"Don't Open, Dead Inside"

Although we couldn't come up with an exact amount of time, it had been a while since Eric and I visited Universal Horror Nights. We were lucky to be invited by Ricky, along with a few others. Ricky's  boyfriend Greg and Ricky's brother Tim also joined the fun. We also were on the lookout for a friend/former Fantasyland coworker, Erin. 

The night began early. Ricky had special passes to the Pass Holder event that kicked off at 5 PM. There we would walk through a maze during the day and hear a Welcome speech by a Horror Nights creator. 

At first we aimlessly wandered through the European side of the park. We finally came across someone that was announcing the El Cucuy walk through. This maze is based on the Latin version of The Boogeyman. I expected a sort of creative narration during this walk through. Instead, guests were funneled through the maze quickly. If anything, we at last saw the detail that go into this event. 

Looks like a scary birthday party gone wrong. 

After this "behind the scenes" look, we gathered at the adjacent arena for a presentation. What it ended up being was a constant reel of YouTube promos for Horror Nights. The four of us waited for a bit, but we decided to leave. I know everyone there was full of anticipation, so these little commercials were slightly annoying.

When the barricade was moved and we we gained access to the rest of the park, we went straight to the lower lot. Ricky led our strategy to start at the furthest area. Even the creator announces, via twitter, to do this. We saw many head to the lower level, but it wasn't busy at these mazes. 

A little fog sets the right mood. I'd say it's the easiest method to creating that Halloween spookiness. Even at Knott's, this stuff spills into the neighboring streets. 

We conquered the Evil Dead attraction. None of us had seen the film, but it sure kept us on our toes. Even though these sets felt recycled from the Friday the 13th mazes from the past (trees and tents), there were some good scares here. What made this creepier was the group ahead practically ran through and left us. At one point I was in a room alone, and Eric was in the previous room alone. When that happens the actors really make an effort! There was an instance where someone would appear where a wall once stood. They'd be there scaring us and the wall would be gone. Clever!

A tram would take us to our next destination. All of us were dropped off at storage facility that was infested with zombies from The Walking Dead. Fog filled our path and strobes flickered sporadically. This environment really messed with our pupils. I'd get blinded by lights and suddenly have a zombie in my face!

This path led all of us to the prison featured in the hit show The Walking Dead. The setting was so great and our group of four became very excited. It was awesome that they recreated so many sets from the show. There was even a moment in The Governor's office where Penny comes running at you from her closet. When the scare actors reveal themselves, there's a lighting and audio cue. The timing is another nod to the professionalism of the Universal Studios mazes. 

Eric and I jumped as we walked through the maze, into a dark hall. A group of 6 "walkers" came flying at us via a hidden track. We were not expecting that! I wish I had video of our faces. 

The maze sitting right next to the previous attraction was the Black Sabbath themed maze. It featured black light sensitive paint and we all wore 3D glasses. I was impressed by the opening cemetery scene because of its detail and size. We were accosted by a small female who's skull head appeared to hover a foot in front of her body. I blame the cool use of 3D for that. I don't know a thing about the band Black Sabbath, but the maze was fun. 

After our friend Erin, along with her posse, joined us we headed to the Insidious maze. It's based on the film of the same name that follows the paranormal happenings within a home. This maze was awesome!!! The whole gory/watching people beheaded act is "tired" and over used. It was refreshing to walk through a maze heavily focused on  being haunted and not gore. 

As we waited in the queue for this, we asked Erin her thoughts on these types of events. She said these mazes don't scare her, the films do. Cut to 10 minutes later, I see Erin running away from a scare actor in the Insidious maze. Well, I guess this maze got the best of all of us. Our whole group felt this was the strongest maze they had. 

There were scenes where ghosts were "alive" in portraits then were in the hallway with you. A sceance scene conjured up a dark spirit that reached out at you. The medium conducting the sceance had a scary looking gas mask on her head and she shook violently in her seat. I could go on and on about this chilling maze. 

Eric and I with our pal Erin. 

We all made our way back to the Upper Lot to experience the Terror Tram. I never get scared with this experience. To be honest, the novelty of walking this path has worn away. This attraction is out in the open and nothing really comes as a surprise. I do enjoy getting a close view of the Psycho House. We also made use of the photo location and met Norman Bates. 

