Haunted Attraction Network

Today’s episode is from one of those partners – ScareTrack. ScareTrack is the UK's first podcast showcasing the Scare Attraction & Haunted House Industry. Today, the team is in the studio discussing Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back being rethemed to The Curse at Alton Manor and Derren Browns Ghost Train being rethemed to Ghost Train at Thorpe Park. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Atascadero is about midway between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Despite being in this isolated market, The Haunt in Atascadero has been growing steadily. Opening for Valentines' is a tradition for the haunt, and they’re up to 5 show nights plus a lights-on tour, the longest-running valentine's show among haunts in California. I stopped by on Valentine’s Day to hear about this year’s from the owner. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Haunted Attraction Association held their annual State of the Industry Presentation at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show; Horrorween Con Idaho adds $1,000 in cash prizes to their Costume Contest; Tickets are now on sale for the Spooky Swap Meet; Creep I.E. Con announces new Fall event & 2024 dates; The Immersive Arts Collection presents The Immortal Obscure Art Show with opening reception on March 10th; Send a Scareytine surprise from Madd Hatters Haunt; The Scare Factor is adding to/updating their haunt list for 2023; Utah Senate Lawmakers reject bill to change the dates of Halloween. Read the Full Stories here:https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/state-of-the-industry-valentine-haunts

We recap the latest earnings call from Disney and their union challenges. Subscribe to everything from HAN here: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today’s episode is from one of those partners – A Scott in the Dark, hosted by Scott Swenson. Today, Scott discusses crafting a pitch for new or existing clients. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, we’re playing the FULL 2023 State of the Industry Presentation from the HAA. This was recorded live Friday, February 3rd, at 9 AM during Transworld’s Halloween and Attractions Show. The video version is available here: https://youtu.be/o6lebxeisrw

The Haunted Attractions Association OSCARES winners announced; The HAA's Live Auction raises over $40,000; TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show announces 2024 dates. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/the-2023-oscares-award-winners

Scott and Philip discuss Key Takeaways from Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show in St Louis. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We're busy covering Transworld's Halloween and Attractions Show and will resume our normal schedule Monday. Visit us at booth 2422 to leave a shout out for the show.

After two decades, Scott is unable to attend Transworld this year. However, he put together a guide for those of you who can attend. Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions show is Feb 2-5, 2023, in St Louis – and it's the largest gathering for the haunted attraction industry worldwide.

Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show takes place this week - February 2nd - 5th; Visit the Haunted Attractions Network at TransWorld Booth 2422; 9-16 Productions crafts limited edition souvenir keys; CFX holds its biggest sale of the year; Creature Corps offers 10% discount on orders; Haunted Hills Productions announces TransWorld show specials; ProAiir Body/FX Makeup offers free stencils on Friday; Scare Co Creations announces Buy 5 Get 1 Free and Buy 8 Get 2 Free on their custom clown costumes; Say the secret phrase and get a special prize from Scareit Badges; The Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster at Warner Bros. Movie World closes to receive a $4 million upgrade; Alton Towers teases their new Darkride, The Curse at Alton Manor; Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents "Viktor's Valentine: A 'Dark' Love Story"; Horrorween Haunted Warehouse to host a Valentine's haunt on February 10th & 11th; Evidence of Evil Haunted Attraction will host a murder mystery at Lyman Homestead; Composite Effects sues All Elite Wrestling and Luchasaurus; Little Spider Creations is hiring.

Comcast's Q4 earnings show record profit, prompting the company to announce additional investment in theme parks for 2023. Meanwhile, 2022 marked the largest population decrease in China in 60 years. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe to the Haunted Attraction Network here.

Next week the largest tradeshow in our industry, Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show, will take over St Louis. Today, we’ll replay a show from several years ago that examines Transworld through audio diaries from 3 individuals. Three days in St Louis told via audio diary from three entirely different attendees – a first-timer, a first-time vendor, and a veteran. Featured in this episode: Brian Foreman from Haunter’s Toolbox and ScareIt Badges, Max Bryant, Scott Swenson, Scott Tater Lynd, Doug Schaefer, and Dalton Dale. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Founded in 1960, Morris Costumes is a wholesaler distributing tens of thousands of Halloween products. Over the years, they’ve become known for animatronics, and they debuted several new models at this year’s retail show. The Halloween & Part Expo, held every January, is where Halloween retail stores go to buy for the upcoming Halloween season. For Haunters, the trends at this show are key because they determine what your customers will see in stores this fall. Today, we’ll discuss the new technology trends in consumer-grade animatronics and whether the pending recession will impact Halloween with Sean Morris. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Containment haunted house in Lithia Springs, Georgia, has closed its old location permanently, and today, we’ll visit the final show. Containment haunted house opened its lithia springs location in 2016. The haunt is made from shipping containers, each acting as a different scene. The time has come for the haunt to move and decide if they’ll keep the container model or move to a building. Finding a location is one of the most significant obstacles for haunters, so today, we’ll go on-location to hear about the move from General Manager Joey McCollough. Elsie Acuna went on location to report this story. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Haunted Attraction Association welcomes new VP, Brent Wilson; The Haunted Attraction Association's online auction is now accepting bids; The Ohio Haunters Association and Carnage Haunted House plan a Halfway to Halloween event sponsored by the Midwest Haunters Convention; Abandoned Acres Farm opens a new escape room; The Savannah Underground and Creations & Libations will present an Immersive Haunted Paint & Sip event; Maag Marketplace & The Heritage Museum of Orange County present a Bloody Valentine event on February 11th; Valentine Haunt returns to Hush Haunted Attraction; Composite Effects announces Transworld Show Special; Trick or Treat Studios unveils 2023 catalog. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunted-attractions-getting-ready-for-valentines-day

In contrast to last week's show, we look at recent Disney Policy changes and discuss their impact. Plus, it's Chinese New Year, and theme parks worldwide are celebrating.

In this session, taught by yours truly, we’ll explain what TikTok is and best practices for using it for your haunt. This audio recording is taken from the January Haunter’s Toolbox Haunt Master class. Participate in future sessions by becoming a Haunt Master at haunterstoolbox.com.

Universal Parks & Resorts announces plans to build a permanent Horror experience in Las Vegas, Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group presents "Conjure the Spirits"; Celebrate Valentine's Day with haunts from Carnage Haunted House, Scarehouse, Dark Hour Haunted House, 13th Floor Jacksonville, Sir Henry's Haunted Trail, and Murder House Productions; South Korean police seek criminal charges against 23 officials for a lack of safety measures blamed for a crowd surge that killed nearly 160 revelers in October; The next Ohio Haunters Association meeting will take place this weekend on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Ohio State Reformatory; Fear Farm will create a mini-haunt experience at this year's Creep I.E. Con; The Haunted Attraction Association announces path to CHAOS Recertification for all that were certified prior to 2020; New product announcements from Gore Galore, Distortions Unlimited, Scareit Badges, Frightbro's FX, and Henry Monster Designs; Exotic Lenses opens for pre-orders; Utah lawmaker proposes resolution to change the date of Halloween. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-universal-plans-horror-experience-in-las-vegas

Universal took the industry by storm by announcing two major attractions coming to Dallas and Las Vegas. Stories: Universal Parks & Resorts Plans to Bring New Concept for Families with Young Children to Frisco, Texas; Universal Parks & Resorts to Bring Entirely New Year-Round Horror Experience to Las Vegas.

