What Is “SIF” at Theme Parks, and Why Will It Freak You Out?

Attention theme park aficionados: Are you ready to learn some behind-the-scenes terminology from Universal’s iconic Halloween Horror Nights?

I’ve been obsessing over backstage theme park facts for over 30 years, picking up new terms in books, documentaries, and in this case, a backstage tour!

Recently, members of our team took the Unmasking the Horror Tour at Universal Orlando, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Halloween Horror Nights event.

During the tour, we learned that the elements that are hanging from the ceilings between each room — either to separate the rooms from each other or to simply evoke a scary sensation for guests — are called “SIF”. What does “SIF” stand for, you ask?

Simply “Stuff In Face.”

Yup, it’s THAT on the nose of a name (and literally on the nose, since they’re often smacking people directly in the face). We’d imagine this terminology carries through to other theme parks and haunted attractions.

If you’re interested in learning more spooky facts, the Unmasking the Horror Tour is a daytime VIP tour that offers a lights-on look at Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses. Guests can pick from a 3 or 6 haunted house tour, select dates and times, and the tour includes:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to 3 or 6 haunted houses in a lights-on, informational walking tour (once per house, based on itinerary. Tour inclusions are subject to itinerary, and Houses toured are at the discretion of Universal Orlando Resort.)
• Exclusive access to photograph select rooms in select haunted houses on the tour (as determined by the VIP Experience guidelines for the year’s event)
• Exclusive commemorative pin
• Buffet-style lunch included for the 6-haunted house tour only

Theme park and/or Halloween Horror Nights event admission is not included and NOT REQUIRED to participate in the tour, and pricing varies by date and tour selection, subject to availability. Tour dates and prices are subject to change until purchased.

Next time you’re making your way through a Halloween Horror Nights house and the stuff hanging between rooms smacks you in the face, remember that it’s literally called “Stuff in Face.” Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the inner workings of theme parks.

Universal Once Had a Marvel Halloween Horror Nights House SO SCARY It Was BANNED!

Have you been to Horror Nights recently? Let us know in the comments below.