We can see Mother hanging out in the window. She had some unkind words to yell down at Norman. 

For a serial killer, Norman looked pretty cute. Eric was in Norman's grip during the photo. 

As shown with this terrifying baby, the Walking Dead team also was present. Although I enjoy the show, I'd say there were zombies in too many places. I hope they skip the Terror Tram in the future. Or, maybe our group should decide to skip it. 

The final two mazes we visited were El Cucuy (this time lights off with actors) and then Monster Maze Re-mix (classics horror). I'm gonna come right out and say that the El Cucuy was just bad. As we saw earlier, a lot of detail and time had been put toward this. Too bad for us, it failed. The theme was weak and it didn't make any sense. 

The Monster Re-mix maze is there for day guests as well and has been for a few years. It's nice to see come classics characters like The Mummy, Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein's Monsters, and of course Mother from Psycho popping out of a blood splattered shower. I agreed with Ricky that it's always great to come across a Psycho reference in a Universal maze. 

By this time it was nearing 12 AM. We were surprised that the event lasted 2 more hours! We finished all we hoped and felt good about our visit. I've walked away from this event annoyed, after waiting two hours for one maze. The El Cucuy maze wasn't impressive, but we only waited about 15 minutes. I gave the event a 4/5 stars. It has a great environment for Halloween and is a must so for those looking for a some scared and laughs. 

Hollywood does Grinchmas

Before heading back on Safari, I was inspired to share our latest trip!........."Simply having a wonderful Grinchmas time " was today's mantra.  Eric and I hadn't been to Universal Studios during Christmas so we gave it a shot. To add to the cheer, our friends Ricky and Miley joined in the winter event.

It was a cold afternoon when we arrived. We were caught in a light, misty drizzle that didn't keep us or anyone else away. But of course the day I wear my glasses, the lenses were full of water! It was a surprise to find that on rainy days, the park gives out free hot chocolate in heated tents!!! What service!!

 

Although the walkways were full of visitors, we were glad they weren't in the queues. Even the line for food was a breeze. We had decided to eat and headed to Mel's Diner. Great burgers were devoured! But, Miley was the odd woman out with her Chilli Cheese fries. We had some great service with our food. A busser even offered to help a nearby table with directions to their next destination, and they didn't have to ask!

First attraction up was The Studio Tram Tour. We had heard that the WhoVille scene had added characters and dancers for Grinchmas. Miley is a former tram tour hostess and she asked a former coworker which guide available would give the best spiel. A guy named Jay was the recommended tram host. He performed some fun voices and used his personality to give a better experience. Since we were at the front of the tram with him, he also had some funny side comments.

Jay, our fearless tram host

Although Jay gave an above average performance, we were a underwhelmed at the WhoVille scene. It was still drizzling, so the Whovians were only standing and waving. Lame! The host, Jay, added that they do a cool little song n dance, but the rain has stopped them. Knowing there would be a performance, you can imagine our surprise when the tram didn't stop and kept moving!

So basically we rode the whole tour for nothing?? All was not lost because it was fun for Miley to experience Kimg Kong for the first time. She hadn't worked there in a few years so even the Jimmy Fallon supplemental video is new to her. Universal is a working studio, so there is usually a slight variance in one's tram experience as they avoid film shoots. We missed Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane because of an insurance commercial.

To prove how short the lines were, we waited about 8 minutes for Transformers. That was also a first ride for Miley and she loved it! Who wouldn't, except for people prone to motion sickness? Eric would really like to see a soundtrack added to that attraction. The sensations of movement and technology are fascinating, but it lacks that little boost music would give.

The queue for The Mummy coaster was a "walk-on"! Although a fun coaster, it wasn't as exciting without the sound effects. For some reason they were never switched on for us. The attraction was slightly awkward because it was obvious something was missing. Our group did have a slight giggle as the unenthusiastic unload hostess sipped on a beverage. Where was the clapping???

So far we have Whovians that only wave hello, no sound effects on The Mummy, and a bored worker drinking what I hope was water. But, the four of us were still having a fun time in the cold.

We ventured into the future by visiting the Cyberdyne presentation at Terminator 3D.  But, according to Terminator 2's timeline, aren't we past what Sara Connor calls "Judgement Day"? Shouldn't the Terminators have taken over the country by now? Oh well.

