Universal Studios' new Horror Makeup Show display is popular for a reason: Fear is big business, and millions of people make their way to movie theaters and Halloween venues each year to enjoy a good scare.
If you have a phobia, however, finding yourself in an unexpected confrontation with the object of your fear could be embarrassing at best and traumatizing at worst. You probably look for information on possible triggers before making plans, so that you can adequately prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
The Exhibit
One of the most popular shows at Universal Studios Orlando is the Horror Makeup Show. In this show, a classic funny man-straight man duo presents a hilarious and educational look at special effects in the movies, with a focus on horror films. Some of the scenes are gory and may trigger phobias, particularly those of blood and monsters.
Before the show you will wait in the theater’s lobby, which contains an elaborate exhibit dedicated to Universal’s horror history. A large part of the exhibit focuses on Halloween Horror Nights throughout the years.
There are plenty of phobia triggers to be found here. A life-sized replica of Jack Schmidt, the iconic killer clown from Halloween Horror Nights, presides over a display that also features Chucky, the demonic doll from Child’s Play; the shark from Jaws; Hellboy; The Thing; The Phantom of the Opera; Psycho and plenty of bloody, gruesome victims.
The exhibit is spread out across the theater’s lobby area, making it difficult to avoid. Although most items are behind glass, Jack the clown and several other figures are life-sized and free standing, similar to a wax museum’s Chamber of Horrors.
Should I Avoid the Show?
If you are able to manage your phobia symptoms, the exhibit is filled with interesting and informative plaques that explain Universal’s legacy of horror and give behind the scenes information about makeup, prop building and filming techniques.
If you want to minimize your exposure to the exhibit, try arriving just before show time. Although you will still need to make your way through the lobby, you will not have to spend a great deal of time immersed in the displays.
Sometimes learning more about the object of your fear can help you to bring your phobia under control. Both the exhibit and the show itself are very informative, and the show is presented in a humorous rather than scary way. Never force yourself to do anything that you are not ready for. However, if you are able to keep your symptoms under control, you may find that learning some behind the scenes secrets makes you a little bit less afraid.
Getting Out
Many people with phobias find that they are calmer if they know they are not trapped. At Universal Orlando, you will never find yourself “stuck.” If you need to leave while in the theater lobby, just walk back out the door. No one will mind at all.
Inside the theater, look for a seat at the far end of a row toward the back of the audience. If you need to leave, just quietly make your way to the doors opposite those through which you entered. Although the doors are automatic, they will open easily with a light push. You can then exit back out to the park.
Only you know what your phobia triggers are and how much exposure you are able to handle. If you are too scared to enjoy the Horror Makeup Show, then you may find your Universal visit more enjoyable if you simply skip the show. However, if you are able to manage your symptoms, then you might find that both the show and the pre-show exhibit help you face your fears in a safe and humorous environment. Take it slowly and don’t be embarrassed to leave if you need to.
