Halloween Horror Nights--For Kids?

Universal Orlando: A parent is looking for some guidance from experienced Haunt night visitors? What are some of the various theme park haunt nights that are appropriate for a seven-year-old Frankenstein fan? Which ones should they avoid?

I have a 7-year-old son that would give his baby teeth to go to Halloween Horror nights. He's been begging to go since he was 4, but I'm concerned because everyone warns it isn't for kids. Why? Is it the scare zones or the people that attend that get too drunk? He sleeps in a Frankenstein-themed bedroom & doesn't scare easily (if at all), so I know he would love it. What is the minimum age to go there, or to any of the other haunt nights? Is Howl-O-Scream at BGT any less scary? (Please don't suggest Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, he would consider that an insult.)

First, I've got to say I used to be a 'Famous Monster' fan from an early age, myself. But, at the age of seven I was still too scared to even consider entering The Kooky Kastle (a dark ride at my local amusement park where guests rode in *real* coffins and the Frankenstein monster chased endlessly after a lovely young lady). I was nine before I braved up enough guts for it ... and had a ball! I wish I hadn't waited so long :/

Back to the point. I've been to a few Horror nights: BGW, SFGA, SFNE, SFoG, PKI and PKD. ... Mostly, the parks are covered with spider webs. Dead bodies, skeletons and ghosts hang from nearly every tree. Blood, and lots of it, makes a scene in fountains, splattered on walls, and oozes from *frightening* stage shows. Cast members are dressed as ghouls and pop out from nowhere all too often. Spooky sounds (chainsaws, cat screaming, bubbling cauldrons, witches cackles ...) emit from hidden speakers. Did I mention blood? I would say out of the few Horror nights I've been to, BG had the least amount of blood and bloody body parts scattered about. For some reason people mistake sickening for scary. Tho, it's what brings in the money spenders :/

I think if you have that heart-to-heartbeat talk with your son about the ghosts and the ghouls he'll have a fun time. You mentioned something about drunks ... this is a bit unsettling. I would hope this would not be a problem. I would arrive about an hour or so before sunset and see if the youngun' starts to get jittery in the dark. If so, ask a cast member where there is a brightly lit section where you can catch your breath (or, find out beforehand so you can head straight there if there is a problem). Also, I would call the park and ask where they stand on the gore factor. Your son may not scare easily, but a decapitated body may not be what you would have a seven year old exposed to.

I know this is a question about the Florida haunt nights, but I'll throw in a few comments about the situation in Southern California.

No way should a child that age even consider going to Knott's. They recommend no one under 13 attend Halloween Haunt.

Your better option is Sea World's Terrors of the Deep, which includes both kid-friendlier stuff with scarier elements. Sea World's Web site includes a pretty extensive parents guide to what's there.

Disneyland's terrific Haunted Mansion Holiday's perfect for a kid that age, though there's nothing else related to Halloween at the park. And Legoland's strictly for the very little ones.

BGW has the tamest Halloween products, bowever by looking at howl-o-scream.com, which is Busch's main Halloween site, the BGT program is much more detailed and appears to be more intense. BGT is also upen until 2:00 am on some nights which to me would suggest that they are going after a older audience, and trying to compete with IOA.

I attended both HHN and Howl-O-Scream last year and although I found them generally too much for your average 7 year old I also found that the drunk and rowdy people were more of a problem than the haunted mazes and scare zones. My advice would be to avoid Saturday nights. Also, at HHN if you ask one of the employees I believe they will give your son a "magic coin" or something like that. Anytime he is frightened by a scareactor he can hold out the coin and the monster will not scare him. Maybe someone else can confirm this? I would hate to advise you to go and then your son has a horrible time so all I will say is that I saw many children about your son's age enjoying HHN last year while I witnessed some older kids (10 or 11 yo) sobbing. If I had to choose between HHN and Howl-O-Scream I would go withy HHN and I would try a Thursday or Sunday night. Hope this helps.

jb

i work at Knotts and like one of the guys above stated dont take any children to Halloween Haunt. I dont even think its for 13 year olds. Its really scary and people do get drunk. I almost got into a fight with a drunk guy during last haunt. Its fun but its adult fun.

