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Credit: Edited by Inside The MagicA new ban has arrived for Universal Park after wait times soared past 300 minutes for a famous Halloween event.
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Universal Park Enforces New Ban
Universal Orlando Resort has various attractions, experiences, hotels, and more.
Universal Orlando Resort is a world-renowned theme park destination in Orlando, Florida. It’s known for its thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and entertainment offerings that cater to visitors of all ages. The resort has two main theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, offering unique experiences.
Universal Studios Florida brings the magic of movies and television to life with thrilling rides and immersive shows. Iconic attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, where you can visit Gringotts Bank and enjoy the Escape from Gringotts ride. Additionally, you can explore the New York streetscape, enjoy the Simpsons Ride, and experience the adrenaline-pumping Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.
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Another adrenaline-pumping experience is happening right now at Universal Studios Florida. We’re talking about Halloween Horror Nights 32, which takes place on select nights from now through November 4. Some nights have sold out, so if you’re hoping to snag some tickets, now would be the time.
Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios hosts the famous “Halloween Horror Nights” event in the fall, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and spine-chilling experiences.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is an annual, spine-chilling event that transforms the theme park into a nightmarish realm filled with terror and thrills. Typically held on select nights from September through October, the event is renowned for its haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment, making it a favorite among Halloween enthusiasts.
During Halloween Horror Nights, guests can explore elaborately designed haunted houses inspired by iconic horror films and T.V. shows. Terrifying creatures populate these immersive mazes and offer heart-pounding experiences as visitors navigate through scenes filled with detailed sets and special effects. Additionally, the park features scare zones where menacing characters roam freely, ready to jump out and startle unsuspecting guests. The event often collaborates with popular horror franchises, ensuring that visitors can encounter their favorite on-screen nightmares in the flesh. Halloween Horror Nights is a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling and immersive Halloween experience.
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Halloween Horror Nights Ban Now in Effect
The ban has explicitly dealt with HHN 32 at Universal Studios in Florida. The other day, influencers and other news outlets reported that guests could no longer take photos of the scare actors throughout the scare zones.
Regarding this post. It seems like others have had the same experience particularly in this zone. I understand crowd control needs to be maintained but coming up next to me and yelling “don’t stop keep moving!” repeatedly in my ear as I’m taking a 2 second photo is not it. https://t.co/QIwxbhuhR9
— Theme Park Express (@ThemeParkExpres) September 25, 2023
The original post by Theme Park Express stated the following:
Not allowed to take pictures in zones anymore apparently. As soon as I pulled out my phone I had a TM yelling at me to keep moving and not stop. I understand crowd control but dang!
Then, the following day, the same account on Twitter (X) mentioned the following:
Regarding this post. It seems like others have had the same experience particularly in this zone. I understand crowd control needs to be maintained but coming up next to me and yelling “don’t stop keep moving!” repeatedly in my ear as I’m taking a 2 second photo is not it.
Other influencers and guests were also reporting the same ban taking place for them. Many were perplexed why Universal would enforce a prohibition right during the HHN 32 season. It could be due to this event’s popularity over the years.
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Why Is This Ban Taking Place at This Universal Park?
Aside from select nights selling out this past weekend and week, Universal is dealing with an overcrowding crisis. Reports are coming in that wait times for the haunted houses throughout the weekends and weekdays climb up to 200 or 300 minutes.
Looking At The Wait Times On A SOLD OUT Night Like pic.twitter.com/RlIoKAyoJt
— Kevin Heimbach (@kevinHeimbach13) September 24, 2023
Looking At The Wait Times On A SOLD OUT Night Like
Guests have discussed this overcrowding crisis on social media during Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. As you can see from the above tweet, wait times have skyrocketed to over 300 minutes. Folks began to discuss options for Universal as to how this crisis could be fixed for future events.
Yes, Horror Nights has a crowding issue, I'm not sure IOA is the answer. If you're like me and experienced a busy night during the IOA days, you'll understand why. Also IOA is impeded slightly by lack of venues, especially now. pic.twitter.com/sByXLtDJoi
— Jake Coasters (@jake_coasters) September 23, 2023
Yes, Horror Nights has a crowding issue, I’m not sure IOA is the answer. If you’re like me and experienced a busy night during the IOA days, you’ll understand why. Also IOA is impeded slightly by lack of venues, especially now.
Ding! If HHN is too crowded, the easiest solution is the only viable one: increased prices. Stiffled sales wont happen, & Uni doesnt have space to expand the event, not that theyd want the management nightmare of a 2-park event anyways.
Emotionally prepare for next year's prices! https://t.co/pKVJLUJFS4— Greggo MONSTER Rants 🐀 (@GreggoMovieRant) September 24, 2023
Ding! If HHN is too crowded, the easiest solution is the only viable one: increased prices. Stiffled sales wont happen, & Uni doesnt have space to expand the event, not that theyd want the management nightmare of a 2-park event anyways. Emotionally prepare for next year’s prices!
The overcrowding issue has been one for quite some time now. But with COVID restrictions finally ending this year, more and more guests are flocking to the parks during significant events like HHN 32. One could also argue that the number of guests has increased exponentially with the introduction of multi-day tickets to the event.
Another aspect of the news of more crowds and higher wait times during HHN could be the lack of higher prices for the event. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort has $150-$200 Halloween event tickets. Universal currently has their tickets on most nights being around $85, with some days going up to $120.
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The Importance of Crowd Control at Universal Studios During Halloween Horror Nights
With the ban of not being able to take photos with or of the scare actors throughout the scare zones now in effect, Universal is attempting to ensure that guests are moving in an orderly fashion so as not to cause any blockades or problems throughout the zones, especially for the scare actors who have to walk around and do their job.
For various reasons, effective crowd control is paramount during events like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. First and foremost, ensuring the safety of all attendees is of utmost importance. With thousands of guests flocking to the event each night, the risk of accidents, injuries, or panic-induced incidents can increase significantly without proper crowd management. By implementing designated pathways, clear signage, and well-trained staff, the event organizers can minimize the chances of overcrowding, tripping hazards, or other safety concerns.
Moreover, crowd control enhances the overall guest experience. Halloween Horror Nights is about immersing visitors in a spine-tingling, fear-inducing atmosphere. Excessive crowding can detract from this experience, causing frustration and discomfort among attendees. Well-managed crowds allow guests to move freely between haunted houses, scare zones, and other attractions, ensuring they can fully enjoy the event without being overwhelmed by congestion or long wait times. A smoother and more enjoyable experience encourages positive word-of-mouth repeat visits and ultimately contributes to the event’s continued success.
In summary, crowd control at events like Halloween Horror Nights is vital for safeguarding attendees’ safety and enhancing the overall guest experience. By prioritizing effective crowd management, event organizers can balance thrilling their visitors with scares and ensuring their well-being throughout the night of frightful fun.
Universal Parks also enforce these types of rules as well. Parks like Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood in California, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Orlando. Epic Universe will open in the summer of 2025, making Universal Orlando a week-long destination for families and guests.
If you’re traveling to Universal Orlando, there is much to see and do. A Universal Express pass can grant access to shorter wait times for most attractions. Enjoy Universal CityWalk, Volcano Bay, Universal Islands of Adventure, and more. Stay onsite at a Universal Resort and gain early park admission to one of the two theme parks. Need Universal merch? Head over to the Universal Studios Store inside your hotel or CityWalk.
Enjoy sites, sounds, and smells from favorite film franchises like Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, DreamWorks, E.T., and many others. Visit the Universal Cinemark inside of Universal CityWalk and get a ticket to a movie of your choice. Ride E.T. Adventure, Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon, hop on the Hogwarts Express, check out Marvel Super Hero Island, or buy the latest Stranger Things merchandise from one of the retail locations throughout the parks. Want more rides and wait shorter times? Then, a Universal Express unlimited pass is the right thing for you. Do you want to get some time away from the sun? Visit Universals Volcano Bay and get on a water attraction.
At Universal Orlando Resort, there’s something for everyone.