Why Halloween Horror Nights 2024 Falls Flat: Budget Cuts & Sparse Scares at Universal Orlando

[@seanmoore3648]

The misses and I have done HHN for 15 years and Ultimate Scream with Express for the last 4-5 years. This year we did premium scream night. It was a singular event that is a deal at twice the price. We have passed on RIP as we didn't like being required to either buy out for all the RIP spots (private) or go with the group and whomever it includes. We did 25 houses that night, the show and sampled a good amount of food. I think the failure, if there was one, was the marketing. People didn't understand the value (do the math as you say). That said, part of the value almost requires you highlight the issues with the regular event (overcrowding, conga and long lines). I agree and am sad to see the opening weekend crowd certainly wasn't as good to be around this year, especially for a September crowd. October crowds are seemingly more problematic, but normally September is the HHN fan community.

[@parkspective4114]

I feel this did make money. Let's say there were 4,000 or close to tickets sold. Every guest essentially paid admission and express plus a hundred for all you can eat food and parking. I think Scott nailed it here. The event could not have bad press. It will never be as good as the first time(until more nights some day) I did the event and my bus for Cabana Bay at 2:20 am. Which means there were ancillary spending. This event made money. Particularly for a first year. I had this and Rush of Fear as a rain back up. I bought food I did not get to and a few gift items.