Haunted Attraction Network

Frightmare Halloween Festival has been going for 20 years in Gloucester, but they’ve recently moved into testing out scary mazes. Today, Mikey from ScareTrack is on location to explore the new scares. ScareTrack is one of our content partners for this year’s hauntathon. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The WTO's outlook for 2023 isn't great. Scott and discuss what that means for the attraction industry, plus takeaways from Eastern State Penitentiary.

Apple Valley is located at the southern edge of the Mojave Desert. Apple Valley’s professional haunted attraction is All Saints Lunatic Asylum. Today, we’re going on location to learn about the haunt and its transition over the last 15 years. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Haunted Harvest is inside Frosty’s Forest in Chino, CA. Think of a haunt where each scene is split up and separated by lots of corn. Instead of flats and transition hallways, you have lot of corn and plenty of opportunities for scares outside. But the corn comes with some challenges. Today, we’ll hear about this year’s themes and the challenges that come with this style of haunt. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Carnival of Darkness is a new haunt inside Little Rascals Pumpkin Patch in Ontario. Today, we’ll hear from the Owner Kekoa about their theme and what it’s like transitioning from haunter to owner. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

A family of home haunters bought Basement of the Dead 10 years ago, and they’ve been so successful they expanded into another location. Today, we’ll speak to Jason Seneker about their design philosophy and expansions. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Now in its 7th season, Distracted Haunted House in Bowling Green, Ohio, is known for its original characters and diversity of staff. Today, Max is on-location speaking with owner Scott Francis about this season. Here’s Max and Scott. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We’re talking about trends in Halloween events and Haunts with Jeff Depaoli! Jeff DePaoli is a producer and entertainer living in Los Angeles. Jeff hosts the Dizney Coast to Coast podcast ( https://www.dizneycoasttocoast.com/ ) and is a writer for Attractions Magazine. We cover many events between the two of us, and this is a fun conversation recapping what we’ve seen so far this season. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Halloween on Ambush in Churchville, NY, was featured on Good Morning America and even the Newest Book from Ripley's Believe It or Not. Last year, the home haunt display featured two full-size pirate ships with show effects. Today, we’ll chat with creator Tony DeMatteo about this year’s plans and some of his challenges. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-oct-05

This week’s News: Shaqtoberfest launches in Long Beach with surprise appearance by Shaq himself; Oogie Boogie Afternoon is this weekend at The Frida Cinema; The Haunted Attraction Network reminds members of the Crisis Management Hotline; Little Tokyo Ghost Club presents the 6th Annual Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party; Netflix's Stranger Things: The Experience comes to Los Angeles; The Academy Museum celebrates the spooky season with four film series; City Museum hosts spooky fun experiences each weekend with Misfit Halloween. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-oct-05

The new Bones Gulch Haunted Attraction in Castaic, CA, is a collaboration of Beware the Dark Realm, Restless Souls Manor, and The Farm Haunt. These three haunts joined forces with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to build Bones Gulch at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center. All funds raised benefit the LA Sherriff’s Department Museum. Today, I’m taking you into Bones Gulch with audio recorded during opening night, then you’ll hear from the museum curator about why this event is so vital for the community. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is once again open in Griffith Park. After acquiring the hayride, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group established a central narrative to tie the experience together – the town of Midnight Falls. Guests pass into the fictional town of Midnight Falls, and every attraction ties into the town’s story. Today, we’re speaking with Chris Stafford, CEO of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, about this year’s expansions and some unique challenges facing the hayride. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

While parks have reopened after Hurricane Ian, Knott’s tweaked their chaperone policy, and Kennywood reels from shooting during Phantom Fall Fest. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We’re going to The American Horrorplex in Louisville, Kentucky to hear about this year’s design changes. Tyler went on-location to learn about the new additions this year. Tyler and Nora are from The Scare Factor.com and are one of our content partners for this year. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We break down Bob Iger's interview for Code, Dark Nights at Hersheypark, and DARK at Fort Edmonton park.

Terror Haunted House is new 20,000 linear haunt located in the heart of NYC off times square. But it’s so much more than that. I went on-location to tour the construction site and speak with the creator, Dalton Dale, about his plans for this year-round immersive venue. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Delusion is back at the historic Phillips Estate with a brand-new horror experience. Valley of Hollows, playing select nights through November 20th, explores American cults in the 1970s with a supernatural twist. The story concerns a cult called ‘The Hollows,’ formed after the disappearance of Esther Phillips over twenty years ago. Fanatics worldwide have come to the Esther estate, driven by rumors of a gift beyond this life. Guests play the role of ‘Deprogrammers’ – those meant to help rescue people from the influence of cults. Today, Manny from our team went on-location to the media night. First, you’ll hear the opening remarks from John Braver, and then Manny will sit down with John for a one-on-one. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, California, and Orlando, Florida, are hosting Vampirates, a Halloween-themed family dinner show through Halloween. In the show, A ruthless crew of Vampirates crashes the annual Halloween Ball looking for a magical necklace. While this isn’t a traditional haunt, I wanted to share this episode to show how other brands are developing Family Friendly Halloween content. Elsie from Sharp Productions conducted this interview with the team during the media night. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Drayton Manor Resort in England is home to various attractions, including roller coasters, a zoo, and their most iconic - Thomas Land. For Halloween, the resort offers “Pumpkin Smash Bash” during the day and “Night at the Manor” in the evening, along with the Fireworks Spooktacular. Today, Mikey from ScareTrack interviews Danielle Nicholls, the Senior Content Executive at Drayton Manor, about their 2022 offerings. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The ScareHouse opens at a new location, offering more room for scares; Three individuals were treated for injuries after a shooting at Kennywood Park's Phantom Fall Fest; Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Orlando unveils NFTs; Dollywood's Harvest Festival returns with new Hoot Owl Hollow as part of the Great Pumpkin LumiNights; Frightworld America's Screampark celebrates 20 Years of Fear with easter eggs from past years; Survive the zombie apocalypse with the new Nightmare at The Shops at Dos Lagos ; Haunter Night at The Dent Schoolhouse is scheduled for Thursday, September 29th; Cricklewood Immersive presents Boston Bar Bloodsuckers murder mystery; 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago celebrates its 9th season with two new attractions; The Old Joliet Haunted Prison returns select nights through November 5th; 13th Floor Haunted House Jacksonville celebrates 5 years of fear; Nashville Nightmare Haunted House opens with three new immersive attractions; 13th Floor Haunted House Phoenix features two new attractions; More than 1,000 strangers came together to throw an early Halloween celebration for a 5 year-old boy with terminal cancer; Tickets are now on sale for Season's Screamings by Midsummer Scream. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-scarehouse-moves-shooting-at-kennywood

Tyler and Nora are at Sinister Tombs in Eastview, Kentucky interviewing Marvin about this year and how they incorporate original storylines into the haunt. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Indy Scream Park in Anderson, IN has 5 attractions and a midway. Several of the attractions offer interactive elements, which the park is most known for. Recently they’ve also upgraded their infrastructure, and Tyler went on-location to speak with GM Todd Harmeson about all of it. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Tyler and Nora are on-location for the 13th season of The Devil’s Attic in Louisville, Kentucky. They speak with Jason Besemann about this year’s show. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

In its 14th year, Caste Dark has a new team and approach to Halloween this year. Castle Dark at Castle Park in Riverside runs 18 nights now through the end of October. We’ll hear from the new entertainment director Joseph Ancheta about this year’s event and their future strategy. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The House of Frankenstein is a relatively new visitor attraction in the UK and they’re hosting a Halloween evening event called After Dark: Purgatory. Mikey from ScareTrack interviews Chris Harris, the co-founder of Mary Shelley's House Of Frankenstein about the attraction itself and its event. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This is the 31st year of Halloween at Eastern State Penitentiary. Listeners will be familiar with Terror Behind the Walls, which is the predecessor to Halloween Nights. Over the years, the event has transformed from a linear experience to a full Halloween festival – thus the rebranding to Halloween Nights. Coming up, we’ll speak with Brett Bertolino about this season but also about what the transformation from linear haunt to full festival was like. Halloween Nights opens Sept 22nd and runs on select nights through November 12th. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

DARK returns to Fort Edmonton Park on October 7th with a new maze and plenty of returning scares. Fort Edmonton Park is a living history museum, and the DARK event raises funds for its normal operations. We’ve been following DARK since its opening 5 years ago, and this conversation with Teresa Ryan is a very candid and wide-ranging one. We’ll hear about the new designs, but also about the event’s challenges and evolutions. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

SeaWorld San Diego is celebrating their 2nd year of Howl-O-Scream this season. This year, the event had two new haunted houses, a new stage show, atmospheric areas called ScAREAS, and bars hidden within mazes. This is an event that is changing a lot year after year. We’ll learn more about the event from Tracy Spahr and then I’ll play you a few clips from opening night. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

We recap the Disney Parks announcements from D23, including Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park to Be Reimagined into San Fransokyo from “Big Hero 6;” Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort Kicks Off in Late January 2023, and EPCOT's Harmonious to be replaced with new nighttime spectacular in 2023.

