Halloween Horror Nights

When we went to Halloween Horror Nights we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.  We had the nachos appetizer and burgers with fries.  That's all we usually get but we enjoy it every time.  I won't say much about Hard Rock because I've written about it in previous posts and I have nothing new to add.  The only thing I didn't like was the waiter who was not engaging at all and didn't offer any dialogue beyond basic service.  This is not the norm for Hard Rock so I won't gig them too hard but in an atmosphere like Hard Rock the personality of the server is almost as important as the quality of the meal.

As for Halloween Horror Nights, I wrote in my previous post everything I liked about it.  There were a few things that could be better.  For example, in and around the attractions the police officers seemed more engaging than some of the employees.  Many of the haunted houses were set up on back lots which is not where tourists ever go so it's all set up with ropes and stanchions.  While the details were good there were times that you don't know if you're going in or out and nobody there to tell you.  That or employees were standing there watching you decide what to do and not offer to help.  I'm sure they are told this but don't always do it.  Also, some of the rides were closed for the night, for example E.T the Extra-terrestrial, is still one of the most popular rides and it was closed.  Why?  People pay a lot of hard earned money so keep everything open. Right?

I included the photo of the menu for Finnegan's above but it's hard to read.  Another place to eat at Universal is Mel's Drive-In which is the replica of Mel's in American Graffiti.  It's fast food burgers in and out but good for families. There is also Louie's Italian Restaurant, the Monster Cafe and a fried chicken place (we haven't eaten there).  You can also hit Starbucks which is right next door to Ben and Jerry's so plenty of eateries and they're all good.

If you come next year buy your tickets early but plan for a night because, unlike regular theme park tickets, these are date specific.  Ticket prices are cheaper for weekdays, more for Friday, and Saturday is the most expensive.  Example for 2011:  Sunday-Thursday - $39.99, Friday - $49.99, and Saturday - $59.99.  You can also add Fast Pass for $39.99 extra so you can bypass all the lines (except Rip Rocket Roller Coaster).  I didn't buy them because I felt it was a waste of money and it was since none of the lines were longer than a 15 minute wait, however, if you chose to buy them, buy them right away as they only issue so many Fast Passes for the night you chose to go. Like I wrote in previous posts, if you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Loew's Royal Pacific Hotels your room key is your Fast Pass. Parking this year was $15.00 for general parking but they also have drop off areas, bus drop off, and valet parking if you want to go more.

Like anything, you can spend a lot of money but some people only do this once in a lifetime, or just with the kids because they know we'll pay almost anything for those memories that last a lifetime.  Just do your research before buying....and don't hesitate to talk to ordinary people like me.  We don't give you the glossy overview.  We tell you like relatives and parents the things you want to know.  Email me if you need anything.  Thanks again for reading. Take care till next time.