Haunted Attraction Network

Knott's Scary Farm is now accepting scareactor applications & in-person audition reservations; Monsterpalooza takes place this weekend - June 2nd -4th; Midsummer Scream announces their first television commercial for Pluto.tv; Creep It Real OC accounces Hocus Pocus panel; HellsGate Haunted House to host a Spooky Garage Sale; Zombie Joe's Underground Theater Group presents Doctor Smegma's Human Petting Zoo and "Sparkling Waters" Waiting Room; The Ghostly Retreat hosts an open house with Imagineer Bob Gurr; Pirates Dinner Adventure adds a Dragon to the finale; Save the date for Krampus Tavern 2023 - December 10th.

Scareactor auditions are now open for Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights; ScareCon announces the winners of this year's Scare Awards (SCARs); Midwest Haunters Convention Early Bird Discounts end this Thursday, May 25th at 11:59 p.m. CDT; Dark Hour Haunted House will host a yard sale on Saturday, June 10th; The Centralia Halloween Parade announces this year's theme: "Monsters & Mischief"; Spencer's & Spirit Halloween are adding 81,000 sq. ft. of office space and amenities to their corporate headquarters; Ralph Lee, founder of NYC's Village Halloween Parade passed away on May 12th at the age of 87; Learn the history behind how summer became Japan's "Spooky Season." Read the stories: https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/halloween-horror-nights-2023-auditions-universal-studios-hollywood-scareactor-opportunities/

How do music supervisors choose the right spooky music for a soundtrack – and how can you do the same at your haunt? Today we’re continuing the music theme with another panel from last year’s Midsummer Scream. We’re playing the first 30 minutes of “Spooky Music in Visual.” For haunters especially, this provides the insight you can apply to select media for your haunt. Midsummer Scream returns to Long Beach July 28-30, 2023. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Join Bryan and Tiph as they delve into the most frustrating pet peeves and irritating practices of haunted houses. With topics ranging from misleading promotions to overbearing management, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to avoid these common pitfalls. The episode is courtesy of The Scare Factor, a nation-wide haunted house review website and directory, and this episode is from their companion podcast. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Dark Night Halloween World Returns bigger than ever on Friday, October 13th and will become the first haunted attraction designed and managed by A.I.; The Springfield City Council unanimously voted to repeal the bill declaring the use of eminent domain on The Hotel of Terror; Haunters Against Hate Founder Paul Lanner discusses protecting LGBTQ youth in a recent article in Bear World Magazine; The Former Manager of Max's Revenge Haunted Attraction faces charges after sexual assault allegations; The Chamber of Haunters announces "The Chamber University" educational organization. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/dark-night-halloween-world-dates-fear-fair-closes

Universal Orlando Resort is now accepting submissions for Scareactors, Stilt Walkers, and Puppeteers for Halloween Horror Nights; Fear Factory SLC fights food insecurity with a donation to two local elementary schools; Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream Tampa holds Mayhem Flash Sale through May 14th; celebrate Mother's Day with Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group's production of "Mother"; Enjoy a musically macabre evening at The Abbey with Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics this October; Baldwin Asylum Haunted Attraction is now publicly listed for sale; TransWorld Live: The Road to Midwest Haunters will stream on Tuesday, May 9th; The Texas Haunters Convention is sold out of vendor spaces; New trailer released for the horror film "Haunt Season," filmed at Realm of Terror Haunted House. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today we’re exploring the musical challenges behind some of the most iconic horror film soundtracks in “COMPOSERS OF THE APOCALYPSE.” This panel took place on the Main Stage of last year’s Midsummer Scream. Today’s episode is a replay, but it’s the perfect time to reflect since Midsummer Scream returns to Long Beach July 29-30, 2023; Tickets are available here ( https://midsummerscream.org/ )Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Adding Killer Food & Beverage to your haunt is a great way to boost revenue, and these Bar & Restaurant Expo trends will get you started. Subscribe to future episodes of Green Tagged here: https://greentaggedshow.com/

This week: Southeast Hollows Haunt Convention takes place this weekend - May 5th - 7th; Sir Henry's Haunted Trail adds a Hayride for 2023; Dark Hour Haunted House opens a year-round escape game experience; Horror comes to Broadway with Levi Holloway’s Grey House; The Cleveland Haunt Club will host a Halfway to Halloween Trivia Fun Night; The next Haunted Attraction Association online mixer is scheduled for May 27th; Learn about ADA requirements and best practices from Leonard Pickel in this month's Haunters Toolbox Master Class; LVCRFT releases a new single from their upcoming pride-themed EP; Spirit Halloween kicks off their 40th anniversary with product announcements, sales, and more; Updated Spring & Summer haunts list. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Are you looking to start or grow a haunted attraction? If so, having a business plan is an absolute must! A business plan for your haunted house not only helps with permits and funding but keeps your goals on track. Think of it like a "road map" or an "outline." This masterclass was taught by Allie Stones of Heart of Horror Productions as part of the Haunter’s Toolbox Haunt Master series. To join us once a month in these LIVE Master Classes, become a Haunt Master Member. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Now in its third year, the spooky swap meet combines shopping, food, and music with trick or treating at the Victorian manors of the Heritage Square Museum! We’ve reported on the evolution of this event over the years, and this year includes two walkthrough experiences plus plenty of interactives. Today, we’ll preview this event with the two co-creators, Claire Dunlap and Sarah Cooke. Tickets: https://spookyswapmeet.com/

The Maleficent dragon at Disneyland catches fire; Cedar Fair implements chaperone policies at its theme parks across the country; Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Walt Disney World; Oogie Boogie Bash returns to Disney California Adventure; Halloween at the High Seas will set sail on Disney Cruise Line voyages this fall; The Spooky Swap Meet takes place this weekend; The Ohio Haunters Association's Halfway to Halloween event at Carnage Haunted House takes place this Saturday; Scare USA & Fear Factory SLC announce Halfway to Halloween events; Knott's Berry Farm is hiring a Knott's Scary Farm Venue Supervisor; Screamville Haunted House debuts custom card game; Spirit Halloween sells out of new exclusive life-sized Ghostbusters Proton Pack replicas; Applications for the Haunted Attraction Network's 2023 Hauntathon close Friday, April 28th. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/disneys-halloween-cedar-fairs-chaperone-policy

The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) has five new board members, each with a unique specialty. Today, each new board member shares advice that you can use to ensure this season will be your best yet. Tyler Kozar (Hundred Acres Manor, Mortem Manor, Post-Mortem Horror Boutique, and Nethercraft) speaks on designing the Customer Experience, Shalee Mudgett (The FEAR PDX, RCFX) on hiring, Mike Quill (Fear Town Haunted House) on succeeding with temporary set-ups, Brett Molitor (Hysterium) on safety, and Kevin Donovan (Everhaunt) on leadership development. Subscribe here: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Sustainability, Safety, and Staffing- these areas continue to be challenging in the attractions industry. We don't have answers yet, but IAAPA plans to ask questions. We'll discuss what it might mean for the industry and whether politics has anything to do with it. Subscribe to Green Tagged: https://www.greentaggedshow.com/

Haunted Attraction Network is now accepting Hauntathon applications through April 28th; Disney Blog Celebrates Halfway to Halloween; Walt Disney World Resort invited local students to learn from costuming and cosmetology cast members; Disney Parks release limited-time Halfway to Halloween food & beverages; Disneyland Paris replaces its Halloween & New Year's Eve parties with extended park hours; The Hotel of Terror petition successfully suspends eminent domain ruling; Scream Dreams is hiring an experienced General Manager; Pumpkin planting tips from Better Homes & Gardens. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/roundup-disney-celebrates-halfway-to-halloween

Applications are open now through April 28 for tour 2023 Hauntathon. We're accepting haunts, sponsors, and content partners that want to help promote haunted houses worldwide. Apply here: https://hauntathon.info/ . Also, Green Tagged will no longer air on this feed. Subscribe to the show here: greentaggedshow.com

Over 40 haunts will open for Spring/Summer, plus - Paranormal Cirque II announces 2023 tour; Fear Columbus Haunted House announces 2nd weekend of sold-out Nightmare Combat event; The Haunted Hydro partners with area high schools for fundraising opportunities; Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle returns to Universal Studios Hollywood select nights through August. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunts-expand-schedules-nationwide

Everything you need to know about the Disney VS DeSantis debacle involving the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. We're moving Green Tagged to a standalone feed; if you want to subscribe visit our website ( https://greentaggedshow.com/ ) or YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOklaZw5bang_rhTb7Clk8w )

We tour the Inferno Effects booth at Transworld’s Halloween and Attractions Show. From Boar Masks to an expansion into Evil Candy Corn Props, we’ll learn about all the new products and trends. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Springtopia is a new event in Woodland Hills, CA, running through April 16th. The event has 7 themed lands spread over 200,000 SQ FT. One of those lands is Spooky Land, which has 2 scare mazes. In this episode, we go on-location to learn more from owner Danny Bennish. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Check out some extremely eerie Easter events at Asylum 49 Haunted Hospital, Carnage Haunted House, & Fright Haven; Emily & Philip explore the 7 themed lands of Springtopia Fest; The University of Florida's Swamp Haunters present Crimson Carnival; Reign of Terror announces halfway to Halloween event; Otherworld is partnering with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group to open a second location in Philadelphia, PA; Vampires, trolls, mermaids, and other mythical monsters await at the Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane at the Scarborough Renaissance Fest; Scare City announces their return to Camelot Theme Park for 2023; TransWorld's East Coast Haunters Convention announces dates & location for 2024; HAuNTcon will return in full capacity for 2024 under the new ownership of Fear Expo.

