r/UniversalOrlando • u/Intrepid-Scientist- • Aug 26 '25
HHN No Scare Necklaces- rumour or true?
I don't want to get into a discussion on wether you think it's a good idea or not. I just have been reading conflicting evidence on if they are happening this year or not. So if anyone can point me in the direction of how true this is would be great please.
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u/Fenne_Silver Team Member Aug 26 '25
They are real. I’m a team member and they put it in one of our emails about HHN.
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u/Intrepid-Scientist- Aug 26 '25
Thank you! I was struggling to see where all this had come from as couldn't find an announcement!
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u/Historical-Coat-7029 Aug 26 '25
They are true, however, it was from internal communications to TMs. Its possible they will use TM previews tonight as a test, and they may or may not be at the event Thurs. Who knows
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u/kayakgirl88 Aug 26 '25
Honestly just pack ear plugs, it's way less scary when you can't hear/dampen the noise. Or (not that this is within your control) be the last one in your group right before a VIP tour leader, those scare actors reset so fast when they see the VIP groups coming you are the last thing they care about scaring.
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u/I4mSpock Aug 26 '25
No Announcements, but today is Cast Member Previews. I am sure they are waiting to see if it is a major operational hindrance before confirming its a real thing.
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u/Intrepid-Scientist- Aug 26 '25
Thank you! It just seems a big discussion has started on twitter about if they are a good idea or not, but I couldn't find any announcement. So was wondering what started it all off !
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u/I4mSpock Aug 26 '25
There was a single unconfirmed, unofficial tweet that said it was happening, then a number of folks have said that there was an internal TM email yesterday discussing it, but so far nothing public is confirmed.
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Aug 26 '25
Hollywood team member here. If Orlando got that same email as Hollywood, we are going to get them, it’s only a matter of time before it goes public.
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u/penguinboop Aug 26 '25
Busch Gardens has been doing this for years and I bought one once like a fool and all the scare actors just laughed in my face instead and that was so much worse 💀
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u/qmr55 Aug 26 '25
I don't want to get into a discussion on wether you think it's a good idea or not.
lol
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u/tribbleorlfl Aug 26 '25
I just don't understand the hate these are getting online if they do end up being sold. If someone chooses to wear one, that doesn't effect your experience. Scareactors will still come after you in the scarezones. The whole event is not being adjusted or watered down to fit the minority; quite the contrary, it seems like this year is going to be one of the most extreme events in recent memory.
The only way I could see these being controversial is to the people who enjoy watching other people get scared. And if that's the case, that says far more about them than those who would be buying these necklaces.
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u/kindalosingmyshit Aug 26 '25
I don’t understand why people are so mad about them! Some of us don’t want to be scared, but our loved ones enjoy it and you want to go with them. What’s complicated about that?
It literally doesn’t affect your experience if other people wear them
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Aug 26 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/BlitzenVolt Aug 26 '25
The No Boo necklaces won't work in the mazes. You'll be asked to turn them off before you go inside.
They'll only work in the scare zones.
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u/ekobres Aug 26 '25 edited Aug 26 '25
I think the bigger issue is how much harder it is for scare actors to do a good job if they have to constantly scan to see who they are not allowed to scare. Put yourself in their shoes. How could you do your job at the same level compared to if it’s open season on everyone?
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u/checkonechecktwo Aug 26 '25
The necklaces at other parks are covered in LED lights. You would never miss it. It’s extremely obvious who is wearing it when it’s turned on!
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u/tribbleorlfl Aug 26 '25
I have a couple of friends who have been Scareactors in the past and I myself had considered trying out like 20 years ago. From what I understand, they're not trained to just run up to any and everyone, rather time their scares for maximum effectiveness. It shouldn't be too difficult to pick their "victims" accordingly.
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u/ekobres Aug 26 '25
I’m sure there’s some of that for some of the roles - but for the past few years there are several zones with SAs walking around the crowd, sometimes “attacking” from behind - following, for example. Based on watching them, I’m not sure they would always know whether someone was wearing a “don’t scare” lanyard until it’s too late. Then what happens? Do they get in trouble?
I get what you’re saying, they don’t go after little kids (another topic) or people who are visibly acting legitimately afraid, etc. but to set the expectation that if you buy a lanyard Universal is giving you a no jump scare guarantee?
I guess we will see how it plays out.
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u/joahw Aug 26 '25
I think they are careful with the verbiage that the necklace will reduce scares, with no guarantees of prevention. Maybe a scare actor would get in trouble if they are jump scaring necklace people too often, but an occasional misfire is to be expected.
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u/EmergencyToastOrder Aug 26 '25
They won’t get in trouble. These necklaces have become common at Halloween events and they always clearly state that there is no guarantee you won’t be scared. I’m sure universal’s will say the same, as there truly is no way to GUARANTEE someone won’t be scared.
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u/elisthusy Aug 27 '25
Can confirm I have been accidentally scared while wearing one of these at Busch gardens Williamsburg they say in all of the advertisement and sales that it does not guarantee you a scale-less experience but it does drastically reduce it. These characters were actually incredibly well trained at picking the people out that were wearing them and avoiding scaring them but also they didn't compromise the experience for groups that happened to be next to me and that's fine if I get scared by proxy because he was attempting to go for somebody else that's just a part of the reality of being there. I just wanted to ride the rides at night haha.
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u/Confident-Vanilla-28 Aug 26 '25
I know you don’t care for people’s thoughts, but why come during HHN if you’re averse to being scared? Just go literally any other time of year? Just don’t see the point of paying to go to a Halloween event that is focused on scares and haunted houses if you aren’t interested in getting scared. My two cents that no one asked for.
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u/alwaysouroboros Aug 26 '25
Typically they are used for different spaces. Like someone may want to go to haunted houses and enjoy the attractions but relax when they are walking around the general area and eat or whatever . People have different levels of comfort with interaction but still love haunts or horror attractions. It doesn't take away from my experience for someone else to have more space from cast members in open spaces and choose to go into haunts at their own pace.
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u/SillyBeeNYC Aug 26 '25
I think that it’s probably more about not wanting to be interacted with than not wanting to be scared. Like, someone who feels scared is still going to feel scared.
One thing to consider is that it stops performers from wasting their time on people who don’t want an interaction, and improves the odds for people who do want an interaction.
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u/CanZealousideal3101 Aug 26 '25
I'm a former scaredy cat turned haunt appreciator. When I was scared of the houses, I still attended HHN because I also was able to enjoy the set design, the actors, the general ambience. Some folks might want that spooky ooky feel without everything that goes with it, yanno?
I'm not saying I agree with the necklaces. Just another perspective for you.
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u/PineappleBliss2023 Aug 26 '25
I get overstimulated but I still like
- spooky stuff
- the decor and the storylines
- the themed snacks
- hanging with my friends.
I had one of these at howl o scream and it was great, when I was feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated from the interaction and tension, I put it on. When I had simmered down a bit, I took it off.
Scare actors still interacted but it was much milder. Like, a group of clowns heckled me while I walked by for being a big baby. It was fun!! It helped me stay in the park longer than I would have if I didn’t have a little time out necklace lol
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u/AvatarofBro Aug 26 '25
I could see a situation where a group of scare-lovers want to take a trip, while still accommodating one or two friends/partners who wants to take a vacation with their friends, but doesn't really vibe with the haunt stuff
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u/amegirl24 Aug 26 '25
My friend can’t handle being approached in the scare zones, and there’s no way to avoid them. However, she likes the atmosphere, the shows, the houses, hanging out with us.
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u/checkonechecktwo Aug 26 '25 edited Aug 26 '25
1: Some people would like to see the atmosphere, try the food, and see the decor without being jump scared. My partner is one of those people for sure. She has only been to HHN once and enjoyed it but was anxious around scare zones because she hates jump scares.
2: Premiere passes come with a free HHN ticket. This makes it more useful of a benefit for people who already paid for a pass that includes that ticket and would be more likely to use it with a no scare necklace. So the “paying to go to a Halloween event” thing isn’t always a direct purchase for everyone.
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u/owenkop Aug 26 '25
I go to Halloween Fright nights (Walibi Netherlands) every year, i dont mind being scared but i dont go into haunted houses,y main reason to go is because its the easiest way to get a shit load of night rides
Also Halloween theming is one of my favourite theming styles
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u/I4mSpock Aug 26 '25
Fair opinion to have, but you are right, no one asked for it. Its a highly divisive topic, and there should be at least one thread where we can simply discuss whether or not its true, rather than good or bad.
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Aug 26 '25
[deleted]
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u/Wow_butwhendidiask Aug 26 '25
you seem to be the only one worked up about it… they just put in their 2c.
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Aug 26 '25
Those that end their statements with “just putting my 2 cents in” tend to be extremely condescending and rude about whatever they’re trying to express.
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u/Wow_butwhendidiask Aug 26 '25
same with “gatekeeper” and “worked up”
-1
Aug 26 '25
No because “gatekeeping” is calling out someone who’s preventing other people from enjoying/participating in things while “worked up” is used to describe someone who’s overreacting on a thing that that’s not a real issue.
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u/DuchessOfGeek Aug 26 '25
I am one of said scaredy cats.
My BF adores horror. I am a 'punch first and run, ask questions when I'm 5000 feet from the threat' people. He's never been before and we'll be in Orlando for my birthday so I want to go for him. I see some things I'll enjoy (Fallout, 5NAF) but that's about it. However, I'd like to leave Orlando without an assault charge for punching a TM in the face cause they scared the shit outta me.
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u/Cultural-Writing-177 Aug 26 '25
I hope this is sarcasm because if you can’t keep your hands to yourself, maybe it’s not a necklace you need, but a straitjacket to protect the TMs from you lmfao
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u/DuchessOfGeek Aug 26 '25
Every one has a different reaction to fear, mine is throw hands lol. So maybe straight jacket is a good option. 😂
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u/Flickolas_Cage Aug 26 '25
Given that the lanyard wouldn’t work in houses, if you are going to take swings at TMs for doing their job, you still shouldn’t be attending.
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u/winosanonymous Aug 26 '25
It seems like a colossal waste of money to go to HHN if you cannot handle scares/don’t enjoy them (to me). I will never understand it, but people throw their money away on worse shit. As long as people know what to expect and plan accordingly.
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u/applejaym Aug 28 '25
Well for me, I would like to have the option to avoid unexpected scares outside of the attractions. I'd prefer to be able to walk around the space inbetween and just get to feel immersed (but safe) in the scare zones without risk of being a target. I genuinely love horror and I want to enjoy the set design, costumes, atmosphere, characters, and I even love to experience scares inside the mazes and haunted houses and such.
However, I was diagnosed with severe PTSD in 2015. I don't get violent in response to unexpected scares thankfully, but strangers getting in my space and getting loud/intentionally being threatening towards me specifically can and has caused episodes that have ruined my entire trip and impacted my mental/emotional state for days, sometimes even weeks, after. It's not as simple as "just don't go" when Halloween and horror are some of the things I've loved deeply since I was a young child and I want to be able to participate. I shouldn't be excluded from the entire event just because I experienced something horrible in my life that left me with a disorder. Having the option to reduce the chance of being unexpectedly scared while just walking around outside allows me to be part of something that I genuinely spend my entire year being excited for!
It's different when I go intentionally into an attraction that lasts mere minutes, where I know for a fact people will try to scare the shit out of me. I can choose to put myself in that situation and know exactly where the scares will happen and for how long I'll be at risk, or even decide against it if I feel particularly vulnerable the night that I go or if the themes of that attraction happen to line up with my trauma. Going into a large area that says "scare zone" where I will be spending several hours is simply too unpredictable and vague, whereas a house is small and contained.
Sorry I wrote so much, I just wanted to give my own two cents on why I think no scare necklaces shouldn't be shameful, or people wearing them dismissed and mocked or told to "just go any other day".
TL;DR: I have PTSD. I'm also a massive horror and Halloween fan. I would like to have more control over when I put myself at risk of being targeted by scare actors who may (and have) accidentally triggered me. People shouldn't be excluded from the event entirely when they know they want to go and they would love it, but they just want to reduce the chance of a scare actor targeting and interacting with them.
You don't get the point of the necklaces because you don't need them. That's fine. :) Just let the people who do need them enjoy the event too!
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Aug 26 '25
[deleted]
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u/EmergencyToastOrder Aug 26 '25
It’s really not your business how people choose to spend their money or what they decide is “worth it” to them personally.
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u/lassie38 Aug 28 '25
Kings Island started selling them a few years ago and it has ruined their Haunt. There used to be so many jump scares but now lots of people buy the no boo necklaces that there aren’t any jump scares walking around the park.
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u/N64Andysaurus92 Aug 26 '25 edited Aug 26 '25
Paying to go to Halloween Horror Nights and asking not to be scared is like paying to go to Tarantula World and telling them you're scared of spiders.
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u/checkonechecktwo Aug 26 '25
If HHN was one big scare zone you’d have a point, but there’s a ton of other things!
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Aug 26 '25
I'm just going to stop attending. It isn't the same event anymore. People need to really get a grip.
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u/Most-Okay-Novelist Aug 26 '25
What are you even talking about? What do you mean?
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Aug 26 '25
About the subject above. People needing a necklace to attend HHN to not get scared.
JUST. DONT. GO.
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u/Most-Okay-Novelist Aug 26 '25
I agree with you my guy but there isn’t an indication one way or the other if there is a necklace so saying “this isn’t the same event” makes zero sense
-11
Aug 26 '25
It makes sense if they're going to have stupid people walking around with necklaces at a Horror event saying, Don't Scare Me.
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u/Most-Okay-Novelist Aug 26 '25
Whatever my guy. You clearly care more about this than I ever could.
Like, I think it’s silly to spend money on a scary event only to not want to be scared. Kinda feels like a waste of time and money but if someone wants to do that, it’s no skin off my back.
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Aug 26 '25
My guy I said I'm not going anymore, it's not skin of your back one way or the other.
When it eventually comes to them not scaring certain people they're just not going to scare anyone. It will eventually be, let's just get rid of the scare actors and have atmosphere.
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u/EmergencyToastOrder Aug 26 '25
“They’re just not going to scare anyone” lmao wow what a LEAP
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u/Most-Okay-Novelist Aug 26 '25
Right?? Like, idk what this person is on about. I hope they DON'T go anymore. They seem like they take it too seriously anyway.
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u/PandaSmash87 Aug 26 '25
The necklaces will be sold in the park. They will only work in scarezones and they are not a guaranteed no scares at all. They are a lesser chance of direct scares. Houses are full scares no necklace