Hush

I agree with everything in your post and especially the part above. I think that every couple of years the true diehard HHN fans will be given some sort of more complex storyline to sink their teeth in to (a la Legendary Truth) but that overall we will start to see more popular figures/movies play a larger role in the overall event. This coming year being an anniversary year, I'm thinking we'll see old favorites brought back for a reunion of sorts (think Sweet 16). As you mentioned the average Joe has no clue about internal house storylines, icon backstories, etc. To keep the event on an even keel so that the general p public is interested and doesn't feel they are missing something, using popular figures/movies is the way to go. In the end, the event is about generating money.

I'm old school and I'd LOVE to see the parade make a return! But unfortunately I seriously doubt that will ever be a reality again, the crowds at HHN have gotten to the point that I think the logistics of having it would outweight the benefits. We were fortunate that we had the chance to ride the floats and throw beads many years...nothing is quite as fun as being a little tipsy and throwing things at other tipsy people. It's almost like playing a very large game of quarters... I'd gladly trade a crap ass house for the parade any day of the week!

Exactly! It was that completely immersive experience that made that year so enjoyable...I think all of us would like to see something similiar again. Sure it's fun enough to attend the event, but to get involvved in the storyline and become a part of it, well that's just adding to the overall experience.

The 20th anniversary of this event affords Universal the chance to really pull out all the stops and make a lasting impression for a landmark. It would be a shame to allow such a noteworthy anniversary become a year that we all look back up on thinking "WTF happened?" No matter who is involved creatively, here's hoping that the team puts together something that tops the past 19 years and makes us all thirsty for the big 2-1. The past three years have been good in my book, certain houses/scarezones stand out as favorites, but not the event as a whole...I'm ready for one that kicks some serious ass in all ways!

This year is most definitely one of my favorites! It was nice to take a walk back in time and revisit all our favorite icons/characters. I'm hoping that this year being the 20th anniversary, will prove to be similiar in style!

I've gone every year since the very first Fright Nights in 1991. I worked the event as a guest services coordinator for four years as well. Have to say, it's much more fun being a guest than it is dealing with people the entire night...LOL This year will be my 20th year, which just means that I'm 20 years older than I was the first time I attended...now THAT is scary!

I'm with Mark in the sense that I do believe we'll see some of the major players again icon wise such as Cindy and the Caretaker. (Maybe another addition to the Screamhouse storyline in the making?!!!) I also agree that Jack needs to take a backseat in regards to being the host/icon. It would be nice to see a Sweet 16 style event again, a compilation of the best of the best over the last 20 years.

While I'm all for brand new, original houses, there are also a few I'd like to see return just because they were suck fun! SS Frightanic, Demon Cantina, the original soundstage PUTS, Slaughterhouse...and don't hate me, but Screamhouse Resurrection.

That's my point exactly. If a scarezone loses it's atmosphere because the scareactors who are supposed to be working are too busy posing for pictures with guests, then you've got an issue. On peak nights, that should most definitely be a no-no...not only does it take away from the intended atmosphere, but it clogs up an area even more so with people waiting around to have pictures taken. On slower nights, perhaps it isn't as big of a deal. When it comes down to it Universal should follow suit like Disney does and offer photo ops in a designated area at certain times throughout the night. That would solve many of the issues!

I can hear Samuel L. Jackson now..."There are 8 motherf*ckin' babies hanging between her motherf*ckin' legs...eight!"

Over the years it seems that photographs with scareactors have become more the norm, so this past year it was nice to see some scarezones that were strictly for atmospheric purposes...and didn't have dozens of people swarming with cameras!

I think when the scarezone is set up for photographs (i.e. last years AIW) then it's perfectly fine. It's obvious when photos are encouraged due to interaction by the scareactors themselves. When the scarezone is put together strictly for atmosphere (i.e. Streets of Blood, American Gothic, etc.) then people stopping for photos starts to cause issues. Trust me, if scareactors don't want to be photographed, they won't be...they have their ways.

I've yet to see any of the SAW films because those particular types of horror flicks don't do much for me. On that note, I could see a SAW based house and how that would appeal to the general public on a much grander scale just like the use of the NLC characters back in '07. I'd still like to see an overall "Halloweenie" oriented theme like we had last year throughout the park. Have the movie oriented houses if you must, but don't take away my park ambiance...please!

Michele, What fantastic pictures! Looking through your sub albums was such fun too, it looks like you had an amazing time! I love the picture of Bela Lugosi's star...that's great! And I can't believe the Fred Segal store, it's like it's camoflagued...LOL

Michele, Those photos are simply gorgeous! While I hate the cold weather and snow, I would love to see some photos from out your way right now...

I love Jack and all, but it's far too soon to be using him again in any way, shape or form...at least in my personal opinion. This past year was a nice change, Mary was the quote/unquote icon, but she wasn't shoved in our faces at every turn. (Like Jack was in 17...Jack's show, Jack's house...where else can we stick him at?! Wait, Jack photo ops!) I'll be curious to see what they do this coming year and for 20...something tells me they are holding out and will pulling all the stops for the 21st..when our beloved HHN becomes "legal" enough to drink the very alcohol that sustains it's existence...LOL Bryan...so wonderful to see you and as always, thanks for the insider info, it's always neat to hear what the powers that be have planned, whether it's something we're looking forward to or wondering how they'll pull it off. Take care sweetie!

We didn't even catch B&T this past year after hearing so many bad reviews from others who had seen it. You'd think after the lackluster show of 2007 they would've amped things up a bit...here's hoping that next year if anything, regains the spark that the 2006 show had!

This year was one of best thus far in terms of equating a good combination of scarezones and houses. Since I'm all about the ambiance, if they can pull of a few more scarezones, then that would be fantastic. However, like Mark mentioned, they also can't add more scarezones and then understaff them...we'll just be revisiting the issues of HHN 17. And likewise with the houses, this year they were so amazingly well done, to add more, is that going to make some less appealing than others? What's the point of adding additional houses if your going to have two or three standouts and the rest be lackluster? If Universal does plan on adding more across the board next year, scarezones and houses, then I hope they have the cash flow ready to make them even better than this year.

I would love to see Universal give us another completely creative and immersive experience like we had this past year. This years event was definitely in my top three of the past 18 years. As far as the "classic" spin goes, it's hard to say what they are moving towards, be it classic films, the classic monsters or a combination of both. I wish I would've had the chance to get involved with the whole LT concept this year, it sounds like it was a great experience!