We had been going to Universal for many, many years before we decided to give it a try in 2021, I had been watching vlogs on it for a long while, and on previous Oct trips, had seen all the hordes of people waiting to get into the event, and was always curious. I grew up on ALL the 70s/80s horror movies, Omen, Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw..., all the Friday/13ths, Halloween, and the other really bad slasher movies, but not a huge horror fan anymore. But since the kids were older teens, and we were going to be there, decided to try it. Now, totally hooked. Got our 1 night tickets for Oct, and can't wait. About to buy express. We did the first 2 times w/o express, and it's totally do-able, but it is a lot of waiting/lines for houses. Also, while I did have my kid or kids with me the majority of the night, last year, I did the last hour and half alone, and it was totally fun! scare zones extra creepy,
We did have APs to get into Stay/scream, but if I didn't , I would still suggest doing S/S, and yes, they do open them early, and there is a queue, but I'm used to rope dropping/arriving well before park opening, and waiting, so it's fine. you can usually knock out the 2 houses near that pen before regular opening. then still be ahead of the crowds for a few more. but you can't leave your initial holding area until the rest of the park is cleared out. Made a tactical error last year with this, choosing the S/S for Halloween, by the time they cleared the park, and we could get to Blumhouse, it was busy> I plan to pick the S/S area that will be near Animal Actors, assuming there is one there, this year. I think Last of Us will be there, so can knock that out early. .Will totally have an enormous line for Stranger THings, I"m sure....so kinda have to pick your poison.
ANyway, it's great fun, and I think totally worth the price of at least a 1 night ticket. Happy planning!!