The Fear Factor Live Contestant Experience at Universal Orlando
Are you brave enough to face your fears? If so, then Fear Factor Live at Universal Orlando Resort is perfect for you. This show is a one-of-a-kind experience where everyday park guests participate in a series of stunts designed to encourage fear. Additionally, the experience of being a contestant of the show is unique and there’s a lot more to the process than what initially meets the eye.
Casting for Fear Factor Live
70 minutes before each show starts, the casting process starts. The process begins with an old fashion game of “Simon Says”. It may seem silly, but the game is important and tests that contestants are aware and can follow directions. Next, everybody must give a 5-second pitch about why they’re going to win Fear Factor. Both these steps are important to do your best in because these activities are how they eliminate people down to the final 6. Lastly, everybody must sign paperwork agreeing that they are healthy and able to participate.
The Preparation Stage
Once selected, contestants move backstage to a behind the scenes area off limits to other guests. Here, these participants go through several steps before the actual show begins. Here are the main parts:
- Head to the recording studio and film a 5 second video on why you will win
- Change into the official Fear Factor Live outfit (they will provide you with everything, even really weird throw-away underwear!)
- Suit-up into your safety harness
- Meet the host and learn about each of the three stages in detail
After these steps are completed, contestants head to the top of the fear factor stage and wait for the real fun to start…
Stage 1: The Hang
Description: Participants must hang 40 feet above the stage as long as they can with industrial fans blowing in their faces
The first stage is solely a competition of who can hold on longer. I felt slightly nervous standing 40 feet in the air on our “pirate planks”, but once the hanging part started the nerves went away. Plus, I enjoyed the unique view of the Simpsons and other areas of the park from up top. After 15 seconds, they turned on large fans in our faces to annoy us. Although, the fans were actually an enjoyable way to cool off on a hot Florida day and a nice distraction.
Stage 2: The Gross One
Description: Contestants will reach into a pool of carnivorous eels to grab bean bags and toss octopi into a bucket while swinging in the air
Stage two was my least favorite of the show because it partially grossed me out. Grabbing the bean bags from the tank of eels was intimidating but not awful. Likewise, the eels reminded me of oversized tadpoles because they were slimy and squirmy but harmless at the same time. Additionally, the octopi were slightly worse and looked like bubbly roadkill. Plus, they smelled. And not in a good way! Once I had the octopi in my hands, they hoisted me up in to the air and swung me across the stage. Tossing the octopi into the bucket was challenging but I was happy to get rid of them!
Stage 3: The Stuntman’s Challenge
Description: The final obstacle course/race that determines the winner.
For the final stage of Fear Factor Live, I was given additional equipment such as swimming goggles, ear plugs, and a mouth guard on top of what I was already wearing. I felt like an armored knight ready to save the kingdom with all the extra gear. Overall, I enjoyed this stage the most because it was challenging but not necessarily scary. Although, the stage is tougher than it looks at first. Buckets of water poured down on me the whole time which made climbing a seemingly easy ladder rather difficult. Similarly, finding the flags was tricky with all the water and I also got soaked. Although, firing the “rocket launcher” (it’s actually just a laser gun) and hearing the explosion of victory is a thrilling end to this final stage.
Proving that Fear is Not a Factor for You
I ended up winning the show I was on! And the prize for winning? Just a Fear Factor Live Champion t-shirt and a picture. Although, in all honestly, the pride of winning is the biggest reward. Plus, I have a fun story to brag about and a one-of-a-kind memory to treasure for the rest of my life.
So, are you ready to face your fears and prove that fear is not a factor for you?
Note: They also have a “critter challenge” and food challenge for those who can’t participate in the main physical stunts.
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