4 major mistakes you’re probably making at Halloween Horror Nights…

I can practically smell it. The fog, the novelty snacks and those oh-so-strong cocktails. I can hear the chainsaws, I can hear Danny Elfman, I can hear the screams.  There's a buzz of excitement and exhilaration in the air… it can only be one thing. Halloween Horror Nights. And yes, we’re almost there.

Starting on August 29 in Universal Studios Florida, and September 4 in Universal Studios Hollywood, the biggest and most spectacular horror event will once again take centre stage in both parks - taking over sound stages, creating pop-up tents and decorating the parks with larger than life props in scare zones, and haunted houses built into queue areas and behind-the-scenes plots of land.

With so many ways to tackle the event from single-entry and multi-night passes through to premium options including Express Passes and RIP tours, it’s fair to say it can be confusing at best, and somewhat bamboozling at worst. One thing is for sure though, there are some simple steps you can take in order to avoid making cardinal HHN mistakes. They can cost you valuable scare time during the event.

Sip, sip, hooray!

Yes, we all want that fist spooky sip of something strong. It ramps up the vibes and likely won’t be your first after seeing scenes over the years from Citywalk and neighbouring resort hotel bars - I’m looking at your Swizzle Lounge in Cabana Bay Beach Resort. But what if I said to you wait? Just a little…

On entering the event, you’ll find yourself quickly presented with numerous bar options - beautifully themed and tempting. Trust me, I’m a sucker for a Slimer-tastic-bat-filled-blood-inducing-vampire-biting spritz as much as the next ghoul but hold your horses… if you dare.

I’ve discovered over the years that actually, some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had were up in the San Francisco Bay area. No, not an Ocean Attack or a San Francisco Bay served by Murph. These are fabulous of course, but it's the specially built bar in this area that serves the best, strongest, cocktails. At the time of writing this, there was no update on if said-bar was being built this year, but given that it's by this year's Club Horror area we can assume this general area is worth heading to for a drink.

Now, is it because it's less crowded up here at first and the bar staff have time to be more attentive? Perhaps, but it was the specially created Smurf’s Iced Tea (it wasn't on the menu) that got me last year ( I truly have no idea on the name choice other than it was very blue) but trust me, head up to the back (even if it means carrying a cocktail from the front too). You'll get served quicker and you can tick off some houses that will undoubtedly be quieter straight at opening hours as everyone heads to the first contenders. This year's front of park houses include big hitting IPs such as WWE, FNAF and Terrifier so it will remain busy there for a long time.

Are you Staying & Screaming?

Ok, so obvious one probably yet so many people don’t bother with this.

Now, I get it, if you don’t already have access to the park in the day then this one can be pricier than you’re willing to part with but if you can get in early, then do. 

I’ve experienced HHN both with and without coming in here. Picture the scene, me casually lazing around over at Volcano Bay, fully believing that with my express tickets I was absolutely fine for tackling all houses, swanning in at 6pm. Wrong. So wrong!

Admittedly, we DID tackle all ten houses and three scare zones (exhausted/ sore feet/ we couldn't fit the show in) but we had Express Passes, and had we taken advantage of Stay & Scream we would have realised that getting to house 3 (yes, 3!), is possible before the main gates open to guests.

Last year, for example, we had been in Ghostbusters, Insidious and were in line for Major Sweets Candy Factory when we checked the time to realise other guests were just starting to get in line… which were already sitting at around 90 minute waits by the way. 

It’s also a really nice touch to see scare zones, details and characters with natural day lighting, and then also experience the event as the sun sets and in the dark - all timings provide different vibes. 

This year, Stay & Scream looks a little different and I’m really intrigued to see how it’s going to pan out. There will no longer be the barricaded holding zones and guests with a valid day and HHN Scream Early admission can enjoy full access to Universal Studios Florida, starting at 3pm.

You just have to check in at one of the three designated wristband locations, which are:

• Lombard’s Outdoor Deck

• Front of Minion Cafe

• Front of Villain-Con

You can then start lining up for houses from as early as 4pm. Let me know in the comments what you think of this?

It’s showtime!

Who else loves the show? Of course you do! Situated in the old Fear Factor stage to the rear of the park by Men In Black, this year’s Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay looks bigger and better than ever. I’ve been watching those sizzling-hot Fuel gals rehearse over on the social media page @thefuelgirls and they mean business. Shout out to the fact there are so many Brits involved in the spooky action, too.

In recent years, I've made the  biggest mistake though… I've gone to the latest show of the night. This made sense in theory, I could tick off those houses and scare zones, down some cocktails and snack ‘til my heart was content but, as it turns out, most people have this thought process. D'oh! A sit down and spectacular show feels like a good idea after 11pm when feet are at their sorest and energy levels are depleting. 

Try to factor in the earliest show if you can. It will still be hours after you get started - especially if you do Stay & Scream, but you’ll benefit from a better seat (I’ve found myself squished over by the very edges at later showings unless you're willing to queue from way before start time, and it’s far from ideal viewing), you’ll feel alive and energised. It also means that when crowds flood into the later show, you can get into houses easier, or even head back into a second walk-through of your fave, with ease (I’m looking at you Terrifier with your two exit strategy - I need to try both!)

Embrace the weather

It’s Florida in fall. Are you going to be roasting hot? Yes! Are you likely to find yourself in a downpour? Quite possibly! Are you going to feel broken, emotionally drained and physically a shadow of your former self? Absolutely!

But it’s worth every single second spent there, and every single/ many(!) dollars you’ll spend between entry, food, drink and merch… but at the end of the day… it’s only once a year… right??

Let me know your top tips... I need them all because this gal will be coast-to-coasting this year...