Universal's Halloween Horror Nights - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Florida Destinations Beyond Walt Disney World > Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-16-2012, 10:23 PM   #1
hldunlap
Community Rank: Sightseer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 80

Post Thanks / Like
Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

Anyone been to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal? We are actually going down for Disney for a week, but we were thinking about heading to horror nights at universal for a night. The web page doesn't give much info. Is it only at universal or at ioa also? How young of children have you seen there? Mine are 9 and 11, but they love scary movies. They get it naturally. My husband loves the walking dead and I saw that is the theme. Are all of the rides open or just haunted houses? Any and all info you have about it would be appreciated! Thanks!!
hldunlap is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 09:37 AM   #2
mamasann
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
mamasann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Panhandle of Florida - The Emerald Coast
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 894

Post Thanks / Like
You might want to check....but from what I understand, it's really more adult theming and children are not suggested. DS is 10yrs and the gal that does his haircuts told us we shouldn't take him. because she's been there for it. In fact, if I recall correctly, even Universal's website suggests adults only.
__________________
Mamasann
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips2004 AllStars Movies, 2005 AllStars Movies, 2006 Spring Break, POFQ; 2006 Thanksgiving, POFQ; 2007 Spring break, POFQ; 2007 Thanksgiving, Animal Kingdom Lodge; 2008 spring & Thanksgiving, POFQ; 2009 Spring break, POFQ; Thanksgiving, Caribbean Beaches (Pirates room); 2010 Spring Break & Thanksgiving, POFQ, 2011 Spring Break, POFQ; Thanksgiving 2011 at POFQ; Spring break 2012, Universal Parks & Sea World; 2013 Spring break at Universal Parks & Busch Gardens; 2014 Spring Break at Allstars Movies with Grandkids; upcoming Thanksgiving trip at Universal Parks (Hard Rock) & WDW (POFQ), 2015 Thanksgiving cruise to Bahamas, upcoming cruise for Thanksgiving 2016 on the RCI Allure of the Seas.
mamasann is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 09:51 AM   #3
Ashli
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Ashli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 9,612

Post Thanks / Like
I've been to many, many HHN. I believe this year it's just at Universal (it usually is just at Universal, but in the past has been just IOA and once it was at both). Anyway, I don't mean to be a party pooper, but I would really discourage you from taking kids that young. I have an 11 yr old DS, and he really likes scary movies/books too, but I probably wouldn't let him go until he was 18. It is VERY scary/gory/traumatic/dark/adult-themed. There are also some things that are more adult themed in a sexual manner (I don't recall seeing any blatant nudity, but close). Universal really, really discourages people from taking children as well. Believe me, it's a lot of money to pay to then show up and realize it is much scarier than your child anticipated and they are miserable and want to leave. Maybe leave this for several years down the road. Another thing - I'm not sure how you feel about this, but there are a LOT of drunk people/alcohol sales at HHN. Not really something I'd want my DS to be around.
__________________

MNSSHP 2015: DH (Bane), Me (Batgirl), Genie, and our friends
My Previous TripsWDW: Various day trips 90-99; Jan 97, May 99, Jan 02, Oct 06, Oct 07, May 08, Oct 08, May 09, Oct 09, Oct 10, Jan 11, Oct 11, Jan 12, Sept 12, Dec 12, May 13, Oct 13, Sept 14, May 15, July/Aug 15, Oct 15, Nov 15, Jan 16, Mar 16, Apr 16, May 16, June 16, July 16, Aug 16, Sept 16, Oct 16, Jan 17, Mar 17, Apr 17, May 17, June 17, Aug 17, Oct 17; Jan 18; Feb 18; Mar 18, April 18, May 18, Aug 18, Sept 18, Oct 18 Resorts: AsMo, AsMu, AsSp, Pop, AoA, POFQ, POR, CBR, CSR, GF, WL, AKL, SSR, SoG DLR: May 95, June 11 DL Paris: May 12
Ashli is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 10:21 AM   #4
hldunlap
Community Rank: Sightseer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 80

Post Thanks / Like
Thanks for the info. We have been to the fright fest at six flags and it was pretty mild. I do not want to spend the money and not be able to stay. I found that the last time we were at universal that they did not really care for children at all. My youngest had a meltdown at the end of the day and she started to run from us (hot and tired). My husband grabbed her hand and pulled her over to him so she would not run off into a crowd of people and get lost. A security employee came over to him and threatened to call the police and eject him from the park because it looked funny to him. He didn't ask what had happened or anything, just threatened. That never would have happened at wdw. I only consider going back there because of Harry potter and the scary stuff my husband loves. They are older now and the meltdowns do not happen like that anymore but I still have that in the back of my mind when I think about that trip.
hldunlap is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 11:02 AM   #5
ferrazalves
Community Rank: Jetsetter
 
ferrazalves's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Brazil
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 2,613

Post Thanks / Like
If your kids like monster and stuff you can visit the Universal parks during the day. We went there in Oct and the decoration was there, as well as there was a few characters for pics (Dracula, Mummy and other monsters). During the day DD found it amusing specially with a lot of kids running. However, the park closed early (around 5 pm).
We've done MNSSHP and she loved it!
__________________
Tânia
My Previous TripsWDW Jan 1984; Tokyo Disney Jan 1987; DCL Wonder & Poly CL Nov 2009; AKL CL Dec 2009; Off site may 2010; Royal Pacific & BC CL Oct 2010, DCL Dreams & WL March 2011, AKL Aug 2011; DCL Mexican Riviera Oct 2011 & GCOct 2011, DCL Fantasy Western Caribbean & POR Royal Rooms Dec 2012, Hawaii July 2013, BCV, AKL CL & WL CL + DCL Dreams july 2014, Hilton DTD Aug 2015, Royal Pacific, DCL Magic & AKV Dec 2015, Buena Vista Palace Easter 2016, AKV & DCL Dreams Dec 2016
ferrazalves is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 11:23 AM   #6
Silvercat
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Silvercat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 958

Post Thanks / Like
Eek!

We have got tickets for this because one of the haunted houses is Alice Cooper themed, and he is my DH's favourite artiste. However, we have never done one before and I am TERRIFIED with a capital T! I am such a baby, I never watch horror movies because they scare me, so this is gonna be an interesting night ..... I think I may need to take a change of pants with me.....
__________________
Silvercat

(Enjoy reading trip reports? Why not try my books, "Tiggerific Travels Parts 1, 2, 3 & the new volume 4" - available now as e-books)

My Countdown Counting down to: Taking the sis back to WDW!
Here we are again!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW : October 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, December 1999, October 2000, November 2001, October 2007, December 2008, May 2010; November 2011; October 2012; November 2013; November 2014; November 2015; October 2017; October 2018. DLP : 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017. DL : 2014. HKDL & TDL : 2016 DCL : October 2017
Silvercat is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2012, 12:00 AM   #7
BarryH
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
BarryH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 639

Post Thanks / Like
I've gone to Halloween Horror Nights for about 15 years straight. I've seen kids in strollers go (toed along by their parents). The Scareactors really don't try to frighten kids. The event, though, is very scary and intense. There's a lot of adult themes (particularly lots of gore). If you check out the HHN website, you'll notice that there is not a children's ticket option and for a good reason: Universal dissaudes you from bringing kids to the event. However, Universal will not stop you from buying tickets for your kids.

I would say if your kids like horror movies, then they can probably handle Halloween Horror Nights. Before going, I would try a local haunted house to see how they do. Also, consider going with a large group -- safety in numbers. I did the VIP HHN tour for many years for one reason -- I'm surrounded by other guests. Safety in numbers.
__________________
Check out my videos at: www.youtube.com/barryh1972
BarryH is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2012, 08:00 AM   #8
Silvercat
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Silvercat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 958

Post Thanks / Like
Bwerk-bwerk-bwerk - big chicken alert!
__________________
Silvercat

(Enjoy reading trip reports? Why not try my books, "Tiggerific Travels Parts 1, 2, 3 & the new volume 4" - available now as e-books)

