JDW

So with everything revealed (basically) I guess that's really it for the site. Probably the least interesting site since 2001. It isn't even intuitive how to find the list of attractions. [rant] There is a difference between saving money and being completely unhelpful. For example: The Hollywood site has a big 'ole attractions button. This leads you to a drop down list where you can select the type of attraction you want to check out. Orlando you have to click about+/ announcements and scroll between the various announcements. No real graphics, just some quick titles and buttons to read more. It's sad that I'm holding up the Hollywood site as a comparison. Now check out the site I did for Dare2Escape if you are so inclined (shameless plug). It has a phone, desktop, and tablet version. It expands and contracts with breakpoints. The attractions are front and center and it leads you to the descriptions and videos for the attractions and that leads you further to the full descriptions. Plus there is a button at the top to take you directly to the rooms. I'm not tooting my own horn as D2E told me what they wanted and I made it work on as many platforms as I could. But my point is this: I am just one guy with a small budget, working a full-time job, with a show and website that I also do on the side (second shameless plug), AND I built a more intuitive site. They have people (or contractors) that it's their job to do this kind of thing no? Shouldn't the bottom line of a website be that it is a.) functional b.) easy to use and c.) enticing? It won't matter either way though I'm sure. This year will be gut busting on the crowds and profits with or without the website. So is it just their notoriety that allows them to get away with it? I guess. [\rant] (side note: the smiley face is a strange choice for adding a link to text on here)

"This is what chance tastes like" Brilliant! My all time favorite saying was on a pair of hot pants (yes HHN sold hot pants). I actually owned them... not for me... because they were so weird. It said "Scare This!" in blood letters on the butt.

This popped a loooong while back stating it was involved in HHN. While the source is a bit... dubious, we do have a weird fisherman's SZ and I heard "Lovecraftian" a long time ago as well. I would be 100% on board for an Innsmouth SZ. The boat is named Annabel Lee as well. While that may just be a nod to Poe, the poem also ties to the sea. It could be an excuse to recycle the forsaken masks. Either way, Sounds like a good time. One thing I'm a little shocked on is "survive or Die" sounds like the spiritual successor to "Saws N Steam". Yet it's getting glossed over. I know it was a retooling of The Purge area but the whole air aspect has me intrigued. This could give us some unique characters and story elements. Along with some really cool masks. Now we just need the image mapping back.

No. AP party houses (parade and tent) open first, then the other tent. Then the rest of the houses. It used to be, being and AP holder, got you to see three houses before everyone else and it gave you a head start on the crowd. Now there are so many AP holders it really is kind of pointless. Kind of... Because you do get in early and will probably see a house before opening... probably. Still you end up following the massive AP crowd around and it ends up being more of an impedance than a benefit.

"OH yes absolutely but uh... don't quote me on that."

This year is a bit unprecedented as they now have full blown metal detectors just to get into Citywalk. No idea if they will again check at the gate or if this will be considered enough. My guess they will check again because... Well i have the worst experiences with HHN security. Vape pens, as of last I heard, was regulated to designated areas just like any other smoking. There was talk at one point of banning them but they decided on handling them like normal smokers.

Nothing wrong with them. Just a lot of money. The majority of people don't do them. But yeah you are guaranteed to see all houses and B&T. The walk you right up to the front of the line in front of express. Depending on the tour, they may talk about the houses (Arcane insights). It's very structured. If any time is left at the end you are let loose to do what you want.

A few years ago I'd say not a problem. But last year with AP preview party, one bathroom break, and no food breaks I still missed AWIL... Not that that was a bad thing IMO but I was almost running the whole time and pretty much did not see the scarezones at all. Still It just isn't feasible nowadays. There are just too many people who go opening night now and express is unfairly weighted to allow them to walk right past you (they almost never pulse and they straight up just keep letting express in until they aren't there). If you can make it multiple nights. Do yourself the favor and get ROF. If not, get express. I can't believe I am condoning that but you will be miserable. I know all the ins and outs of making it to houses, sitting on the wait times like a vulture, planning and re-planning each move while in line. It's just not worth it anymore. 2006 I was done with all the houses before 7:30 (prior to that I didn't care.. imagine that!). 2008 -2012 before 9:00, 2013 -2014 made it to the last house by the skin of my teeth. 2015 I failed. 2007 doesn't count I had a group in tow and they didn't have any sense of urgency missed one.

