Haunted Attraction Network

Seasonal overlays are challenging – the benefit is expanding your season and market, but the cost is focus. We spend all year writing, building, and rehearing for Halloween, but there’s only a few weeks to mount an entirely new show for the overlay. That’s a short time for set dressing, new characters, new show programming, and a bunch of other stuff. Overlays are just tough to pull off, but still, the amount of holiday haunts is increasing.

Coming up, we're explore the opening night at the first-ever Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas. Sir Henry usually transforms into a family friendly event, but this season they’re staying spooky. The Haunted Christmas event features two themed trails and runs this weekend and Dec 17-19. Owner Zach Glaros explains the background to the event.
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Our Post-Mortem series breaks down the 2021 haunt season into actionable insight. Today - Bruce, owner of Reign of Terror in Thousand Oaks California. Reign of terror’s final 2021 event, Ho Ho Horror, is next weekend Dec 17-18, 2021. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

The Scare Factor announced the winners of the 2021 Haunted House Awards; Speedzone spreads holiday cheer & fear with Winterfest Golf Featuring Krampus Nightmare Golf; Moxley Manor celebrates its 10th annual NightSCARE Before Christmas Haunted House; Terror Trader in Chandler, Arizona offers free photos with Krampus; Ring in the New Year with Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group as they present Killer Klowns from Outer Space Cosplay Dance Party; Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show debuts their 2022 t-shirt art. Read More: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-dec-06

In this bonus from HaunTopic Radio, we discuss the Haunt Industry trends of 2021 and what you need to focus on in 2022. Special Guests Philip Hernandez from Haunted Attraction Network and Alex Linebrink from Haunt Pay join Brian and Darryl from the Haunter’s Toolbox Haunt Master series. Topics: Where to focus your time & money in 2022, How customers are changing for the best and worst, and What happened to Haunted attractions in 2021. To sit in on these monthly Master Classes LIVE, join us at HauntersToolbox.com. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

While attractions are benefiting from a booming economy, low unemployment and a high quit rate continue to confound. Is it time to rethink the employment model for attractions? Also, has Disney lost it’s magic? Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This month's Haunters Toolbox Masterclass looks at the top haunt industry trends of 2021; Krampusnacht is December 5th; The Bezerk Company presents "Hoof-Prints on History: A Krampus Tale"; Factory of Terror presents "A Creepy Christmas: Krampus' Revenge"; Nightmare Dungeon transforms into a 2-Story Christmas cabin for "Nightmare Christmas"; Time Out lists the 30 Best Halloween songs of all time; Spirit Halloween releases 4 new animatronics; All Hallows Geek shares their 2021 Holiday Gift Guide; Residents of Airmont, New York on the lookout for a deer whose head is stuck in a plastic Halloween pumpkin; Holiday Haunts Weekend Guide for December 3rd - 5th. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

In the wake of the holiday season, Disney is doubling down on the day guest and working to secure staffing. Also a new slate of Thea recipients and Peppa the Pig! Stories: NY State of emergency; Walt Disney Co. pauses vaccine mandates for employees; Walt Disney World Pauses Select Annual Pass Sales; TEA announces 28th annual slate of Thea Awards recipients; Peppa Pig Theme Park at LEGOLAND Florida Resort to open as Certified Autism Center; Innovative FOTO at Field Museum allows guests to capture memories unaided. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

I just got home from the IAAPA expo in Orlando, and what I saw was an industry healing. And yet, as we pause this thanksgiving and look around the table, some seats sit empty. Most of us are missing loved ones this year, myself included. Last year, we dedicated our Thanksgiving special to Robbi Lepre, who had recently passed. Most haunts were unable to open at the time, and the vaccines weren’t a thing yet. We’ve come a long way, but there’s a still a journey ahead of us. But in re-listening to Robbi’s episode, it’s crazy how the sentiments from last year, apply today – maybe even more so. So today, I’m replaying last year’s special – a celebration of Robbi Lepre. Listen and reflect on where we were, where we are, and where we’re going. This special is presented in 4 parts. In Part 1 “Remembering Robbi: Lessons learned from a reluctant haunter” was written and performed by Scott Swenson. “Lepre’-isms” was written by Jeremy Pancoast and performed by Donald Kinsley. “The Future of Immersive Entertainment in The Post-Pandemic World” was written and performed by Ricky Brigante and Sarah Elger. In Part 2, The audio was taken from our 2018 event The Seasonal Attraction Leadership Symposium. Contributors for Part 3 are: Alex Crow, Chris Thomas, David Ruzicka, Dr William Ramsay, Martin Palicki, Todd Hougland, Samantha Grimaldi, Ray Kleim, Leonard Pickel, and Donald Kinsley. In Part 4, we heard from Cindy White, Kim Gromoll, Mike Wallace, Tom Geraghty, and Quan Gan. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

Besides the food, Thanksgiving week is also a time for reflection. What worked, what didn’t work, and what will you change for next season? This is the first of our Post-Mortem series with haunters discussing their 2021 seasons. Today we’re hearing from Gary, owner of Coffin Creek in Riverside California. I caught Gary at the Rotten Apple Haunter’s Night on November 6th and asked him to break down his season. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

IAAPA Expos 2021 is over, and we’re recapping some the largest takeaways. Plus, a little update on Thanksgiving Travel Trends. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork