Halloween may be two months away, but both Universal Orlando and Disney World are already getting their scare tactics ready. The two theme parks unveiled their plans for spooky festivities and attractions that agents can pitch to clients seeking to go the extra mile to scare themselves this year.
Universal Orlando's plans for its annual Halloween Horror Nights this year include Ripped From the Silver Screen, a series of live shows and haunted houses that celebrate both new and classic horror films. The event will promote the launch of two highly anticipated horror movies: Saw VI and The Wolfman (which stars Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins). For the first time in Universal's 19 years of Halloween Horror Nights, guests will be able to "relive" two films that are yet to be released in theaters.
Spooky Sojourns
"Halloween Horror Nights is the perfect launch for The Wolfman," says producer Scott Stuber. "The horror audience is one of the most enthusiastic and loyal, so we are pleased they [will] experience it first at Halloween Horror Nights."
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| Visitors to Universal Orlando at Halloween will experience The Wolfman live before its theatrical release |
Additionally, guests will be able to "relive" scenes from the "Chucky" films, Dracula and Frankenstein. "We have an exciting opportunity to [take] our guests into the world of some of the most popular horror films," says Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort. "If you thought you were scared watching these movies, wait till you experience this year's Halloween Horror Nights."
The dates for Halloween Horror Nights are September 25-26, and October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25 and 28-31. For more information on Ripped From the Silver Screen, visit www.universalorlando.com.
Going on simultaneously will be Disney World's family-friendly Halloween festivities. Disney's Not So Scary Halloween offers the Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and the Happy HalloWishes fireworks show.
For the adults, Disney World's Epcot Center will feature its 14th Annual International Food and Wine Festival, where foodies will converge for tastings and samplings from 25 different countries. Live performances by artists from various countries will also be featured, in addition to shows by Kool & the Gang, Better than Ezra and many others.
Disney World's Halloween festivities will begin on September 11 and run through November 1. Information on tickets can be found at www.disneyworld.com/halloween.