Haunted Attraction Network

This Week's News: Universal Orlando announces first TWO haunted houses; Chris Sarandon & Ken Page of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" coming to Creep it Real; Haunt Tour on Sale for Midwest Haunters Convention; Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods decimated in tornado; and Blumhouse's 2025 horror films. Read everything here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/halloween-horror-nights-first-two-house-announcements

Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show is the largest trade show for our industry, where tens of thousands of haunters gather yearly in St. Louis to shop, network, and learn. Scott Swenson and I sat down on the final day of Transworld to discuss our thoughts on the show, and today, I’m playing that conversation for you. This episode originally aired on our companion podcast, ‘Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30.’ Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

After a multi-year hiatus, The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns to Long Beach, CA, on select nights from September 20th through November 2nd—this time, produced by the folks at Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Today, I’m taking you to the press conference where the big announcement was revealed. I’m playing snippets from the conference for you, and you’ll hear familiar folks like Amy Hollaman and Brett Bertalino. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This Week's News: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Returns August 9th, Oogie Boogie Bash Returns August 25th, Halloween returns to Disneyland Hong Kong and Disneyland Paris, Dark Harbor Returns September 20 to the Queen Mary, IAAPA predicts strong summer travel, Bayville Scream Park owner sentenced to 2 years in federal prison, Halfway to Halloween Expo this Saturday, Spirit Halloween's two new animatronics, "Terrifier 3," releases October 11th. Read more here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/disney-parks-halloween-details-dark-harbor-returns

This week's news: Dark Nights at Hersheypark returns for 25 nights, beginning Sept 13; Dark Nights and EPIC entertainment group to host nationwide talent search; Tram collision at Universal Studios Hollywood; Tickets and theme announced for Creep It Real OC; May the 4th Corrupt You at Lincoln Mill Haunted House; Lowe's teases 2024 lineup; The Home Depot sells out of early Halloween releases within one hour of launch; Spirit Halloween's Grand Opening is August 1st. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/dark-nights-at-hersheypark-returns-sept-13

This week: The East Coast Haunters Convention, Spooky Swap Meet returns, Evermore permanently closes, Carnage Haunted House closes at current location, The Haunt Supershow returns to LA County Fair, Hallmark's 2024 Halloween Ornaments, Jim Henson's Creature Shop begins work on "Five Nights at Freddy's 2." Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/halfway-to-halloween-2024

This week's news: Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Returns August 30th; Youth Haunt Actor Theater Day Camp from Nowhere Haunted House; "Sleepaway Camp" & "Scary Movie" Screenings and live commentary with Nostalgic Nebula; Double M Haunted Hayrides Halfway to Halloween May 18th; Deranged Haunt Halfway to Halloween May 17th & 18th. Read the full stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/news-halloween-horror-nights-returns-aug-30th

This week: Isle of Berk at EPIC Universe Details, East Coast Haunters Convention Schedule, Halfway to Halloween Expo, Bayou Bloodbath: Masked Madness from Swamp Haunters, Niles Scream Park closes Hayride, and Menagerie Oddities Market June 8th. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/isle-of-berk-details-east-coast-haunters-schedule

Home Depot's 12-ft Skeleton returns for 2024 along with new friends; A Hallway to Halloween festival is coming to Racho Jurupa Park in Riverside, CA; Hobb's Grove to open for Halfway to Halloween event; Blumhouse and AMC Theaters team up to re-release 5 Blumhouse classics to theaters in a Halfway to Halloween festival; The National Confectioners Association's "State of Treating" report shows big consumer spending on Halloween candies in 2023. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/12ft-skeletons-easterween-and-scream-break

This week: The 2024 OSCARES Winners from the Haunted Attraction Association; "Nightmare Fuel Wildfire" from Universal Studios Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights named Most Creative Halloween Production at this year's IAAPA Honors; TransWorld's Halloween & Attraction Show will return to St. Louis February 27th - March 2nd, 2025. Read the stories here:https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/2024-oscares-winners-announced-by-haa

TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show takes place March 7th - 10th - highlights include the Haunted Attraction Association's State of the Industry Presentation, Live Auction, and OSCARES, City Museum Party, and Dia de Los Muertos - Party with the Dead; 3 Cedar Fair Parks (Worlds of Fun, Kings Dominion, and Carowinds) will include their Halloween Haunt events as part of standard admission; Lincoln Mill Haunted House will host "A St. Paddy's Nightmare" on March 16th; A Halfway to Halloween festival comes to Rancho Jurupa Park in May; Summer Spook Nights returns to The Chaffery Garcia House in August. Read the full stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/preview-transworlds-halloween-show-is-this-weekend

Tickets for Midsummer Scream and Texas Haunters Convention; ABANDON returns to Vegas; SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride from Sally Dark Rides opens on March 1st; SAW The Musical comes to LA; Scream'd: An Unauthorized Musical Parody runs through March at the Majestic Repertory Theatre in Las Vegas; "Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole." Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/blumhouse-opened-a-haunt-in-socal

This week's headlines: Scream Break returns on March 22nd; Disneyland's Halloween Half Marathons SOLD OUT; John Wick Experience comes to AREA 15; "Imaginary" horror experience to open in SoCal; TransWorld's East Coast Haunters Convention Tickets; New season of "Chucky" is coming this Spring. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/news-scream-break-returns-john-wick-experience

The Haunted Attraction Association unveils its 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan; Canada changes costume import tax; Efteling's new "Danse Macabre" attraction; This year's ScareCON will take place at Psycho Path in Newcastle, England on Wednesday, June 5th; A brand-new "Evil Dead" movie is on its way with director Sébastien Vaniček at the helm. Read the stories here: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haa-2024-2027-strategic-plan-haunt-industrys-growth/

2024 Valentine's Day haunt list; Holly Terror Days Inc., operator of The Haunting of Keystone receives the Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award; Niles Screampark to award scholarships to area high school students; Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group brings back "Dark Dark Ride Ride" for three weekends in February; Monsterpalooza announces exhibitor list; Creep I.E. Con presents cast reunions for "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Scream"; Halloween & Party Expo takes place this January 23 - 25 in Las Vegas; Pre-orders now available for Vegan Treats' 2024 Valentine's Day "Fatally Yours: Birds of a Feather" coffin chocolate boxes; Two Steamboat Mickey horror films announced; Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 aims to be bigger and better than the original. Read the news here: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/valentines-day-haunted-house-2023/

The City of Hammond, Indiana is moving forward with plans to replace Reaper's Realm haunted house with a riverfront development; Ashland Public Library & Jeff DePaoli present a "Haunted Happenings" livestream on January 18th featuring Tony Gardner of Alterian, Inc.; Pashur announces two body painting workshops in Burbank, CA; AZ Haunters will host a PVC Candles Workshop on January 20th; Exhibitor registration is open for the Texas Haunters Convention; 18-year-old haunter Tayen Poplin opens a brick & mortar store in Ironton, OH; Gore Galore releases new line of scenic detailing mosses. Read the news here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/news-haunt-faces-eminent-domain-after-34-years

TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show has announced its seminar lineup and Saturday night costume party theme; The Spooky Swap Meet is now accepting applications for House Hosts for their April event; Creep It Real OC announces two 2024 events; HAuNTcon & Indie Horror Show come to Daytona Beach, Florida February 9th - 11th. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/upcoming-haunt-convention-announcements

Today, I’m speaking with Melissa Meyer, co-owner of Meyer2Meyer Entertainment, about 'Madame Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Musical' in Glendale, CA. This new, Broadway-style musical takes an original twist on Charles Dickens’s famous tale. While it’s still brimming with Christmas spirit, certain sections are much darker. The team at Meyer2Meyer Entertainment has helped create many horror events, including the LA Haunted Hayride, the Great Horror Campout, and the House of Spirits. So, while this isn’t a horror event per se, I wanted to speak with Melissa about the design and story craft we can learn from.

The deadlines for the Haunted Attraction Association's annual scholarships and OSCARES nominations are December 31st; Knott's Scary Farm will extend into November in 2024; Granville Haunt Farm is named North Carolina Attraction of the Year; The owner of ScareUSA pleads not guilty on sex assault charges; JOANN reports double-digit sales growth and better profit margins for Halloween merchandise sales.