It probably just depends on what your child has been exposed to. The "scary" stuff is certainly more frightening than Frankenstein at BGT and HHN. It really isn't terrifying though and if your child is pretty comfortable with horror, he might be okay. BUT, coming from a parent's perspective, it is never a great idea to bring your child to questionable material without first seeing it for yourself. The other thing that would concern me is that the experience is quite overtly adult oriented with plenty of sexual comments in the shows, teenagers making out in the lines, plenty of drinking and drunken behaviors (fighting, cursing, etc.). Some nights are worse I understand than others but chances are he would be exposed to more than just fright. But then again, you might not find the level above what is acceptable to you. It is fairly hard to say the level is above or below your son's tolerance level because every child is different. Really only you know the answer to your question. My advice to you would be go to it with your friends this year and take him next year if it seems appropriate.

After going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg yesterday for Howl-O-Scream, I was impressed with the improvements made to the yearly event. They have really stepped up the intensity of the scarriness of the park. Last year, and previous years, they seemed to cater to more of the family with young children audience, but now, they have added new attractions that are specifically designed for older guests. The "Dimented Dimmension" Maze was very well designed with more than a few good scare zones. It's billed as a funhouse gone mad, and fulfilled my expectations of an attraction rated 5 pumpkins. The "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" train ride was decent, but definitely on the tame side as described in the show schedule with a rating of only 3 pumpkins. Don't ride this until is gets dark, because many of the areas are given away beacuse you can see them before they can scare you. The "Sea Dog Cemetary" is another new attraction for this year that is also designed for adults. This is an attraction that is very dependent upon the actors in the attraction, and a few were not quite as into it as other, but the one's that were were very frightening. We were not able to get into "Curse of Pompeii," but if it is like last year's version, the "Dimented Dimension" is much better. There are also actors in certain areas of the park that do a good job of startling. All in all, an improvement over last year's offering, with a good mix of Halloween offering for all ages. And then there are the great rides that are some of the best around.

Hmm... Having seen what they're doing up close, I would say that this event is not for kids. But, if your son is absolutely aching to go, I'd say let him go... However, make sure he's warned in advance. It IS scary. Also, don't complain to Guest Relations that it's scary. There are "warnings" everywhere.

Enjoy.

in my opinion, i dont think hhn is child appropriate. your son may like frankenstein but this event is not for someone of his age. i have been to many hhn's and ive seen children that age, just hysterically crying due to the nature of the event. so my recomendation is no, dont waste your money when your son probably will be too scared.

I work at Howl-O-Scream in BG Tampa, and I definitely think it's too intense for a 7-year old, no matter how brave he may be. We've had adults running out of our house in tears already, and we just opened last weekend.

Is it good for a ten year old. He hasbeen to haunted houses in parks and something in Gatlinburg called Ripley's Haunted Adventure which is very scary. I'm aiming toward BGT as an opinion.

Hi, I just wanted to know if Howl-o-scream is really worth it. Is it really scary?

I have a round-up of Southern California haunts on the L.A. Times Web site at http://www.calendarlive.com/family/themeparks/cl-wk-town10oct10.story.

(There's also an interview with one of the monster supervisors at Knott's.)

I agree in saying that it is completely the parent's decision... you know your child better than us... I went to the very first HHN when I was 6 years old and I was terrified of one thing... PINHEAD... but other than that my parents kept telling me that it was all pretend... I too am like or was like your child and grew up around horror films like "The House", "Hellraiser", and "Nightmare On Elm Street" and now I religiously attend HHN each year... the only thing I would be worried about would be what you are exposing him to... the whole sadistic and devil type horror bad things... :) I mean the language used by other guests is the same that you find on TV but the Bill & Ted show is deffinitely not for him... deffinitely some bad language and sexual content there!! But I think you should take him... he'll like it... but it ain't no Frankenstien's Monster running after him... it's a Chainsaw weilding zombie!!!

I am am one of the supervisors who work at Busch Gardens-Tampa and we do not recomend that any one under the age of 13 attend the event. There is quite a bit that can frighten anyone, not just a kid. While previous years have not been too intense, this year we've put alot more into our effort "Scares" to try to give our customers their moneys worth. Now the question of "Is It Worth It?". Well if you would of asked me this question in previous years I would of said that you might want to spend your money at Universal, but this year I must take a complete turn on my opinion. We've worked really hard to add new features and update previous ones. I've been to Universal's HHN this year and I must admit that I was very unimpressed. At a $50.00 admission there were Too many Chainsaws, Too much Fog, Too many strobelights and too many rides shut down. Save yourself some money and come visit me at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream for $35.00

Thanks to everyone for the info. After reading these posts & the reviews we decided that it would be best to wait on taking our kids.

I do have to admit that HHN was ruled out for the most part becuase of the crowds. Waiting 2 hours in line with an antsy 7-year-old is scarier than any CM with a chain saw.

