ThNdIzNiR

It's no secret.... marketing pretty much sucks. I think just about everyone expected an announcement this week and now that all we got is a tiny website update everyone seems to be acting like the sky is falling. C'mon ladies and gents, we just need to suffer for another week or two (or three). No big deal, right? Marketing definitely doesn't seem to care at all about us travellers who come from across the country (or from another country). If I hadn't already been to the event, there is no way in hell I could justify booking a trip around what has been presented thus far. I'm not too worried though, regardless if I've enjoyed every house or disliked scare zones (2012), I've always had a good time. They'd have to do something pretty epic (in a bad way) for it to truly suck at this point. RIP Tours aren't booking yet? I booked the Unmasking the Horror Tour even though you can't book it using the website (lame). Did you call 1-866-604-7556 and ask?

They generally won't do an Unmasking the Horror tour through a house that is mostly confined spaces. They need to fit 15 or so people wherever they stop to explain and Tomb of the Ancients would have been a really tight fit for the most part. The year before, Insidious was the tight fit house that they skipped.

I'd love to see it, but I doubt we'd get it. They'd probably consider it a show and they only list 2 shows. Where would the parade route run? Maybe just have it cruise through NY-SF? The last time there was anything that really moved around the park (that I can think of) probably would have been the Death Drums and that was pre-parade (daytime).

I wonder what small percentage of guests attended both (or all) the HHN parks. It's one thing to do both coasts, but I can't imagine many people making it to Singapore and another park. We'd be lucky to get as good an icon showing as what Singapore seemed to get. I'd have no problem at all with the swap.

Which she? Neither of them (Voodoo Queen/Lady Death) were ever used as an icon in Orlando. Even if they were used, they've brought back the same icons on multiple occasions. Look how many times Jack was an icon in some capacity.

I enjoyed going to see most of the Saw movies in the theater. For a stretch it was an October tradition to do so. It was just another thing added to our Halloween to do list. So I guess I'm in the minority because I don't mind it coming. However, I can see the potential for the house to be a flop mainly because the traps aren't really scary (unless you're the one in them). I also understand that there are people who don't really like the complete Saw franchise. I didn't get to see the Saw house from HHN 19, so I don't really know what to expect other than knowing that I'll probably have to go through it a few times in order to see everything that is timed. As far as announcements go, I'll go against everyone and guess a little earlier in the week and go with next Tuesday. I don't think they've ever announced something on the weekend, right? I just hope they start announcing stuff soon. I'm also hoping there are changes to the current potential list we have. I'm just pulling to get a Trick 'r Treat house one of these days.

It's foolish because if the rumors are true and they are doing it for promotional purposes then they'd be false advertising. It would be the equivalent of using the title Fear The Walking Dead to promote and only using material from The Walking Dead. It makes no sense. The show material is not the same as the movies so why promote it as such?

I also agree with you guys. Why in the world would they name if after the show and only use material from the movie(s)? If this turns out to be true, I'll be fairly disappointed just because of how foolish the decision would be. My only real hope is that they don't just rehash the Evil Dead house they did for HHN 23.

I suppose if Insidious is crammed into the mashup and that frees up a spot for an original that would be a good thing. This is especially true if they didn't have enough quality material for Insidious to have it's own house. I just hope whatever does replace it isn't a 3d house.

So what's the deal? Are we looking at a 6ip/3orig or 5ip/4orig? No TWD confirmed?

I'd imagine that timing must play a big role while going through this house. In theory, if you're unlucky you could probably miss all the action. I'll probably have to go through this one several times to actually get all the scenes. I hope the behind the scenes tour covers this house.

Almost laughable? It was totally laughable. Definitely a blunder. Sometimes they do things that are real head scratchers. Like those Regan figures from last year. They spent how much to get the wolves right (2x) for AwiL, but they use "Hot Topic" Regan dolls for one of the biggest name ips they've ever used. If they can't get the blood scene to look real, they mine as well just cut it out instead of using something that ruins the whole house (in my opinion). Anyone think they'll be adding HHN stuff to the Harry Potter area this year?

I've got to be honest... last year when we stopped to watch AoV my expectations were set at about 0. I was fairly surprised with the show in general. It was enjoyable. However, my issue isn't with the show itself, but more the location of where it takes place. I wish there was a stage somewhere where they could perform and they could use that large area for more scare zone stuff. The giant stage definitely takes away from the Halloween atmosphere. Also... My expectations of this Blumhouse mashup aren't very high (assuming we get it). It's one thing to have multiple themed areas for an AHS house, but to have another house like that just doesn't seem very creative to me. I'm not confident that it's going to suck, but you make a valid point. The hotel was so massive. How are they going to be able to convey that size even in a sound stage? What I'm most concerned about is the elevator blood scene. If they pull some cheesy effect for that, it could ruin it for me. They better have this scene... Oh yeah and AHS better have this playing at some point...

BGT=Howl O Scream? If so, I thought that that the Death Water Bayou was the probably my 2nd favorite house at the event. Of course it is significantly darker inside most of the houses at Howl O scream vs HHN which makes it better. It also isn't as jam packed as HHN which is another bonus. I liked the house though. We went through a few times. It's a shame that Howl O Scream doesn't have a bigger budget and the ability to add all new houses each year. More people would probably go if they did.

4 quick tips... 1. Pony up for the express pass or you'll be waiting in lines all night. 2. If you're doing Universal Studios during the day and have the stamina to stay all day for the Stay and Scream option, it's worth it. You basically get a shot of doing 2-4 houses with little to no line and you can save your express pass for later on when it's busy. 3. Go more than 1 night if you can. Although everything can be seen in 1 night (with express), you'll enjoy it more and it will be less hectic to do it at a normal pace and take time to appreciate everything (especially the scare zones). 4. If you're not doing Stay and Scream, get there when it opens. The lines build up fairly quick and hopefully you can bang out a house or 2 before the lines are unbearable.

One can only hope...

So you mean to tell me that not only were we getting 6 ips, but that all 6 originally were being shared with Hollywood. Maybe it's just me, but that seems a bit unbelievable. Also... If they actually swap the Conjuring for TWD and people get wind of this debacle many are going to be seriously displeased. It's almost funny to me just how ridiculous that would actually be considering how many people wanted the Conjuring and how people are ready to storm Universal with pitchforks if they brought TWD back again.

I do try to keep an open mind and to be honest, I could care less if it is an ip or an original. If I can walk through the house and be impressed with how elaborate the sets are and if the timing and variation of the scares are executed properly I won't complain. The best ever example of this (for me) was the Halloween house. How could any fan of the movie go through that house and not be blown away? It was the type of thing Universal should always strive for. They brought the movie to life in essence. Do you have faith that The Shining will be pulled off properly? For instance, one of the most iconic scenes, the blood pouring out of the elevator... I'm really scared at what they're going to do to pull it off. I don't want to see a great movie used just for the sake of using it and then getting cheesy effects.

facebook How did the Exorcist feel like Hot Topic? One thing I noticed about that house in particular was how different it was in quality on different times we went through. The 1st time I went through I thought it was rubbish, but then we went through other times and it was way better. Not 100% sure what the changes were, but something changed. I agree that the ambiance has taken a plunge generally speaking over the years I've attended. I thought HHN 20 had decent ambiance though. One of the best parts of the event is the behind the scenes tour. I don't go to the event to get scared. I go to see how they create the sets and masks/make up etc... At this point, I couldn't imagine going to the event and not doing the tour. The Shining was one of the scariest movies I watched when I was younger. Those twins freaked me out for some reason. As scary as the movie is I'm not overly excited to see it made into a house. I'm not sure it will turn out that good. I also think that they're just using this big name movie as a cash grab attraction which is a little annoying, but that's how money is made.

I thought that all the houses were fairly decent last year except maybe Chance's (3d bologna). I only started attending since HHN 20, so I missed out on those teen years. I can't imagine that the houses were that much better back in the day with a smaller budget. However, I'd imagine that the scare zones were probably way better since there was no parade and a lot less people. What I don't like is how much the price has steadily increased each year for the same quality or less in some instances. The people paying full price for one night without express and no stay and scream are definitely getting hosed. The Exorcist felt like Hot Topic??? IT'S THE POWER OF CHRIST!

At this rate, I'm probably going to end up buying the Rush of Fear tickets without even knowing at least a little bit of what will actually be at the event. In my opinion, the longer they wait to announce stuff, the less exciting it is to the lead up. It's fun to discuss and watch the movies before attending. No information doesn't increase my hype meter at all. I hope they announce something soon. Like the next few days soon... not a month from now.

If you're stomping now, wait until the next announcement comes and it's The Walking Dead. Seriously though... someone a ways back mentioned a hype train for this year's event being kinda weak. I have to agree. Nothing I've read thus far (other than maybe the possibility of The Shining) has gotten me that excited. I'm hoping the leaked list is wrong, or if it is right, the originals better pick up the slack.

I was going to post something defending your comment because it seemed like no one caught the "human" part of what you wrote. There are plenty of creepy female creatures. I somewhat agree that a plain old human doesn't generally produce much fear. If they use a female icon, hopefully there is more to her than just some clown makeup (sorry Chance). At least make her into a an old witch or have her full blown possessed by a demon. It would be even better if it was some sort of semi-original creature that really helps stimulate your horror imagination.

Not sure if this is the official official mini trailer for Saw Legacy, but after watching it I'm thinking maybe Checkmate is Saw. One of the only bits of dialog in it are the words game over.

Of the newer Universal movies, I'd think Insidious returning would make the most sense. I can't speak much on Get Out because I didn't see it, but I'm pretty sure the new Mummy movie is going to be more of an action movie versus a horror. However, I guess that didn't stop them from using Dracula Untold which was definitely more action than horror, so who knows? I know that Trick R' Treat isn't as mainstream as many of the other big name movie titles they generally use, but as far as ip's go, I'd be down for them to use it. That movie is one of my favorite Halloween movies of all time. On top of that, I thought the Krampus house came out pretty good last year. Although I did notice that it got better as the event went on. If Checkmate is actually a reference to King, It would make the most sense since it will be in the theater while the event is ongoing. I'm going to guess the classic throwback will be some version of Friday the 13th. Even though the new Friday the 13th movie got cancelled, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jason at the event this year especially since TCM and Halloween have been used the past couple years. A boogeyman house probably would be cool. I'd love to see a true Halloween type house. Anything tying Halloween lore to the house would have me sold. I'm going to hope they skip the 3d house this year. If you've seen 1, you've seen them all. On a side note, I think they went a bit all out last year with big ip names. I'm rather curious to see how they're going to satisfy the ip crowd this year after using such big names last year. The Exorcist, Halloween, TCM, TWD, AHS are going to be hard to top (name wise) in my opinion. We all are assuming that AHS is coming back, but I'm not sold on TWD making another return this year for the same reasons Critical Analysis mentioned above.