Mae

Yes!!! Franchise Havoc and Catacombs! I have no problem with them reusing the Havoc set or the Catacombs set. The closed-in, trapped feeling worked perfectly for both houses and I don't think they can manage to get that in the soundstages. In fact, Havoc could go totally stripped down...it wasn't the effects (or lack thereof) that made that house. The actors were astonishing and putting them in a bare, black walled maze with little light and no fancy effects would be even more terrifying. Neither you nor they would have any other distractions. Make Havoc HHN's first "Alone" walkthrough, I say. The only way to improve Catacombs, for me, would be to make it longer and a little darker. Those are two cosmetic changes that don't change the theme or impression of the house. I can't find anything else wrong with that house. The soundstages need the big productions; Dead Silence, Freddy, Dracula, Frankenstein, Hades and those sort of big ticket offerings. I would like to see two soundstages used for something outrageous and challenging. Perhaps carrying on with the Zombigeddon theme with actual chasing? More of an obstacle course, a la Run, but with zombies. If the zombies 'catch' you, you get 'tagged' somehow...a washable, temporary blood red (or gooey green) stain on your clothes, maybe. Of course, warnings would have to be everywhere, but how much fun would that be? Bring in the music ideas, too. I've seen names thrown around (I admit to being woefully under-educated in them) but I still like Creature Feature. Their music is quirky, not hardcore, and would appeal to more folks than the growly, speed stuff. I think their stuff would do well in the HHN setting, in return. They would go nicely with a steampunk theme...something else that's been bantered around. Gosh, what a long wait this is going to be.... Mae

Not just Deatheaters and dementors...she has werewolves, vampires, and all manner of shapeshifters. I think there's even some sort of human eating fae or goblin, too. It could be quite frightening. Alas... Mae

Read the Rant thread to hear some stories about front gate security this year. There are some doozies. As far as waiting in line, there were more things to hold your interest prior to 2005 or 2006 (although 2007 did look better). If i can ever get all of our videos online I can show you guys. Sure, some of it was silly but it was good fun and helped set the mood. Mae

Lots of the soundstage houses have had roofs. I can't figure why they didn't this past year. It did detract on occasion, especially in Hades. Mae

True, but peak nights still have to have something to offer besides 240 minutes wait times vs. another $100 dollars for an EP. Maybe there's enough of the general public with cash to keep the game rolling for now, but eventually there will be a breakdown in either service or security. We're already seeing it at the front gates. Mae

Heh, there could be a 'passport' sort of activity, where each sz has a shot and you get some sort of token after you drink it. At the end of the night you have a collection of...temporary tattoos? plastic rings? I dunno...

It sure was something!!! I'm all for more shows, maybe even one that I would like. I haven't been to a show since the first showing of the Rocky tribute in 2008, but more shows to eat up more crowd is good in my book. I just want something more than the 'Big Screen' at the front gates. I know most folks on here go in ahead of time for S&S, but I've waited at the gates at least one time for the last three years and let me tell you, it's missing something. I remember scary clowns that would climb on the gate and taunt the crowd from the 90's, that silly torture truck that went over 'the rules' was around and would do the routine while we waited, even in 2008 the mirror people were there to keep us interested. Put in the Chucky insult attraction, or something. Hearing the monologues over and over and over is NOT entertaing. I thought about this some more yesterday and I concluded that Universal really needs to address some more serious issues if they really want to impress and retain long-term fans. 1. Research the reputation of the entrance search and security source. This needs to be done immediately, IMO. Also, there needs to be a consensus between Universal and their gate guards BEFORE THE EVENT BEGINS. The making it up as you go crap is not only unprofessional but could be construed as prejudiced if the wrong person is slighted. The fact that they aren't being sued after this past year is very surprising to me. 2. Either cap attendance lower or offer more nights, maybe even try the much debated adults only night or teen-centered night (C'mon, one night won't hurt ANYONE). There has to be a better form of crowd control instituted. A few less patrons in the park would also help the much maligned Ops people do their jobs correctly and not be perceived as tyrannical mood-killers or bored, spoiled wannabes checking Facebook on their phones. I bet they would appreciate that as much as we would. 3. The over-indulgence of alchohol is out of control. They've made some progress with the rampant drunkeness and underaged drinking but it is still not enough. I know most (75-80%) drinkers handle themselves and their drinks just fine in a smaller setting but when you mix thousands and thousands of people (bored from standing in line!) with lots and lots of booze in a confined space problems will be inevitable. Those problems range from simple annoying personalities to violence and destruction. A drink limit is never going to fly, of course, but perhaps make another night alchohol free for those that wish to go without that particular threat. Personally, I would lay money down on this being a HUGE hit. If they keep piling in more people without facing these issues first they're looking at major damages; to the park, the patrons, and the staff. It will definately cost Universal more cash, but it would be returned 2x, maybe even 3x over. Showing that they care about their patrons and not simply the patrons' wallets would go a long way to getting them an even higher rating in fans' and patrons' hearts. Mae

