Dr. Jimmy, Michael did say "It's all in the audio." to a guest when they asked why Bloody Mary, Director, and the Storyteller weren't there, right. I think I remember him saying that somewhere along the lines when someone asked why they weren't there. So if you look at it in an abstract way, the scenic and actors were there in the SZ, but the audio was the main clue to HHNXX.
HHNAmber, about the vortex: I heard our tour guide on our UTH Tour that HHN has been on a contract with having to use the vortex every year at HHN. I think they've been using it since 06, mabye earlier than that. I think the "vortex" listed on the scene name permits was the same old vortex used in Chucky, IT, ect. But if they have the vortex in the house to be possibly themed toward another Dungeon or "Years Past", that probally means no 3-D/funhouse.