ORLANDO, FL; UNIVERSAL CITY, CA — Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort have teamed up to create the most innovative and spine-chilling haunted house yet: The Anxiety Waiting Room. This terrifying experience is set to take Halloween Horror Nights to a whole new level of psychological torment.
The premise of this hauntingly genius attraction is simple: guests will enter one at a time, and take a seat in a painstakingly realistic doctor’s office waiting room. Background sounds of hushed coughs, distant paper rustling, and the occasional faint beeping will accompany the ever-present ticking of a sinister clock.
Susan Williams, a set designer for the project, shared her insights: “We wanted to tap into something that everyone could relate to – the dread of waiting in a doctor’s office. We meticulously recreated every detail, from the outdated magazines to the uncomfortable chairs, to make guests feel as if they were truly waiting for an appointment.”
As the wait continues, guests will find themselves trapped in their own minds, contemplating potential conversations with their doctor, and dreading the unspeakable medical procedures that may await them. The anticipation becomes almost unbearable.
Michael Davis, a sound engineer who worked on the project, explained the effect of the eerie background noises: “The hushed coughs and distant beeping are designed to heighten guests’ anxiety levels. As they sit there, the room seems to shift and spin, and the temperature seems to rise. We really wanted to create an experience that plays with the guests’ perception of reality.”
Suddenly, the door will swing open, and guests will be greeted with the sweet relief of hearing their name called. But instead of entering the doctor’s office, they will find themselves at the exit, having survived the most chilling haunted house experience of their lives.
Project manager, Karen Thompson, expressed her excitement about the unique attraction: “Forget chainsaw-wielding maniacs and bloodthirsty zombies; the Anxiety Waiting Room taps into something much deeper and more primal. We can’t wait for guests to experience this one-of-a-kind haunted house!”
Universal Studios has truly outdone itself this year, tapping into the universal human fear of uncertainty and anticipation in the most devilishly clever way possible. If you think you have the courage to face your own deepest anxieties, visit the Anxiety Waiting Room at Halloween Horror Nights. Just be prepared to leave your sanity at the door.