Here is the site for Dare 2 Escape, one of the projects I've been working on for several months now. http://www.dare2escape.com/ This have been a monumental time spent for me. As always, I grow as as artist in projects such as this. I built the site, Graphic design, sound design, assisted in conceptualization, produced the videos, acted, and narrated as well. My daughter even acted in the ringmaster trailer with me. Anyway, it's been a lot of time and fun. A little more left to do as they come online. So, if you enjoy my work (or just like a good, spooky escape game) please check them out. Also, new episode of Dreaded Dominions out on September 1st.

I wouldn't hold my breath. But nice reference there

Yeah why? It was a great time. crab-walking jumping off porches, running on all fours after people. I was sore the next day though. I did spray the palms and feet with plastidip so that they wouldn't wear out on concrete. Still wore down a bit but not through

Welcome to my carnival! Another HUGE project I've been working on for months. Check out The Ringmaster video for Dare 2 Escape

Probably just be a dummy. That or a full body black unitard. They hold up well and, while a little hot, not bad. Here is a pic of one I made a few years back as the rake. had a metallic white sheen which I sprayed over with a flexible dance costume paint.

Nope we got Murder House, Freak show, and hotel... exactly as was foretold in the sacred texts

Since my shaming and escort out for buttons a few years back, I've smuggled things in bags attached to my body or in my shoes. Of course they weren't metal though. I won't bother with that nonsense anymore though. Handing out things was nice but not worth the harassment of security.

that's where the bonus maze was prior. Whatever year that was uh... 23? Nazerman's would not make sense. it is a bunch of freezers, a ben& Jerry's, and a Star Bucks now. there is maybe a 20 x 20 ft room that is used for storage now.

Now I agree with a lot of what that review said. It's fair and honest and I don't see any complaints in it that I haven't expressed myself. (OK maybe a little hard on the actual houses) Heck, look at mine last year: http://www.dreadeddominions.net/jack-is-back-with-a-vengeance/ I tried to be as fair and balanced as I could... but in the end I had to express how miserable I ended up feeling. So it really does end up with what you are looking for. This is why I focus on the good time aspect now. Yeah it's expensive. Yeah it's insanely crowded. But, can I have a good time? Can I turn those lemons into lemonade? If I can't then I might as well end my run with HHN. I choose to bite the bullet and buy express this year. I hate it. I despise it. But my love for HHN (or what it has meant in my life anyway) makes me not want to throw the baby out with the bath water. I'll go this year and see if forking over the extra money is a good return on the investment.

Guessing because it is a tentative test. They want to see if people will buy into it. Interestingly enough if they can add an up-charge 10th house to the new 9 houses with all the heavy hitting IPs this year, I think it's safe to say we can put these silly "budget" debates to rest. Clearly they have the money to back things up.

Yeah I heard about the 10th house a month ago. Then I heard extreme about a week ago. Not really what I was expecting, but I'll take it. It's something new.... and that is good. Whether I do it or not.

every year had it's plus and minus. I really loved 97,98,10,12,13,15,18,19 I dunno what makes or breaks the year honestly. I guess that I Had a good time, was able to see everything, and that the houses were well done. If you asked me 18 was my magic year. But some of the houses bombed pretty bad. Last year was absolutely miserable for me bc of the insane crowds and the price forcing me to go just once. But the houses were really good. in 5 years I may look back more positively. 2007 was miserable for me too. But some of my favorite houses come out of that year. So it's kind of a two-fold experience. first impressions don't necessarily dictate how I will feel ultimately. It just boils down to good time for me now. If I'm not enjoying myself what is the bloody point?

Eh it's better to realize it's just a silly Halloween event. This is my 25th year (missed 14) and I USED to take it so very seriously. But nothing really compares to the monster event HHN is. You can say places with one or two houses, that don't change yearly, are better. But they are completely different animals. It really just depends on what you like. Not even Disney can (or will) produce a similar event. It's unique in it's range, scope, and size. Yes HHN has changed. Of course it has. If you saw Fright Nights it was a joke compared to the money making machine it is now. I think they are doing a pretty good job of balancing IPs to creative with what they are given and allowed. It is what it is and they do what they can.

Cool! but $50.00?!? pass I'm tapped out as it is trying to get one night with fast pass. Still, I like that they are trying new things.