🔴 RECOMMENDED VIDEOS/PLAYLISTS
🎥 LIST: UO Fanatic Podcast: LINK
★ TABLE OF CONTENTS ★
- 00:34 Introduction
- 00:51 Resort news
- 09:22 Deep dive: Curse of the Werewolf
- 17:28 Pre trip report
- 23:30 Closing
🔥 TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST🔥
- Universal Orlando News
- Halloween Horror Night News
- F&F Hollywood Drift
- F&F Supercharged closes
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Pre Trip report
Show Length: 24:50
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News
Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Coaster track has been completed at Universal Studios Florida.
It looks, absolutely ridiculous in the best way. The 170 foot spike right out for all to see in CityWalk. Its going to bring a whole new kinetic experience to the entire area. I watched a POV video of the Hollywood version and just seeing how these cars spin just makes me nervous and excited, I cant wait to ride this beast. Really looking forward to seeing it all for myself and can’t wait to walk under it at Halloween Horror Nights.
Fast and Furious Supercharged Closes
As one Fast and Furious attraction is being built, another has closed as of August 16. Universal has a DJ, performers, and cars on display outside the attraction. They are handing out wristbands, which are required for the final ride of the evening. They are also handing out car coasters, that have the attraction, date and it reads “one last ride”. It may have been a terrible idea, but its great how they have been giving fan service for attraction closings, and its also great that they are correcting a wrong they had done to their most beloved franchise, Fast & Furious.
HamiKuma coming to Universal Orlando for HHN 35
What began as an original character developed for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan, HamiKuma has become a global fan favorite since debuting in 2021. Following last year’s break-out success in the U.S., guests will be able to shop an expanded assortment of HamiKuma merchandise beginning Aug. 24, including a trendy plaid top, plush backpack and plaid fanny pack with embedded plush embellishments, all of which showcase the character’s signature personality.
New this year, fans can step into the world of HamiKuma like never before. At Universal Studios Florida, HamiKuma will debut with a meet-and-greet experience inside the Five & Dime store during Halloween Horror Nights event hours. At Universal Studios Hollywood, HamiKuma returns for a dedicated meet-and-greet during select afternoon and early evening times on event nights. HamiKuma will also take the stage once again at Universal Horror Unleashed with a new live show throughout September and October. Additional global experiences – including the character’s debut at Universal Studios Singapore and return to Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Japan- will bring even more opportunities to fans around the world.
I imagine a lot of Orlando based Universal fans don’t know much about HamiKuma. In life, HamiKuma was a sideshow performer in a traveling circus, so adorable that he drew massive crowds wherever he went. That popularity became his downfall, his fellow performers grew consumed by jealousy and started a rumor that he couldn’t possibly be a real bear. One night they trapped him in the big top and slashed open his belly to expose what was really inside, but there was nothing there. To hide what they’d done, they burned the tent down, killing him.
That wasn’t the end, though. In the afterlife, a demon called Death Bringer worked its way into HamiKuma’s open belly, granting him eternal life and letting him keep performing. Being dragged back into the world left his guts permanently spilling out, hence the gruesome-but-cute design.
Keyholder Bar
Inside Universal reported that there will be an exclusive bar, call the Keyholder Bar. It will be located just to the left of the Music Plaza Stage and will require patrons to be one or more of the following, an annual passholder, a hotel guest, or a Universal rewards card holder. Universal Rewards is the Universal credit card that you see offered everywhere. Once you add up all the annual passholders, reward holders and hotel guests I cant help but think we may have found the busiest bar in the entire event. Of course I’ll take a look, but I will be quick to move on if my gut feeling is correct. This seems like its going to be a good place to wait in line if you ask me.
Ozzy Bar
It’s a good week for bar news because Inside Universal also reported that an Ozzy Osbourne Bar is being setup behind Lombards. I wish they named it, Wine is fine but Whiskeys quicker, but I’ll take anything Ozzy related. Some fans pointed out the irony since Ozzy had his own battles with alcoholism. Opposing views pointed out that there was an Ozzy beer released on the anniversary of his death as well, so its not a bad faith move specifically by Universal on the topic.
HHN first review
Not exactly news, but worth sharing regardless. Michael Aiello tweeted out something exciting for us HHN fans on August 14th, “Night one of HHN reviews complete!!
Invasion
Bloodengutz
Cybergoria
Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins Show
You all are in for a treat!! So proud of our Entertainment team and everyone who brings Halloween Horror Nights to life. This event has never been one person or one division within Entertainment. It is an incredible collective of talents across disciplines, each lending their gifts to the whole. There is no I. It has always been we. And HHN is better for it. Year after year, this team turns horrific stories into unforgettable experiences, and I could not admire them more.
Proud to be part of the “we”.
Just that simple tweet really made my day, we are so damn close, so close!
Additional Info from the SFX Magazine article with Lora Sauls
Darren Scott tweeted about some unpublished material from the SFX Magazine interview with Lora Sauls. The following was posted:
Question: Will the HHN podcast return?
Answer: Yes. Just the week before we came here [end of July], we shot the round table. A special guest appeared on the round table, TJ Mannarino. TJ has been a part of Halloween since day one. He was a scenic designer on the very first house in Fright Nights [1991]. So having him as a part of the round table was really special. Because we had him in the original content section – he’s a vice president now, so he’s not in the weeds with us, if you will, so he didn’t know as much. So him asking us questions was just really cool. That round table will come out prior to the event.
Then we are writing some of the Echoes From The Fog [story podcasts]. We have written one for Cybergoria. We wrote one for Cindy’s Sideshow of Decay. We’re writing one for Downtown Clowntown. Then we’re also writing one for overall, for the Infernal Carnival Of Nightmares.
In the past, we got these stories much earlier, and they have some great background, really detail oriented, information about the original houses. I say, better late than never, and am particularly interested in the Cybergoria one.
Unmasking the Horror house lineup rumor
Lets call this one a rumor rather than news, as this came from Reddit, so take it with a grain of salt. A reddit poster said after calling Universal Orlando they were given the Unmasking the Horrors 3 house and 6 house tour line ups.
3 houses: Hellraiser, HR Bloodengutz, Invasion Alien Abduction
6 houses: Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Ozzy, Evil Dead Burn, Jack & Oddfellow, and Madlands Caged Cannibals
In the past, its typically an Intellectual Property that isn’t in the line up, so it’s a little unusual that an original, Cybergoria is the house left out of the line up.
My personal pick of those two options, I’d go with the 6 house tour. Stranger Things 5, Sinners and Ozzy just seems to strong a lineup to not be chosen if I could only do one or the other. I am definitely considering it on my second trip.
The 3-house tour starts at $99, and begins Aug. 21st, so make sure you don’t get spoiled on social media if you don’t want to be. The 6-house tour starts at $199, includes a buffet lunch and begins on Aug. 28, HHN opening day.
That will wrap up the news this week, so now on to our main topic, Curse of the Werewolf.
Main Topic: Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf is a steel launched spinning family roller coaster located in the Dark Universe land at Universal Epic Universe. Designed and manufactured by the German firm Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG, the attraction officially opened along with Epic Universe on May 22, 2025
The ride is a sit-down coaster featuring free-spinning vehicles where the rate and direction of rotation are determined by natural gravitational forces and the weight distribution of the riders. It utilizes Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) propulsion for its launches rather than a traditional lift hill.
Duration: The total experience lasts under 2 minutes, approximately one minute 45 ish seconds. While the physical track time is relatively brief, the ride uses a multi-pass swing launch system inside a “barn” structure, launching the train forward and backward, to dynamically extend the ride duration.
The coaster reaches a top speed of 37.0 mph (59.5 km/h) and the layout has no inversions and was designed to weave tightly through a constrained space originally intended for a theater building. Guests must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride and this attraction is definitely a family coaster. Will accommodate the vast majority of park guests. Notably, Curse of the Werewolf is one of the few thrill attractions at Epic Universe that does not require a locker. Guests are permitted to stow bags and loose items at their feet or under their seats during the ride.
The attraction is based on the 1941 Universal Pictures film The Wolf Man. The story places guests in a secluded wagon camp of the Guild of Mystics, where the seer Maleva warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. The experience is supported by an original orchestral score composed by Danny Elfman, which was recorded by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra to enhance the gothic, “Darkmoor” village atmosphere.
The attraction utilizes two trains. Each train consists of five cars, accommodating a total of 20 passengers per dispatch. Riders are arranged two across in two rows, seated back-to-back. This arrangement allows half the passengers to experience segments of the ride in reverse. The vehicles resemble rustic wooden carriages adorned with colorful wolf medallions on their sides, depicting wolves running in front of stars. Each carriage is free-spinning, meaning the rate and direction of rotation are determined by natural gravitational and lateral kinetic forces rather than a motor. Consequently, every ride is unique, as the intensity of the spin is heavily influenced by the weight distribution of the riders. The attraction is considered more immersive at night when LED spotlights and strobe lights better illuminate the “werewolves” hidden in the forest and barn sections.
The ride typically maintains an average standby wait of approximately 49 minutes, though it can spike significantly during peak holiday periods. In addition to the standby line, it offers a Single Rider line and Universal Express Pass access, child swap is also available.
The experience follows a narrative-driven sequence that utilizes multiple launches to navigate its compact footprint. After boarding in a ruined loading station, the train dispatches and immediately engages an LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) rolling launch. This propels guests through initial banking turns and a winding hill that weaves over the pedestrian pathways of Darkmoor Village. The train enters a decrepit wooden barn and comes to a complete halt in total darkness. Inside, it undergoes a multi-pass shuttle launch sequence. The train is launched backward out of the barn up a dead-end spike. Gravity pulls it back through the barn, where it is launched forward up an opposite hill. It is launched a third time with maximum force to clear the tallest hill of the circuit.
Once over the primary hill, the train enters a dense network of tight helixes and quick drops designed to simulate a high-speed flight through a forest canopy. The coaster concludes in a hard brake zone before disembarking the attraction.
The physical queue begins at a secluded camp belonging to the Guild of Mystics, a nomadic group of travelers and seers. The entrance is framed by two intricately detailed wooden vardos (wagons). The left wagon features a stylized sign of a snarling werewolf clutching a polished moonstone, which glows with an eerie supernatural light at night. As guests wind through the heavily wooded outdoor area, they pass tattered canvas banners. These banners display the classic poetic warning from the 1941 film: “Even one who is pure of heart may become a wolf when the wolfs bane blooms and the moon is full and bright”. Throughout the journey, guests are immersed Danny Elfman orchestral score I mentioned earlier. A specific track, “Enter The Guild of Mystics,” uses acoustic instruments and haunting minor keys to establish the gothic mood.
At the midpoint of the queue, guests encounter a detailed scenic set representing a fortune teller’s workspace. The table features antique candle lamps and a spread of oversized, lore-specific tarot cards, including archetypes such as The Beast, The Mystic, The Moon, The Mark, and The Carriage. Behind the table is a painted partition adorned with silver crescent moons and star motifs, which serves as a visual barrier from the attraction’s infrastructure. The queue culminates in the load area, themed as a ruined stone-and-timber structure that appears to have survived a violent attack.
A jagged, gaping hole in the wooden ceiling reveals a permanent, luminous theatrical “full moon,” reinforcing the narrative that the werewolf transformation is imminent. The interior walls are decorated with colorful wooden medallions depicting wolves running in front of stars, serving as a visual metaphor for the spinning movement of the ride vehicle.
As the attraction begins, guests are greeted by Maleva, the all-knowing “Wolf-Seer” and leader of the Guild. She warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf and must beware of the moon. To flee the encroaching threat, guests board rustic wagons (ride vehicles) and plunge into the deep, dark forest. The ride experience simulates a frantic chase through the woods, culminating in a sequence inside a decrepit barn. This barn features a jagged hole in the roof revealing a permanent full moon, signifying the moment guests transform into beasts. I touched on this already, but after surviving the “forest chase,” the train reaches a final brake zone where a figure of Maleva points accusingly at the riders. Standing next to a tapestry that reads “Beware of the moon,” she holds Larry Talbot’s silver-headed cane, confirming that the riders have been cursed. The narrative incorporates artifacts from original film lore, most notably this silver-headed cane and the presence of moonstones. Within the Dark Universe, it is narrated that it is always a full moon, which serves as the catalyst for the attraction’s tension and the guests’ eventual transformation.
I want to share some of my personal opinions on the attraction. First thing I have experienced is that this is a slow loader. Even with an express pass, you will wait longer than you expect. Having said that, I found this attraction more fun that it should be. Its not necessarily thrilling but its hard not to smile while riding it. The free spinning adds to the experience and I strongly recommend you take the time to ride the attraction whenever you visit Darkmoor.
Pre trip report
We are spending a week at Universal which lines up with HHN’s opening weekend. With labor day being as late as it can be, we took advantage of that fact to spend more time than usual since my wife’s occupation is tied to the public school system. I am also taking advantage of the extra time to bring my mother to see Epic Universe. My parents brought me to Disney and Universal frequently growing up and this is the first time, I have something special to show her. Since my kids are going, that makes this a 3 generation trip. That feels pretty special by itself, then throw in 6 nights at Royal Pacific, and opening weekend of our favorite event and I couldn’t be more excited.
I plan to take full advantage of the unlimited express passes we get for staying at the Royal Pacific resort and spend a lot of time in the legacy parks. Highlights there will be lots of rides on Velocicoaster, Spider-Man, and the Mummy. The low lights will of course be… No express on Hagrid’s.
I do plan on getting express for our day at Epic, and while my mother can’t ride many things there, I can’t wait to show her how beautiful this park is. At Epic, I want to accomplish pretty much everything once, and then Monsters Unchained several times. I am also hoping to meet Toothless as well.
When it comes to food at Epic, I am hoping to convince my family to share and try to eat a little of a lot and avoid big meals during the day. I do have a reservation for dinner for us at Bar Helios in the early evening, but the rest of the day I want to kind of check off as many appetizers and snacks as possible.
While at the North campus, I hope to keep the food options at a minimum as far as cost goes. This is an expensive trip and I want to focus more on the food at Epic and also HHN. For HHN I am hopeful to try that same tactic at Epic, and convince everyone to share and try several things. My wife, is looking to pick out something, so Im sure that one wont be cheap.
My mom will not be joining us for our 2 evenings at HHN, but one of those days, maybe depending on weather conditions at the time, I hope to try out the new stay and scream opportunities. On opening day, as an example, if rain is holding off, so unlikely, do stay and scream. My plan will be to take my mom back to the hotel for a rest around 1 if it works out and then we would enjoy stay and scream, and then we could meet my mom again for dinner, before heading out all night at HHN. Move that plan to Sunday if Friday’s weather stays true to tradition. Historically, opening night has been torrential.
My HHN plans are simple, enjoy every house at least twice and see the shows at least once. We will have express, so I’m not concerned with the minimum but of course in my mind, I want to do everything even more so, so push when I can. I also want to spend some time at Club Horror, and catch the Death Eaters at Diagon Alley as well. And of course, yes, I would love to meet HamiKuma.
Our arrival day happens to be the day of the AP previews for the tribute store, so that is definitely on my list of to-do’s. I would love to see the AP previews for the Cursed Coconut club as well, but that is Friday opening night from 3pm – 5pm so you can imagine my conflict with the Stay and Scream opportunities. Maybe I will get extra lucky here and maybe Stay & Scream from 2 – 4, and then run over to the Cursed Coconut Club and get a check mark on both. Who knows, we will play that by ear. Even if I do Stay & Scream, we wouldn’t be upset over leaving early to see the club since we have express passes and don’t particularly need that opening hour like people without would need. I’ll definitely report back.
We do have a couple of friends showing up on the Saturday, which we will not attend HHN, but they will join us on Sundays HHN and do the parks with us the remaining couple of days of our trip.
Briefly want to mention some special packing I am doing for this time of the year because it would be beneficial for people who haven’t been this time of year. There are two major factors this time of year, its particularly brutal heat with humidity and almost daily torrential thunderstorms in the afternoon. If you’ve ever watched Forest Gump, Lieutenant Dan has the best advice that works here in this situation. Protect your feet. I bring good sneakers, but I also have good walking flip flops, oofas is a brand I like. Sneakers are best because of the support, but once they are wet, there will be quite sometime before they can be useful again. I also buy a lot of cheap ponchos from amazon. They are a mere fraction of the cost you will pay at Universal. While they are thin and cheap, I consider them throw away. Anyone who has re-used a universal poncho knows that particular stink and discomfort from wearing a poncho a second time after sweating in one. At the cost you would pay, its ok to throw these out comparatively. Fast drying shorts and shirts are a great idea as well for the same reasons.
Another thing I would just throw out there. Early flights have a higher probability of not being impacted by weather. This time of the year you definitely need to factor things like this in. It doesn’t mean you have to do this, but realize delays can and do happen, have your expectations in check and think ahead of time how you will handle the different possibilities. Might save you from some anxiety, trust me.
I think that about covers the pre trip plans. Its basic, but aggressive at the same time. My big focus is really on just a few things. Showing my mom a new park, spending some quality time with my family and having a great time at my favorite event of the year.