Grimp0nd
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Posts posted by Grimp0nd
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Possible HHN changes aside, I don't know how youcan't be excited at what Comcast is doing with the park as a whole. They're spending money at Universal Orlando like it's never been spent before. As a theme park fan it's more than exciting.
The important thing isn't what they spend it's how they spend it. Universal is not your average theme park it has a different feel and identity. We all know a park needs to change and grow to stay relevant but there is a good way to do this and a bad way. Too early to tell which way they are going to go but throwing money at things isn't always a solution if the decisions made are bad ones. In reference to HHN if they make Orlando ( which is regarded by most to be the superior event) more like Hollywood there are going to be a lot of angry and disappointed people out there, me amongst them. If it ain't broke don't fix it people.
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I posted this in the Hollywood section, but since most Orlando readers don't browse it, I thought I'd post it here:
Those of you who know me know I don't spread rumors, and really dislike people who claim to be "in the know" who claim to know everything about the event.
Not to sound like one of those people, but I just spoke to someone who works at Universal Hollywood. Lower management, but in corporate nonetheless. This was at a party setting. Halloween came up and I was fascinated at this person's background, coming from the major theme park haunts.
Among the nuggets I heard - Universal (now owned by Comcast) would be doing more "IP sharing" between Orlando and Hollywood, in order to save money. This means that we should expect to see more parallel mazes between the two parks (like they did last year with The Thing, and more to the point, like they did with the Big Three). The "IP" referred to is the licensing agreements with studios. This means that they will get a better deal if they license a film franchise across both parks instead of just one. While both parks would still have independent design teams, it means that Orlando should expect to see more movie-based houses, along with their original ones. This is a bummer for people like me to go to both parks every year to see something new (and escape the movie houses in Hollywood).
Now, since The Walking Dead seems all but a certainty for HHN Orlando, I am going to put 2 and 2 together and suggest that we should expect to see TWD in Hollywood as well.
The Orlando HHN boards are also strongly predicting that Orlando will present an Alice Cooper house this year, which gives further credence the notion that they are sharing IP.
I was also told that even now, they are trying to finalize contracts for identical properties in both parks. This was a week ago, and supposedly it was imminent then.
In Hollywood last year, even when some houses were well underway, the rug was pulled out on some major enhancements they had for the Terror Tram. And this year, the big surprise was to be TWO additional houses (in a soundstage no less), but that, too, was scrubbed about a week ago because the SS was signed at the last minute for shooting 1313 Mockingbird Ln.
So when we are now reading rumors of last-minute changes at HHN Orlando, it makes you wonder if this is what is really going on behind the scenes.
Sadly everything you say makes perfect sense but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it. I'm not liking the decisions Comcast have been making for Universal Orlando for HHN or the park itself lately. I'm just hoping they don't end up ruining a park and event I love so much in order to make way for their new vision. I, like you managed to to talk to a long time employee of Universal out of the park in a more relaxed atmosphere (I was seated next to them at a dinner show actually). We got chatting and they told me a lot of things that they wouldn't have done if he'd been at his work environment. I guess a social environment loosens lips lol. Anyway they were saying that they didn't like the way Comcast were running the park. People were making decisions upstairs without even doing proper research in to whether it was the right thing to do. One such example they gave was the closing down of several rides and attractions they were considering and they didn't make any effort to ask any of the people running or working those attractions for feedback at all. I see he was correct in what they told me with the closing of Jaws and that won't be the only attraction to say bye bye in the near future I'm afraid to say. This was bound to have a knock on effect for HHN and the rumour going around about Hollywood having more impact on the Orlando event now appears to be true. I'm keeping an open mind but this isn't looking good. I'm actually starting to wonder if Comcast know exactly what they bought and if they are aware of the standards they have to keep up. Especially after the SS44 planning disaster.
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If you could replace half of Dr. Jimmy's houses, which ones would you get rid of?
I'd dump Penn and Teller as they are not scary at all, Victorian house because it's a totally unoriginal idea and the Dead Exposure house because I didn't enjoy the original.
What houses would you drop Legacy?
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Those who are wondering about when houses are designed. Yes Aiello confirmed at the tweet-up during HHN 21 that there were several house ideas already suggested for 22. They ususally have something like 10 to 14 house concepts by the end of the year and then begin pairing them down to 8.
Other factors come into play. Without revealing any more truly sensitive information here, let us just say that the 8 houses they had planned are all not necessarily the same as the 7 houses we will now expect to see. One house was, I believe, lost when they could no longer use one of the traditional sound stages. Then they found themselves having to change many after the approval process early this year.
Finally for reasons involving the loss of sound stage 44 and other matters two more houses had to be changed.
Obviously, when a change occurs a new house has to then be designed. They are likely designing the two newest houses even as i type this.
Well if all that is true it doesn't bode well for this years event. The majority of the houses thrown together at the last minute. Speculation that due to the parade scarezones will be simplified or worse roaming. Great where do I sign up lol? Somebody post some good news for pity sake
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^^^Death Drums, I would think.
Dear god I hope not because that would be the final insult.
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Only a couple are still in the proposal stage. There's a reason five clues didn't change.
Again that's presuming that the information that the clues are based upon is correct. If it's not it all falls apart. At this point with construction underway I'd be surprised if any of the houses are still in the proposal stage other than the one that was supposed to be in SS44. These houses take months of designing, planning, C.A.D models, costuming, mask making not to mention approval by those in charge. Much of that is done or at least started long before they begin construction. The initial ideas for houses are discussed and debated as far back as last October. I'm pretty sure A&D know, and have known for ages what the houses will be. As to anyone else....not so sure.
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I was holding back on telling everyone all the codes... I figured you might want to figure them out on your own. But seeing as it is being discussed on multiple sites... I don't want everyone to be in the dark. So here are all the cards on the table at this point.
Here are the answers to the 7 cryptic clues. I spoiler tagged them if you don't want to know (like anyone is NOT going to press those buttons
)1 - Vincent is a very interesting name -
Alice Cooper
2 - Pyramids -
Silent Hill
3 - Winnebago -
The Walking Dead
4 - Sometimes when im joking, I'm being quite serious -
Penn & Teller
5 - Waterspouts -
A gargoyle based house
6 - 19th Century -
A classic victorian haunted house
7 - Photograph -
A dead Exposure based house... not a sequel... but could easily be "Classic"
Also: A dual run house is highly unlikely at this point (yes that would be 7 straight houses).
No word on an icon. (At this point I'm thinking a T.V. actor or actress if at all... But that is purely spec.)
If that's this years line up of houses (and I don't think it is) then I'd be very disappointed. You look at those as a whole and it's doesn't get your pulse rating. It's not saying Jimmys clues or hints are accurate at this point although I'm sure at least one is correct. I think Jimmy was wise not come out and declare them set as this years houses at this point in case his "sources" are wrong. Looking at that list it just seems disjointed and all over the place. My gut feeling is it just don't look right. I could be wrong but until I have more firm information I'm going to treat this as unsubstantiated speculation.
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Sorry if this has been discussed...but did anyone else notice that the beams are positioned in a way that resemble a barn?? idk one of the pics looked to me like it had an arch and a small window bellow it
Yes the barn was spotted almost straight away and photos of it are on the construction photos thread. That along with the RV outside and a couple of leaked room names gave us the clues to conclude its going to be a Walking Dead house.
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Jeez how many people are going to fit in my shirt at one time lol?
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SS 44 was not demolished to make way for a haunted house. Creative went ahead with the demolition without A&D's knowledge. Creative is at the Executive level and can make command decisions like this. A&D is like a part of Entertainment and has really very little power. They design the event but they do not run it at all. Nobody involved with A&D had any clue that the building they had planned a house for was coming down. Fake productions certainly were surprised when they were told to get out and tear down what they had already built of the house. I think it's a very safe bet that right now the folks at A&D are still trying to figure out what exactly they are going to do and how they can expect to accomplish it. They may not even have decided whether or not they are even able to complete a 7th house much less figure out where it could go. Hopefully all of this will be resolved and sorted out in time for any new ideas they come up with to be implemented.
It doesn't matter if Creative is above A&D it doesn't change the fact that if two different departments cannot liaise between each other at Universal then that is an embarrassment of epic proportions. Let's not forget that they start work on planning this years event while the last one is still running. You're telling me that A&D don't give regular reports to those upstairs about the plans and ideas they have? I know that's not true because they have to be approved. I just don't see how this could be a last minute surprise, the house locations would have been decided and approved by upstairs months ago. This just makes no sense to me, it all seems so...unprofessional.
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Ok following on from Teach's post on the construction thread about the possibility of SS44 being demolished to make way for a temporary house for HHN, it gave me an idea. With the construction upheaval over at Jaws are they really going to want another such site where SS44 stood at the same time with the queues HHN is going to bring? I think it makes more sense that a temporary house is built there as its a great spot and would solve the mystery of the missing house. I was thinking has this ever been done before and I think it has quite a few years ago. Then I thought about all the speculation about the theme being 100 years of Universal horror and a thought occurred to me. If they erected the right temporary house there it would insane.....or do I mean PSYCHO?
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So this is all very interesting to say the least... here is a thought...
Maybe Uni started the ground work for the HHN house and scrapped it due to the bad condition of SS44. The demolition has to take place asap in order for something to be salvaged in time for HHN. Uni rushes to build some type of structure in the SS44 spot to be able to use it for HHN. Maybe SS44 was in such deporable shape that it had to be scrapped after the HHN crew started work and found out the place was crumbling.
I'm definately not in the know... but it seems silly to leap frog the rumored Gringots construction to start a rumored Transformers ride. Also doing all this construction so close to HHN, Despicable Me opening and summer peak attendance isn't smart imo. Some things are not meshing or adding up to me.
I'm in total agreement with you here, something just doesn't add up. If its just for an attraction what's the rush? It's not the way they usually operate and if it's just for an attraction it's shows gross mismanagement between Creative and A&D. I just find it hard to believe that Universal would be that lax and unprofessional. I have a theory but I'm going to put it in the speculation thread.
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So, if Walking Dead and American Werewolf in London are looking pretty likely, does that mean we are looking at a "100 Years of Horror" theme after all? Lon Chaney's Phantom would pretty much take us back to the beginning, if they decide to do that. That would be 20', 80's and 2010's (if my memory serves without imdb-ing it). If Alice Cooper house goes in, not sure how that would tie in - 70's maybe? I'm thinking that I'm over-thinking...
No I'm starting to think you are smack on with that idea. I think the one house will be dedicated to the classic monsters though rather than them having their own houses. I said this on here months ago. Creature pit room (Creature From The Black Lagoon) and Spike room (Dracula) already being two room names revealed. I guess even Bats Belfry room could be tied to Dracula but that was a different house. An American Werewolf In London was once (maybe still is) a major part of the horror and make up show at Universal as was the Fly telepods from the movie of the same name. Makes you wonder if we're going to see those movies featured as houses seeing as they have been important parts of that show in the past. It would make sense wouldn't it? I really should look up online a list of all the horror movies Universal has made. It might just spark some recognition in other things we've heard so far.
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And I'll be there 24th, 25th, 28th and 31st the same as Aaron above. Come to think of it I'll be hanging out with Aaron above so come say hi lol. Oh and we'll both be wearing nightmares shirts
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Personally guys I wouldn't get too excited about Dr Jimmys video lol. They are vague hints to rumours we've all already heard lol. No disrespect Jimmy, I know you like your fun lol.
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i have a stong feeling , that "watch" on the website has nothing to do with watch with you eyes, but watch the time, as in a wrist watch... im a strong believer its something to do with time.
Yeah I've already mentioned that. There are a few things on the site that could be connected with time or time running out. Like the countdown to the end of the world maybe? There's the word watch, the larger letters in the word too which could be two zeros instead of o' indicating the countdown has run out and the whole phrase "It's never too soon to start panicking" could be in reference to the end of the world and not the Halloween event itself. It could indicate that the theme is apocalypse with each house examining a different end of the world scenario. The Walking Dead would also fit this idea as Dr Jenner in season one of the show himself said "This is our extinction event".
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Penn & Teller are performing at Foxwoods in Connecticut on October, 26th... So that is that
To be honest I never really expected Penn and Teller to turn up every night to perform at HHN. It would cost universal way too much money. That's not to say they won't be involved via a pre recorded video in a show this year. Kinda like a video host like Charlton Heston used to be in the pre show at Earthquake if anyone remembers that. That would be cheaper for Universal as its a one off payment but their presence would be there every night. That being said their involvement wouldn't be my first choice and i was surprised when the rumour first circulated. They are not my cup of tea and not really known for horror. I just don't think we can 100% rule out their taking part in some way quite yet but I could be wrong.
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Is where the house typically ends.
I've also heard, by the end of yesterday, that the black walled structure had a barn like roof on it.
Well that makes a lot of sense seeing as the barn plays a very big part in season two of The Walking Dead.
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Looking at the background that JWFearman extracted in the website updates thread, I can't see anything substantial. I think it's just a gruesome background they drew up for the teaser page and nothing more. Our imaginations are running wild with what little information we have. They seriously must get a laugh out of our speculations and what details we try to pull from every word and image they post.
Actually after seeing the photo of the RV parked at disaster queue I would say that rather strengthens peoples speculation about the background image being almost the same as the Walking Dead one
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Erm yup lol. That's definitely confirmation then. Its exactly the same as the RV from thd show. Woo hoo we know the first house.
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There are some similarities, but I agree with King K, we are getting wrapped up in things that might mean nothing. Perhaps Universal is giving us what we want to see in order to throw us off!
Getting wrapped up in things that might mean nothing and wildly speculating are all part of the fun of Halloween Horror Nights. It's not just the event for me but the build up too. Embrace the madness and let your imagination run free.
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OK so I recreated the logo to the best of my ability...
One weird thing I noticed is three letters are noticeably moved and one is just slightly.
"ROT" and then the last "I" is just slightly moved.
That's a pretty good job of matching the font up JW but it still doesn't account for the two o's in too being bigger than the other letters. For some reason they have been singled out to be different and if it's not a clue then I don't understand why they'd bother. At this point I'm sticking with my idea of the overall theme being different end of the world scenarios this year. It will at least keep me entertained until the next website update lol.
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At first I thought all of the looking into the backgrounds was major speculation but Ross's link makes me even more eager to see how much TWD integration there's going to be this year. I have a feeling we will be seeing more than just a house around TWD.
You know what I knew that background reminded me of something. It's been bugging me all day now I realise that it's that photo of TWD cast. They showed that pic before the show started every week on TV over here in England. That would appear to be another nod towards TWD being involved this year. I think they will reveal that house first before the rest like they did with the thing last year.
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Myself, Tweedle and Sakura have been pouring over our own version of the cleaned up background and we've come up with some ideas. A popular one is that it's a scene of a possibly dead field, clouds and a sun either shining or exploding (end of the world?) much like FreeGrizzlybearRides has noted. Something we also noted is that under the big blood spot on the horizon at the bottom right of the screen is what looks like the silhoettes of a man and a woman (or possibly children) walking hand in hand behind a smaller blood smear. If you look closely you can see the outline of what looks like a dress and arms out from their side. Other things noted are a possible skull or ghostly face in the sky by the big blood splat and Sakura felt what i see as sunbeams look like the way a shotgun blast looks when blasting a zombie against a wall. One thing is for sure its not a boring flat background so you have to figure it means something.
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HHN 22 Speculation
in Halloween Horror Nights 22
Posted
Don't worry Mr Grim nobody is pissed off with you and nobody is flaming you. Your opinion is as welcome as everyone else's but people love this event so discussions can get ....enthusiastic lol. It is too early to say this year is gonna suck for certain but this is a speculating forum so both sides of the coin must be listened to. The entire point of people expressing concerns on here is so that we avoid having three sucky years in a row and we know Universal keeps an eye on these forums so don't ever say there is nothing we can do about it. You can.