Haunted Attraction Network

Recently we learned that Steve Koci was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor. In the haunt community, Steve is recognized as a master of DIY Animatronics, having literally published a book on the topic. Steve has taught and contributed so much knowledge to the industry over the years, and now is the time to send him your well wishes. In honor of Steve, we are replaying a master class he taught for the Haunter’s Toolbox Haunt Masters. This recording is being used with permission from Brian Foreman, and if you’re interested in joining future master classes like this one – The Haunter’s Toolbox Haunt Master subscription is now only to $99 / year. Steve’s book The Ultimate Guide to DIY Animatronics: https://www.addicore.com/The-Ultimate-Guide-To-DIY-Animatronics-p/ad514.htm

Airbnb is now the most valuable hotel company and attractions are testing face recognition technology. This week on Green Tagged we’re discussing your Digital Footprint and how that is changing what attractions know about guests. Stories Covered: Airbnb’s IPO; Facial recognition technology coming to Abu Dhabi, UAE, theme parks; Disney World Testing Facial Recognition Tech to Enter Parks; State Museum of Baden to feature Tinder-style app, My Object; Vacancy rates of Hong Kong street shops stabilize as eateries bet on spending bounce, cheaper rents to move into trendy districts; Marriott Quietly Launches Day Passes; Start-up Dash Living helps Hong Kong hotels switch to monthly leases, ride out pandemic slump.

Andelin Family Farm in Sparks Nevada runs entertainment year-round, but 2020 wasn't the best year for agritainment. The farm tested a drive through event, private tours, a summer series, and a fall event – learning each time about how to pivot during the pandemic. They pivoted in three major ways to succeed. Today, Cameron Andelin, co-owner of Andelin Family farm, discusses how their team shifted their mindset in ticketing, staffing, and upsell experiences. These are all things you can shift at your attraction when planning this season.

Coming May 1st and 2nd to the Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles is the Spooky Swap Meet. The museum’s nine Victorian manors serve as the stunning backdrop of a buzzing marketplace featuring vintage and original Halloween décor, furnishings, costumes, props and more. Ghost stories and trick-or-treating from mansion to mansion are included in the $13 admission. And - the inaugural event is already sold out. So, besides that this is a haunter’s dream, why bring it up? Well, the event design carries some ideas you can try to engage with your local community to get a head start on the season.

Scott shares his thoughts and ideas about coming out of quarantine and how Haunters can plan for this next transition.

Should we develop a worldwide tracking system that allows international travelers to skip quarantine? We detangle this topic including the sticking points and where we stand. Stories Covered: “China’s plans for ‘vaccine passport’ may be hampered by lack of data, diplomats say,” “This Is The Latest Cruise Line To Require Vaccinations For All Passengers And Crew,” “China asks visa applicants to get inoculated with Chinese-made vaccines,” “China creates a digital vaccine passport,” “British Airways boss says vaccinated people should be allowed to travel without restrictions,” “'Vaccine passports' could help global travel resume. But is Japan on board?” “Oxford Street plans include visitor attractions and green spaces,” “Hong Kong lawmakers almost unanimously approve HK$6.8 billion rebirth plan for Ocean Park.”

We've been discussing planning for the 2021 season a lot, but most of the discussions have focused on what's happening in the US. Today we're exploring how the UK is fairing. Joining us is Mikey from the ScareTrack. ScareTrack is the UK's first podcast dedicated to the Scare Attraction & Haunted House Industry.

This week we discuss announcements from Disney and Universal, vaccine policies in Israel and Thailand, the Tokyo Olympics, and pivots. Stories covered: “WDW is selling out,” “Florida's Walt Disney World reveals "Ratatouille" ride debut date,” “HHN30 announces dates,” “As Israel Reopens, ‘Whoever Does Not Get Vaccinated Will Be Left Behind’,” “Japan to stage Tokyo Olympics without overseas fans,” “Thailand eyes plans for vaccine passports and quarantine waivers to reopen travel to potentially millions of tourists,” “Online funerals and Zen apps keep Japan’s Buddhist temples afloat” “Spanish park and football league partner to create "The Beat Challenge"” “This patch developed in Japan could let you vaccinate yourself.”

This week on Green Tagged we discuss how attractions will navigate states dropping restrictions, additional changes in the guest experience, and new pivots. Stories covered: “Texas Drops Its Virus Restrictions as a Wave of Reopenings Takes Hold,” “California theme parks, stadiums can reopen as soon as April 1 under revamped COVID-19 rules,” “Hongkongers may have to wait up to six months to resume travel, top tourism official warns,” “IAAPA updates COVID-19 guidance for physical distancing on rides,” “Work resumes on Universal's Epic Universe in Florida,” “Walt Disney Co. to focus on improving guest experience,” “Space tourism: world’s first space hotel opening in 2027,” “Steakhouse in New York fills dining room with wax figures,” “New Exhibit Coming to Philadelphia for Disney’s 100th Anniversary in 2023.”

Hudson Haunted House in Hudson Ohio is opening this weekend for St Patrick’s Revenge. Hudson Haunted House is run by the Hudson Jaycees, who were established in 1972! Alex Austin explains the haunt’s history, their 2020 pivots, St Patrick’s Revenge, and a few other fantastic engagement ideas.