We decided against Howl-O-Scream because it sounded more intense than previous years. (Although my son did spend lots of time on their website. It was MUCH better than Universal's!)

In the end, he understood that he's just going to have to wait until he's a little older. Now if I could only convince him that he doesn't want to see Jackass: The Movie...

Hi....If I were a 7 year old I would not want to go but if you child is begging and begging let him go....I have to admitt I was really scared. Out of no where some one will jump out at you doing whatever they do depending on the theme. If your child ever gets to afraid there are always safe houses. For example you could go to a resturant in the park and no one scary is in there. But as soon as you walk out be prepared because the monsters will be waiting for you sense they know you can get scared easily sense you went into the safe house. You last option would be to leave. I hope my advice helps.

i want to the lasy hhr 2002 and i was freeked from the canesaw and thouse people that follow you!!! i was 10 but after we left i loved it and i wanted to go this year!! and i still do (for people on there first time the people will not case you if you have a thin calm face or little kids hold you mommys and daddys hand!!

In my opinion, HHN has never been really scary to me. But I am a teenager. To a young child it could be very frightening. If you're kid really wants to go, then take him. And if he gets really scared and asks to go home while you're there, just tell him-"Hey, you wanted to come".

I went for my very first time this year and I found it quite scary because I am a natural chicken. BUT I LOVED IT!!! It is the greatest thing I have ever been to. And I am a teenager. So just use discretion. Or check around the net for info and pictures from the event and you'll be good!

I love HHN but unfourtanetly it is not for kids under 10!Does anyone know the Knotts website?

I made that mistake last year with my 13 year old, she to begged me, and said how she could not live unless she went...after spending over $150 alone on tickets ($50 each) we left after maybe 2 hours, she stayed lached to her fathers leg the whole time, and NOT becuse of the actors...BUT THE DRUNKS!!!!!I tryed calling and e-mailng all of universal..thay did nothing!It's a Huge waste of time.

The Halloween Haunts at Knott's are definitely not even for thirteen year olds. I went when Iwas 13 and it was very scary. Lots of drunks, not for small children. People that are all dressed up come out of nowhere. It's an exhilirating experience.

Howl-O-Scream at Tampa's Busch Gardens is excellent for both children and adults. I took my 10-year niece and nephew there last year and although they were slightly reluctant at first, they soon really enjoyed this experience. Moreover, all of the haunted houses and scare zones are rated on a scale of 1-5 (skulls) to reflect the "scare intensity." You can start with 1 skull and work your way up, depending on the child's reactions. Overall Busch provides a safe and clean atmosphere and if you get there right after dark, you won't have to worry about any possible bad element in the park. It really was a blast.

HHN is amazing fun for people of all ages but then there is one question, Is it for kids?
ive been going since i was 8 and i am not easaily scared so it was not a problem for me but then you also got to take into consideration the gore. The gore is not a huge problem but its the rowdy adults they are the problem,and it depends if your children stay near you or do they wonder off. This is a palce where your children shouldnt wonder off and if they are sensitivy to gore then they shouldnt go.

I just want to say that HHN is not for kids under 13. #1,Its way too scary and I was 14 and my mom was in gasp because all the blood and gore.I would say any one with a litte kid sould not take them unless they have a long talk.If they dont understand the rides they(nomatter what)will get scared.#2 Just dont spend your money on a 7 year old kid who is just going to want to go.But it your choice.

please im 13 i went when i was in 3rd grade the only thing that scared me was the exorsist in one house

Please; I'm twenty and the only thing that scares me is horrible grammer.

I was At halloween horror nights 12, it was great and i am going back this year. But it is too intense for young childern. If they keep asking to go, bring them and let them find out for them selfs if it is too intense or not!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/orl-livshock04100403oct04,0,120880.story?coll=orl-living-headlines
Check that link out and you'll see the sorriest report the sentinel has ever written. Talk about common moral ground--let's talk on the basis this article brings up: is it right to show the HHN commercial during prime-time TV? During Everybody Loves Raymond (gasp!) I've caught about a half a dozen Raymonds and every episode doesn't deal with clean generic leave it to beaver humor. What will happen if your kids see this commercial? THEY'LL GET SCARED! HEAVEN FORBID! Your kids are scared walking down the street, glancing over at the kid that never talks and stares in the lunch room, or the strange noises that come from mommy and daddy's room. It is healthy for a kid to get scared at what that commercial portrays. Fear of bondage and electricution is good. And yes your kid could want to go there--and yes you can say no, which will build a healthy curiosity about the unknown. And when they turn 16 you'll probably let them go. It's a rite of passage--in the 70's and 80's it was rock horror, 90's getting into a club with a fake id, and now there is at least a dozen, including HHN. Lighten up, un-clench and drink one of those 24 packs you have in the fridge.

I am 14 and have been going since I was 10. I think he would be fine going and if he doesn't like it then he would have learned his lesson.

I went to the Howl-o-scream and I thought it was quite scary and I'm 13. my advice to you is, if your child wants to go take him, but if he gets scared tell him to deal with it. you wanted to come!!

OK, I am getting the feeling that the majority of people believe that Howl-0-Scream is not for little kids and I agree. I went to the one at Tampa last year and I was surprised how many little kids (7-12) there were. However most seemed to be having a good time, but I don't know how they felt that night when trying to go to bed. :)
I was also surprised how many drunk idiots there were pushing on the characters, falling down drunk etc. I saw one person flash the Wolfman. I would be more inclined to keep my kids from the oyher guests than the scare zone.

My question is about the Howl-O-Scream at Williamsburg. I was already planning on going up there (read have tickets) before I realized it is an integrated event there, unlike Tampa. Can someone who has been tell me if it is possible to bring little kids during during the day without to much trauma?

Thanks

well i wouldnt take a seven year old to halloween horror nights in florida (unless hes brave enough) because last year i think i crapped my pants at least 1000 times and i'm 18 i saw too many little kids crying. i dunno your son but i would suggest to go with alot of people and someone big he can hang on to. if hes that brave take him and if it gets that bad go to suess landing theres no scary people in thet part of the park. any ways it would be fun for you and your friends

Eh maybe that's a little too young. I see kids crying everywhere at those kinds of things. I'm 15 and I get scared all the time. It's fun, but not for the little ones.

Hey guys, I work at Howl-O-Scream as one of the costumed performers. I'm at the very end of one of the houses there, and I can't tell you how many kids I have seen over the last two weekends come out of this house just terrified! Every five minutes it seems there's another little 5-7 year old being carried out screaming by daddy or mommy, or the parents are running to keep up with the kid saying "It's all right, it's like we said, just pretend..." The recommended age is 13 & up, and there's a reason for that; just because your kids can see scary stuff at the movies or on TV doesn't mean they can handle it when the big bad monsters come to life and start chasing you down the street!

Yes you can bring kids during the day because the real changeover isnt until about 6:00pm. There is some decor that may be frightening to young children but you will be able to spot it and steer them away from it during the day. Also Land of the Dragons has a kids themed Halloween area all day. (shows, etc.)
As for the mazes, the ratings are there for a reason, if it says 5 pumpkins, then believe it. I agree with the earlier posting just because your child is big and bad when they watch Freddy or Jason on TV that doesnt mean they can handle it in person. Once that monster is 2 inches from you, you can't just turn off the TV or switch to Barney. (which in my opinion is truly terrifying) >;-) Then again I think some parents get off on this type of thing. These are the ones that tell their kids to go into a home haunt even though they know good and well that the neighbors put it up to scare the bejesus out of people. Bottom line, USE COMMON SENSE!

I agree with the comment on the suggested age limit of 13. This is more of an adult and "young" adult playground and my be pretty traumatic for people that are too young. Remember Universal is pretty good at doing the "monster" thing! In addition to this I will make a comment that might anger some, but it is my opinion which is adults pay a pretty good chunk of change to go to HHN. About $100 per couple. We have gone into houses where the flow of things had to stop altogether because of a child losing it. The parents seem to think it's nobody's business that this disruption causes an unpleseant incomvenience to other guests, not to mention what it does to the child! I get the feeling the reason some parents drag their unwilling children through this is because they can't get a babysitter! Thanks for listening!

I have babysitters.... But I have a 14, 13, & 8 year old daughters that are driving me totally crazy to go. So my husband & I are taking next weekend as a surprise.We travel alot & all my girls are ok with scary stuff, whether it be to jump off a cliff into the ocean or haunted houses. Expecially my little one who loves horror flics. This kid can watch "The Ring" - "Final Destination" & ect... over & over. Dont get me wrong she like Lizzie Mcguire (Disney Channel) & Nick TV too....So I think we will all be OK. Just a good talk to discuss that it is all pretend and we need to stick together (even the bigger kids) and lets have fun. I'll let everyone know how it went.

