and Hollywood, and are the ultimate Halloween experience. Surrounding streets morph into horror zones, with disturbingly convincing haunted houses (based on anything from iconic slasher films to hit horror TV series) and menacing “scare-actors” lunging from every darkened corner. Also this September, the all-new Haunted Mazes attraction is set to unleash the scariest movie of all time at the nation’s premier Halloween events in both Orlando and Hollywood. For the first time ever, supernatural thriller “The Exorcist” will take possession of Halloween Horror Nights, in some of the most horrifying mazes ever seen. From Friday, September 16, four terrifying names will also come together for the first time, as the silver screen’s most extreme serial killers bleed into a trio of slasher-themed mazes. Can’t make it to Halloween Horror Nights, but still want the terror? Luckily, Universal Studios Hollywood has unlocked the iconic Don’t Open, Dead Inside doors, ushering thrill seekers into its latest permanent daytime attraction – “The Walking Dead”. As part of a signature Halloween Horror Nights maze, Universal Studios Hollywood has worked collaboratively with AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for years. However, this newly enhanced
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
venture takes the highly sought-after experience from a seasonal, limited-time offer to an exciting 365day opportunity, raising the bar for themed walk-through attractions everywhere. ““The Walking Dead” is a phenomenon that has successfully and consistently affected the psyche of viewers on a global basis since its debut” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “We’re taking its authenticity to the next level by collaborating with the show’s award-winning production team to create a thrilling, living representation of the series that can only be experienced at Universal Studios Hollywood.” To ensure authenticity of the attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with “The Walking Dead’s” creative team, including Greg Nicotero and KNB EFX, to develop prosthetics, utilize original molds and painstakingly apply paint and detailing to ‘walkers’. The integral involvement of the creative team not only inspires the emotional connection that fans experience, but is also among the attraction’s key characteristics that define it as a living representation of the show. “After six years of working on “The Walking Dead”, we have this
great opportunity to take it out of the studio, off the soundstage and into this amazing and truly one-of-a-kind attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood” said Nicotero. “Guests can now come face-to-face with live and animatronic ‘walkers’ that are indiscernible from the walkers in the show. It’s very exciting, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.” Coupled with authentic make-up effects, sophisticated animatronics, substantially more detailed set design and costuming, and highly recognizable props replicated from the series, “The Walking Dead” attraction delivers an ultra-realistic environment that brings guests even further into the most watched show in cable television history. It is located in a custom-built structure, situated within an expansive building complex just inside the theme park’s main entrance. Due to the intense nature of this experience, “The Walking Dead” attraction is not recommended for guests under the age of 13. No matter what thrill you seek, Universal Studios Hollywood is sure to deliver this Halloween season. Check out the attractions, new and old, and prepare yourself for the fright of your life!
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