My Countdown Counting down to: Taking the sis back to WDW!
Here we are again!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW : October 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, December 1999, October 2000, November 2001, October 2007, December 2008, May 2010; November 2011; October 2012; November 2013; November 2014; November 2015; October 2017; October 2018. DLP : 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017. DL : 2014. HKDL & TDL : 2016 DCL : October 2017
Silvercat is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2012, 02:17 AM   #9
jendahl12
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
jendahl12's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 152

Post Thanks / Like
Yes, it is a very scary event... and not at all intended for children. I don't like being scared because most of the people that have that built in "flight or fight" thing... usually tuck into themselves, scream and run away. Well I become like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and start hitting people, which actually scares me more to think I could hurt someone.

I found out last year at the HHN event, that if you stay on the sidewalk you should be okay and the actors are not supposed to come after you. Unfortunately, we are going again this year... yes it my hubby's type of thing and not mine, but I am even more nervous as it says that you can't get away! I am not sure if that means no more sidewalk safety or what.... I am happy that I will have an ECV to help get away, and I usually warn them that I am hitter if I see them coming at me. They don't like being hit and it is cause for extraction from the park.

Also, from what I can see on the map.... HHN will be held in both Universal Studios and IOA!

I wish everyone good luck that goes, cause I know I spent a good majority of the time panicking that I would hit some random person that came at me from nowhere.

Hugs, Kim
__________________
jendahl12 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2012, 08:11 AM   #10
Silvercat
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Silvercat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 958

Post Thanks / Like
Note to self - avoid pretty lady called Kim in an ECV at all costs whilst there .......!
__________________
Silvercat

(Enjoy reading trip reports? Why not try my books, "Tiggerific Travels Parts 1, 2, 3 & the new volume 4" - available now as e-books)

My Countdown Counting down to: Taking the sis back to WDW!
Here we are again!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW : October 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, December 1999, October 2000, November 2001, October 2007, December 2008, May 2010; November 2011; October 2012; November 2013; November 2014; November 2015; October 2017; October 2018. DLP : 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017. DL : 2014. HKDL & TDL : 2016 DCL : October 2017
Silvercat is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2012, 12:25 PM   #11
Cwgirlattitude
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
Cwgirlattitude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Casselberry, FL
Posts: 144

Post Thanks / Like
I do work turnstiles at Universal and Halloween Horror Nights 22 is only held on the Universal side of the park just like it has been the past few years. It is not recommended for young children and this year there ARE NO SAFE ZONES!
__________________


My Countdown Counting down to: MICKEY'S NOT SO SCAREY HALLOWEEN PARTY
SPOOKY TIME
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous Trips1980-1990 Ft. Wilderness, 1991 or 1992 -Caribbean Beach, 1994-Contemporary, 1998-Grand Floridian, Jan 2008-Pop Century, Oct 2008 Ft Wilderness Cabins, Aug 2010 Off Property, Feb 2011 Offsite
Cwgirlattitude is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2012, 11:32 PM   #12
ibmaryann
Community Rank: Wayfarer
 
ibmaryann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 176

Post Thanks / Like
Just left our Orlando visit which included HHN. The only safe zones are the bathrooms and they are known to wait for you to come out and get you!!!! They chase you but don't touch you. Several good Horror Houses plus about half a dozen rides open or a little more. (Rip Rocket, Mummy, Dispicable Me, Simpsons, Men in Black that I remember) Streets were scarier than the houses I think. I wouldn't take small children. Lots of people are drunk and rowdy.
Mary Ann
__________________
Mary Ann
My Countdown Counting down to: Disney World 20th Anniversary
and we are off!!!!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsDisneyland April 2009 Candy Cane Inn Disney World March 2010 off site Disney World March 2011 off site DisneyWorld Dec 2011 Coronado Springs 20th Anniversary MNSSHP/Universal/Discovery Cove/Seaworld/Busch Gardens/Aquatica -Sept 2012 MNSSHP/Universal/ Discovery Cove/SeaWorld Sept. 2012 off site Disneyworld Jan 2016 25th Anniversary Disneyworld Nov 2018 All Star Music Family Suite and Westgate
ibmaryann is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:52 AM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger