With this weekend’s opening of Halloween Horror Nights 33, the spooky season is officially underway! As huge Universal and haunted house fans, we were so excited to attend the first weekend of this fan-favorite event. As you prepare for your trip through Sinist3r and Surr3al’s (twin sisters and this year’s iconic event hosts) twisted realms, check out my (spoiler-free) opening weekend house rankings for HHN33!
*This list represents my (Krysti’s) opinions of the HHN33 houses and my opinions only. I can’t speak for any other member of the Freaks of HHN team.*
10. Insidious: The Further
Full disclosure: I’m not an Insidious fan. I tried to watch the movies, and they just do not hold my attention. I am sure this house is much more exciting for someone who enjoys the story and characters. However if you are not familiar with the films, you won’t understand what is happening at all. In my opinion, that’s a huge problem with many IP houses – but especially this one.
9. Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
I am SHOCKED that a Universal Monsters house ended up so low on my rankings list, but I just cannot get into Saskia Van Helsing and her search for justice. As a woman, I really wanted to enjoy the all-female cast of characters. But in the end, this house is lacking the “girl power” moments I crave. If you’re looking for a woman-led Universal Monsters story, The Bride of Frankenstein Lives was, in my opinion, much more satisfying.
8. Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America
While this house does include some impressive special effects and storytelling, it’s hard not to compare it to California’s version last year. While Orlando’s rendition does present the monsters in perhaps a slightly more understandable and digestible way, Universal Studios Hollywood utilized the space and set pieces in a grander and more aesthetically interesting manner. I look forward to future runs of this house, but at this point I am not super impressed.
7. The Museum: Deadly Exhibits
I’m a huge fan of museums, and I was really amazed by Universal’s ability to create a convincing exhibit-based environment (albeit with an overlay of intense chaos). My only problem with this house is that there just isn’t that much to the overall story. In short, I really enjoyed my trip to the museum, but I don’t think there will be much growth to the narrative or character development as the run progresses.
6. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
I’m not an IP person, but I was surprised by how much I truly adored this house. It’s full of awesome special effects and dazzling little details. I’ve been through the house three times, and I keep finding new touches with every run!
5. Triplets of Terror
With a fascinating story and striking visuals, I’m very intrigued by this original house! I look forward to seeing how the experience evolves throughout the run.
4. Goblin’s Feast
This house gave me one of my most memorable scares of the weekend! Plus, the detailed sets and innovative special effects create a convincing and extraordinary environment. Can’t wait for another run!
3. Major Sweets Candy Factory
I’m a huge fan of original HHN lore, so I was excited to see Major Sweets’ triumphant return! While this house is arguably very short, it includes a ton of immersive elements such as moving set pieces, scrumptious smells, and engaging audio.
2. A Quiet Place
As I said before, I’m not normally an IP person. That being said, I ADORE this creative take on such a unique story. The house effectively communicates the terror of the oversized monsters and the utter isolation of this post-apocalyptic situation. However, I will warn that, if you are unfamiliar with the story, you will be utterly and completely lost. Study up if you want to fully appreciate the dynamics of this house!
1. Slaughter Sinema 2
If you know me, you know I couldn’t choose anything else for my number 1 slot! Slaughter Sinema 2 is packed with campy fun, hysterical characters, and darkly whimsical scenery. I laughed and danced the entire way through!
Halloween Horror Nights 33 runs select evenings now through November 3! With a selection of fan-favorite IP’s, B-movie fun, engaging stories, and a slew of talented performers; there’s plenty for everyone to scream about. If you’re looking for more of the gory details or you’re ready to plan your evening of fear, check out halloweenhorrornights.com.
