It was with great anticipation that we planned our "Rambo Mission" (a 3 day trip centering around HHN XI and cramming as much entertainment as one could into a 24 hour day) to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights XI. This year's theme, "ICU", was an extension of the prior year's "Jack" theme where we were to meet Jack's even more demented brother Eddie, and a full out "war" was set to be waged between the two characters. Despite my slight disappointment that the theme was so closely related to HHNX, I had no doubt that Universal would have something new and unexpected up their creative sleeves and that the event would be a success.
In the aftermath of 9/11, we heard Universal would be altering their plans for Halloween Horror Nights. This news was quite upsetting to many of the followers of this event, including some of the staff here @ HauntFreaks. The changes would include changing "blood" themes to "ooze." One attraction we believe was to be called "Bloodbath" was changed to "The Ooze Zone." The overall tone would be softened, and the "Eddie" theme "ICU" would be shelved. The event would proceed, once again focusing on Jack.
Joining us on this adventure were friends Vince and Kyle, and a splendid time was had by all, just as expected. While this year's festivities may not have lived up to the full potential of Universal's creative forces, it is completely understandable if you take into context the last minute alterations that were made to the event. Halloween Horror Nights XI was still a breathtaking romp into the macabre.
Our first night at HHNXI was Friday 10/19, and the crowds were moderate. As last year, we stayed within the park as they set up for the evening's celebrations. We popped into Finnegan's Bar and Grill (right across the street from where the "Fabulous Blues Brothers" perform during standard park hours). The food was good, the beer cold, the people nice, and we had the opportunity to chat with some of the workers about the atmosphere at the park over the past month. There had been concerns over attendance, but Saturday night's record numbers should have allayed that fear.
The first house we visited was "Superstitions" located right around the corner from Finnegan's, and as last year, was the first house to open. This house, based on "urban legends" was in the traditional manner, steeped in darkness and cobwebs. I still LOVE this venue, but after being in so many houses of a similar nature during the season, I am not easily startled, and am usually free to look around and observe. Not on guard as usual though, thanks to Finnegan's Happy Hour specials, I was a little "jumpier" than usual, so that added a bit to the fun. Overall, it was well done, but one of the smaller attractions.
Next stop, "Scary Tales," one of the larger houses and a favorite of many of the visitors. The house done in a fairy tale gone awry theme was made complete by a sing-song soundtrack in a childlike voice (reminded me of Carol-Ann calling out from beyond in the classic horror movie Poltergeist, if you're old enough to remember that one). The props and sets were first-rate as to be expected from Universal.
Always considerate of their guests, Universal does their best to entertain you while you stand in line for all of the attractions. Whether it is Jack heckling the patrons (and you prayed his spotlight didn't hit you), a side show act such as the contortionist fitting into the small clear box, or "Boogeymen" showing on a screen above your head, there is usually something within eyesight to help pass the time (not that there aren't enough "interesting sights" VISITING the park too).
Our next stop would be "The Mummy Returns", an equally large attraction based on themovie. Superb props and sets again. While I appreciated the darkness as a scare factor, we did wish we could have seen the set more clearly; it appeared that a great deal of time and talent had gone into its creation. We are quite thankful that no one was injured in an incident, prompted by the darkness, that took place in this house later in the season. One of Universal's less than brilliant patrons decided to use a lighter to guide his way thru the attraction, which I must add was unnecessary, the lighting was more than adequate to make your way thru. Luckily no one was hurt, the sets as they were, draped in cobwebs and burlap, could have lent themselves to a much bigger disaster. The attraction was closed for only one day, and the damage limited to a rather expensive piece of audio equipment.

We then proceeded to the houses that were my personal favorites. Not as sophisticated in appearance, or even requiring the elaborate sets of the previous houses, their appeal was in their cleverness. They were a twist from the norm.
"Pitch Black" was an absolutely brilliant idea. The goal, to completely immerse you in darkness, leaving you to rely on your senses to make your way thru the attraction. Unfortunately our experience was hindered by the girl five feet ahead of us, who had not removed her "novelty glowing horns" before entering the attraction. In between areas of abject darkness you would encounter blinding light, leading into more darkness. The walls would be soft or furry in spots or the floor would become so soft you would practically sink into it. The complete darkness alone is a frightening factor to many people, generally why many "haunters" use this feature in one small aspect of their attraction; I respected the ingenuity that led USF to base a whole house on it. I could not help but be apprehensive as to what I would lay my hand upon next while trying to feel my way thru.
"Run" was my favorite. Upon entering the attraction you see a maze of chain link fences that form the corridors of the attraction. Much like a rat to cheese, you are to find your way from one end of the maze to the other through a confusing and CHANGING labyrinth, corridors shutting off to sometimes separate a member from your group, and where meeting a dead end you were subjected to heckling. We walked down one path whose opening had been closed off within seconds of reaching it, to be greeted with "Where do you think you morons aregoing?" There was also the surprise of being struck with an icy blast of water from the nailgun toting hillbilly, whose weapon of choice had been redesigned into quite a scary looking water pistol. Along with the shifting aisles they threw in obstacles, not allowing you to "think" about where you were going, but prompting you to move forward. In a conversation with James-Michael Roddy, Manager of Show Concepts and Scripts at USF, I asked about "Run," and he explained "Run was a simple concept. I created the simple idea that that [run] is what we wanted the guest to do." I didn't find this house as scary, as it was stupendously great confusing fun. (Check back for more information from my interview with Michael Roddy).
The Scare Zones, "Midway of the Bizarre and "Nightmare Alley," were again astounding,filled with smoke, strobe lights, loud noises and monsters, catering to the easily intimidated. (For the life of me, I cannot understand WHY a person in an obvious rubber mask can walk up to some girls, not leap out, but WALK UP, and still send them running. I'm thankful tho, it is amusing to the rest of us ). The "Unknown" possibly the best of the three, focused more on characters cloaked to blend with the darkness and who kept you on edge (even us! ) with thunderous or piercing noises that seemed to appear from nowhere, leaving you to wonder who or what you would encounter.
Kongfrontation, which remains closed by day, had been turned into Ooze Zone, an interesting attraction complete with smoke, fire, and of course Kong, which ended in a room full of foam. Meant to be a club like atmosphere, from what we heard, this with a favorite with the younger crowd.
The parade was similar to the prior year's "Bloody Playthings", minus some of the chainsaw wielding gangs that kept you out of the way of the parade route. On Saturday, our second visit to the park, we had the absolute privilege of being on one of the floats, it was outstanding fun and a highlight of the trip!! We had our faces painted for the occasion, Brian's done by the exceptionally talented Brian Wolf, who is responsible for many of the incredible transformations required by the park, including the cast of Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue. We would be on the "Devil" float. We were provided cloaks, signed a few waivers and climbed onto the float, where we were anchored to our stations. Their concern for our safety was quite obvious, but they wanted to stress, "have fun!" I think they may have been a little disappointed that we hadn't imbibed at any of Dracula's Taverns : . We threw HUGE stacks of beads and buckets of coins to the screaming crowds, and Brian best summed up the event; it was "Probably as close to being teen idols as any of us would ever become." This opportunity made our night, Universal experienced a crowd of record numbers this evening, and the lines for attractions could be as long as 2 hours per attraction. (We had managed all 6 houses within 2 hours on our previous visit). If you needed a break and wanted to get off your feet, you could always have popped into watch Boogeymen, which ran continuously in the theater all evening.

While waiting for Bill and Ted we watched the crowd and listened to loud rock music, the perfect "energy enhancer" for the show to come. After all, "This show contains Rock and Roll! If this loud, blaring, desensitizing, style of music annoys you, get out! You won't enjoy this show at all!"
An amusing skit ensues and at the conclusion, we hear the infamous voice-over of "Sex and the City's" Carrie.… "So I ask myself, was there more to life than a theme park show about Halloween where two characters from an obscure series of films from the late eighties make fun of today's entertainment and political scene with witty parody, music, and dance? Was there anything better than Bill & Ted?" Few shows will make you laugh as hard, that's for certain.
