As an out and proud adrenaline junkie, I’ll take any opportunity to get my BPM up. It sounds a little twisted, but I’m going with even saying I’m boldly fearless.
So when the opportunity arose for me to explore Universal Orlando, home to epic coasters, water slides, immersive stunt shows – and more specifically 10 of the creepiest scare zones known to man, aka Halloween Horror Nights (HNN) – ecstatic was an understatement.
Being in a haunted space inspired by classics including The Exorcist – a story follows the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother’s attempt to rescue her through an exorcism by two Catholic priests -was enticing beyond words.
For those who haven’t seen all the jumpscare videos of it over the years, HHN houses are known for their elaborate design, costumes, acting, and of course the whole soul leaving your body theatrics. So if you or someone in your circle isn’t a fan of sensory overload, earphones are advised, or – top tip – simply just act like you ain’t scared.
Even with my bravado, I clearly had no idea what was in store. In short, imagine walking through a foggy amusement park late at night in a crowd of 20 other scared-witless individuals, while getting a continuous fright of your life in 10 life-sized spooky houses. Yes, 10!
Each house is dedicated to screen horror classics including the 1988 slasher Chucky, aka the tale of the possessed ginger haired doll – which was the first scare maze on the list.
Now, I know that this wasn’t going to be one of those childish exhibitions where actors in questionable face paint were going to say boo, but considering Chucky is a doll I figured it would be a walk in the park – a disturbing walk, but a walk nonetheless.
Oh how wrong was I!
As soon as my foot stepped into Chucky’s demonic playground, the eerie silence of my group waiting for something to pounce was deafening. And then, bam! A 4ft doll holding a chainsaw starts cackling voice right in my face.
And if the impressive blend of animatronic models and human actors wasn’t enough to shake my spirit, the person lying on a bed screaming as Chucky murders her for the pleasure of guests did the trick.
That maze was just one long drawn-out anxiety attack, and my crowd had the audacity to label it a warm up. Although I was baffled at their indifference, I soon realised that Chucky’s quarters was nothing compared to what followed, because cue The Exorcist: Believer.
‘Angela, just tell your father what you told me,’ was the first thing we hear as I held on to my colleague’s backpack for dear life.
Similar to Chucky, my shoulders were raised for most of the duration waiting for someone to strike with a menacing laugh, but when I say the jump scares got me, I don’t think you understand.
There’s a moment where we were walking through the narrow corridors in silence (you know to compose ourselves further for what was to come) and the plain wallpaper suddenly turns transparent with an actor screaming while fake blood runs down their face.
And let’s just say the noise I made wasn’t a human one.
I even tried my hardest to film a decent point of view reaction, but after being startled (several times) by actresses in hospital gowns, I thought it was best to put my phone away – but enjoy the screenshot of me pre-scare mode below!
My honourable mention has to go to the house dedicated to season four of Stranger Things, which was the fifth scare house on the itinerary.
For those unaware, the Netflix sci-fi drama – which stars Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder – tells the story about residents in the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Set in 1983, the locals are plagued by a hostile alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
The scare house showcases iconic moments from the latest season as the group work its way through Hawkins and beyond, taking on the main antagonist Vecna.
Even though the objective was to scare, I remember stopping for a moment just to soak in the retro scenery. I was looking forward to this house the most as I’m a big fan of the show, however you’ll be pleased to know it didn’t really frighten me that much.
To be fair, this was the fifth house of the night, so I’d say I became pretty desensitised to people jumping out at me.
Nevertheless, for ST lovers everywhere you’ll be pleased to know the first room you walk into is Eddie Munson’s trailer and if you look above you’ll see the aftermath of Chrissie’s interaction with Vecna and Eleven using her telekinetic abilities to defeat the villain.
And yes, of course you’ll be hearing Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill.
Now, what springs to mind when you hear YETI: Campground Kills? Of course, I wasn’t expecting to walk through a field of daisies, but the maze’s title didn’t give me sinister undertones like Chucky and The Exorcist.
However, this house, which is set in a 1950s campground, got me several times more than it should, those damn Yetis.
One of the most highly-anticipated haunted houses of the season is The Last Of Us, and appropriately that was the last scare house of the chilling evening.
The experience is based on the 2013 video game developed by Naughty Dog which led to the award-winning drama starring Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie).
I’ll admit, I’m not all that familiar with the series, so if you’re not a fan of the game or TV show this house may not impress you, as it’s very much geared towards those who are familiar with the world.
The sets immediately transport you into its post-apocalyptic world, with suspense aplenty. The maze takes you through the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone section of the game alongside main characters Joel and Ellie.
Halloween Horror Nights 2023 prices
Seven nights at Loews Sapphire Falls from £1,576 per person (£3,152 total)
Seven nights at Loews Sapphire Falls in Orlando with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow direct to Orlando, accommodation in Standard Queen room on a room only basis starts from £1,576 per person. Price also includes a Universal 3 Park Explorer Ticket and Halloween Horror Nights single night ticket.Price is per person based on two adults sharing a room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure date of 26th September 2023. Virgin Atlantic flies direct to Orlando twice a day from both Manchester and London Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 557 3859.
The clickers, aka the fungi-infected zombies, will definitely take you by surprise and there’s an alarming moment where a mega sized clicker is seen dispatching a victim in impressive yet explicit fashion.
A word to the wise, the demand for this maze is pretty high as you can imagine, so for those without an express pass, I’d strongly recomend you make this maze a priority.
If there’s one thing that must be applauded it’s the incredible attention to detail featured from start to finish, and although I was a mixture of nerves and excitement you’ll never truly feel scared, if anything you’re just left in awe at the well-orchestrated production.
All in all, my first Halloween Horror Night experience was certainly one to remember, and although my interest in the horror genre remains the same, for those who simply enjoy a laugh with their loved ones and who don’t mind the occasional jump scare, I encourage you to make the trip.
Your Daily Horoscope
So, same time again next year?
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