Neither of us had seen the 3D/Live Action show a while. With rumors that a Despicable Me film will replace it, we had to stop by. I love the T2 film so I was definitely into the show. Motorcycles driving into and out of the screen, live actors, explosions, hydraulic theater seats, and CO2 enveloping the audience is great fun! There is a section in the middle that drags a bit, but I'm forgiving.  I'll miss the show once its gone.

During the show "load in"

It was now time for the icing on the cake, the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The show is held in the former Wild West arena. It was now an icy blue winter scene that surrounds a whimsically shaped, 60 foot tall tree. I don't really recall the film "The Grinch" all that much. I am more of a fan of the vintage cartoon. The show drew from both sources as they used the original music from the Christmas special. I looked like a nerd filming with my iPhone and snapping photos with my camera. Below you can see the video I shot.

Once the Whovians started singing the song 'Welcome Christmas" I got a little giddy and Eric was mumbling the lyrics. The show's writing was a little hard to swallow, but that song really brought out the feeling of Christmas. The show's climax ended with a lighting of the entire theater, the tree, and a snowfall. It was a nice treat for this wintery day. Eric and I then decided to get a little scared at the House of Horrors!

As noted in a previous post, I've always been a fan of Halloween and horror. It's great that Universal has a haunted maze filled with their classic characters such as Wolfman, Dracula, Chucky, and Norman Bates. The facility is a former Marvel themed restaurant and storage area that was renovated approximately 10-15 years ago. There are elaborate, eerie sets that fill up the two level space.

 

It's not really all that scary, but some people really do get frightened. I love whenever the film Psycho is represented! As the "Shower Scene" music plays, one must walk close by a creepy figure of Norman's mother sitting in a chair. We never knows if it's merely a figure or if she will jump out at you. This time she merely sat there (guess the performer was at lunch or a call sick).

To our surprise it was nearly 9 PM and the park would be closing soon. It was evident that the marketing campaign for Grinchmas had helped to keep in the crowds. To be honest I almost fell for the holiday marketing and bought a silly Grinch themed hat. Ricky did make a purchase but his hat was definitely more reasonable. I wonder who's Christmas tree will go missing tonight....blame Ricky!

Running Wild at Universal Studios in Hollywood

Before we head back to Walt Disney World, we stay in California. Today we met up with Ricky, our best friend that lives in Hollywood. As a matter of fact, I am standing in his kitchen while taking the photo below. Nice view, huh?

Well on this particular Labor Day we thought we would convert Ricky to becoming an AP at Universal Studios. After all, it's just over that hill you see there. Although we are part of the "jaded" population that has seen it all in Southern California, we still have a good time. I did forget how cool the Hollywood & Vine Subway station is. A hidden gem that is themed to film.

We encountered a weird character on the subway. But, why wouldn't we? After all this is Hollywood! A man was yelling at strangers while on the train. It was very annoying, and I looked forward to getting off at our stop. Even though I was annoyed at the moment, the subway ride made me miss NYC. I would like to go back. But, as Sophia would say on the Golden Girls, "I digress!"

After we exited and rode the tram to City Walk, we finally made it to what they call "The Entertainment Capitol of L.A." Didn't it use to be called "...of the World"? Does anyone else remember that? 

With a "beep" of the turnstile and the scan of your right index finger we were in the park! We quickly passed the credit card booths and people shouting to take our photo. I'll never get that sales pitch. "Hi just get together for a real quick photo!" Why? I am holding my camera!

Ricky had not been on the new Transformers attraction so that was our main goal. And as we moved through the crowd we came across these two dames. They had some fun banter as they went back and forth in a thick Brooklyn accent. I'll give it to the park that some of the atmosphere talent is quite entertaining. The "woman" on the left was a bitter character indeed. Hilarious!

I wish I had taken photos of the Shrek/Curious George/Flinstones/Western area because the lay out for this is just atrocious! Nothing goes together and it's very crowded. In order to get to the Lower Lot one has to find the way around the hanging Jaws, and Doc Brown's Chicken location. Those two spots almost create a dead end. Anyway, I don't think the average "first-timer" would notice. That person would be too excited.

