into room 237.” So, of course, that's where we're going to take you: all the places you shouldn't go. You'll come face-to-face with the murderous, ghostly entities around every corner. And of course, the best part will be trying to escape the sharpened edge of an axe.

I can't wait for you all to see what's in store for you with The Shining™ and this year's event. You won't want to miss it, so make sure to grab your tickets now."

Event Description: Halloween Horror Nights which is sometimes referred to as “HHN”, is an event going on it’s 27th year that takes place on select nights from mid-September through Halloween night. The event is usually held at Universal Studios theme park, and is considered a hard ticket event which is not included in your regular park admission ticket. The theme of the event changes from year to year, so you never know “who” is out to scare you. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age because of the intense nature of the event, and theme. During the event alcohol is served at select locations too, so it tends to get a bit rowdy at times which might not be suitable for younger children. Also costumes or masks are not permitted into the event to help avoid confusing park guest with the scare-actors.

Let’s talk about tickets: If you plan on visiting the theme parks during the day, and Halloween Horror Nights on the same evening you could purchase a “Stay & Scream” ticket. With this ticket when the park closes for day guests it will allow you to stay in a select location within Universal Studios until the event starts. My favorite place to “hang” until the event starts is in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley. This area stays open a little later than the rest of the park, and tends to have less guests than during the day hours.This area was open during the event last year for a limited time, but no worries all the Dementors are out having fun during Halloween Horror Nights.

Halloween Horror Nights has several ticket options to choose from:

  • The “Stay & Scream” add-on like mentioned above. This option is usually at a discount because you’re adding it to a regular admission ticket.

  • Individual-Single Night Ticket

  • Rush of Fear Ticket-Attend every event night for the first 3 weeks at a low price.

  • Frequent Fear Ticket-Multiple nights for a low price excluding Friday and Saturday nights with the exception of the first weekend.

  • Frequent Fear Plus Ticket-Get up to 22 nights for a low price excluding Saturday nights with the exception of the first weekend.

This is a rain or shine event, so if it rains don’t leave Universal will not issue a refund. Grab a poncho and have fun! The street scare-actors may not be available during the rain due to safety reasons but the houses will continue to scare if you can brave to rain.

Ticket Upgrades and Add-ons: Much like the regular admission tickets you can also add the “Express Pass” to your Halloween Horror Night ticket for an additional price. If you’re only going for one night I highly recommend the express pass. This pass will give you access to the express line to each of the haunted houses. One visit per house as well as the select attractions, and shows during the event.

For a truly unique experience might I suggest you try the Behind the Screams Tours. This is a lights-on peek of select haunted houses. Including your chance to meet some of the designers of the event.

Want a little “red carpet” treatment then I have just the tour for you. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P Tour is just what any horror fan needs. The RIP Tour Guide will escort you to the front of the line of each haunted house. You will also have select VIP, I mean RIP seating for a really funny show: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure. If that’s not enough you will also get the front of the line for up to 2 select attractions open the night of the event.These tours tend to sell out fast, and they have a few different options to choose from too.

Scareator Dining Experience:

Feed your fear with Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience at Universal Studios Classic Monster Cafe. Enjoy an amazing special menu buffet dinner as the events most popular scareactors roam around looking for a "bite!" You'll also get a digital download of one of the many photos taken during your experience.

  • Limited Availability so don't hesitate to reserve your seating.

  • The dining experience is open to all guests with a Halloween Horror Nights event ticket.

  • Halloween Horror Nights ticket and Scareactor Dining Experience ticket are required and must be valid for the same day.

  • Reservations required*. $49.99* PER PERSON, PLUS TAX

Planning ahead is the key to having a good time. You will need to think about the details of your visit weeks before you arrive. For example when are you planning to go, how many nights, and what type of ticket you will need. Lost already? No worries, if you follow my planning tips below you are sure to have a scary good time.

Tips:

  • Arrive Early as the park entrance tends to get very busy for the opening or “Stay & Play.” In that case head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley prior to 5:00 p.m, and explore this fun area prior to the event opening.

  • Select the type of ticket that works best for your trip. Whether it’s the single night ticket or the Frequent Fear ticket make the most of your night.

  • Purchase the Express Pass. Especially if you are only able to attend for one night.

  • Visit the houses that seem to be the most popular early in the evening because within a few hours the wait times become very long. Unless you have the express pass then your wait may be very short as it has been in the times I have visited. Some say luck, I say it’s the express pass.

  • Don’t forget to grab a park map once you walk in or you will surely get lost finding the locations of the haunted houses.

  • Don’t forget to buy your specialty themed Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise before you leave.

  • Go early in the season within the first 3 weeks and the crowds tend to be lower. The closer you get to Halloween it will get very very crowded.

  • Go to the early shows for less crowds.

  • Bring your own poncho because it’s Florida and it will rain!

  • Don’t forget to bring your camera. You don’t want to miss the look on your family’s face when they get scared by one of the scare-actors in the scarezones.

  • Be prepared to pay for parking: Full day parking is $20.00.

  • Stay on property and book the Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package. Advance purchase required. Or commonly known as the “Stay, Play & Scream” package.

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with Amazing Magical Adventures. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at leighsaleh@amazingmagicaladventures.com to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

You can also visit my Facebook page for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World,Disney Cruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.

**Some photographs are from personal visits to Universal Orlando. The Official photographs and Youtube video provided by Universal Orlando**

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