Zombies, chainsaws, severed arms and rotting flesh in one theme park, eight houses, six scare zones, and two live shows, all for 39 electrifying nights: it’s that time of year again. Get ready for Halloween Horror Nights 2011, where the House always wins. As Panthers swallow their pride and paint on brave faces for the thrill of the whimsical world of horror, others tip-toe around the park for adventures and memories with friends.
“Horror Nights is the highlight of my year! Who couldn’t love overweight zombie chicks with skimpy outfits and psychopaths chasing you with chainsaws? My personal favorite was the Yoda-looking creatures this year – so hot. Sidney Prescott’s [Scream] got nothing on them,” junior Alberto Hernandez, who looks forward to the Orlando spectacle every year, said.
While many Panthers flock to Horror Nights for their enthusiasm over the novelty of creative costumes and set design, or merely a love for real-life horror movies, others dish out on the opportunity to simply make memories with friends.
“Funny story: I got stuck in the optical-illusion tunnel at the “In Between” house. Security had to come and help me out of the tunnel. Great times,” senior Tatiana Schaeffer said.
At Horror Nights, many groups of friends build the courage to take pictures with ghoulish creatures, find the excitement to run around an entire park, and keep each other awake, creating lasting memories that extend longer than any trivial fright at the park could produce.
While many students have positive tales to share about their Horror Nights experiences, others disagree.
“I think because Horror Nights is such a social event, it’s hard to have a good time if you’re not surrounded by fun people. That’s what happened to me,” junior Rianna McDew said.
Some did not enjoy Lady Luck’s house of scares, but the general consensus seems to be an amplified interest in Orlando’s scariest attraction.
As Junior Andres Flores sums up: “Come on, it’s Universal Studios! It’s not just an event that’s the same-old, same-old.”