Last year I had a friend come visit me from the Dominican Republic. She said she wanted to come see my school and go to Universal or Disney because they are so close to me. I told her to come on over and mentioned that we could go to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. I didn't give her all the details, but she seemed excited, so we bought our tickets early to save some money. Apparently, I should have told her the things that I am telling you now, because that poor girl was NOT prepared.

1. It is scary. 

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A lot of people read the title and just figure because it is a Universal thing (kids thing) then it must not be THAT scary. Well, buddy, you've got it all wrong. Trust me, you will be scared, even just a little. I mean come on, it was voted the best Halloween event for 10 years, shouldn't that give you a clue?! I'm a grown woman, and even I peed my pants a little a few times. I mean yes, you know that the person behind the mask is just a person, but trust me it will take a little piece of your soul every time you're happily walking down the universal paths, minding your own business, and suddenly an extremely realistic, bloody clown, with a chainsaw comes at you from behind the bushes.

2. The doors literally do not open until 6:00PM.

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My friend and I decided to be super responsible and try and make it super early so there wouldn't be a big line when we got there. Turns out the doors to the event do not open until a very specific time. I mean definitely try to get there early, but maybe not 3 hours in advance like us, or you'll be standing in line for what feels like FOREVER. Either way, once the doors are open the line moves very quickly.

3. Most rides are closed.

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So do not expect to be like "I'm too scared of the houses, let's just go on the rides as usual!". The haunted houses are the main attraction, they are kind of the point of the WHOLE thing. There are usually around three houses every year, and they change in theme. The houses are straight masterpieces. If you think walking around Universal and Disney feels realistic, or like you're in another world, wait till you step in one of the houses.

4. The staff takes their jobs VERY seriously. 

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Listen, it does not matter how mature or strong you are about this, you will get the sh*#@ scared out of you. Like I said before about the clowns, these people take their jobs EXTREMELY seriously! Most of them are actors, and if they're not they are Halloween nerds. Mark my words, they WILL act like their sole purpose in life is to scare you, and they will not give up. Let me repeat that just in case it didn't take the first time, THEY WILL NOT GIVE UP.

5. If all else fails, liquid courage. 

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If you thought you were one tough dude, and well, let's face it, you find out you aren't, it's all good dawg! There's always liquid courage to turn to. No, but seriously, they have really cool, tasty overpriced drinks. You already paid 70+ dollars to get in, what's another 80 to be able to get through it huh?

By all means, go to HHN! It is such an experience. I think everybody, at least in the FL area should go at least once in their life regardless of if they a big scaredy cat or not, it is a PRODUCTION! My friend almost cried a few times, but I think I can say she had fun overall, and the experience made for really funny stories that we will tell our kids someday and laugh about.