Halloween costumes taking jabs at the Chinese government and flailing economy have led to a crackdown in China; Factory of Terror presents a family-friendly Christmas event - "Ohio Christmas Factory"; Terror Vault's The Initiation returns for a 4-night revival in early 2024; Zombie Joes' Underground Theatre Group & Force of Nature Productions join forces to present A Christmas Carol; The Krampus NOLAuf Parade returns to the streets of New Orleans; Krampus Fest returns to Pittsburg with the Krampus Krawl Bar Crawl will be sponsored by Penn Brewery; Celebrate a "Merry Axemas" at Pinhead's Graveyard; Haunted Attraction Network Holiday Haunt List. Read the stories here: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/spine-chilling-adventure-holiday-haunts/

Froggy's Fog won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Product with their Thanos A-1 Fog Blaster; Poison Props debuted a new Spider Animatronic at IAPPA; Krampus' Cove immersive cocktail experience comes to Los Angeles November 24th - December 31st; Hush Haunted Attraction transforms into "The Legendary Lodge" for the Christmas season; Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas returns December 8th - 9th & 14th - 17th; TransWorld's East Coast Haunters Convention announces Friday Night Bus Tour locations - Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride and Pennhurst Asylum. Read the news here:

The Haunted Attraction Network's Hauntathon was bigger than ever with 90 million views and tv & national radio appearances; Cedar Fair & Six Flags plan to merge in 2024; runDisney will present a new Disneyland Resort Halloween Half Marathon in September 2024; The Scare Factor will host their annual Monster Bash on November 18th; Short film submissions are now open for the Midsummer Scream Screaming Room; Tickets are now on sale for Monsterpalooza's 15th Anniversary.

Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/happy-halloween-from-the-haunted-attraction-network

Terror Roulette is a new, intimate horror experience at The Arboretum of South Barrington in South Barrington, IL. A partnership between IWG and The Arboretum of South Barrington, this event thrusts participants wishing to test their fate into an interactive story where they become the selected victims of a bloodthirsty secret society.

Spanning 30 acres and 13 attractions, Lake Hickory Haunts has grown into an entire scream park in Hickory, North Carolina, but it’s been quite the journey; we’ll hear all about it today. Support for this episode comes from Hauntpay; Hauntpay is Scary simple ticketing and payments made for haunted attractions. Watch our full video walkthrough of Lake Hickory Haunts here: https://youtu.be/JGhUNPpH5xQ

Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano, Texas, has new ownership; we explore what that means for the iconic attraction—a Must-Listen for anyone hoping to own a haunted house.

Doom Haunted Attraction in Idaho Falls supports the local county DARE program; we checked in with owner Brent Wilson to see how the 2023 season is going.

An interview with Jon Braver on this year's delusion, open select nights through November 19th, 2023. Since 2011, guests have played their part in the world's most visceral, captivating, and unique live experience. A living, breathing world of fantastical horror where stories come to vivid life, and guests become integral actors in the unfolding narrative. Yet this tapestry of terror is more than shows. With Nocturnes & Nightmares, we learn there is more to the Delusion saga than meets the eye. A mysterious figure known only as The Author has penned every Delusion story since its inception. Bringing words to life. Ink to reality. It is more a curse than a gift, as The Author plays with fire. Devoted fans (our guests) will be swallowed into various stories and connect with characters both dire and beloved as they track down the mysterious author behind the Delusion series and learn of a disturbing agenda.

We're posting an episode from Season 3 of That Halloween Podcast featuring Philip. Learn More: https://thathalloweenpodcast.libsyn.com/

The National Retail Foundation expects U.S. Halloween spending to hit a record $12.2 Billion in 2023; Goodwill Industries International releases their Halloween Survey results; Hulu takes over the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CA for their immersive "Huluween: Now Screaming" experience; the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults celebrates its 25th year; Morro Bay & Ventura Harbor Village host Witches & Warlocks Paddle events; Local Mississippi news station features home haunters Holly & Mark Graves; Chipotle brings back their Boorito special with new late-night hours; Win $5,000 with Sour Patch Kids' "Cringe or Candy" digital photo challenge; American Humane shares tips for making Halloween safe & fun for your pets.

Scott and Philip discuss Halloween at Universal Studios Japan.

Now in its thirteenth season, fear factory in lake lake City has added a new storyline throughout their haunt - plus a new mocktail lounge. Spencer Terry explains what fear factory has planned for 2023.

Woods of Terror is celebrating its 32nd year, and we went on-site to hear about the journey from founder Eddie McLauren.

Scott Simmons explains how Scarehouse has transitioned to a new location during the pandemic.

Dark at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton Canada is celebrating its 6th season by adding a new haunt and expanding its event footprint. We hear from Teresa Ryan about the evolution of the event.

Sir Henry's Haunted Trail expanded in 2023 with a new haunted hayride. Owner Zach Glaros explains how he continues to grow the event into a full scream Park.

Six Flags Magic Mountain's Fright Fest delays opening of The Conjuring haunt; The Haunted Attraction Association announces Top Haunts for 2023; The Canadian Haunters Association announces 2022 Home Haunt Winners; The House of Horror Haunted Carnival celebrates their 21st season; Kim's Krypt hosts annual "Anything Goes Night"; Boo at the Zoo returns to the Buffalo Zoo; Chuck E. Cheese announces 4th annual Halloween Boo-Tacular; Chobani releases AR-enabled Halloween packaging for their Chobani Flip Yogurt 4-packs. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/hersheyparks-new-haunt-fright-fest-delays-the-conjuring

Halloween Horror Nights opened Friday in Orlando, and this season is the longest run ever at 48 nights. Media members were invited Friday night to a presentation about this year’s event – and that’s what I’m playing for you today. You’ll hear the backstory behind all the event offerings, and there’s an appearance from Michael Aiello and Neil Druckmann (Naughty Dog Co-President). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Creative Team from Six Flags Magic Mountain shares their nightmarish plans for the upcoming 30th anniversary season of Fright Fest. Panelists include Michael Ostrom, Entertainment and Events Manager; Scott Ramp, Prosthetic Designer and Artist Mentor from The Scream Team; and Mark Wing, Six Flags Magic Mountain Entertainment and Events Sr. Creative Supervisor. This was recorded live during Midsummer Scream on July 30th. Follow the hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Knott's Scary Farm celebrates 50 years of never-ending nightmares with nostalgic nods to the past and wicked new mazes; Death Eaters come to Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort; Early access tickets to Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group's Delusion are now on sale; Vampirates returns to Pirates Dinner Adventure; Pumpkin Spice Suites debut at select Great Wolf Lodge locations; Boney Island comes to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for a family-friendly interactive light-up experience; The Chaffey Theatre Company presents "Folklore", an immersive walkthrough haunt; Bob Barker Marionette Theater presents their annual Hallowe'en Spooktacular; Get ready for the Haunted Attraction Network's annual Hauntathon starting this Friday, September 1st! https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/knotts-scary-farms-50th-anniversary-announcements

This year’s 50th anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm includes three new mazes (totaling 10), five scare zones, and four shows. Beginning on September 21 and running through October 31, the event will see 29 terrifying nights of scares. We'll discuss takeaways from the event. Read the full event details:https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/knotts-scary-farm-celebrates-50-years-nightmares/

Howl-O-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announces new haunt, 2 new scare zones, and interactive entertainment offerings; Howl-O-Scream SeaWorld Orlando announces 3 new houses, 3 new scare zones, and the return of 4 fan-favorite attractions; Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights to feature The Weeknd in The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn Nightmare; Mickey's Not So Scary halloween Party opened at Walt Disney World on August 11th; Taste of Terror opened at Universal Studios Orlando on August 10th; Castle Park celebrates 15 Years of Fears with Castle Dark; Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group's Urban Death Tour of Terror returns select nights October 6th - 31st; Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and Egan Escape present Escape IT Chapter 2; Dark Harvest Haunted Attraction has a new location for 2023; Midnight Syndicate released their 15th studio album, "The Brimstone Club"; Creep It Real OC celebrates 30 years of Disney's "Hocus Pocus"; The Food Network releases their 2023 Halloween programming lineup. https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/roundup-howl-o-scream-returns-to-tampa-orlando