Last week we played the 2022 state of the industry presentation from the Haunted Attraction Association. Today, we’ll revisit the Q&A session that followed the presentation. Looking back on the most significant issues from last year, it’s interesting to see what has changed and what hasn’t. How did your haunt compare to some of the predictions made? This Q&A session was recorded live at Transworld immediately following the 2022 State of the Industry Presentation. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Two haunters have pivoted to developing a 360° immersive audio experience called SLEEPWALKR. Hidden within a strip mall in San Gabriel, California, is The Sandmen Collective, a popular dream exhibitor. When entering, guests can choose from three distinct dreams offering 12 minutes of 360° audio effects intermixed with practical elements and actors. Today, we’ll preview the experiences with co-creators Sam Kellman and David Coleman (Inside the box productions). Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) is the trade association for the Haunted Attraction Industry. Every year during Transworld, HAA puts on several events - from safety training to auctions and awards ceremonies. Today, we’ll hear what the association has planned and preview some of the state of the industry topics from HAA Board President Spencer Terry. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Eloise Asylum to receive a $4 million renovation; Dark Hour Haunted House presents new "Dead by Dark Hour" one-night-only event; Celebrate 65 years of Famous Monsters of Filmland with Famous Monsters FilmFest, sponsored in part by Monsterpalooza; The Fear Festival Friday the 13th music festival & immersive experience comes to SoCal; View The ScareFactor's list of 19 haunts that will open for Friday the 13th; Sweet Dreams Scarehouse now hiring for the 2023 season; Hackey Haunts announces Valentine's Day event; Halloween & Party Expo takes place January 10th - 12th in Las Vegas; The Haunted Attraction Association seeks submissions for OSCARES Memorial; Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay extended through January 29th; Alton Towers announces re-theme of classic haunted house dark ride; Distortions Unlimited announces new Pumpkin Witch prop; Trick or Treat Studios offers pre-orders for new Killer Klowns from Outer Space action figures; Netflix officially announces Season 2 of "Wednesday." Read the full stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/are-you-ready-for-friday-the-13th

China has reopened its boarders, signaling the final phase of tourism recovery for the world. This week, we'll look at how different countries are responding to Chinese travel resuming. We'll also discuss how one attraction is rethinking career paths.

In this episode, you’ll hear the entire Haunted Attraction Association’s 2022 State of the Industry Presentation from Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show. The 2023 presentation will be Friday, Feb 3rd, 2023, at 9 AM. Slides are available here. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The ScareTrack team travels to Walsall Scare Maze in England to report on the Christmasacre event. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

For our year-end episode, we look at some large stories from 2022 and how they will impact 2023. We've broken them into 4 large buckets: Recovery, Supply Chain, Attention Wars, and AI Technology. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Universal Orlando comes to Transworld's Halloween & Attraction Show; Creep It Real O.C. returns September 16th - 17th & November 17th - 18th; The Spooky Swap Meet rises again April 29th - 30th; The Haunted Attraction Association seeks donations for their annual auction; The Canadian Haunters Association is accepting entries for their annual Home Haunter Awards Contest; Factory of Terror hosts a Friday the 13th Glowstick Night Combo event; All Saints Lunatic Asylum hosts Friday the 13th event; Distortions Unlimited releases static prop based on their Mutant animatronic; In Memoriam - scareactor George "Snap" A. Deskins. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-universal-orlando-comes-to-transworld

Sir Henry's Haunted Trail, Asylum X Haunted House, and Insanity Haunted House, join this round table to discuss opening your haunt for the holidays. If you want to join future sessions, head over to haunterstoolbox.com. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Frightworks is a 13,000 sq ft indoor haunted house in Powell, Tennessee; they celebrated Haunted Christmas on December 9th and 10th and had a record-breaking 2022 season. We went on-location to see the Christmas show and speak with owner Rob Knolton. Today, we’ll learn about their Haunted Christmas event, 2022 season, and FREE season pass deal. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing with a free demo. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

HUSH Haunted Attraction hosts a Legendary 2023 NYE Bash; Complete your holiday horror mixtape with LVCRFT's new single; The Chamber of Haunters offers 50% off membership; Get your best goat costume ready for the Norwegian holiday tradition of Julebukking. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/happy-holidays-from-the-haunted-attraction-network

