Video: 2021 Halloween Haunt Previews, Panels & Interviews
Part 2 of our Awaken the Spirits features interviews, panels, and previews of Halloween haunts, including Reign of Terror haunted house, The Clown Academy immersive haunt, Tunnel of Terror haunted carwash, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, and Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We also talk to a rep from Southland Ghostbusters, who were doing little if anything to dispel the numerous spirits haunting the Pasadena Convention Center that day!
Watch the video above, or scroll down to see photos and text, which may include a few details the camera missed.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest
Of these various panels, the most entertaining was for Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest, which included costumed characters cavorting behind the panelists, strutting and posing for the cameras. Unfortunately, there will be no new mazes this Halloween, but there will be new shows and a new scare zone called The Dead Zone, featuring “Cyberpunk Zombies.”
Halloween Horror Nights
John Murdy appeared on behalf of Halloween Horror Nights, focusing his attention on a single maze dear to his hear: as an unabashed fan of classic Universal horror movies from the 1930s, his contribution this year is a maze inspired featuring the Bride of Frankenstein, an iconic character despite having appeared for only a few minutes at the end of one movie. The maze, featuring a feminist slant, finally gives the character a chance to star in her own story.
Winchester Mystery House
General Manager Walter Magnuson, Director of Operations Michael Taffe, and Director of Marketing Natalie Alvanez previewed this Halloween’s show at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, which will be comprised of two elements: on the grounds around the house there will be a Jack O’Lantern trail (like Nights of the Jack); inside will feature a lengthy tour-gone-wrong, in which guests find themselves “Lost in the House” while some paranormal investigators are making contact with the beyond. After Winchester’s wonderful Halloween 2019 production of Unhinged, the new Lost in the House promises to be one of the big events this fall.
13th Floor Entertainment
A panel from 13th Floor Entertainment, including Jon Braver, gave a presentation on their two L.A. attractions, Delusion Interactive Theatre and Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Delusion is located in Pomona this year, with a story set in 1933 and guests encourage to come in period costume. The Haunted Hayride promises an expanded experience thanks to a change of setting within Griffith Park (the haunt’s long-standing home). The Hayride will of course be back, along with the Trick or Treat walk-through. New this year is Dead End Diner, where werewolves dine on human flesh.
Of the home haunts previewed, the most interesting is The Grey Phantom in Norwalk, an effort that debuted last year. The proprietor worked as a maze manager at Queen Mary Dark Harbor; when the event was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to recreate it as a ;yard display. the event promises to be bigger and better this year, featuring a maze including scare actors.