Theme parks nationwide have announced expanded Halloween schedules; meanwhile, more horror experiences are opening up in the off-season. Will 2023 be the Year of Year-round horror? In this episode, we look at the Creepiest Trends for 2023. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The only officially licensed 'IT' experience in the world, EscapeIT is an escape room on steroids. Guests arrive in Derry and embark on a mission with Derry Public Works to find the missing children. The nearly 90-minute experience spans 16 rooms and brings you face-to-face with full-scale scenes from the movie based on the novels by Stephen King. After three years of planning, EscapeIT Chapter 1 has officially opened in Las Vegas. I went on-location to speak with creator Jason Egan about the experience, his journey working with large IPs, and the future of year-round horror experiences. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Based in Kingwood, Texas, 916 Productions specializes in faux finishes for your haunt. Today, we’ll learn about their Fear Finish line and new blacklight stain. This episode was recorded live during Transworld. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights returns for a record-breaking 44 nights in 2023; Tickets are now on sale for the Midwest Haunters Convention Pre-Convention Bus Tour; Terror Tours announces their 2023 Texas Terror Tour haunt lineup; Fear Expo returns to the Owensboro Convention Center April 12th - 14th, 2024; The Chamber of Haunters will offer a Crowd Control G.H.O.S.T. course on April 13th; Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group presents a new Easter show; Pluto TV celebrates Halfway to Halloween with the month-long "April Ghouls" celebration. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We recap the major takeaways from the First Annual IAAPA North American Trade Summit, specifically, the central theme of Authentic Reality. The IAAPA Trade Summits have replaced the former Leadership Summits, and each region will host a local trade summit annually. The trade summits combine member connections and education on regional issues with a trade component. This year’s North American summit took 134 attendees on 5 facility tours in the San Diego area over 4 days, with 21 trade partners and 3 keynote speakers. This episode features on-location audio and interviews with Michael Shelton (VP and Executive Director, IAAPA North America), George Walker (CEO & Founder, The League of Extraordinary Dining), Jim Lake (President of SeaWorld San Diego), Spencer Meinburg (GM of Plunge San Diego), Andrew Terbush (Executive Chef, SeaWorld San Diego), and the San Diego Zoo. Special thanks to Rachel Wilkinson for assistance with the audio recording and Caitlin Dineen (Director, Global Communications, IAAPA) for coordinating permissions. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Toxic FX, founded in 2017, creates Halloween masks, props, and novelties. Their rotting pumpkins have become iconic in the industry. This year, they received the vendor excellence award from the Haunted Attraction Association. We stopped by their booth during Transworld to hear what’s new in their line. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Craig Watt is a rare combination of a seasoned insurance agent and a professional haunter at Terror Isle in Texas City. Today, get insights on the spooky side of insurance policies, as Craig unravels the mystery of haunt insurance for amateurs and pros alike. Dare to discover the hidden vulnerabilities in your coverage, and avoid getting tricked by what it doesn't protect you from. Today’s episode is a recording from Brian’s Haunt Masterclasses; you can join those at haunters toolbox.com.

Read the full stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/escape-it-opens-in-las-vegas

Political clashes are shaking up the theme park world: Biden against Resort Fees and Disney versus De Santis. Plus, trends are unfolding in the world of Six Flags expansions. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Allen Hopps owns Stilt Beast Studios and is the Director of Dark Hour Haunted House. During this year’s Transworld, Allen brought several new costumes with an anti-reality theme, and he’s also been experimenting with gamification and off-season events at his haunt. Here’s Allen live at the show with more. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Scott visits the Middle East Film and Comic Convention and draws parallels between horror culture and its impact across countries. The Middle East Film and Comic Con (commonly referred to as MEFCC) is a speculative fiction convention held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in April. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Haunts nationwide celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a terrifying twist - including Dark Hour, Hudson Haunted House, Bennett's Curse, Frightmare, Panic Point, Brighton Asylum, Bayville Scream Park, and Field of Screams, and Fright Haven Haunted House; Scream Break comes to Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Magic Mountain this weekend; Efteling shares progress on new Danse Macabre and Huyverwoud Haunted Forest area; Haunted Majestic to launch a new charitable giving program for the 2023 haunt season. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/st-patricks-day-haunt-events-around-the-country

Universal announces a rebrand as their expansion in Texas is approved. Meanwhile, Disney is hitting a price ceiling due to a lack of demand for the Galactic Starcruiser. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, Scott Swenson shares a design hack – incorporating easter eggs (AKA Hidden narrative moments) into your haunt for your best customers to discover. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Should you hire a consultant for your haunt, and how do you begin? Today, Scott Swenson explains what makes a great consultant, things to avoid when hiring the right one, and why you might not even need one. If you want to join the conversation for the next masterclass, join Haunter’s Toolbox (https://haunterstoolbox.com/). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

