[Winter's Night: Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetery]

This house is starting to remind me of one of the scenes in the LT house last year. The scare actors were disguised as copper statues and would move during the lightning storm, and it was extremely effective. I think we will be seeing some of this kind of scare, the red light green light scare. This makes me even more excited for this house. On top of it being cold, and the "snow". Now I just want to see what the big graveyard will look like as a whole

[HHN 21 Discussion]

This will be my 21st year of attending the event and I can honestly tell you that over the course of the past two decades, there have a number of ebbs and tides in terms of the overall "hype" of each year. Some years truly live up to the talk around them, others not so much. It all comes down to what you the guest expect. Don't go in expecting much of anything! For Fright Night and the early years of the event, there was not much hype surrounding it simply because it was still growing and not considered a premier Halloween event to attend. Every year since the inception of the website, guests and fans in general expect more and more. Many people view the website as a precusor as to how amazing the event will be, which obviously can lead to a serious letdown.

Personally, I wasn't a fan of HHN 18 at all...but see, you were. So it's all about your perception of the event and if the overall concept, including houses and scare zones, appeal to you or not. This year is being looked forward to by many because essentially it is the year that our event becomes "legal" so to speak; another milestone like Sweet 16 was. The "Lady Luck" theme is a strong one because it can be used in so many varying ways.

Go into the event with an open mind, don't have any preconceived notions as to what you "expect"...just expect to have fun! Even on the years which I was disappointed in regards to the theme or the location, I still enjoyed myself. In the big scheme of things, it's all about having a good time and realizing that every year can't be a year that you are absolutely in love with.

You know what, you are totally right. I got so caught up in the event's popularity that I forgot why I go in the first place. IT'S FUN. I am going to walk into the event without any expectations EXCEPT for that I should be expected to have fun, and I know I will. Thanks for the words of wisdom

[Your Luck Has Run Out]

Lady Luck does have something to do with all of the houses in some way. It may not be public, but the backstory for each house does show how she has played a part in it somehow.

Don't look for Bloody Mary-esque cameos though.

Aww darn it. I enjoyed those little hints to her. But i think luck itself plays a huge roll in most of the houses. So that would link them.

[Nightingales: Blood Prey]

I still think this will probably be the best house at the event (but Uni. may surprise me again like they did last year with Havoc).

Haha same. My least anticipated house= Havoc.

House that scared me the most and was amazing= Havoc

I am thinking either this or the Forsaken for the best house.

PS- Remember the button in Havoc, the red one? And the water sprinkle room? Those were awesome

[Your Luck Has Run Out]

I wouldn't mind if this SZ was mainly a photo op, as long as it's the only one. I've only been to HHN once or twice, and it's been a while, but I don't think that they have their 'mascot' on a stage performing for photos and stuff right before the park opens. HOS had something like that every year that I went, and it was interesting for a while, but I soon found myself annoyed with the obnoxious people in the crowd and the cheesy performances. I'd rather catch some photos of the mascot in action, rather than acting out some scripted event on stage.

I haven't heard of LL having something to do with each house before. That's interesting. As a big Poe fan, I'd love to see how she plays into that house. And if she is involved in every house, I'd like for it to be explained clearly. We shouldn't have to be stretching to link the houses to her.

I think this is intentional. LL might not have to do with any of the houses. If there is a relationship between her and the houses, I am yet to see it. But that also gives rise to all the ideas that we have this year. Linking theme, icon and houses/ scare zones together can be extremely successful (BM HHN 08) but it doesn't mean that not linking them will make the event less good. In fact the spontaneity and variety this year is what I appreciate the most! All original themes woohoo. As for this zone, I am excited mostly because of the location. The Sting Alley scare zone is a great place, even though its a little tight. I wonder how they will lure people into the alley this time

[The Forsaken]

Ahh my roofs, how I have missed you! This is great, something that is really needed in my opinion. I absolutely LOVE the lighting as well. It makes me happy. If this is the kind of attention that will be the refined in all houses, then I am definitely psyched.

Quick question: "Why did Uni decide to not have roofs last year?"

[Nevermore: The Madness of Poe]

I'm hoping to see an awesome optical illusion of the pit when you enter the Pit and the Pendulum room. The only reason I mention that is because I was thinking of the effect used in the Dead Silence house where you were walking on the catwalk and you could look down. In actuality, it was mirrors below you and items mounted on the ceiling above you.

Ahh yes, what a cool effect. We know from the first picture of Nevermore that "Telltale Hear" (i hope thats the name) room has some disorienting effects. I wonder if this effect comes back, and if it does it would be great in Nevermore, and if not, you can always put it in The Inbetween.

[Seven (7)]

I really like the idea of 7. Even if it ends up being more of a photo-op with actors on stage. I think it's a marvelous idea using the 7 deadly sins. The stages already look cool, and they are not even done yet. And I agree Gambit, it all depends on the scare actors. I remember Asylum in Wonderland, those actors rocked that zone.

[HHN 21 Discussion]

i have a few generic questions. It has been said in this thread that some of the costuming is the best that some have seen in a long time. It has also been said that the houses are longer than they have been in the recent past. My question is "Is this an exaggerated hype to get my hopes up even more for HHN, or is this completely accurate?". I have not been to the event long enough to how it is has changed (i have gone every year since HHN 16). I am not sure if it has been a decrease of attention by UNI or just a higher tolerance by me, but I feel as the event has degreased slightly. I know hhn 20 wasn't what a lot of people were anticipating, but now everyone seems even more excited than ever for 21. For instance, I hear that SnS will be longer than The orphanage from last year. I have heard that the costuming for Acid Assault will be fantastic. I know it's hard to identify these things before the event starts, but if anyone could message me or just post what they think are some differences between this year and recent HHN years it would be much appreciated. I am not trying to put down the event at all, please realize this; I absolutely love HHN, and will definitely attend it every year. It is ingrained mint my head to make this journey to Orlando annually. I have not been this excited for the event since year 18, but I would like some more justification. I don't mean to start an argument, but I would like some more insight on the event if possible.

[The Thing]

The only thing I remember was someone hinting that somethin from the movie trailer would be in the house. Mae (at least i think it was Mae) and I saw a helicopter at the time in the trailer, but it turned out to not be the same trailer.

All in all, a chopper would be awesome. But I am not expecting it.

[HHN 21 Discussion]

Not to be mean... but Universal is definitely letting Lady Luck's age show quite a bit. First the tummy pouch, now the arm wing. Don't get me wrong, most of us gals are in for the same fate. Diet and exercise can only prevent so much for so long, which is why I'm a little bit surprised that they went with a more mature woman for what I'd have sensationalized as a youthful, reckless, and showy theme. And we can do better than that wig, Entertainment. : P Anyway, I do think it's a unique and valid approach, just not sure how effective it is for me on a personal level.

I see what you mean, but I personally like how old she is. The young and reckless age doesn't seem to fit into a "casino" theme. She kind of reminds of a gold digger at a casino. The age definitely adds to the creepiness to me. Not saying she's a model, but she looks pretty nice if she is supposed to be old. And in that picture, I can't believe she is wearing a wig.... jeez TYRA... lol jk

[The Forsaken]

They spoke of rain in the house description, do you think we could have water effects?

[HHN 21 Discussion]

I don't want to put a bad taste in anyone's mouth again about the commercial... but.... the commercial....

I think Universal knows that this "Lady Luck" is not as scary as we wanted. That's why they dropped that hint picture in the commercial that someone has awesomely captured. The idea of a jeckyl and hyde icon was made while back by a lot of people, and its fitting to say that lady luck could be just that. Universal HAS to have something up their sleeve; we know how creative they have been with backstories and icons before the events start. They even posted something on twitter saying "For those of you who think you have seen the face of HHN 21: You haven't seen anything yet." All of this ties in with the fact that whenever we have seen a card of the Queen of Spades (Lady Luck) we only see one half of the Queen's figure. Perhaps the other half, the upside-down part, is her evil side. Maybe she is a schizophrenic. Another thing is how well Universal has been toying with hardcore fans over these past few years. the interactive games, though based on luck, are still meant for those who are passionate for the event. Last year they had the pictures in the flame in the lantern to represent the icons of the past. Why would Universal regress the grip they had on hardcore fans? Answer is they didn't. Uni has hinted the darker theme for the event that most of us still have not comprehended. The quote I have shown and the hidden pic in the video are ample evidence they Uni has not truly revealed what the event is all about. Everything seems so dark in the event besides this commercial, maybe they are tricking us. Now I know this is a lot of information you have seen before, and maybe not, but I just wanted to compile evidence in a single post.

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

May I ask what cards you guys are receiving? Is it something from the Facebook page, or something you got in the mail? I am lost lol

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

Took the words out of my mouth. I could see the Dead Exposure avenue as well. The main reason why I initially thought 3-D is because Dead Exposure was not as brightly colored, it used black lights but it used far darker tones.

If I'm not mistaken, though, Dead Exposure was a glow in the dark strobe effect house. Perhaps this is more of a blacklight house? The two effects sound similar but vary greatly with color tone. Instead of seeing people in the dark after the flash, you see them in the light in all their colorful glory, but lose then when the lights are off....

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

This a random bit of speculation, but when I hear of lady luck possibly being the icon, I think of her in a demonic version; a succubus (especially how the ones in World of Warcraft) is the vision I get for her....'anyone else have the same thought?

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. SS 22 will be the Thing.

I agree with this 100%. Someone mentioned sarah being a nickname, Sarah palin, meaning Cold, cold Alaska. I have come to think the role widow is a hint for the thing too. Instead of a mourning "widow", why not like a black widow... A spider? The thing turns into a spider like creature, could this be it?

[HHN XXI Website Updates]

Since I'm new, not really sure where to post this but i figured its kinda of guessing on whats going to happen. This is kinda a reach but has anyone else thought that the next update could be monday, August 1st? The only reason I guess that is because the last update was 21 days apart and A&D like to use some odd ball ways on deciding when to update so this would be another odd idea. So August first is A-1. A stands for Ace one of the two cards needed for 21. Second I thought that the Ace of Spades was considered the first card in a new deck, so thats how I got to the first. Anyways its just an idea and I apologize if I posted this in the wrong area, but it was just me

this would probably be more fitting in the HHN Website Update page, but I do find your reasoning logical. It's not a shabby idea to have the next update on August 1st. The only problem is that we have not seen a single update BESIDES the first one (transition from HHN XX to HHN XXI, the current site). I am feeling that we might not have the luxury of LT and a massive story behind the event this year. If so, much more would have been put into the website and current info. So I am not anticipating much until the usual announcement of houses and zones near the middle-end of august. We can always hope though...

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

They put THAT in the soundstage? This is going to be amazing!

Mae

I agree that would be amazing, but i have to make sure you are talking about the same trailer. There are two thugs shown at 1:52 on my trailer, something awesome, and something that is just a set... But yeah, I hope it's the earlier of the two- that would add some real life to it.

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

Okay... Tent 1 Spec (and thanks, Mark):

Rumors has four roles listed for Sprung Tent 1: Floating Head, Shoes Man, Gutter and Star. I'm going to focus on Gutter, because all of this spec starts with re-evaluating how that name is viewed.

A Gutter is most commonly considered a thing or a place, both with the connotation of something that retains and moves water. BUT, the word, "Gut" can also be a verb, meaning something similar to disembowel. So a "Gutter" could be an individual who is disemboweling another.

Now, why this is happening is open to interpretation, but I'm going to speculate it is a form of punishment (it's only way this idea works...) inspired by the epic poem, Dante's Inferno.

Now, according the poem, one of the punishments involved plunging the guilty head-first into rock and setting their feet on fire. That can be our "Shoes Man."

Another punishment (that of Lust) is being blown through gusting winds, in other words being a "Floating Head."

And Satan? Lucifer? He is known commonly as the Morning, "Star."

The Rune Room can fit as well, since it can simply be carving in rock, or it can be a simple play on the word, "Ruin."

So... Sprung 1, based SOLELY ON SPECULATION, can possibly be "Dante's Inferno."

I really do believe that this was some impressive speculation. That would be a wonderful theme, and it could tie in well with the event. Great job! Even if this isn't the house, it's still awesome thinking. Is there a reward or accolade for awesome brains. XP

[HHN 21 Discussion]

So Orlando's house is the Thing, while Hollywood's is The Thing: Assimilation. Take it for what it's worth, but I believe that means Orlando will have a house that is completely different from it's older counterpart from '07. Hollywood may have something similar to what we had in the past, but I think we are in for something fresh and new, regardless if it is based on a movie. I have a feeling that this house will go in the same direction as The Wolfman house. I believe it will prove to some that the house can be better than the movie adaptation ( I for one did not enjoy the movie at all, but thought the house was fantastic for the Wolfman ). Universal is redoing a classic, which they have done many times in the past. HHN XIX redid three classics, and they were, to me, the best three houses of the event. So we should be optimistic about The Thing house until we have some cold, hard evidence that it lacks originality and scares.

[The Thing House]

I will start off by saying two things, one this a thread about the house and all ideas should be treated with respect. Arguing will get us nowhere. Two, this is a confirmed house, so please no complaints about how it could change.

I believe that the house is slightly misunderstood as being both a movie house and a rehash. In HHN XIX, they had a movie themed event starring wolfman, chuckle and saw. The Thing house seems like it might take the track of the Wolfman. Both a movie house and an old idea created anew. In my opinion the Wolfman was a huge success ( I enjoyed it more than the movie ) and may prove to some that the house is sometimes better than movie content. I for one will be optimistic for any house until it is proven to be a bad house. Havoc to me seemed to be the worst of house last year, and when I went through it, it became my favorite. So I am looking forward to The Thing House.

[The Thing House]

So I know the idea of a "The Thing" house has given some people a sour taste in their mouth. Now that it has been confirmed, this will be a page for speculation/ideas and thoughts good or bad about the house.

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

I posted this in website updates, but feel it has some relevance here as well. The Howl-O-Scream website has updated. They are going with the predicted Zombie theme. Does this mean Uni will stray from using zombies this year? i am not sure how much Uni and BG know about each others events before they are shown to the public; they are said to have worked together rather than competitively. This is just food for thought, and maybe we can deduct some reasoning out of HHN via HoS ideas... but I am not completely sure. Take this for what it is at least-> HoS is now updating, so Uni should start updating more frequently to keep up with HoS.

[HHN XXI Speculation II]

After all the build up that was put into fear does anyone think he will be returning and actually scaring people? Also what about a saw house? it fits the theme with luck and chance and all.

As I recall, Fear is only present at the event every 20 years. At least that was what the website mentioned.