When there's an immersive Swamp and Medieval Faire themed zone with great scenic design in the same year.. I think it's fair to compare and criticize. And I don't think it's the concept of the zone, just the execution. Each film should have been given a more proper stage with props from the film, not a generic Blumhouse background.
Well aware, but these events are planned a year+ in advance now... there is 0 reason for these low quality zones at the event. Again, I understand that things happen, but Universal has the creativity to pull something out of nothing. Something needs to get fixed in the whole HHN planning process as scare zones are critical to the event's success.
We all knew about a potential IP cancellation earlier in the spec season, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks to figure out a Plan B. (Yes, I'm simplifying it)
I know I sound harsh as I have yet to provide a full review of the event - the rest of my review will be very positive as I disagree with the "HHN is cost-cutting" idea floating around here. It's very evident in 2 scare zones, but outside of that it's hard to label that idea across the event this year.