Guide to Annual Halloween Activities at Universal Studios, Hollywood
With new and scary iconic characters, quality special effects, and a revamped look, the various haunted attractions at Universal Studios will look better than ever before. The event has always been known to be very frightening, but one can only imagine what they’ll come up with for the 2006 event. If you either live in the Los Angeles area or are visiting it this October and want to do some kind of Halloween activity, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is likely the one you want to check out.
Unlike most Halloween attractions, this one is taking place on a theme park. For guests, this is a huge positive as one can still go on their favorite rides. Even the popular shows, like “WaterWorld,” will still be available. However, in clever fashion, the theme park has put a little twist on all their main attractions. For example, during Halloween Horror Nights, guests will be watching “SlaughterWorld” instead of “WaterWorld.” Classic rides like “Jurassic Park: The Ride” will now be completely dark, while other classics such as “Back to the Future… The Ride” will be guests’ only sense of normalcy during the event.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights is the fact that you can actually walk on the studios’ backlots for the first time ever. The backlot has an amazing history as many famous and popular classic movies have been filmed there. Now, average guests are finally able to take a trip through the backlot without having to stay on a tram. Even though this kind opportunity alone would make the trip worthwhile for me, Universal Studios has gone all out with it as many sets will be decorated in a scary fashion.
If that somehow didn’t excite you, perhaps The Mutaytor will. The Mutaytor is more of an experience than a band. Featuring members of Oingo Boingo, The Mutaytor is a group of musical artists who have pyrotechnics and stunts in their performance as well. With tribal dancers and thumping music, The Mutaytor will definitely be shaking things up at the event.
With seven different mazes to go through, the event will likely have enough scares to frighten the toughest person in the entire world. Although the houses have been used before in previous Halloween Horror Nights, they will be updated and feel like new to anybody who’s been to the event before. Some of the mazes include Screamhouse: Resurrection and People Under the Stairs: Under Construction. Fortunately, classic shows from previous years like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and Robosaurus will be making a return as well.
Important rules that guests should be aware of is that costumes of any kind are not allowed. Although children are allowed to come, adult discretion is strongly advised. For most children the horror and scares will likely just be too much. Tickets can be bought in advance for prices ranging from $34-39. If you plan on buying your ticket the night of the event, than expect to pay $49. If you want a front of the line pass as well, admission would cost a total of $79. There are even VIP tours available which include a front of the line pass and a tour guide. Those tickets are really limited and would cost $129.
If you’re looking to get scared on Halloween in Los Angeles, or the days leading up to it, than you should not look any further than Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. With the highest quality sets, makeup, and costumes at their disposal, the event will be anything but unrealistic. For those who live in the Orlando area, you should also be aware that Halloween Horror Nights takes place at Universal Studios Orlando as well.
