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Universal Orlando starts promotional push for Halloween Horror Nights

By Robert Niles
Published: August 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Universal Orlando's been sending out its "teaser" press kits in advance of this fall's Halloween Horror Nights. Theme Park Insider just got its, and I thought you'd like a look.

Letter and locked box

The press kit came in two deliveries. Yesterday morning, I got a package that included an ornate locked metal box, along with a letter:

You're about to face someone you've never met, but long feared... A key will arrive tomorrow. You'll meet then.

Of course, without the key, you can't open the box (well, unless you snap the rather thin chain - but I played along), so you have to wait until the next day to see what's inside.

And this morning arrived the FedEx envelope with the key.

Opened Halloween Horror Nights press kit

A strategically placed lipbrush triggered an eerie tune when I opened the jewelry box, which contained a shattered mirror, upon which was scrawled "Welcome to my World." (Bloody Mary's I presume?)

Contents of Halloween Horror Nights press kit

Also in the box were a dried rose and four pictures, each with a message in crayon scribbled on back:

  • "Face your fears"
  • "What lies behind the mirror"
  • "What awaits you"
  • "Fear me"

    • In keeping with such teaser packages, there was no other information about the event. But we can hook you up with that on our Halloween Horror Nights page, or discussion thread.

    Readers' Opinions

    From Robert Niles on August 28, 2008 at 10:51 AM
    Arthur Levine at About.com today has an interview with Universal's Michael Roddy about HHN.
    From Amanda Jenkins on August 28, 2008 at 11:11 AM
    My heart is already beating fast just looking at the website and at your promotional package. I just don't think I could take it. I know it is all makebelieve, but they certainly make it look as real as possible. Just watching the videos on travel channel from previous Horror Nights has kept me well away. What can I say, I am a chicken with a long yellow streak down my back.
    From Anthony Murphy on August 28, 2008 at 1:10 PM
    Excellent!

    It seems to have an American Horror theme based upon the website with the Wicked Witch of the West, Lizzie Borden, Bloody Mary, and American Gothic. Good theme, in my opinion, because some of these stories are pure American.

    From Scottland Jacobson on August 28, 2008 at 11:14 PM
    I've already got my "Fast Passes" for two nights this October. I've never been and a business trip is bringing me in close proximity to Orlando so I'm very much looking forward to my first experience at Halloween Horror Nights.

    I grew up on Knott's Scary Farm which I've always considered to be the ultimate haunted theme park - but maybe Universal is going to give Knott's a run for their money.

    And that teaser package is just awesome. Love it!!!

    From Eric Malone on August 29, 2008 at 5:26 AM
    I just regret that I won't be able to attend this year, unless I happen to win the lottery.
    From dean coles on August 30, 2008 at 5:31 PM
    Im heading out from the UK by myself for a week to go to the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights and also for the closing night of Pleasure Island, if anyone fancies going along as a group then let me know, would be good to go with other Horror Night fans
    From rob bade on September 3, 2008 at 7:47 AM
    I purchased " fast passes" for HHN. My question for those who attended last year. How fast is fast ? How long is the typical wait when you use a fast pass at Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando ?

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