[10/21 Trip Planning--Please Help!]

If not doing the stay and scream be at the gates no later than 5:30 if you can get there earlier than do so. You'll be surprised how fast the lines start to build up. If your going to add an express pass you will shell out either $59.99+tax each for the 21st or $69.99+tax each for the 28th. Show times for Bill and Ted are 7:30-8:45-10:00-11:15 and the Lagoon show times happen at random throughout the night. When you hear a loud thunder crash as boogeyman 13 stated that means the lagoon show is about to start. Also something to keep in mind the last two Bill and Ted shows tend to be the ones most people go to so that would be the best times to visit the houses that you've haven't yet done. Another thing to keep in mind is between 8 and 9 is when people stop to grab a bite to eat so the wait times on the houses might go down some around that time. These are just a few things to keep in mind when you go to HHN. These tips may not seem to be alot but when only attending one night of HHN remember every little detail counts. These are just some things that i've picked up on in my 15 years of attending HHN. And one other cool tip I can give you is if it's almost closing time and you want to get in line for a couple more houses then go ahead and do so. As long as your in line for a house they can't tell you to leave...

This is very helpful. Much appreciated. I found the lagoon show time schedule in another thread and added it to my trip itinerary. I'll be sure to do the same with the Bill & Ted show times. Folding and unfolding maps cuts back on haunt time.

I'll be sure to post a review of my experience next week. 5 days and counting...can't wait!

[10/21 Trip Planning--Please Help!]

A few things:

1) The locals can verify/deny, but I believe both parks close at 5 PM on HHN nights, not just Studios. So you won't have the extra three hours like you referenced. At least, that was the case when I was there in 2010.

2) There are I believe three lagoon shows, one for Chucky, one for Frankenstein, and one other the escapes me at the moment. From what's been said elsewhere, I don't think there are set showtimes. If you hear thunder rumbling through the park, that means the show's about to start, and you should get your butt over to the lagoon.

3) Express for me is a MUST; especially if you won't be doing the Stay and Scream. In 2010, the Express Pass meant the difference between a 5-10 minute wait and a 60-90 minute wait. And from what I've been reading here, the lines are a lot worse this year.

Thanks for your response. Regarding the park hours: the closing time listed on UO's official site states IOA closes 8:00 PM on Saturday October 20.

I'll be sure to keep an ear out for thunder while I'm there. I've read the other edition of the lagoon show (and, in one reviewer's opinion, the coolest) is a Hitchcock tribute ending with Psycho.

I realize this year is worst with lines due to construction and the absence of an eighth house. Although it is not as big of an event, I was able to hit all six houses at Howl O Scream VA within two and a half hours of the event with careful planning. We avoided hour+ lines by getting there early and having a definite strategy from the start. My goal is to use a similar tactic here and save my money when it comes to express.

I have seen an "express add on" price of $35 for Sundays. However, when I look at the site, it states $69.99 for our specific night. If I could get two express passes for $35 each, I'd definitely go for it.

[10/21 Trip Planning--Please Help!]

I really appreciate the input guys. So, I should plan on getting there early--I'm going to aim for 5:30--and hit the sound stage houses, followed by The Walking Dead, and then House of Horrors>Alice Cooper>Penn & Teller.

I was thinking about buying express, but it's $69.99+tax each. I can't justify scoring "free tickets" than spending $140+ on express. Thanks for the heads up on the discount Dave. I'll be sure to take advantage of the deal if we're having trouble knocking out the houses by 10.

Another question: Does anyone have a rough idea on show times? I hear there's a "secret" lagoon show this year too; can someone elaborate? Also, where's the best seating area for each of the shows?

[10/21 Trip Planning--Please Help!]

Although I would like to do the Stay and Scream option, I simply cannot. I am meeting family at the parks on Saturday and they're too yellow for HHN. Also, I get an extra 3 hours for IOA versus cutting my park day short. This is why I'm doing the parks Saturday and HHN Sunday.

Another reason for splitting it up is exhaustion. I will have my girlfriend with me, and I doubt she can handle a 17 hour day at the parks. I'd like to make it through the entire night for HHN.

So, how do you recommend hitting all the houses if I am arriving from outside the gates?

[10/21 Trip Planning--Please Help!]

Greetings,

Recently, I won a pair of tickets to HHN and Universal Orlando. Having been a long time fan of UO, I have always wanted to attend the event ever since reading about HHXII: Island of Fear. Needless to say, I am beyond thrilled I finally get to experience the event...and for free!

The tickets I won grant admission for any event night, and does not require my day time passes for admission. Since I'm coming down from Raleigh, NC, I plan on using my park pass Saturday and my HHN pass Sunday night in hopes to avoid the peak night crowd.

Here's where I need help: I haven't been able to find much information regarding the Sunday night crowds. I would like to see all seven houses without the use of an express pass. My plan is to arrive to the event an hour before gates open, and hit all the houses before seeing any shows or riding any rides. I've seen various plans regarding the order of houses to do first. What would you guys recommend for a Sunday night?

Thanks for your advice!

-Ticholas