I am a chicken. I mean, a big one. I am the girl that spooks herself in dark windows, jumps at stuff on tv, and will nearly kill herself to get to the remote to change the channel when scary movie trailers play. But when my friends Toni and Mellisa from Two Traveling Moms put together the #FacingFearsTogether event for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, I jumped at the chance to go. I mean, the best way to overcome your fears is to face them, right? That 's what I tell my Divas in my direct sales coaching - and I should practice what I preach. So I signed up, was accepted... and promptly began panicking.
Named “Nation’s Best Halloween Event” for seven consecutive years by Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando puts you up close and personal with some of the most terrifying sights you will ever see. There are eight horror houses including The Walking Dead, Alien versus Predator, Dracula Untold, and more, plus several "Scare Zones" throughout the park. There are some places that are safe that you can walk around without fear (read: the only places I actually breathed) and even two shows that were my favorite part of the whole event.
The eight houses were absolutely terrifying. And in the spirit of full disclosure I will tell you that I did not open my eyes one SINGLE time inside any of the houses. However, that being said... it was still unbelievably scary. Each house has "scaracters" which come out of NO WHERE and jump out at you. They can not touch you, but they come *really* close. One got so close I felt his breath on my ear... I got goose bumps just typing that.
My favorite part of the scary stuff was the street experience The Purge: Anarchy. I haven't seen the movie (of course) but while we were walking (err... running?) through, one of my friends explained to me the concept. To be honest... it made me want to watch the movie. Twelve hours where crime is legal? Haha sign me up, I have a list of folks I need to see...
If you need a minute to breathe during your Halloween Horror Nights adventure, I do highly recommend Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure - for adults that is. I have not laughed that hard at a live show in a very, very long time. The show pokes fun at all of the news and pop culture of 2014 in a very sexy but hysterical skit. I won't give away any of the good stuff, because it is totally worth going to HHN24 just for this show alone - but let's just say my favorite part was of a certain movie that has driven most all of us completely crazy this year. "Do you want to eat a snow cone?"
All in all the night was absolutely amazing - and... I would even go back. I know, I know, the scaredy cat here. But honestly, I was so impressed with the level of detail that was put in to every single part of this... you literally FEEL like you are IN the movie. Even walking through the streets where The Purge: Anarchy is - there are doors barricaded with wood and barbed wire, signs hung... seriously - no corner was cut anywhere.
Thanks again to Toni and Mellisa for setting up this amazing trip. If you want to go to Halloween Horror Nights - and you totally should - you can purchase tickets online at HalloweenHoororNights.com. Also, if you are wondering where the best place to stay in Orlando is, I highly recommend Universal Orlando Cabana Bay Resort. I will be telling you all about our amazing hotel later this week.
Do you like going to scary haunted / horror houses?
Disclosure: I was a part of a press trip which was given free admission to Halloween Horror Nights for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and ideas are 100% my own.
Kathleen says
I am really surprised you went in all 8 mazes, but you did a great job getting through them. It was such an amazing experience, and you're right, no corners were cut for sure! The artistry and skill displayed in putting this special event on is incredible.
Holly says
I couldn't do it. I can't do horror at all. But it does look kind it would be fun for a horror fan.
Crystal says
I'm a big chicken! My kids love horror movies & they would have such a great time with the Halloween Horror NIghts. I'm sure I could find something fun to do when they visit.
Nina Say says
This looks like so much fun! I love to feel the fear when a mob of creepy masked men are slowly walking toward me. My logical mind knows nothing will happen, but I feel the fear anyway.
Andrew @ Mommy's Busy says
Now how did you make it through without opening your eyes? Who held your hand the whole way? They totally should've let go and ran in the middle somewhere! 🙂
Moscato Mom says
I was happily nestled between Summer's shoulder blades or hanging on to Mickey for dear life LOL
Michelle says
Sounds like a fun night! I've actually only been through one haunted house, but it was a lot of fun!
Mickey says
I loved HHN so much! Definitely agree that the street scaracters and the Purge areas were amazing. I would go every year if I could.
You can have my right arm anytime, btw. 😉
Cat Davis says
I'm DYING to go to Halloween Horror Nights and my husband is even traveling to Orlando this month but I can't find a plane ticket cheap enough to go with him. I live for haunted houses!
Nolie says
I would totally pee myself. I am terrified of scary things and haunted houses.
Mimi says
No. Just...absolutely NO! I can feel my heart racing just reading this post! I might not sleep tonight!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I am not a fan of haunted houses AT ALL. I have done them, but I didn't open my eyes and I was sandwiched between two people. You are a brave lady, Lynsey!
Amy @GrinningCheektoCheek says
Oh my gosh - I'm such a chicken. I'm glad that you had a great time though.. With a bunch of gals around I'm sure I'd be fine doing something like that - but I do not go to haunted anythings, and even suspenseful movies give me anxiety... so I think I'd have to pass on something like that!
Melinda says
no way. I can't deal with scary
Mellisa says
This was the best and most frightening thing ever!! Can't wait for round #2!
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
No way! You are braver than I. There's no way I could do that, nope, nope nope!
Emily says
Nope. I don't like them and I don't like scary movies. But I will do them bc my husband likes them.
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
I do! I like scary/freaky but not gorey/bloody though. So it would depend! My 13 year old would be all over that though!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
I hate to be the party pooper but I just don't like Halloween.. I don't care to be spooked ... my girls on the other hand love Horror Nights here in Hollywood..Congrats for overcoming your fear and going through it all!
Elizabeth Ferree says
I love everything about Halloween! My kids love it too, my oldest is into all those horror movies but for the last year the two of us haven't been able to watch any. Something about them scares me now, maybe the fact I am alone with them now. Either way U.Studios always outdoes themselves, while I've never been for their fun (only to a restaurant there) I have it on my bucket list.
Liz Mays says
That is like the coolest thing ever and you're not kidding about the details. But, I'd probably lose control of all bodily functions for a week after going through there.