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando announces their full maze & scare zone lineup with new Taste of Terror food & beverage preview event; Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood announces an all-new original maze - Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America; The Conjuring and Saw X come to Magic Mountain's Fright Fest; Knott's Scary Farm will reveal their full lineup at Scary Farm 50: Nightmares Revealed on august 24th; A new fireworks show & Zombie Pep Rally come to Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida; 13th Floor Entertainment previews their SoCal event lineup; A new maze & new wagons come to the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride; Delusion returns to The Phillips Mansion with an anthology of interactive short stories; Shaqtoberfest expands with activations onboard the Queen Mary; Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns comes to Los Angeles; WInchester Mystery House presents "Unhinged: Housewarming"; JFI Production's immersive dinner-theater production "The Willows" returns for 2023; Fearplex Presents LIGHTS OUT comes to the Pomona Fair Grounds this October; Spirit Halloween held its Grand Opening in Egg Harbor Township, NJ; The Spooky Swap Meet returns April 26th - 28th, 2024; HAuNTcon is accepting applications for Haunt Master Instructors. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/hhn-orlando-announces-full-lineup-new-event

Midsummer Scream takes place July 28th - 30th at the Long Beach Convention Center; Ghosts of Summer takes place July 29th - 30th at the Oregon Convention Center; Howl-O-Scream returns to SeaWorld San Diego select nights September 29th - October 31st; Tickets are now on sale for Knott's Scary Farm; Kennywood Park is hiring 250+ positions for Phantom Fall Fest; Hersheypark's Dark Nights returns with a new haunt and scare zone for 2023; Scream-A-Geddon announces new haunt for their 2023 event; The Inland Empire gains an all-new haunt with ScareScape. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/midsummer-scream-happens-this-weekend

The Texas Haunters Convention takes place this weekend in Mesquite, Texas; Halloween Horror Nights Returns to Universal Studios Japan; Festival of Fears hosts "Summer Scream" two weekends in July; The Horror Project offers a unique horror movie-viewing experience; Pumpkin Hollow uses smart technology to plant their corn maze; Turn on the Dark Entertainment, LLC utilizes a program for Wyoming entrepreneurs to launch a crowdfunding campaign. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/texas-haunters-convention-happens-this-weekend

Disneyland pauses general ticket sales for Oogie Boogie Bash amid technical issues; Hanayashiki amusement park celebrates its 170th anniversary with an upgrade to its haunted house & new AR yokai game; The Púca Festival returns to Meath, Ireland for Halloween 2023; Asylum Entertainment Ltd. brings Newsham Scream Park to an abandoned building in Liverpool; Fight the undead in Haunted Calgary's "Hell Night - Undead Roundup" on July 28th; Field of Screams plans a major expansion for the 2023 Halloween season; Lionsgate brings SAW to Midsummer Scream; Spirit Halloween debuts 13 new animatronics; Spirit Halloween is now hiring over 40,000 seasonal associates.

The Mall of America & American Monsters announce a new haunt for this Halloween Season; Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group presents Camp Whitsit; Midsummer Scream announces "Happy Haunts Materialize! Behind the Scenes of Disney's Haunted Mansion" panel; Terror Tours' early bird ticket deadline is June 30th; AZ Haunters will host a Laser Cut Tombstone & Finishing Class on July 15th; Terror Vault will host a Scare Actor's Workshop and casting call on August 6th; Party City debuted their new Fall 2023 animatronics; Panic Attacked Haunted Attraction & The Dent School hire for all positions; Auditions & Casting Calls from haunts around the country.

We're in Chicago for the Midwest Haunters Convention, recapping learnings from the weekend. We're also looking at the upcoming Halloween announcements from Disneyland, Ocean Park in Hong Kong, and Knott's Scary Farm.

Horror in Color to host 3rd annual Pride or Die event this weekend; "The Last of Us" house is coming to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando & Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood; Halloween on the High Seas will return to the Disney Cruise Line in 2024; The Arboretum of South Barrington and IWG Productions will bring "Terror Roulette" to the Chicago area this Halloween season; Learn how to Build Props and Sets Like Haunted Overload in this month's Haunters Toolbox Master Class on Tuesday, June 20th; Disguise Inc. announces partnership with Mob Entertainment to produce Poppy Playtime costumes & accessories; a Piqua, Ohio woman fights to keep her year-round 10-foot tall werewolf on display after anonymous complaints to the city.

Timed Ticketing VS Virtual Queues – which is best for you? Today Alex from Hauntpay and Justin Hill from Haunted Hills Haunted Attraction give their insights from both the vendor and haunter's point of view, so you can decide which service is suitable for your haunt. This episode is courtesy of Hauntopic Radio – hosted by Brian Foreman from Haunter’s Toolbox. Become a haunt master at haunterstoolbox.com. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork