Goatman Hollow: The Interactive Haunt Experience

by John Kennedy

After hearing about Goatman Hollow so much on Rotting Flesh Radio, I knew I wanted to swing by and see this Haunt. When I got there I was treated to a surprise celebrity appearance (well at least a surprise to me).

Fortunately, my Saturday evening was going smoothly so I would be able to visit Goatman Hollow Haunted House. When I got there, I find celebrity Jonathan Johnson from Rotting Flesh Radio there. And that’s me having fun calling him a celebrity and not Jonathan – he’s a humble guy and wouldn’t call himself that. I met the folks that make Goatman possible next, including Jay Wright. I went ahead and jumped in with the next group and what a crazy group it was.

The show is very theatrical with about 3 – 5 minute skits acted out in each scene that advance the story of the Goatman. The actor in the first room introduces himself as an agent and briefs us on the Goatman and our mission. The actor was cast perfectly and if you told me he was a real government agent, I would believe you. The story continues room to room through secret passageways and elevators.

The haunt has solid scenic design that hopefully you can see in some of the pictures below. The actors also did a good job with their dialogue. There is a nice bedroom scene with a ghost, a great looking attic set and a gruesome cannibal kitchen scene. However, the star of the show has got to be Doctor Fletcher who scared the hell out of my group during his skit. I don’t mean screaming scared, I mean running over your friend to get to the other side of the room scared. I hadn’t seen anyone scared like that until Goatman…..

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originally published by Haunted Attraction Magazine

Reindeer Manor Abusement Park: 13th St. Morgue, Dungeon of Doom, & Reindeer Manor

Reindeer Manor Abusement Park, Located at 410 Houston School Rd. Red Oak, TX features 3 Haunted Attractions in 1 Terrifying Location. 13th Street Morgue, Dungeon Of Doom and Reindeer Manor. The events are now open for scaring!

Their Mission:
Reindeer Manor, in its 36th season, is a non-profit event dedicated to the enrichment of local area youth groups. Reindeer Manor Haunted House not only benefits Boy Scout Troop 1, Venture Crew 3 and Cub Pack 1, but also is actually planned, built, and run by the troop as well. Many of the kids who have worked at the Manor have gone on to do great things from rocket engineers to military commanders to entrepreneurs. Many other non-profits such as the Red Oak Hawkettes, Maypearl High School, Rotary Clubs and Explorer Posts have used Reindeer Manor as a fundraiser as well. In 2005, the addition of a separately owned attraction, 13th Street Morgue and the addition of a 3rd attraction in 2008, Dungeon Of Doom, previously located in Arlington, TX have caused the ever growing show at Reindeer Manor to become more popular, thus creating what is now known as Reindeer Manor Abusement Park. The park has received high ranks such as 13th Street Morgue’s readers choice award, Dungeon Of Doom twice being named Dallas Observer’s “Best Haunted House in the DFW Metroplex” and Reindeer Manor being featured in several newspaper publications, e-zines, magazines and DVD’s including “The Happy Haunting Of America”.

Our Mission is to continue this tradition of excellence as well as to foster new relationships while endeavoring to benefit the local community for years to come.

The Rumors Are All True:
Reindeer Manor’s true story starts as far back as the 1900’s when a wooden house stood on the site of the current house. Swedish immigrants occupied the house while James Sharp was away. In 1915, lightning sparked a fire, which consumed the house killing a family of sharecroppers and several small children. The house was to be rebuilt this time engineered of concrete, brick and steel so the house would not succumb to fire. Before the house could be completed James Sharp died. Reports are sketchy as to what happened. His son inherited the house in 1917. In 1929, the once wealthy family was thrust into abject poverty due to the depression. It is in this time that whispers of a Sharp family curse began circulating. Obsessed with finding a solution, many strange folk were seen entering the great house. No one is sure if they were instructed by a “spirit” or simply came upon a solution on their own, but soon the couple found a way to bring the Sharp Family out of the shadows. The history of the manor ended with Matt Sharp’s wife dead by poisoning in the main dining room and his lifeless body swinging from a noose strung from the rafters of the barn. It is not clear as to who killed whom or if it was a suicide pact, but the curse was lifted from the Sharp family to say the least. There was no heir. The house stood vacant and abandoned until 1974 when it became the Haunted House at Reindeer Manor. Over the years, folks that work and visit Reindeer Manor have experienced many strange occurrences. Will You?

For more on all of the events be sure to visit:
www.13thStreetMorgue.com
www.DungeonOfDoomTexas.com
www.ReindeerManor.com

House of Torment & Illusion Manor Unleashed on Austin

This past weekend many Haunted Attractions opened their doors to officially kick off the Haunt Season. And one of those is in the Austin, TX area and is a sure fire guarantee to scare the (you know what) out of you!

The House of Torment has been unleashed in Austin this past weekend and has pulled out all the stops. From the theatrical sets, detail, costumes and layout, this haunt takes you into their world and takes you out of reality.

All the fun began earlier this year with the debut of their new promo video that is more like a movie trailer, than a haunt commercial. But don’t let that kid you, that “movie trailer style” is just setting you up for what is really inside! Two full attractions including House of Torment and Illusion Manor they take haunting to new heights. Being featured on the Travel Channel and in a variety of newscasts and publications, this event keeps on growing and terrifying new customers every year.

The event is NOW Open for the 2009 season, so if you are in the Austin, TX area or within a close drive, it is a must-see event! Tickets will run you about $14.99 for general admission to the House of Torment, but you can upgrade for a combo pass of only $19.99 that gets you in the House of Torment and Illusion Manor. The event is located at: 523 Highland Mall Blvd; Austin, TX 78752. For more information to to visit this Top Rated Haunted Attraction be sure to visit: www.HouseofTorment.com and be sure to bring an extra set of panties or little whities!

Scare for a Cure 2009: Blood Ritual

Many haunted attractions work with charities to help causes, organizations, homeless shelter, and more. I personally think this is a great way to give back to the community and others. One that is ready for 2009 is the Scare For A Cure Haunted Attraction.

Scare for a Cure is an Austin-based nonprofit organization that raises money for local charities, “one SCREAM at a time.” Each year they produce Austin’s only extreme, full contact, interactive haunted house adventure—guaranteed to chill you to the depths of your soul! In 2007, Scare for a Cure raised $5,000 for breast cancer recovery. In 2008 they doubled that with $10,000 that benefited scholarship funds for four students affected by cancer. And for 2009 they have a lineup for you. This year their event is titled Blood Ritual. This event is meant to terrify you, scare you and make you soil yourself.

In Blood Ritual you will join a team of paranormal researchers to explore the mysteries and horrors of Dunstan Manor. Experience first-hand a twisted tale of vampires, blood-lust, abominations, survival, and evil’s quest for world domination. Do you have the courage and wits to save humanity, or will you end up as a snack at their victory party? Net proceeds will benefit their 2009 charity partner, the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas.

The best part is the kind of tickets they have. They have many levels for those of you who are hardcore, or light hearted haunt goers. In addition to getting your tickets online for $20.00, you can get a few choices to make your night just right. Regular admission gets you amazing thrills and chills in a 30-40 minute fear-filled adventure.

To up the stakes, for $25.00 you can make your way to a Red Level. The Red Level lets individuals who wish to more actively participate in their haunted adventure. This experience will be more extreme, more physically challenging, more intense, and much more fun for individuals who are ready for the extra challenge.

Now if you just aren’t up to a full night of nightmares, then the Green Level may be for you. For the same price as general admission the Green Level allows you to have an experience similar to regular groups but toned down as much as possible, with less interaction and lower intensity. But beware…if one person in your group requests Green-Level status, everyone in the group will receive the Green-Level experience.

Overall this is a great event if you are in Texas and for a great cause. To find out more check out the teaser below and also visit the official homepage at: www.ScareforaCure.org

SPFX Masks ALL-NEW Mask and CHOPPERS!

SPFX Masks are the makers of some fantasitc masks. From the Elder, to the Zombie and the ever used Vampire. These masks mold to your face and make any haunt, scene or event’s characters scary and realistic.

Well, Rusty Slusser has added an All-New product to spice up your Haunt and Costume….que in the Choppers! Not only has he released a new mask, with the addition of Choppers your character can now have some freaky real teeth to terrorize your customers and trick or treaters.

Check out the video below to see this in action. If you would like to order yours…and I say order now since it takes a few weeks for delivery…..be sure to visit: www.SPFXMasks.com

THE CHOPPERS AND NEW MASK

Toxicity Haunted Attraction Adds “The Toxic Waltz”

The Haunt Rocker Jerry Vayne has completed the theme song for the Toxicity Haunted Attraction Titled “Radiation Burns: (The Toxic Waltz)”. This track will makes its National Debut on Friday September 11, Edition of Rotting Flesh Radio. This project is a bit different from Jerry’s normal work given Toxicity’s theme. The song does a great job in showing Jerry’s talent and versatility as an artist.