My first instinct when sitting down to write this year's Bill & Ted review was though extremely entertaining, it may have been "missing some of it's bite" from the prior year; however, sitting here script in hand, I'm inclined to say the only element that was softened may be the lack of political commentary and in context of world politics in October 2001, that is understandable.
This years adversaries? The "summer movie villains." The plot? Tired of the "weak films" they were forced to populate, they had escaped their celluloid boundaries. With the "Populater" a device that could create any pop icon at the press of a button AND the now famous "telephone booth" they would travel thru time replacing pop icons, altering world history until they could take over the world. They would begin with Universal Studios, "the most beloved theme park in history." (Emperor Thade). Adding to my respect of Universal is their ability to include themselves in the mix of mockery, as was evident in Jay's response to Lord Farquad, "Dammit! We're not Bill & Ted! But we do agree - this summer totally blew. Pearl Harbor Bombed (Artisan), Fast and the Furious was slow and maddening (Universal) and what the hell was "Pootie Tang (Paramount)?" That movie was open for like 30 minutes.
The complete cast of "Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure:2001, Bill & Ted Strike Back :
Michelle and Jim from American Pie
Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte and Amanda, from HBO's Sex and the City
Christopher Walken
Four Scantily clad "Diamond Dogs" from Moulin Rouge
Lara Croft from Tomb Raider
Silent Bob & Jay
Emperor Thade and Ari from Planet of the Apes
Im-Ho-Tep and Anck-Su-Namun from "The Mummy"
Lord Farquad, Shrek, and the Gingerbread Man from Shrek
Mr. Tinkles, feline leader of the cat revolution
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde
Charlton Heston
Harry Potter
Gary & Ace, Saturday Night Live's Ambiguously Gay Duo
Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter
Christina Aguilera
Jennifer Lopez
Anne Robinson, famed TV bitch from the Weakest Link
Angus Young
A cameo Madonna appearance in the final number
And of course…. Bill S. Preston "esquire" and Ted "Theodore" Logan, who together are…. "Wyld Stallyions"

The show proceeds tossing clever one liners at a crowd who eats them up as eagerly as coins along the parade route. One unfortunate aspect of this is that sometimes it is possible to miss one joke, as you can't hear over the laughter from the line before. The climax of the show is prompted by a not so Silent Bob as he stops everyone in their tracks. "We are all pop icons. We have a responsibility to the masses to set an example. Something that the youth of America can look up to. Something that illustrates our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." At this point, the legendary dance finale begins. But what an excellent commentary on the high regard we place on the members of the entertainment industry. We would have seen the show twice, which I would recommend to anyone visiting HHN more than once during the season, there is always something picked up the second time around, but our opportunity to be in the parade coupled with show times, made this impossible.

Dangerous D'Illusions with Franz Harary….. sucked. It was the only disappointment of the whole evening. You have to understand that Brian is a big, HUGE, magic fan (go figure), and. had done his homework. Franz Harary is responsible for some of the most breathtaking stage effects ever, but he should stick to that. His stage presence leaves much to be desired, unless watching the "pony tail guy" being backed up by the "Robert Palmer video girls, refitted in silver mini dresses and dark glasses," is your bag. If so, by all means, enjoy. (If you want to find out how some of his most spectacular tricks were done, catch Penn and Teller's act. They spill the beans on the whole thing, complete with mockery of the rock and roll magician Gods.)
As last year, USF opened several of their attractions at night to entertain you as well, giving you the option to enjoy Men In Black, Terminator 2, Twister, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, E.T. Adventure, Jaws, or Earthquake, as well as the opportunity to catch Beetlejuice's Graveyard review.
Check back often, here at HauntFreaks.com for all the news and rumors for the upcoming Halloween Horror Nights XII. To chat about the event visit Chainsaw Wolf's HHN Yahoo Group, a group dedicated specifically to HHN.