Here is the Haunted Attraction Industry News for September, 4th.
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Theme Parks
Acclaimed horror production company Blumhouse will bring two new live entertainment experiences to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment: open waters, in an all-new live show located in the WaterWorld venue. It’s a race against time when a politician and his entourage escape to an island to avoid The Purge. Sanctuary is fleeting when the island is quickly overrun by Purgers and the hunt is on. The show will feature adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns, and massive explosions. “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, and fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters. HHN Hollywood runs select nights September 7th – October 31st. Tickets are on sale now starting at $74 for Single-Night General Admission.
A recent Los Angeles Times article gave readers a behind-the-scenes look at how the hit video game The Last of Us was adapted into a haunted house at Universal Studios. The game’s writer and co-creator of the HBO series, Neil Druckmann, greatly supported the creation of the haunt and championed the inclusion of key fan-favorite scenes from the game. The article discusses his involvement as well as how the maze will embody the atmosphere and excitement of the game. Voice actors Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie) return to reprise their roles with new dialogue for the attraction. “So much of the story is those two characters,” said Druckmann of wanting to feature Joel and Ellie so heavily in the Horror Nights maze. “Without them, it could feel like other similar stories in that genre. We had the choice of doing a montage — ‘best-of’ scenes from the game, or what we decided to do was to focus on one area as if you’re moving in real time alongside Joel and Ellie.”
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, CA) will expand the Haunted Mansion Grounds in 2024. The additions will build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion and include an expanded outdoor queue to immerse guests in enhanced theming, as well as a new retail shop adjacent to the attraction’s exit. The expanded queue will include gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and the one-eyed cat. Construction will begin in January 2024.
U.S. Haunts & Events
This fall the Old Mint (San Francisco, CA) will transform into Terror Vaults‘ latest haunted attraction, The Initiation. A joint project by David Flower Productions, Non Plus Ultra, and Peaches Christ, The Initiation centers on a cult that promises its adherents the gift of vision while blinding anyone who fails to live up to its tenets. “This year’s completely new Terror Vault show, The Initiation, is inspired by San Francisco’s rich history of being home to so many strange and bizarre cults,” Peaches Christ, aka Joshua Grannell, said in a release. “From groups like the Manson Family and the Symbionese Liberation Army to people like Jim Jones and Anton Lavey, we’ve taken this inspiration and crafted a show where guests become members in the play and must make their way through becoming part of the cult while surviving its evil leadership.” The Initiation will run select nights September 29th – October 31st. Tickets are on sale now starting at $55 – $85 for general admission with a $40 VIP experience upgrade option.
Are you the ultimate superfan of Terror Vault? Join the Haunted Attraction Network in San Francisco, CA on October 7th to experience The Invitation, hear from show producers Joshua Grannell and David Flower during a panel, shake your bones with Skeleton Sam from LVCRFT, and even get bloody with exclusive photo moments!
Tickets are now on sale for the Haunted Attraction Network’s Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail 2023: 10th Season Anniversary event. From its humble origins as an outdoor trail in Plant City, Florida, a legendary scream park has emerged. This multi-attraction destination has captivated thrill-seekers and inspired podcasts, books, and even a film. Join us at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail on November 4th, 2023, to celebrate Sir Henry’s Dark Legacy. You’ll get an express pass to experience every attraction, hear from founder Zach Glaros during a panel, access to a silent auction, and get exclusive photo moments with Sir Henry himself! Tickets are $75 per person.
October 26th – 29th, the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) will present “Ghosts of USC”, a historical immersive haunt. Taking place at an enchanting-but-spooky Tudor Revival mansion just north of University Park Campus, this immersive, walk-through theatrical event will transport audiences to 1880, when USC was founded, and to the explosive history of Los Angeles at the turn of the twentieth century. But beware: visitors from the other side may join as well. This innovative historical haunting is a collaboration between the students and faculty of the USC School of Dramatic Arts; guest artists from the award-winning Company of Angels, the oldest non-profit professional equity waiver theatre in Los Angeles; and students and faculty from the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ brand-new Themed Entertainment program. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
NEW This Week for Hauntathon 2023
- FULL WALKTHROUGH Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Orlando
- Kevin Visits the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store at Universal Orlando
- Highlights from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023
- Emily attends “Nightmares Revealed” to learn about the 50th Anniversary of Knott’s Scary Farm.
VERTICAL VIDEOS
- Judge Doom at Oogie Boogie Bash
- Dr. Oddfellow Opens Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort
- M3GAN Has Been Spotted Roaming Halloween Horror Nights
- YOKAI from Big Hero Six Debuts at Oogie Boogie Bash
- Chuck from Halloween Horror Nights
- Blood & Bones: The Ultimate Fan Experience (Oct 7; San Francisco, CA)
- Sir Henry’s Legacy: A 10-Year Retrospective (Nov 4; Plant City, FL)
Film / TV
31 Nights of Halloween will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Freeform this October. “Over the last 25 years, our viewers have grown up with ’31 Nights of Halloween’ as a time-honored tradition to watch Halloween favorites and connect with their loved ones during this special time of the season.” said Simran Sethi, Executive Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy for ABC Entertainment and Freeform. “There’s something sentimental about these holiday classics that brings a real sense of comfort and nostalgia to people, and we look forward to celebrating this anniversary with another spirited lineup.” Reconnect with old favorites, such as Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and cozy up to the Freeform premieres of Encanto, ZOMBIES, and ZOMBIES 2.
Haunt Awards
Haunt Collective & Halloween Yard Haunts and Props Facebook groups presented their 2022 Home Haunter Awards this past weekend. Congratulations to all the winning home haunters: Chad Smith (Best Motorized Prop), David Cowger (Best Pneumatic Prop & Best Costume), Jennifer Dunahee (Best Static Prop), Audrea Donnelly (Best Hauntcycled Prop), Eric Martinelli (Best Modified Store Bought Prop), David Gentry (Best Use of Digital Display), Dmitriy Slobodskiy (Best Display), Ken & Lilija Honigman/Berngards (Best Walk Through & Best of 2022)
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Upcoming Events: August - October 2023
September 16 – 17: Creep It Real OC Expo (Santa Ana, California)
September 23 – 24: West Michigan Halloween Expo (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
October 13 – 14: Son of Monsterpalooza (Burbank, California)
Featured Videos
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Experience
Get off the couch and join us for two exclusive haunted attraction experiences. Mingle with the creators, explore with the lights on, and then get a VIP seat when the lights go out. These ultimate fan opportunities are available nowhere else and offer unparalleled access to these select haunted experiences.
October 7th: Blood & Bones: The Ultimate Fan Experience (San Francisco, CA)
November 4th: Sir Henry’s Legacy: A 10-Year Retrospective (Plant City, FL)
Podcast Episodes You Might be Interested In
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando: Press Conference
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).
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain
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.
Partner Stations
Craving more haunt goodness? We’re thrilled to be partnered with HaunTopic Radio, ScareTrack, The Scare Factor, and A Scott in the Dark. Give them a listen.
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