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Ghosts of Halloween Horror Nights 2011 materialize in long exposure photos at Universal Orlando

in Artwork, Entertainment, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Posted on by Ricky Brigante
A dazzling entertainer in a glittering dress stands before the iconic spinning prize wheel at Universal Orlando, surrounded by the excitement of cards and vibrant numbers. The dynamic scene bursts with the electric energy typical of Universal’s live shows, feeling like a moment frozen from one of those magical long exposure photos where theme park lights and movement blend in spectacular fashion.

They say Lady Luck has been with us for centuries. The icon for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 21 offers a choice to her victims – but bad luck is guaranteed to follow, as the house always wins.

Each of this year’s haunted houses are tied in with the two-faced temptress, if only in backstory. But decades of spirits cannot be contained within a few mazes. In a recent visit to the event, my camera revealed the influence Lady Luck has had on the streets of Halloween Horror Nights, teeming with roaming spooks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Call it a bit of a ghost hunting adventure, if you will. Or perhaps it’s just a series of slow shutter / long exposure shots.

Click to enlarge each photo and decide for yourself…

The iconic Universal Studios Hollywood entrance glowing with eerie red lighting during Halloween Horror Nights, as excited guests make their way inside surrounded by lush greenery.
Much is calm outside the famous Universal Studios archway, but the presence of spirits cannot be ignored.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
Just inside, Lady Luck and her bodyguard (not that she really needs one...) are the only souls to remain focused while apparitions float by. Are those ghostly feet passing by, next to the first 21 on the left? (Do ghosts wear sneakers?)
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights come alive in this night scene, where eerie red lights wash over the streets, guests, and haunted trees. The immersive atmosphere and dramatic lighting effects evoke the thrill of the event, captured with a long-exposure look that intensifies the chilling vibe of this unforgettable theme park experience.
The spirits begin to materialize more clearly, though not yet fully formed, with Lady Luck again maintaining her prominent pose, as she has for many years. Who dares come face to face with her? That lady is a monster.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
Lady Luck's imagery fills her scare zone, aptly called Your Luck Has Run Out. And it seems luck has run out for the group of damaged souls concentrated in the center of this area.

A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
On the other side of the zone, things appear to be a bit calmer - but everything is not always what it seems. Look closely (click to enlarge) to see Lady Luck presiding over her space.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
Perhaps the most convincing evidence of spirits roaming the Halloween Horror Nights streets emerges from the Grown Evil scare zone, where it seems the oversized bats and ravens aren't the only creatures who walk among us. But it's still tough to make them out here. Take a closer look below...
Purple and blue lights bathe the trees and foliage in a mystical glow during a foggy Halloween Horror Nights evening at Universal Orlando, creating an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere for park guests.
Thanks to the passing purple light of Death Drums, we can clearly see the apparitions passing into and out of Grown Evil, highlighted amidst the overgrown garden.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
On the other end, a brave pair of photographers join the quest in capturing the images of conjured spirits. Godspeed.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
Death's presence is strong in the Canyon of Dark Souls, as a lone reaper oversees those who pass through as well as those who have passed on.
A dazzling prize wheel glows brightly at Universal Orlando as guests take in the nighttime excitement, while red heart-shaped lights dance across the pavement—an unforgettable moment caught in a stunning long exposure shot.
A reaper decides someone's time is up, caught here pursuing a new addition to the Dark Souls.
The seven deadly sins come to life in this colorful scare zone, but despite being filled with embodiments of vanity, lust, and envy, this view only offers a glimpse of those tied down by their troubles.
A second look reveals a few of the tormented souls trapped within.
Acid Assault is filled with energy, as crumbling buildings seem to glow, perhaps as evidence of the supernatural. And what of the streaks of light passing along the blood red roller coaster tracks? The undead shining a light for the living? Or just a rip-rockin' good time?
Nightmaze entices a steady stream of spirits - or at least those who can find their way out.
No flash was used for this photo. Instead, a long exposure exposes the black-clad entities hiding in the darkness of Nightmaze.
It seems a shred of humanity remains in the dark beings who lurk within the ever-changing street maze.
Lady Luck's mark can be felt throughout the theme park, from haunted houses to scare zones and to the park's edifaces. She is the constant amidst a sea of screams...
...and she waits for more souls to take - visitors-turned-victims at Halloween Horror Nights 21.

Have I digitally captured lost souls trying to find their way through this annual theme park Halloween event? Or are the above photos simply a fun way to capture the event’s popular thrills and chills? As Lady Luck would say, the choice is yours. Nine event nights remain for you to see what fate has in store for you.

More information about Halloween Horror Nights 2011 at Universal Orlando can be found in our recently-updated house-by-house event review (with a further look at the scare zones through plenty of video and more photos) as well as at HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Orlando.

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