RibFX, who just celebrated their successful 2nd year at the show, specializes in creating static props with translucent urethane rubber. Today, we’ll learn more about why that matters. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Tickets are now on sale for Midsummer Scream; The Cleveland Haunt Club will host its 3rd Annual Halfway to Halloween Flea Market; The Ohio Haunters Association announces Halfway to Halloween Character Contest; Springtopia will feature two mazes in Spooky-Land section; Wells Township Haunted House hosts St. Patrick's Day lights out haunt; Castle Blood celebrates St. "Batrick's" Day; Netflix announces new Stranger Things stage play in London; The Haunted Attraction Association seeks volunteers for Home Haunt & Vendor Committees; Fear Factory is hiring General Maintenance & Build Apprentices; Walt Disney Studios releases Haunted Mansion teaser trailer. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/midsummer-scream-expands-hall-of-shadows

We're breaking down the 2022 earnings for Six Flags and SeaWorld this week! Overall good news, as despite lower attendance, the parks showed more profitability.Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, Scott discusses how he has handled quotes and contracts for goods and services within the Haunt industry and how you should approach them. Subscribe our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Presented by The Haunted Attraction Association during Transworld, the OSCARES are the highest achievement in the Halloween and Haunted Attraction industry. We’re playing the full award presentation for you today, including the board nomination remarks and acceptance speeches. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/a3QVglndlCo

The City Museum in St Louis hosts haunters for a yearly party during Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show. The massive space is about interactive play, where the local team makes everything from recycled materials. The Museum was hit hard by the pandemic, but now that they’ve recovered, what’s the plan? We speak with Rick Erwin, Creative Director of the City Museum, to learn about their design philosophy. Subscribe our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Six Flags Magic Mountain announces Scream Break haunt event; Attendee registration opens for the Midwest Haunters Convention; Ghosts of Summer tickets go on sale; Hotel of Terror deemed as an eminent domain by Springfield City Council; All Saints Lunatic Asylum hosts 8th annual Rotten Egg Hunt; Vendors unite to negotiate a better trade deal with bankrupt Party City; The Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University studies the psychology of horror movies; Explore this past year's Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show with Philip & Elsie. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/scream-break-comes-to-six-flags-march-18

Six Flags Magic Mountain is opening its haunts in March! Scream Break is a new after-hours event happening Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March 18 to April 16. Philip and Scott discuss the event and what you can learn from it. Plus, wage raises at Tokyo Disney and Rogers: The Musical. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

With Transworld in the rear-view mirror, haunts are well into design season. But before you get too deep – it's good to revisit some common design flaws. Today Leonard Pickel from Hauntrepreneurs walks you through the top common haunt design flaws. Leonard is a legend in the haunted attraction space, and his architectural background has been designing haunts for over 40 years. This session was presented live to the haunter’s toolbox haunt master members ( https://haunterstoolbox.com/ ) and is a replay from last year. Subscribe our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Little Spider Creations is a custom fabrication studio based in South Carolina. Since their founding in 1991, they’ve designed and fabricated for everyone, from haunted houses to theme parks, industrial spaces, and retail. Because they sit at the intersection of so many industries, they have a unique perspective on trends. Today, we’ll speak with David about trends and what you can expect if you’re considering custom fabrication for your attraction. Support comes from Gantom Lighting & Controls; See what you’re missing with a free demo (https://gantom.com/demo). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

At this year’s Transworld Show, quite a few listeners stopped by the booth to say hello. Today, we’re going to play messages from two of them. Support comes from Gantom Lighting & Controls; See what you’re missing with a free demo (https://gantom.com/demo). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Midwest Haunters Convention announces pre-show bus tour locations; The Hotel of Terror risks being declared eminent domain; HellsGate and Statesville Haunted Prison face a class-action lawsuit over wages; Nightmare Chambers hosts Slaughter Gras haunted house; Haunters Against Hate raised $3,800 at TransWorld's Halloween & Attraction Show raffle; The Haunted Mansion movie sets release date for July 28th, 2023. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/midwest-haunters-convention-announces-bus-tour-locations

We discuss the impact of Super Nintendo World on the themed entertainment industry and look at the pay raise Universal Orlando is offering.

Why should you consider opening for an off-season event? Christmas, Valentine's Day, and even Halfway to Halloween – more and more haunts are opening outside of the traditional Halloween Season. We’ve heard plenty of examples here on the show. Today, Scott Swenson will walk us through his list of 4 reasons: additional revenue, utilizing assets, expanding your audience, and building loyalty. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork