There is nothing I love more than Halloween, unless it’s Halloween plus my favorite Florida theme park. For 2009, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will have 8 haunted houses, 6 “scare zones”, and 2 new live shows. The park does a great job of reworking these shows every year, so you could make it an annual event and never see the same thing twice. Universal’s hanuted houses are scary too, and are not for kids or faint-hearted adults.

The theme for 2009 at Universal is “Ripped from the Silver Screen” with haunted houses and events focused on your favorite horror movies. You’ll see scenes from classics like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein, plus new favorites like Saw, Child’s Play and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures (who knows where that one came from!). Most of your favorite rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will also be open, so take a break from all the horror by hitting up the new Simpsons ride or the classic arcade-style Men in Black.

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are open on the following dates for 2009:

October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31

Most nights the park is open from 6:30 pm to 2 am, though it closes at midnight on Sundays. While this is one of the best Halloween attractions in the country, it’s also one of the most crowded, so it helps to know how to beat the crowds. Read more »

I’ve mentioned in many posts that I hate waiting in long lines. I know some people feel like that 90 minute wait is part of the theme park experience, but I’d rather wait 5-10 minutes and walk right on to the ride. The good news is that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer plenty of ways to experience major rides and attractions without waiting in line, and you can do it without spending an extra dime.

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This blog has grown out of my love of Universal Studios theme park. While I’ve always been a Disney fan, it seems like Universal is getting better every year, and their hotels and attractions are truly outstanding (Spiderman ride anyone?) I’ll be posting news, reviews, and tips to help make your trip more fun.

The first thing you should know about me is that I HATE CROWDS. If it comes down to going to the park and waiting in long lines all day, count me out. Luckily, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer ways to see the park and ride all the rides without experiencing the dreaded 90 minute wait time. Read more »