Ohhhhhhhh...... Sorry. Mae

Anything that garners more Verne Langdon is aces by me. Where do you hear it? I can lend an ear. Mae

Yes, but it's Soy milk. (All that heat would make anyone lactose intolerant.) Mae

Since we're in the wishful thinking thread, I say they start on 9/23-9/24. If they are going to continue to cram more into the event an extra weekend would be nice. On the years that Halloween falls in the week and they extend to the first of November, it works great. When the days fall as they did this year it feels like we are cut short. I would also love to see the front gate 'show' come back. I don't think we've had anything like it since, oh, 2004? Even if it's just a traveling torture cart, it sure makes standing in line more entertaining. If we had to lose our live entertainment because of the LED screen, I think I'd rather have the live folks to interact with return. I wish that the idea of the whole park being a scarezone would be executed in full. Yes, it will mean more people, lights, money, blah blah blah, but I think they were really onto something in 2007-2008. Having more than a pieced together video montage playing on the wall for queue areas, random scareactors or 'entertainment' (line zombies and such). Steampunk Catacombs for The Ultimate Win!!! In fact, why couldn't an entire event be based in the steampunk world? It's trendy, adaptable, and just think of the awesome merchandise they could come up with. If USO doesn't go for it, I foresee one of their competitors using the concept. Speaking of merchandise, let us all pray to the God of Consumerism that we get some decent choices this year!!! Mae

That is very odd, indeed, as when I downloaded it Danse Macabre and Brick in the Wall were both there...but I can't download part 2 of HHN 19. Methinks the site is playing games with us... Mae

Psst! Pt 2 of Ripped From the Silver Screen doesn't want to load... Mae

LOL!!!!!! LAND SHARK!!!!!! Best old school comedy reference EVER!! I like a lot of the suggestions I've read. For me, I would be okay without an icon for a few years. Other things could become the catalyst for the themes and it not have to be about one central character; an earthquake uncovers a lost city revealing an entire civilisation, a steampunk reality with militarized zones and martial law, an alternate reality of cartoons (a la Mirror Mask), and I still like the idea of an entire event based on Stephen King's work. Maybe they could hook up with some of the more poetic and elaborate rock musicians and have the story set to music for some sort of interactive journey. I also think that Legendary Truth deserves another chance, seeing as there is no end to the sort of paranormal and supernatural beings and/or events they could investigate. Havoc in the streets could even work in the steampunk world idea. I'm not sure about Catacombs moving to the streets, as the closed in and claustrophic feel to that house was one of its major factors. I'm not so keen on the 2-park idea, for many of the same reasons already listed. I think it leaves too much open space, which is something that has been complained about repeatedly on this forum. I think that they could, and should, use every inch of the original park before they go back to both. They've made some progress in this, but there is still a lot that could be done. In fact, the open spaces used for Field of Screams and Fright Yard could still be utilized if done well, without leaving the other park open to HHN swarms. Use the rides more, use the 360 globes more, use the darkened parts of Central Park and the bridge between The Simpsons and Amity...there's stuff they could be using right there without having to keep the other side open. Oh, and one more thing: I think The Coaster that Shall Not Be Named has put a big dent in our event as a whole and I'm resentful of its very existence. What a waste. Mae

I was just listening to Playground Twist by Souixsie and the Banshees and it reminded me of this house. Wish I could have one more trip through.....sigh.... Mae

I adore this! Mae

I saw that. I might have video. I'll check tonight! Mae

I concur!!!

1. Catacombs - Plague doctors aka Peckers: The three-point scare about halfway through the house. 2. Psychoscarepy - The wandering souls in Shadybrook: On Halloween night, you all were terrfying! 3. Hallow'd Past - Zombies in the Dead Exposure room: Scared me, scared my husband. It was perfect. 4. Zombiegeddon - Zombies in carnival room: I can't even describe the scare, other than to say it was intense. 5. Wyandot Estate - The Chair: This will likely go down in history. 6. Hallow'd Past - First chainsaw in storage: Lost my voice I screamed so hard. 7. Esqueleto Muertas - Cloaked figure in coffin: I said I wanted a picture in the coffin and you appeared out of nowhere! 8. 20 Years of Fear - Pumpkinhead, Collector, and Mary Shaw: You had a tight system of distraction/startle that worked perfectly. 9. Fear Revealed - Icons - Love love love. 10. Chainsaws - All over the park: Your legacy will go on! I can't say enough about all of you, not just the actors but the behind the scenes folks, as well. You are all THE BEST. Mae ps There will be more appreciation as I remember!!!