SeeCalifornia.com

For horror film fans and Halloween lovers, Universal Studios Hollywood is probably the the best, must-see scare in California this year. We began visiting the California haunted attractions several years ago and spoke with crowds, learning that people will hop on a flight or drive hundreds of miles to experience the best of the best in Halloween attractions. Those who travel to see Universal, Knott’s Berry Farm’s long -running event, and the Queen Mary’s attraction (all within a 50 mile radius) range in age and interest. Many are college students looking for a thrill, some work in the game industry, many work in film and movies, and others are simply fans of the genre.  For attendees the experience can come off as a little lame if it’s the first time a group produces a haunted attraction. The top haunted attractions in California set a standard in excellence, spending undisclosed sums of money to make you scream or simply be amazed.

Universal has taken a unique approach. Early in the game they sought to stand apart from the popular Knott’s Scary Farm, and figured out that they have all these great horror movies productions under their belt, so why not turn them into themed attractions for Halloween? They have gone one step further in partnering with popular games and film franchises such as Silent Hill, which is featured this year as a scare.

Tickets are now being sold for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights (halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood/2012/) with an online $20 discount that sells out often before the event begins on September 29. Halloween Horror Nights takes place on 19  nights from September 21 to October 31, 2012, and admission includes mazes, scare zones and Terror Tram, though not the theme park’s daytime attractions, which can be combined in a special pass sold.

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