Halloween Horror Nights 34 (UOR) - Speculation & Rumors

[Neo]

Hey Neo, why would Universal change anything when they know the above? You answered this yourself, my dude!
They put out tickets tomorrow, they put out tickets two months from now: It changes nothing.
They know you'll bend over backwards to make it work, often at our own begrudging deficit.
(See ya next year! lol)

Believe me, I get it...it makes good business sense in theory.

Except that tickets are finite, there are only so many available and you can only sell them once. And, for the most part, I might be wrong, HHN ticket prices don't increase. Yes, they get more expensive on different days throughout the run, but that's laid out on the single day tickets when they go on sale. The multinight tickets are the same price today (if they were to go on sale) as they would be in late October (if they still had any left and anybody thought it was financially beneficial to buy them that late). I feel like they might have slightly changed in the past, but not 100% sure and don't think it was a significant amount if they did.

And again, you can only sell them once. So you have a max number of tickets and a set price, so the total you can make is capped. So they cannot lose money by selling them early. Can they make more money by selling them early? I doubt it. But can they gain "free" good will and hype by their superfans, yes.

Now, if they go on sale July 1st, then you can understand that it's bean counters trying to drive quarterly results so the bulk of sales happen in 3Q...but nobody wants to hear that boring nonsense.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

I think the idea is that you keep your most loyal fans loyal by treating them well. I don’t think releasing tickets when they do is a problem as long as I know what dates are available, but I get where people are coming from.

Believe me, I get it...it makes good business sense in theory.

So they cannot lose money by selling them early. Can they make more money by selling them early? I doubt it. But can they gain "free" good will and hype by their superfans, yes.

Now, if they go on sale July 1st, then you can understand that it's bean counters trying to drive quarterly results so the bulk of sales happen in 3Q...but nobody wants to hear that boring nonsense.

Oh, i totally get where Neo is coming from, and i am in complete and total agreement with both of you in all and every regard here.
i just think the call to action of their post and immediate answering it in their same post hits me in the ironics. lol this is another one of those things that 'could go a long way with their loyal fans' that just never comes to fruition. It's like the AP tickets for EPIC in those threads rn. You'd think Universal would at least SLIGHTLY discount them for the people chomping at the bit to get in before open, knowing full well it will be impacted. It's another one of those "IN A PERFECT WORLD" arguments where we hope things would be better than they are and yet... here we are!

We all play the same game every year; Best way to plan ahead is by clearing out the timeframe that works best for you in September/October and compare to last years dates and subsequently pray to all available gods that things work out. And i hear ya, man. I'm going during a VERY busy week this year and i can only do HHN on one of two days i know will be available and i'm sweating just thinking about it. i may not be in your same exact boat but i'm on the same crappy river trying to plan my moves in advance.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Hey Neo, why would Universal change anything when they know the above? You answered this yourself, my dude!
They put out tickets tomorrow, they put out tickets two months from now: It changes nothing.
They know you'll bend over backwards to make it work, often at our own begrudging deficit.
(See ya next year! lol)

Neo is arguing that they could have spent more money at Universal, versus budgeting around last minute hotels and flight costs. While UOR knows fans are going to come at some point in the event no matter what, it's not out of the question to consider the impact of ticket release timing on in-park/event spending.

If I had to take a flight somewhere, and it increased $200 more than before, I'd probably take that $200 from my existing budget versus spending more. $200 less in merch/F&B/unmasking tours like Neo mentioned, etc.

This is where Universal (as today shows) needs to improve on communication in advance of ticket sales.

Spoiler: Ideal FF Plan

HHN no longer solely relies on local fans who repeat visits... yet the FF pass system still reflects that. I'd completely remove the add-on express option from every pass level and simply offer a discount on a nightly basis. I'd also clean up the ticketing structure

Rush of Fear - access starts the 2nd week of the event, ends the 4th week on Sunday. Reservation required before 10PM
Frequent Fear - reservation required before 10PM, no Saturdays*
Ultimate Frequent Fear - no reservations, access all days

Also free parking for all passes. I think it's ridiculous they wait until midnight to make it free.

I'd also replace the HHN Preview Night with a Media Night to avoid capacity constraints from RIP tours for the first weekend. (Not removing RIP tour entirely, just limiting access to reduce the strain it causes on the event)

There were a few Fridays/Sundays that were somewhat quieter last year while most Wed-Thr nights were chaotic. So provide the opportunity for people to visit on Fridays/Sundays who typically couldn't because of their pass level should help spread crowds out more.

UOR could obviously limit capacity in advance on busier single-night ticket days to fluctuate demand.

This may not be right solution, but something needs to change unfortunately.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

Neo is arguing that they could have spent more money at Universal, versus budgeting around last minute hotels and flight costs. While UOR knows fans are going to come at some point in the event no matter what, it's not out of the question to consider the impact of ticket release timing on in-park/event spending.

This is where Universal (as today shows) needs to improve on communication in advance of ticket sales.

Oh, no, RBLX, i get it. I know what both of you are saying. I'm just looking at the broad-strokes when i say i think UOR doesn't care to an interpersonal degree; There are a multitude of examples going on as we speak to show as much and it's not just HHN but their company as a whole. You'd think they'd want to give ample time for those of us who care this much but they don't, and it really is the same song-and-dance every year. You'd think they'd care more to approach in a better way and alleviate those questions/thoughts/concerns, but they don't. It all measures to wishful thinking we hope doesn't fall on deaf ears but mostly does. The reason i say it's ironic is because when you ask WHY? The answer you almost always come back to in this theoretical discussion is "cause you're going to come anyway." To them, it ain't broke; So why 'fix' it. You wish you knew things sooner? Ah, well, sorry, you'll know later: It's basically their entire ticketing 'strategy.' lol

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Neo is arguing that they could have spent more money at Universal, versus budgeting around last minute hotels and flight costs. While UOR knows fans are going to come at some point in the event no matter what, it's not out of the question to consider the impact of ticket release timing on in-park/event spending.

If I had to take a flight somewhere, and it increased $200 more than before, I'd probably take that $200 from my existing budget versus spending more. $200 less in merch/F&B/unmasking tours like Neo mentioned, etc.

This is where Universal (as today shows) needs to improve on communication in advance of ticket sales.

Spoiler: Ideal FF Plan

HHN no longer solely relies on local fans who repeat visits... yet the FF pass system still reflects that. I'd completely remove the add-on express option from every pass level and simply offer a discount on a nightly basis. I'd also clean up the ticketing structure

Rush of Fear - access starts the 2nd week of the event, ends the 4th week on Sunday. Reservation required before 10PM
Frequent Fear - reservation required before 10PM, no Saturdays*
Ultimate Frequent Fear - no reservations, access all days

Also free parking for all passes. I think it's ridiculous they wait until midnight to make it free.

I'd also replace the HHN Preview Night with a Media Night to avoid capacity constraints from RIP tours for the first weekend. (Not removing RIP tour entirely, just limiting access to reduce the strain it causes on the event)

There were a few Fridays/Sundays that were somewhat quieter last year while most Wed-Thr nights were chaotic. So provide the opportunity for people to visit on Fridays/Sundays who typically couldn't because of their pass level should help spread crowds out more.

UOR could obviously limit capacity in advance on busier single-night ticket days to fluctuate demand.

This may not be right solution, but something needs to change unfortunately.

I like your idea as far as removing the Express option - I get it would suck for locals.. but let's be real. No one needs 30 nights at the event with Express lol

I've always liked the idea of HHN tickets being structured like normal park tickets.

1-day, 2-day, 3-day, etc up to maybe 5 or 7 days. Then an "annual pass" (Frequent Fear)

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I like your idea as far as removing the Express option - I get it would suck for locals.. but let's be real. No one needs 30 nights at the event with Express lol

I've always liked the idea of HHN tickets being structured like normal park tickets.

1-day, 2-day, 3-day, etc up to maybe 5 or 7 days. Then an "annual pass" (Frequent Fear)

Why they still offer Express with multi-nights is bizarre.

I think mullt-night tickets are critical to the success of HHN (like annual passes are for the regular parks) so that option still needs to exist. I think reservations are the best way to do it. Annoying, but it still allows you the option to do so. I also think allowing them to visit without a reservation after 10 or 11PM would keep the event busy until 2AM once those early birds who stay & screamed start to leave.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Why they still offer Express with multi-nights is bizarre.

I think mullt-night tickets are critical to the success of HHN (like annual passes are for the regular parks) so that option still needs to exist. I think reservations are the best way to do it. Annoying, but it still allows you the option to do so. I also think allowing them to visit without a reservation after 10 or 11PM would keep the event busy until 2AM once those early birds who stay & screamed start to leave.

We disagree on most things on here but I'm in 100% agreement here lol

Reservations should be required at the very least for multi nights. Like you said, Express at a discounted rate would be very fair I think. For example, if you have a Frequent Fear pass, Express can be purchased for 50% off for any night you attend

 

[UniversalRBLX]

We disagree on most things on here but I'm in 100% agreement here lol

Reservations should be required at the very least for multi nights. Like you said, Express at a discounted rate would be very fair I think. For example, if you have a Frequent Fear pass, Express can be purchased for 50% off for any night you attend

Yeah, something needs to be done to reduce congestion. I'm local so this plan would hurt me, but if it helps the experience... I wouldn't mind it.

There was a survey 2 years ago that HHN released for those that purchased FF passes that signaled they'll eventually fix the FF pass system or at least restrict access even more.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Yeah, something needs to be done to reduce congestion. I'm local so this plan would hurt me, but if it helps the experience... I wouldn't mind it.

There was a survey 2 years ago that HHN released for those that purchased FF passes that signaled they'll eventually fix the FF pass system or at least restrict access even more.

Yeah, I think there would be some backlash from locals - but I'm sure it's a very small percentage of both general attendees AND locals in general that take advantage of "every single night with Express"

 

[SeanPhilly]

Yeah, something needs to be done to reduce congestion. I'm local so this plan would hurt me, but if it helps the experience... I wouldn't mind it.

There was a survey 2 years ago that HHN released for those that purchased FF passes that signaled they'll eventually fix the FF pass system or at least restrict access even more.

I share this every year when this subject comes up: my group comes from Philly for 8 or 9 days, and does HHN an average of 5 or 6 nights. So it’s just cheaper for us to buy the annual FFP with Express. But we would happily: 1) buy a 5 or 6 day pass for cheaper; and/or 2) reserve or report the nights we plan on attending. We know those now. I agree this would help solve lots of problems; we never loved that we had to buy a pass that covers like 40+ nights, when we know for sure we will only use it 5 or 6 of those.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I share this every year when this subject comes up: my group comes from Philly for 8 or 9 days, and does HHN an average of 5 or 6 nights. So it’s just cheaper for us to buy the annual FFP with Express. But we would happily: 1) buy a 5 or 6 day pass for cheaper; and/or 2) reserve or report the nights we plan on attending. We know those now. I agree this would help solve lots of problems; we never loved that we had to buy a pass that covers like 40+ nights, when we know for sure we will only use it 5 or 6 of those.

We always do 2 nights of HHN per trip, but in 2023 we decided to splurge and do ROF + Express. We got 5 nights of HHN with express for just over $500.

For as expensive as that is, it is truly an insane deal. The multi-night tickets (with express especially) are a large lump sum of money at first - but it is truly crazy how cheap they are when you break it down.

 

[SeanPhilly]

We always do 2 nights of HHN per trip, but in 2023 we decided to splurge and do ROF + Express. We got 5 nights of HHN with express for just over $500.

For as expensive as that is, it is truly an insane deal. The multi-night tickets (with express especially) are a large lump sum of money at first - but it is truly crazy how cheap they are when you break it down.

Yup. We each paid under $900 for FFP with Express last year. We went 6 nights (in October) of the 38 nights we could have. Thus about $150 for each of those 6 nights. I would have loved to have been able to communicate to HHN that we wouldn’t be there the other 32 nights if it helped other people get in considering the pass limits last year.

 

[srbmarc]

I'm a pickle with how I wanna do HHN this year. Normally we do ROF+Express and go each weekend (usually about 7-9 total nights so a great value when broken down), but this year is gonna be a little different. The first weekend is my wife's birthday weekend and she's adamant on not doing HHN for her birthday, which I get. She enjoys the event but it really is more "my" thing. And the weekend of 9/12 we might be going out of state for a wedding. So that only leaves two possible ROF weekends (if they are keeping everything status quo with multi-night tickets this year).

My wife is suggesting just doing an R.I.P. tour one night, but I'm not sure on the value of it. It's obviously the way to go if you're only going one night and absolutely need to see all the houses efficiently. But I love going through the houses multiple times because you never catch everything in one run. I'm still thinking ROF+Express and doing one 3-Day weekend. The overall "per night" cost will be higher, but still better than doing a R.I.P. and buying Express a-la-carte for additional nights.

I'm also considering waiting until after ROF is done and going that last weekend in September/first weekend in October. I'm vaguely recalling reading on here the crowds weren't as bad around that time last year, but that could also have been some kind of fever dream..

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Yup. We each paid under $900 for FFP with Express last year. We went 6 nights (in October) of the 38 nights we could have. Thus about $150 for each of those 6 nights. I would have loved to have been able to communicate to HHN that we wouldn’t be there the other 32 nights if it helped other people get in considering the pass limits last year.

This is what I think they need to do address specifically. Not everybody falls under this scenario, but a lot of people end up buying Rush of Fear as it ends up being the best value for 2-3 nights.

I lean towards no Rush of Fear option, just multi-night option that fluctuates on the days you want to visit (September is obviously still cheaper than October). Then sell Frequent Fear (Sun-Thr only) and then UFF (every day).

I'm a pickle with how I wanna do HHN this year. Normally we do ROF+Express and go each weekend (usually about 7-9 total nights so a great value when broken down), but this year is gonna be a little different. The first weekend is my wife's birthday weekend and she's adamant on not doing HHN for her birthday, which I get. She enjoys the event but it really is more "my" thing. And the weekend of 9/12 we might be going out of state for a wedding. So that only leaves two possible ROF weekends (if they are keeping everything status quo with multi-night tickets this year).

My wife is suggesting just doing an R.I.P. tour one night, but I'm not sure on the value of it. It's obviously the way to go if you're only going one night and absolutely need to see all the houses efficiently. But I love going through the houses multiple times because you never catch everything in one run. I'm still thinking ROF+Express and doing one 3-Day weekend. The overall "per night" cost will be higher, but still better than doing a R.I.P. and buying Express a-la-carte for additional nights.

I'm also considering waiting until after ROF is done and going that last weekend in September/first weekend in October. I'm vaguely recalling reading on here the crowds weren't as bad around that time last year, but that could also have been some kind of fever dream..

If they decide to do the one night preview event like last year, I'd do that. If not, RoF and Express might be your best option. I still think you can do the attend without express, you'll just have to arrive early and stay to close to take advantage of the lower crowds.

That week after Rush of Fear ends is a bit of a breather for the event. It's not a ghost town, but it's calmer.

 

[SeventyOne]

I'm also considering waiting until after ROF is done and going that last weekend in September/first weekend in October. I'm vaguely recalling reading on here the crowds weren't as bad around that time last year, but that could also have been some kind of fever dream..

Two years ago there was a very noticeable drop after RoF ended. IIRC somewhat less extreme last year, but also had been less busy in September so harder to notice. "Slow" being a relative term when it comes to HHN--a Thanksgiving week crowd instead of a Christmas week crowd.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I'm a pickle with how I wanna do HHN this year. Normally we do ROF+Express and go each weekend (usually about 7-9 total nights so a great value when broken down), but this year is gonna be a little different. The first weekend is my wife's birthday weekend and she's adamant on not doing HHN for her birthday, which I get. She enjoys the event but it really is more "my" thing. And the weekend of 9/12 we might be going out of state for a wedding. So that only leaves two possible ROF weekends (if they are keeping everything status quo with multi-night tickets this year).

My wife is suggesting just doing an R.I.P. tour one night, but I'm not sure on the value of it. It's obviously the way to go if you're only going one night and absolutely need to see all the houses efficiently. But I love going through the houses multiple times because you never catch everything in one run. I'm still thinking ROF+Express and doing one 3-Day weekend. The overall "per night" cost will be higher, but still better than doing a R.I.P. and buying Express a-la-carte for additional nights.

I'm also considering waiting until after ROF is done and going that last weekend in September/first weekend in October. I'm vaguely recalling reading on here the crowds weren't as bad around that time last year, but that could also have been some kind of fever dream..

How would you feel about just getting a normal ROF pass, and getting Express for 1 or 2 nights?

 

[HHN Maddux]

External auditions are open for scareactors, and roller skaters?

 

[ssirin88]

External auditions are open for scareactors, and roller skaters?

Has HHN ever had the sliding/skating scare actors? I know they haven’t the last 10 years or so

 

[Kichkinet85]

Last year I was one of the insane people and got the UFF with express and truthy it was unneeded. I also have the AAP so that has some to do with it, but I still think it's unnecessary. While I did enjoy my back-to-back 3 runs of Insidious, I could have gone without, and this year I will go without (ofc depends on prices)

 

[Brian G.]

Has HHN ever had the sliding/skating scare actors? I know they haven’t the last 10 years or so

Yes, a long time ago. I don't think we'll ever seem them again, though.