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Simply how scary is Halloween Horror Nights at Common Studios Orlando? Right here’s a wimp’s information to the scariest occasion of the season!
I lately attended my first-ever Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) at Common Orlando. It was an evening of pure worry: jump-scares, haunted homes, spooky points of interest, and creepy characters galore.
Earlier than I went, I used to be apprehensive. I’m fairly wimpy, virtually by no means watch horror motion pictures, and have been recognized to leap at my very own shadow (I want that was an exaggeration!). I used to be apprehensive that HHN could be an excessive amount of for me to deal with.
My solely earlier expertise with one thing comparable was the (now-closed) Noticed Maze at Thorpe Park (in South England). It used to terrify me – however I’d nonetheless go on repeatedly, as a result of there’s one thing addictive concerning the adrenaline rush that comes together with real, full-body terror!
So I went alongside, hoping that the thrill and adrenaline would outweigh the worry. Which it did – for probably the most half. My coronary heart fee was so excessive that my smartwatch logged a 2-hour exercise – and I’ve truthfully by no means screamed that a lot in my life. However the screams had been adopted by (barely delirious) giggles, and I can genuinely say I had a good time – regardless of (or perhaps due to) being so scared!
Under, you’ll discover my tackle simply how scary the Halloween Horror Nights at Common Orlando actually is, what to anticipate from the occasion, and a few high ideas for much less fearless guests (aka huge fats wimps like me). Blissful Halloween…
Halloween Horror Nights at Common Orlando
Disclaimer – my journey to HHN was supported by Common Orlando and Virgin Atlantic. As at all times all phrases and opinions are my very own.
What to Count on at HHN
OK – so what precisely IS Halloween Horror Nights at Common Orlando?
It is a particular occasion that runs yearly all through late summer season and autumn, the place the Common Resort parks get a spooky makeover and open late until 2am for a critical fright fest.
There are designated “scare zones” all through the park: particular themed areas with scare actors, horrifying set items, spooky mist and ugly smells.
However the principle points of interest are the haunted homes: brilliantly designed indoor horror mazes the place actors are ready within the darkness to jump-scare you at each flip. There are normally a number of homes themed round latest or in style motion pictures (this 12 months consists of A Quiet Place, Insidious and Ghostbusters) – plus a number of unique homes designed by Common’s inventive staff.
HHN is now in its thirty third 12 months and it’s longer than ever: operating on chosen nights from 30 August to three November 2024. This 12 months there are 5 scare zones, ten haunted homes, and a life leisure present – plus the Loss of life Eaters have returned to Diagon Alley!
How scary is Common Orlando Halloween Horror Nights?
Clearly this query is hard to reply, because it’s all relative. However for those who’re studying this, I’m guessing you maybe have a barely nervous disposition. Otherwise you’re a full-blown unashamed rooster, like me!
The Halloween Horror Nights at Common Studios are designed to be scary. That’s the entire level! They usually do an excellent job: the haunted homes usually are not solely filled with jump-scares, however each is brilliantly designed to create an immersive storytelling expertise – like strolling via a reside horror film.
The worry can be just like watching a scary film. The anticipation of figuring out that one thing is about to leap out at you, however not figuring out when, makes the soar even worse when it will definitely comes. Combine that with flashing lights, creepy smells, bizarre surroundings, dense mist, loud noises and low lighting – and you’ve got a really terrifying expertise.
That gained’t do it for everybody. We had been a bunch of a couple of dozen and solely about 50% of us had been screaming in each home. Some individuals are simply fearless I suppose! However for those who are likely to spook simply, then sure, you’ll possible discover Halloween Horror Nights fairly scary.
That mentioned – it’s additionally enjoyable! Very like watching a scary film, the adrenaline rush and the sensation of “survival” on the finish was an excellent excessive. I’d shriek with worry one second, then burst out laughing the following. It was nice!
Good to Know: Many of the homes characteristic some pretty slim passageways. When you get claustrophobic they won’t be appropriate. Likewise, if in case you have any critical phobias, it’s most likely price checking they gained’t be featured earlier than you enter any homes.
Is HHN appropriate for teenagers?
Common Studios says Halloween Horror Nights just isn’t beneficial for kids underneath 13 (see the complete warning beneath). Nonetheless, there’s no minimal age to attend and I noticed a number of surprisingly younger children wandering round.
Truthfully, I feel this may have been an excessive amount of for me at 13. There’s no manner I’d let my 13-year-old niece attend, not to mention my youthful nieces and nephews. They’d by no means sleep once more! However you understand your individual child, so for those who suppose they’ll deal with it, by all means carry them alongside.
I’d recommend beginning them out with a number of of the scare zones and one of many much less scary haunted homes. This 12 months, that’s most likely Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. See how they get on with that earlier than transferring on to the scarier stuff. And perhaps give Insidious a large berth until you’re actually assured in your child’s fearlessness!
“WARNING: EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. NO COSTUMES OR COSTUME MASKS ALLOWED.”
Can the actors contact you at Halloween Horror Nights?
I’ve already talked about Thorpe Park’s notorious Noticed Maze. On that, the actors may contact and seize the victims within the maze (us). I bear in mind on one event a crazed zombie clung onto my then-boyfriend’s leg and wouldn’t let him go. Clearly, I deserted him and ran for my life!
Fortunately, the actors within the Halloween Horror Nights homes can’t contact you. It’s in opposition to the foundations. Fairly logical, actually, since there’s no manner of figuring out in case your fight-or-flight response will result in an instinctive punch within the face!
Ideas for Halloween Horror Nights
Under, I’ve shared my high tricks to be sure to survive your first Halloween Horror Nights expertise – with out fainting from worry! For extra nice ideas, my buddy (and Common knowledgeable!) Helen has an excellent information to Halloween Horror Nights – click on right here to learn it.
1. Analysis the homes and plan your night time upfront
Just about as quickly because the HHN occasion launches, folks begin posting photographs and ideas on social media. Press and influencers are invited to the opening nights – and in contrast to most guests, they’re allowed to take photographs and movies contained in the haunted homes.
This implies you are able to do some pre-trip analysis to see which haunted homes are the very best, and which could be too scary for you. In 2024, the scariest home by far was Insidious: The Additional. It was FAR an excessive amount of for me (I lined my eyes and ran blindly via the previous couple of rooms screaming), and even lots of seasoned HHN regulars mentioned it genuinely made them scream.
When you’re feeling nervous about your first Halloween Horror Nights, this may be the home to keep away from this 12 months – at the least till you’ve gotten used to issues. Check out the opinions to see which homes are being thought of the scariest, so you possibly can ease your self in with a number of of the much less terrifying homes.
Personally, I averted all spoilers as a result of I wished to go in as an entire newb to see precisely how scary the expertise could be. The issues I do for analysis!
Least and Most Scary Homes at HHN33
Most Scary:
Insidious: The Additional – my coronary heart fee spiked at 165 on this one!
A Quiet Place – probably much less scary for those who haven’t seen the flicks, however the concept that I mustn’t scream made this one really feel REALLY dangerous.
Main Sweets Sweet Manufacturing facility – I’ve seen combined opinions for this one nevertheless it actually obtained me. I feel it was the combo of loud noises, bizarre smells, and creepy kids!
Much less scary:
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – enjoyable, nostalgic, and designed to perfection.
Slaughter Sinema 2 – a number of humorous bits (like Stripper Mummies) assist steadiness out the frights.
Common Monsters: Everlasting Bloodlines – this one may be very fantastically designed and actually tells a narrative. There have been nonetheless some good jumps, although!
2. Know the place the scares shall be coming
With out giving an excessive amount of away – figuring out the fundamental mechanics of the haunted homes might assist put together the uninitiated. Typically, the actors will conceal round corners or behind “boo holes” – an cute identify for a decidedly un-adorable observe.
Boo holes are basically one thing that appears stable, however has a spot to permit the actor to burst out snarling/shrieking/flailing/wielding some type of horrific weapon. It could be a portray that’s truly a curtain, a bit of wall with a hidden seam, or a hidden door.
Trying round and forward as you stroll via the home, you might be able to spot a number of of the boo holes coming and mentally put together your self. When you’re hunched over operating in terror (like I used to be) they’re much less straightforward to identify – though that’s extra enjoyable in a manner!
HOWEVER – you possibly can by no means see all of the soar scares coming. Some actors have a couple of boo gap to make use of so that you’ll by no means know the place they’ll come out. Typically issues that appear to be boo holes are literally only a distraction, and the true one is behind you or hidden round a nook. And the scariest home this 12 months, Insidious: The Additional, had lots of terrifying methods in place to be sure to by no means knew the place the following scare could be coming.
3. Keep away from the jump-scares in Scare Zones
Even for those who do see them coming, the soar scares within the haunted homes are unavoidable. Nonetheless, the scare zones are a bit completely different. These zones are open air, with fog, set items, and actors wandering round.
For probably the most half, they don’t actually jump-scare you a lot as leer ominously – although some will soar out at you. And I did get chased by a zombie with a chainsaw at one level!
If you wish to discover the scare zones with out leaping out of your pores and skin, stick with the pavement (sidewalk). Apparently, there’s an unwritten rule that for those who’re strolling on the street you’re prepared and keen to be jumped on. More often than not, for those who’re on the sidelines the ghouls gained’t terrorise you!
4. Benefit from the park and rides after darkish
If all of the jump-scares and chainsaw-wielding zombies begin to get a bit a lot, you possibly can step away from the worry for some time and search some thrills as a substitute.
Exterior of the designated scare zones, the remainder of the park is dimly lit however in any other case comparatively regular, so you possibly can wander and discover with out worry. The Diagon Alley space of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is especially atmospheric after darkish. There’ll, nonetheless, be Loss of life Eaters ominously wandering the world.
Most of the rides keep open throughout HHN, so benefit from the chance to experience them after darkish. One among my faves, the Hollywood Rip Trip Rockit rollercoaster, is a blast at night time – and provides some nice views over the HHN motion!
5. Don’t miss the themed foods and drinks
Yearly, the HHN homes are accompanied by a slew of pop-up foods and drinks stands serving restricted version snacks themed round every home.
We’re speaking issues like a Crimson Door potato-and-onion pie for Insidious, Abbott’s Farm Corn Chowder for A Quiet Place, and a Bloody Goody Bag for the Triplets of Terror. Click on right here for the complete menu for HHN33.
Many of those spooky treats make nice photograph ops! The large hitter for 2024 is the Ghostbusters Keep Puft S’extra: the loveable marshmallow man, toasted and served on a mattress of melted chocolate and graham cracker. Don’t miss it!
6. Keep at a Common Resort Lodge
Staying throughout the Common Resort tends to be the best choice at any time of 12 months. Common Resort Lodge company get plenty of advantages, together with early park entry* and free transport to the parks.
Halloween Horror Nights run from 6:30pm till 2am. Even for those who don’t keep out that late, you’ll possible be fairly drained after an evening of pacing across the park, standing in queues, and screaming your lungs out! The quick journey again to a resort lodge – both on foot, or by shuttle or water taxi – will really feel like a godsend while you make it out of the park!
I lately stayed at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and cherished it – it’s one of many extra mid-range inns however feels very luxurious. It’s additionally a 15-minute stroll (if that) from the park entrance – or you possibly can hop on a ship for a scenic journey downriver! Alternatively, for those who’re doing Common Studios on a finances, the Countless Summer season Resort is a brief shuttle bus from the parks.
(*Early entry doesn’t embrace Halloween Horror Nights)
A Few Extra Ideas
Put on comfortable sneakers – I can’t stress this sufficient!
Go along with folks you belief! You want associates who will take care of you within the haunted homes – NOT associates who’ll ditch you on the first signal of hassle!
Get the precise tickets. This occasion is ticketed individually to the principle park so even for those who’re there within the day, you’ll have to buy a HHN ticket on high.
Gown up – costumes and masks aren’t allowed, so go for a Halloween-themed t-shirt and/or spooky equipment. There’s lots of enjoyable merch on the market on the park retailers, too.
Keep away from peak instances like weekends to profit from shorter queue instances.
Halloween Horror Nights at Common Orlando: Scariness Abstract!
To sum up, then:
Sure, Halloween Horror Nights at Common Orlando may be very scary. They’re additionally nice enjoyable, with brilliantly immersive storytelling. And the joys of escaping from the haunted homes is a real excessive!
The haunted homes are most likely not appropriate for these underneath 13 or for anybody with claustrophobia or different critical phobias.
When you’re feeling notably nervous, my high tip could be to analysis all of the haunted homes upfront so you’ve gotten a tough concept of what to anticipate.
In any other case – dig deep, discover your inside film hero, and GO FOR IT! I promise, if I can face these haunted homes, you possibly can.
The right way to Get to Halloween Horror Nights
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Atlantic Holidays begins from £1460 per individual, together with scheduled Virgin Atlantic Financial system flights direct from London Heathrow to Orlando, a 3 Park Explorer Ticket, a Halloween Horror Nights single night time ticket and room-only lodging at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
Worth relies on two adults travelling and sharing a Normal Room and consists of all relevant taxes and gas surcharges that are topic to vary. Worth relies on a departure on seventeenth September 2024. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL-protected. Costs topic to vary and availability. Virgin Atlantic Holidays phrases and situations apply.
To ebook: www.virginholidays.co.uk or name 0344 557 3859
Learn Extra
The right way to do Common Orlando on a Finances
Geeking Out at Common Studios
I hope you discovered this information to the HHN scary ranges useful! When you’ve got a query, attain out within the feedback beneath and I’ll attempt to assist!