We then found a photo spot that had significant relevance to today's pop culture...NOT! Does anyone recall the film Apollo 13 or whether it was a film that changed the face of cinema? Maybe to some people it does, but to the three of us it didn't. People sure loved to take a photo with the cut-outs. Ricky and I couldn't resist being so giddy to follow suit!

You do get great views of the Lower Lot as you make your way down five escalators. Even as a ten year old, my first trip there, I thought this escalator situation was odd. But, the land here is limited and what else are they going to do about it? What do you think of it? Any thoughts? In the end, it is not very likely that this will ever change, but we can still discuss it.

As we turned the corner of the renovated facades we could see the show building just ahead of us. We were prepared to wait any amount of time to board. Luckily the wait was maybe 45 minutes long. 

Eric and Ricky had a Gay old time playing with all the gadgets in the queue. The queue is impressive. As you wait in the room with the All Spark being kept in its capsule, the relic is radiating power and a vibration.

Then of course there is the attraction! The crew yells your safety orders at you, the recruits. Once your vehicle parks the "loaders" order you to hustle into the row and get all the way across. "RUN!" they shouted. Pretty cool theming if you ask me and a great way to get those guests in as fast as possible. No wonder the wait time was so short. 

Some of you may have read details of the show scenes, but I say experience that for yourselves. The technology that is being used here is really tricking the brain to feel sensations that convincingly put you in the action of it all. There are a few flying or falling sequences that put this ride over the top! Eric really wants to figure out how this all happens. I am not sure if I want to know.

So of course we had an excellent time! The three of us are also fans of stop motion animation and checked out a small exhibit for the new film ParaNorman. A boy can talk to the dead and he has to save his town from zombies and a witch's curse! Looking at the puppets and sets really show that a lot of detail is shown to really make the story as believable as possible. I really zoomed in on those documents, but they were so small from a normal distance.

It came up in conversation that Ricky had never seen the King Kong experience on the Tram Tour. This took us by a little surprise so we headed back up the escalators to the Tram Loading area. To reach the Tram Tour from the Lower Lot you must ride the five escalators up the hill. Then ride another one down the opposite side. One could say that this park experience takes place on so many levels!

 While in the queue we pondered whether we would join one of the non-English tours. Spanish or perhaps Cantonese?? We stayed in our section of the queue and pressed on. The queue here is usually in constant flow as the trams takes many tourists at once. We actually ended up riding in a tram full of people that were "eating it all up"! The shouts and the interacting wasn't lost on these people. We have ridden those trams where the narrator is met with those awkward silences. But, Eric and I are also to blame as we join in on the silence.

There wasn't any filming today so the route was actually a little different than a few weeks ago. And, we were able to see Jaws with the audio running. Last time filming was close by so as Jaws popped out of the water, there was no noise and no award winning music either.

We did get to see the exterior of the Dolly Parton hit, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas! I have yet to see that film but people tell me it's a "not to be missed". I better get on that!

Like Apollo 13, Universal is hanging onto the sets of The Grinch that Stole Christmas. It just made the three of us laugh. Did anyone really enjoy that film? If you are out there please let us know why. I'm just curious. We laughed at the fact that the tour guide needed to point out that the little vehicle you see is in fact a converted golf cart. Thank you Lexy!

I'm sure there are those out there that feel I should let go of my respect for Hitchcock. The Psycho House and Bates Motel is pretty much my favorite part of the tour. I love the film so much and I think I will pop in the movie this afternoon.

"We all go a little mad sometimes."

Some folks might call Eric and I a little mad, but we have a great time!

 We were storming the shops as we tried to find merchandise from the ParaNorman film. We even tried to take this Vespa to make our search a little faster!


Ricky found some friends from the film, but they didn't know where to find the good stuff. As you can see, Eric doesn't believe a word of their lies! I would say we went to almost every gift shop in that Upper Lot section. Who knew you could find so many different magnets with the word "Hollywood" pressed onto it? Who knew?? Did you??

After all that we barely had enough time for Ricky to get a new hair style. "The works!" he demanded. I think they gave it to him, but does he look pleased?

The time at the park was a fun one. Sure we had a few items to throw critique at, but you can't please everyone. To take Universal's side, the park has changed a great deal since I was a kid. We look forward to the Wizarding World that is to be here in the next few years. We end the day with a look at a Hollywood icon as recognizable as the one captured earlier.  

Can you find it in the dark? Makes me want to go to Disney World!