We have an opening date for Super Nintendo in Hollywood, and its set off an avalanche of announcements from the US Parks. Meanwhile, massive investment continues to be announced for the UAE. Stories: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood; SEVEN begins construction of Al Hamra entertainment district; Free Queen Mary guided tours offered during the holiday season

Disney’s Haunted Mansion inspires many haunters, and the Nightmare Before Christmas is an annual watching tradition. So in 2001, when Jack Skellington took over the haunted mansion – it was glorious. Today – we’ll hear the story behind this holiday takeover. Disney tapped Garner Holt (http://www.garnerholt.com/) to bring Jack Skellington’s Nightmare to life, and although he had a background in haunting, the path was anything but predictable. This episode contains excerpts from a panel recording from the inaugural Season’s Screamings event in Pasadena. In it, you’ll hear garner holt live on stage recounting the process behind the attraction layover. https://fightface.com/). See what you’re missing with a free demo (https://gantom.com/demo).

Now in its 8th season, Containment Haunted House in Lithia Springs, Georgia, just celebrated its 4th season of running a holiday haunt. The holiday haunt ran for four nights on Dec 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th. Today, we’ll speak with Joey McCollough about how they craft a new story for this off-season experience. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Consistently ranked one of the top haunted houses in the world, Netherworld in Stone Mountain Georgia is a pillar of the haunted house industry. The theme evolves yearly, with each season seeing massive renovations. Today, we’ll speak with co-owner Ben Armstrong about his season, the future, and navigating the upcoming Transworld’s Halloween and Attractions show. This interview was recorded on-location during Netherworld’s Lights On Tour on December 10th. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show's 2023 Seminars are now listed online; Holiday horror comes to Conroe Texas with TerrorFest: A Christmas Horror Convention; The next Ohio Haunters Association meeting will take place on January 22nd, 2023 at the Ohio State Reformatory; Two men have been charged for the July 15th break-in and robbery at Planet Doom Haunted House; Strangest Things Farms will present their "Krampus Nights" Christmas haunt every Friday and Saturday through December 31st; Nightmare on Edgewood finishes their 45th haunt season this Saturday with their Holiday Nightmares event; Sugarmynt Gallery hosts a Very Tim Burton Xmas Party this Saturday; Revenge Of will host a Krampus Village on December 17th; The Haunted Attraction Association is now accepting Board of Directors applications; Reminder - The Haunted Attraction Association's Annual Scholarships entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on January 1st; Knott's Scary Farm will celebrate their 50th anniversary season select nights September 14th - October 31st; Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream returns select nights September 8th - October 31st, 2023; The Haunted Mine Drop in Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will re-open in 2023 after a re-theme by Creative Visions; VFX is now taking orders for the 2023 season; Distortions Unlimited releases new "After Midnight" prop inspired by the classic Lon Chaney silent horror film "London After Midnight"; Updated Holiday Haunts list. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Stories this week: NBCUniversal CEO shares more details of new Epic Universe; Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee says quarantine-free travel to mainland China next year ‘very realistic possibility’; Ocean Park posts deficit of almost HK$1.82 billion; Minion Land featuring Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and Minion Café coming to Universal Orlando; and Dubai Parks and Resorts in UAE celebrates holiday season

This is the 2022 Halloween Special from HaunTopic Radio. In it, Lesley Bannatyne shares some spooky tales about October traditions, the beginning of Halloween, and the evolution of haunted attractions. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

VFX specializes in interactive and wearable puppets, props, and electronics. Today, we’ll hear about some of their new toys from owner Patrick Voss. This interview was recorded during the IAAPA Expo on the show floor. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs CO was home to the Haunted Mine Drop. Built on the side of a mountain, the ride drops you 120’ under the ground. The ride has been closed since a guest died on the attraction in September 2021. But now, Creative Visions is retheming the entire ride and the park plans to reopen it. Today we’ll hear a preview from Mark McDonough, Founder of Creative Visions, on what the new ride will be like. This interview was recorded during the IAAPA Expo on the show floor. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Inside the Box Productions announces SLEEPWALKR: an immersive 360-degree audio experience; Netherworld Haunted House will host a Lights On Tour on December 10th; Niles Scream Park raised over $134,000 for area charities in their 49th season; Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show debuts the 2023 t-shirt design from Sinister Visions; Updated Holiday Haunt List

We explore a series of stories that illustrate how, despite how it feels, things are proceeding according to plan: The Grinchmas heart is growing at Universal Studios Hollywood; Hong Kong Disneyland begins a ‘new Christmas tradition’ with concert series; Great Movie Escape room at Universal CityWalk opening next week, tickets available; IAAPA report expects spending boost on Middle East parks; PortAventura World announces world’s first ‘Uncharted’ coaster

Hear from 6 different haunts about the challenges they faced this season. This episode is courtesy of HaunTopic Radio and features a Haunter’s Toolbox Masterclass Recording; if you want to join future sessions, head over to haunterstoolbox.com. Featured in this episode: Terror Isle, Deadmonton Haunted House, Grey House Haunts, Country Dream Farms, Dead Factory, and Haunted Hallows. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Nightmare on Edgewood in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a large indoor facility with three haunted attractions. They were awarded both the Highest Rated Haunt in Indiana & Scariest Haunt in Indiana this year by The Scare Factor. Despite all that, they faced a few challenges this year which we will explore in today’s show with Kevin Cook. If you’re bummed about not catching the show this year, Nightmare on Edgewood will open Dec 10th and 17th for their Holliday show. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Season's Screamings takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center this weekend; Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show announces their events lineup for 2023; The Scare Factor presents their 2022 Haunt Awards; Submissions now open for the 2022 Home Haunter Awards Show; Area15 to host enhanced screenings of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas; The Newburgh Civitan Zombie Farm hosts their 3rd annual A Creepy Little Christmas December 9th - 10th; The Dent Schoolhouse presents "A Christmas Nightmare" December 9th & 10th; The House of Four Scythes Haunted Attraction raised over $60,000 for charity in their 4th season; Twisted Haunts LA returns this year with Gremlins: Fan Tribute Haunt; Twisted Christmas horror double-feature will take place at The Friday Cinema on December 17th; Dive into the mysterious backstory of The Haunted Mansion with Tokyo Disney Resort's Disney Story Beyond AR Event January - March 2023; Spirit Halloween releases new Toothy the Clown Animatronic; 12' Home Depot Skeleton Thanksgiving displays featured on Good Morning America.

We discuss the return of Bob Iger as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show is the largest gathering of haunters in the world, and the annual show has moved up its timeline this year to February 2-5, 2023, in St Louis. The show also added a new Interactive Entertainment section. While at IAAPA Expo last week, I stopped by to learn more. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

In 2020 we dedicated our Thanksgiving special to Robbi Lepre, who had recently passed. Most haunts were unable to open at the time, and vaccines weren’t a thing yet. While things are moving ahead in the US, many haunts saw dips in attendance this year, and we’re still dealing with supply chain prices. So today, I’m replaying our 2020 special – a celebration of Robbi Lepre. Listen and reflect on where we were, where we are, and where we’re going. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Set to open in 2023, Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, Maine, has partnered with Sally Dark Rides to add the Whispering Pines Hotel to their property (AKA the Haunted Hotel dark ride). Four-passenger ride cars will move guests through 14 scenes concluding with a final visit through an otherworldly dimension. Guests of the Haunted Hotel will play a key role in the story. Sally unveiled the new Dark Ride during this year’s IAAPA Expo, and we stopped by to learn more from Drew Hunter (Vice President of Creative Design). Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork