Time to Start Thinking about Listing Your Haunt: Haunted Illinois Haunt Directory

So all you haunt owners out there. Now is the time to start thinking about getting your event listed in the Haunt Directories. Now there are many to choose from and many within a local region. Haunt Directories help you expose your event to potential customers, help them find directions and promote your event by positive reviews and feedback from previous customers.

Now as I said there are a variety of Haunt Directories and we will discuss them over time, but many like Haunt RI, HauntedHouses.com, MD Haunts, Haunted Wisconsin and many others help you promote your event in your specific region. Right now we will discuss just one for now, but the others will come soon too with more info. But let’s take a moment and discuss Haunted Illinois

HauntedIllinois.com is a regional haunt directory. This means that they only list haunted attractions within the state borders of Illinois. In getting your event listed some points of interest to you as an owner are:

Every year the directory is reset to zero events in the June-July timeframe, accepting submissions and slowly being re-built from the ground up (to ensure that haunt listings in the directory are the most up-to-date and current that they can be).

The directory allows users to sort the event list by Event Name, City, Region and Last Updated Date.

The directory allows users to search by event type, region, dates of operation or any combination of those three criteria.

Users can also enter a zip code and distance, to find attractions near them.

Events can enter detailed information about their attraction, including their event name, location, address, city, state, zip code, description, phone number, web address, email address, event type, appropriate age range, etc.

Events also have the choice to upload their logos, pictures and youtube videos for their attraction.

Visitors of the website are given the option to write reviews of events they have visited.

Many of the other Directories I listed offer this as well for their areas, but for more and to get your event listed in the Illinois area visit: www.HauntedIllinois.com

The Evolution of Ghosts in Haunted Attractions

by: RFR Casket Crew Storm

Greetings Deadites,

Over the past few years, the popular opinion of what a ghost looks like has had some major changes. The days of Casper the Friendly ghost are gone, and no more cutting holes in the bedroom linens or spray painting a zombie costume white to have a ghost terrorize visitors to you haunt. Here are some of the challenging new forms ghosts have taken and how to incorporate them into haunt designs.

Orbs: Maybe it’s Uncle Marty, maybe its dust and a camera flash, regardless there are enough believers out there that haunt owners can put away the lemon Pledge and add more strobe lights anyplace for an instant Orb Ghost room when patrons are present

Voices: Disembodied voices and EVP type effects have always been a staple of haunts, but with this growing ghost phenomenon haunters have to be more creative with the content. Gone are the tried but true deep growling “Get Out” , and more common are the soft garbled sounds that resemble a bad drive through speaker. That might be good for concessions when patrons go through asking “Did you just say you died here or asked me if I want fries?”

Shadow People: These creepy ghostly shadows like to dart behind things in abandoned buildings and lighthouses, but they make the haunt budget happy when you can have a dot room without dealing with painting any dots.

Heat Signatures: Apparently the Predator could have also scored a role in the sixth sense with this new technology for Ghosts to reveal themselves. While the FLIR goggles for patrons might be expensive, the actors will appreciate the new sauna you install for them to relax in before running through the haunt ahead of the patrons touching and sitting in props.

EM Fields: Is there an evil presence in the basement or should you fire your electrician. While both scenarios are scary just hope your patrons know to look for Electromagnetic spikes when you send them into your new Basement of Spirits attraction with the prop EMF detectors.

Blurry Glowing Things: Was that a moth on the camera of the gas station or a restless Pony Express rider? The real fear will take place as you paint a thousand June bugs with phosphorescent paint and let them loose in your haunt.

Moving Stuff: What goes bump in the night? Well in your haunted house it can be everything if you loosen some floor boards and cut 1 leg on each table and chair a little short. The pain will be hiring actors to play the role of haunt pin monkeys for the reset.

Mist: Anyone gets creeped out by the low crawling fog that begins to take unearthly shapes. Only one good way to accomplish this on demand… Remote Control Fog, I’m sure there is some military research already on that one.

So until next time Deadites, Sit Back, Relax, and Rot Away…

Darkwood Manor Haunted Attraction 2009 Promo Video

Well the new year may be here, 2009 is over but Haunts are preparing for 2010 and re-living the glory that was 2009!

Here is the promotion video you can see for Darkwood Manor Haunted Attraction. Enjoy.

Transworld Haunt and Attractions Show FREE Registration

The 15th Annual Transworld Haunt and Attractions Show is kicking off March 25th in St. Louis. This annual event has become a must-see for the newest products, props, education and more in the Haunt Industry and now you can get FREE General Admissions to the Haunt Show!

Right now is you register by March 5, 2010, you will receive free show admissions and the Opening Night Celebration at the Dubliner! After March 5, admissions will be $20 per person attending the show. Now that is a way to save on money you can spend on extra Fog Juice!

In addition the Haunt Show has created SPEED SEMINARS for those of you who cannot attend or like faster paced education. The Speed Seminars are on March 24 from 12:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Pricing on these are as little as $50 to attend all 10 Pre-Show Seminars!

Seminar 1: Showmanship
Seminar 2: Props for Actors
Seminar 3: Quick Tips to Successful Marketing
Seminar 4: Stilts and Suits
Seminar 5: Creating a Crisis Plan
Seminar 6: Use Of Celebrities
Seminar 7: Timed Ticketing
Seminar 8: Terrifying Textures
Seminar 9: The Interactive Game Haunted House
Seminar 10: Pyrotechnics!

Now these classes will get you pumped, educated and help you create new insightful ways to run your haunt or event.

For more information about Registration, the Transworld Haunt Show and more visit: www.HauntShow.com

“The Annual Halloween & Attractions Show continues its tradition of creating a unique business environment designed to allow buyers to meet face-to-face with exhibitors. Our exhibitors bring all the newest products and classic designs, providing buyers with a one-stop shopping experience. With thousands of products in hundreds of categories, buyers will find everything they need to stock their businesses and make their time at the show a success. Products at the Annual Halloween & Attractions Show include:

Props, Animatronics, Games and Crowd Pleasers, Concession Supplies, Tickets and Crowd Control, Masks and Costumes, Lighting and Special Effects, Make-Up and Prosthetics, Fabric Paint and Décor, Gift and Novelty items, Haunted House Design and Installation, Sound/Visual Electronics and Effects, Mobile Haunted Houses, Educational and Instructional Videos, Spooky Music and SFX, Wristbands, Visitor Automated Tracking Systems, Haunt-Oriented Graphic and Web Design, and much more!

Networking events, award ceremonies, local haunted house tours, industry relevant seminars and an expanded Dark Zone make this the best Halloween & Attractions Show yet!”

One Night of Fright in February at the Terrorplex

Are you ready to get your Haunt on and scream in February? Well now you can get that scare if you are in the Dallas Fort Worth Texas area you can hit up the Terrorplex on February 13th. On Saturday the 13th in honor of the theatrical release of the Wolfman Remake (Click Here to see the Wolfman Trailer), the Terrorplex is going to open two haunted attractions plus have a fun filled evening of live entertainment with the Wolfman on the prowl.

For more on the Terrorplex be sure to visit their site at: www.Terrorplex.com

ABOUT TERRORPLEX
Welcome to TERRORPLEX 2009, “It’s a Year for Fear!” Terrorplex offers 4 haunted attractions and other Dark Amusements for the 2009 season starting September 18 – November 1. Our haunted attractions include Midnight Manor, Vanhelsings Haunted House of Wax (New 2009), Heavy Metal Madness (New 2009), and Count Orlock’s Castle of Torture (New 2009). We have an improved festival area with a nightly DJ, psychic reader, Gore Store, concession area, and special appearances by the Twisted Freakshow gang. Come spend and evening with us and we promise it will be a night to remember, in your nightmares that is!!!

Obake-Yashiki Haunted Attraction in Japan Closing Forever

In a world that loves all things spooky, horror, and haunted, many Haunted Attractions open throughout the United States and around the world. Many famed attractions exist in Canada, All over Europe, let’s not forget Disneyland Paris’ Phantom Manor and even at Hanayashiki, Japan’s Oldest Amusement Park.

Well it seems that the dark night and curtain is closed now on the famed Obake-Yashiki Haunted Attraction has now closed forever on January 11, 2010. This past year marked its’ 30th Anniversary.

It was a prize attraction for many to attend and get their scare on in Japan. We are sure it will be missed.

ABOUT THE ATTRACTION:
(courtesy of: BrickMcBurly.com/Kyoto
“I’m sure most of you have seen Ringu or Ju-on. Everythin’ in them is true. This house is infested with spirits just like them. Terrible, terrible things happen here. A group of young ladies found themselves mercilessly hounded by a droolin’, gibberin’ monster that hungrily pawed every inch of their bodies-and that’s just while they were waitin’ outside in line with me. Once inside, the skilled actors and artisans of Toei recreate a sengoku era village that’s been overrun by hungry ghosts, restless spirits, and even zombie ashigaru. Heads fly around, roofs collapse, and the interior of a daimyo mansion is littered with ripped up corpses and blood stained tatami mats. It’s a lot like ‘All You Can Eat’ night at the Sizzler back in the USA.”

Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern Calls It a Season

The Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern 2009 season had the most successful haunt yet, exceeding visitor and attendance goals. After investment in the product, the hiring of top producers and increased scares, it paid off!

“Once again we were met by record crowds and capacity nights,” said Hugh Morrow, president of Ruby Falls. “Our team took the uniqueness of our cavern, creativity of our storyline, and the realness of our actors and actresses and brought to life the true eeriness of The Wyrmwood Asylum! Nobody left undisturbed!”

“Nothing short of pure terror can be said about the work Ruby Falls has put into the haunts every year,” said Josh Lang with the Chattanooga Pulse. “Bit by bit, they whittle down your last thoughts of disbelief as you enter thinking this is actually a pleasure cruise, filled with candy and chocolate bubble gum kisses. Chuck E. Cheese is the other way folks.”

HauntWorld.com, the world’s leading haunted attraction website, ranked the Haunted Cavern in the top three Tennessee haunts for the best monsters/actors and most views on the site. The Haunted Cavern was also selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society for September 2009. In addition, the attraction received great reviews on social media sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and blogs, with standard quotes from guests like “This was awesome, I can’t wait till next year!!!”

“Wyrmwood Asylum at the Haunted Cavern will go down in history as one of the best haunted attractions in the southeast if not one of the best in the country,” said Todd Patton with Fear Connection. “Our team outdid themselves as we passionately wove a web of insanity and fear for everyone.”

Todd Patton and Tim Green with Fear Connection began working as a team for Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern in 2006 and this was their fourth year developing, designing and managing the event. They have also helped with a few small independent films and assisting with other haunts in the US. Go to www.ConNooga.com for more info.

You can see many of this year’s Videos at: www.HauntedCavern.com – Videos.

Ruby Falls is a Chattanooga, TN attraction that is home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall accessible to the public in the United States. Ruby Falls is the first US attraction to have joined the dual Green Globe/Green Certifications Program by Green Globe International, Inc.

For more on the entire event, photos and more visit: www.HauntedCavern.com

Catch One Last Haunted House on Friday the 13th

This Friday is your Last chance to see the Award Winning Cutting Edge Haunted House. This Friday the 13th! The Cutting Edge Haunted House was declared the Largest Walkthrough Haunted House by Guinness Book this year. (See the footage..CLICK HERE )

Well this Friday you can still get one last Haunt On from 8PM to 10PM at the Cutting Edge. You can also Save $4.00 OFF NOW THRU FRIDAY if you purchase your tickets online before 5 PM on November 13th. All you have to do is Enter the Promo Code – 13 following this link..Purchase Cutting Edge Haunted House Tickets Online The Code expires at 5 PM on Friday.

The Cutting Edge Haunted House, located in Forth Worth, Texas, is now the Official Title Holder of the “World’s Largest Walk Through Haunted House”. The event itself is an attraction many in the area flock too each season. With great visuals, scare and more, the event has been named as one of the top 13 Haunted Attractions for the year by Haunted House Ratings. It is also named one of the Best Haunted Attractions by Haunt World for 2009.

This year the event is full of scares at every turn! To find out more about the event visit: www.Screams.com

Extend Halloween at Woods of Terror this Weekend

As we have been reporting, many Haunted Houses are remaining open for at least another week or two so you can get your Fright Fix. Recently we posted about Netherworld Haunted Attraction (click here to read article) staying open the next two weeks, and now you may also continue your Fright fix at the Woods of Terror Haunted Attraction this weekend.

Here you can see all their events in tact ready to scare you such as: Elements of Terror, Night Stalkers, Heavy Metal Nightmare, Clown Town, The Third Dimension, 3D Vortex, The Blood House, The Awakening, Horrowood Cinema, Blackbeard’s Revenge, Miners Massacre, Slaughter House, Virus and the Redneck Hayride.

These will make for a night of terror to continue your Halloween Romps and kick start Thanksgiving. The ticket booth opens at 6:30 and closes at 11:30 and from there, prepare to be scared.

“In 2009, Woods of Terror is back! Celebrating its 18th year, Woods of Terror continues to receive national recognition & has once again gained the stamp of approval from America’s Best Haunts. Woods of Terror is not only the largest haunt in a three state area, but it’s also the scariest. Don’t believe, bring your guts & see. Loyal fans can’t believe the changes from year to year and the newbies are blown away by the size of the show, the detail of the sets and the quality of the actors.”

To get your Tickets and Information to Attend this event visit: www.WoodsofTerror.com and to hear the Owner speak about the event to RFR you can Listen to him as part of our 5th Annual Halloween Party Mix. (Click Here for RFR Halloween Party Mix w/Woods of Terror)

Haunted Attraction Magazine Issue #52 Published and Mailed

Haunted Attraction Magazine issue #52 is in the mail! You will see more changes to the magazine and content as we continue to add new sections and fine tune how we deliver news, information and inspiration to Haunters around the world.

If you would like to learn more about the issue or have the issue and want to learn more about the articles in this issue, keep reading and you’ll find even more information about your favorite articles!

In this Issue:
Haunted Attraction Magazine’s 25 Must See Haunts

Commercial Haunt Spotlight: Nightmare New England

Charity Haunt Spotlight: CHAOS Haunted House

Home Haunt Spotlight: DC Cemetery

Icon Characters: “Morgana” of Wisconsin Feargrounds

Truly…Bloody: The Story of Elizabeth Bathory

Business as Unusual

Artist Spotlight: Mariano Villaba…The Midnight Clown Show

Industry Spotlight: Grignard Fog

Scene Autopsy: Crafting a Bathroom Scene That Will Make Their Skin Crawl

This is another 80 page issue chock-full of information and stories for the Haunter so get your copy today! There is never enough room in the magazine to include everything we want to, so this section of the website gives us a chance to share additional content and/or resources we thought you might enjoy!

To find out more about the publication visit: www.HauntedAttraction.com