Six Flags New England is perfect for kids.Just tell them to NOT LOOK SCARED!!!!
If not possible avoid the graveyard,area 51,and crack axle canon and sometimes anywere nere terrorvision 3D and some zobies from one of the shows does some scareing in areas that are not haunt zones.Area 51 had a lot of aliens that werent too scary.One actually hugged someone.Some of the soldiers like one girl just stare at you,while others yell "nothing to see here,this is a restricted area" though it isn`t funny unless you understand the real Area 51 or roswell sightings.
Hope this helps

I NEVER BEEN TO HHN BUT I HAD A LOT OF FRIENDS GO AND THERE AGE WAS 11 OR 12 I JUST WANT TO KNOW IS IT OK FOR ELEVEN YEAR OLD TO GO?

It's probably reasonable for an eleven-year old to go, but just be sure that you know what you are up against. If specific horror shows/ attractions would scare you, then it might not be the greatest idea, but it's up to them to decide.

I'm thirteen, and I love Fright Fest and all that. But a seven year old kid? Hmmm, I don't know about that. I would bring him if he werem y kid, but that depends on how emotionally effected your child might wind up after the expereince. A frakenstein bedroom doesn't prepare you at all for these kinds of things, so you might want to take it up a knotch before going.

Hi there, I am the person that wrote previously. I am the one with the 14, 13, & 8 year old daughters. Well we week to IOA Halloween Horror night and I need to say that it was fantastic. We all loved it. The way they set this place up is tooo cool. It was like walking into another world. There are people everywhere popping out of corners, bushes, roof tops, etc... My teenagers of course loved it too but my 8 year old I was a little worried about because of all the stuff I was reading on the internet. But let me tell you. She loved it even more that the teenagers. An IOA staff member stopped us the minute we walked in. She talked to my daughter & gave her a magic toy that if you flash around the monsters wont mess with her. This ofcourse is not tru but the kids feel better having it with them. Well, she waved this thing around for about 30 minutes & then told me "Mom this place is cool I know this is all fake. Can I throw the toy away?" Well I took the toy & put in my bag just in case but she didnt ask for it again. The next night we went to Howl-0- Scream in Busch Gardens. This park was OK. I liked IOA better. Busch Gardens was not as organized the overall look wasnt as good & the houses are nothing to brag about. I would recommend IOA to anyone. I word to the wise. If you can afford it get the booklets that they offer for $30 @ IOA & $25 @ BG. The lines are over 2 hours long for every house @ both parks for all houses & rides. We wouldnt of been able to see everything if we wouldnt of bought these. I know they are a bit expensive, but they are worth every dollar. As for all the drunks. Yes I saw people drinking and alot of teenagers running around. But everyone was on their best I saw nothing that would make me never return. This is good HALLOWEEN FUN....... Hope this helps.

Orlando has great babysitting services in town so parents can go to Halloween Horror Nights
www.sunshinebabysitting.com has the best rates, they only charge $1.00 more per hour for each additional child (or baby).

I, personally, think HHN is the best thing i ever went to. I went last year, with the not-so-scary director, and i would rate it a nine. there was one thing that i didnt like... my dad pushed me into freddy krougar and Jason :( lol. this year i am 12, and i cant WAIT to go with y bff, on the 14th (this thurs.) the lines are HORRIBLE, but we got express passes. I'll tel you what i think on fri. i hear it will be GREAT!!!!

Good parent: It is for adults, not kids. Don't go. Your the boss, not the kid.

Bad parent: Does what kids wants.

What if he wants to sniff coke next? Too bad! He is not old enough. Stay home.

I hate to be rude, but come one. He is a kid and does not need to see adult things before he is old enough.

Anonymous, you talk to much.

I know This Has Nothin 2 do with This Subject But I had seen that some of the people who responded worked at Busch Gardens and I was just wondering is there a way i can find out a guys name that worked there one night, He was a Dancer for the show "Fiends" ( he was the breakdancing mummy ) Any Help would be appreciated!!
Thanks!

absolutely not!!!!!!! we went to get my ticket and my 7 year old sister almost had a heart atteck w/ the music that was playing. now im 15, but even i was scared. bu then again, i get scared on anything. but if your son is into all of the "monster stuff" then it could be cool< for him. all of the noises and the people that chas you are there and they are scary too. but the thing that scares the stuff out of me is the way that they hide and then they pop out at me. omg!!!! but it really is fun, oh and also a thing that might bother you could be all of the drunk people that are following you. me and my 2 friends were being followed by theres guys and then we ran by a police and they left, then, about 2 hrs. later, we see them and we run into a ride. but it is a lot of fun!! ( i went to HHN 2004)

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