The Vault of Souls is BACK and this year – not all the spirits are cooperating. The Vault of Souls is an experience we’ve covered since Year 1. Written and developed by Scott Swenson, it’s an elegant evening of fear in the Historic bank vault in downtown Tampa. We’ll discuss how the event has evolved and what's planned for this year. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Nightmares on the Rogue Haunted Mines is a relatively new haunt in Medford, Oregon. After only a few years, they’ve moved into a new building AND added another location (Carnival of Chaos) 25 minutes away. We’ll hear from owner Devin Price about why he plunged full speed into haunting and is so dedicated to immersive storytelling. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, Nora and Tyler are taking us to The Haunted Hotel in Louisville, KY. First, you’ll hear Tyler entering the haunt and a little bit from the actors. Then, we’ll transition to an interview with the GM. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, the new maze for this year’s Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is Blood Beckoning. Now in its 2nd year, Howl-O-Scream at Orlando has an overall theme and the main villains are sirens. This year, Scratch the Blood Siren has a dedicated maze – Blood Beckoning. Scott Swenson wrote the new maze, and today he’ll discuss what that process was like. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Planet Doom is a 32,000 SQFT indoor attraction in Idaho Falls, where 100% of the profit goes to the local DARE program. We’ll learn all about the plans for this year’s event from owner Brent Wilson. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, we’re visiting Zach Glaros at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail to learn about their 2022 Season. Now in their 9th year, Sir Henry's Haunted Trail has been growing every year (and we’ve had them on the show several times. This year's new ‘Headless’ trail comes complete with a live horse and actor – we’ll hear all about it. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

A roundup of Haunted Attraction and Halloween Industry News for the week of September 14th, 2022. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-horror-nights-sells-out-hauntathon

Scott and Philip celebrate their 2 year anniversary by reflecting on Lost island's early closure and the opening of Halloween Horror Nights

Tyler and Nora went to Land of Illusion’s opening night and spoke to CEO Brett Oakley about this year’s renovations and new safety procedures. Land of Illusion’s Haunted Scream Park offers 6 haunts, entertainment, food, and roaming characters. Tyler and Nora are from TheScareFactor.com and are one of our content partners for this year. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Thirteen Floor Haunted House Chicago has a new building and a redesigned show to go with it; we’ll learn all about it. Bryan Kopp explains the two new themes, expanded midway, and how the team is navigating around managing The Old Juliet Haunted Prison. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, we’re previewing this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm offerings. Specifically, we’ll hear about the two new mazes, Bloodline 1842 and Grimoire, the food, new merchandise, Into The Fog exhibit, and the new daytime tour experience. These interviews were conducted live at Knott’s by Elsie from Sharp Productions, one of our content partners. Eric Nix, Christopher Do, Karl Busche, and Wilf Seymour are featured in this episode. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, home haunts are a huge part of Halloween and today we’ll learn what Santa Ana Haunt has planned for their Halloween Season. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Coming up, We’re going on-location to Massacre Haunted House in Montgomery IL to learn about their 2022 season. Massacre is known for their large sets and dramatic yearly renovations. We’ll hear all about it from owner Ryan Burke. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

What does The Fear PDX have planned for their 10th season? We’ll find out. We’re going on-location to The Fear PDX in Portland, Oregon. We’ll hear from the owners and team about why haunting is important to them. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Evil Intentions In Elgin, IL is Planning For A Killer 2022 - What Do They Have Up Their Sleeve? We’ll find out. Evil Intentions is known for its ‘jungle gym’ rooms filled with actors choreographed to original music. Today we’ll hear from owner Mike Fitzpatrick about what makes the haunt successful and what they have planned for this season. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today – 4 SoCal haunts will present their 2022 plans – Bones Gulch, Fright Nights at Alesmith, Castle Dark, and Fear Farm. This presentation was recorded live during Midsummer Scream. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Scare City Experience is a 2-hour long, 2KM horror trail set within the abandoned Camelot Theme Park in Lancashire. This episode is courtesy of our partners in the UK – ScareTrack – and you’ll hear Mikey interviewing Paul Butterworth & Georgia Ramsey discussing the new event. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks CA is one the longest-running independent haunted attractions in Sothern California. Their journey has been anything but easy. In this presentation recorded during Midsummer Scream, founder Bruce Stanton shares the trials of their 23-year odyssey in haunting. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group has a large footprint in SoCal. This year, Delusion and the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride are returning, plus the team has a new event in Long Beach – SHAQTOBERFEST. We’ll learn all about in this panel presentation recorded live during Midsummer Scream. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Today, the Winchester Mystery House took to the stage during Midsummer Scream to discuss their 2022 Halloween plans, and we’re playing the presentation for you. After a two-year hiatus, Winchester Mystery House presents a new terrifying chapter, Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse. In the first half of this presentation, the team explains the house's history and then transitions to the 2022 plans. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This is day 1 of our 61-day Hauntathon! Today we’ll hear from John Murdy about the design process for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, live from Midsummer Scream. This is the full panel presentation, and includes discussion on Scarecrow: The Reaping. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork