Universal’s HHN 2012 – Orlando Dates

May 15th, 2012

For Haunt Stalkers in the the UK, Universal Orlando’s UK website has begun to sell tickets for this year’s HHN. The haunt will be taking place on the following nights:  September 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, October 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

Current rumors point to the strong possibility of a Walking Dead house, which may be a theme used at both Orlando and Hollywood.  In addition, it’s rumored that this year’s event could take place in both the studio park and Islands of Adventure (IOA). With the (sad) removal of the Jaws ride in early January the studio is now down one haunt location. In recent years, there has been 8 houses at HHN Orlando and with it’s ever expanding worldwide popularity there is no way they would scale back to just 7. In fact, it’s believed that this year they will expand to 9 which the space in IOA could  comfortably provide, and then some! Plus this could allow them to expand their offering to include some wicked fun inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If this rumor is true, this wouldn’t be the first time that Universal Orlando hosted a two park haunt.  The last dual park haunt was in 2004 which held the theme of  ”What’s Your Breaking Point?”. It was promoted as ”2 X the Fear (Twice the Park. Twice the Fear)”. Check out HHN Crypt for more details on HHN XIV

Given than the Scare Zone crew is gearing up to check out this year’s HHN in Orlando you can bet we’re going to be closely following the news and rumors and will share them with all our Haunt Stalkers.  In addition, please feel free to share any rumors with us at scarezone13@gmail.com

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Posted in Florida, Halloween Horror Nights Orlando, Rumors, Screaming Soon, UK | No Comments »

UK Haunts: Horror Camp Live!

May 14th, 2012

Only in the UK can you spend the night in a haunted hotel room, witness the Human Centipede live, and experience a multitude of year round and traveling haunted attractions. Now, across the pond those “Crazy Brits” are taking the terror to an even higher level with the first ever camping haunt experience called Horror Camp Live. For all of us who grew up fearing summer camps because of Jason and the all other backwoods crazies who stalk them; you better dose up on your anxiety meds or stay at home as this won’t be the camping trip for you.

 

On Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th, in July, brave souls and scardy cats alike can pitch a tent at the overnight immersive experience, based in the fictional Campground Mass Acre (ha, get it?). For 13 hours, campers will become part of an interactive living horror game.

As darkness falls on the campground, campers meet around the fire to enjoy a two course buffet style meal while watching one of the latest horror movies, but all is not what it seems, as the terrifying night ahead becomes all too apparent, and Lockjaw – the demented serial killer, makes his presence known.

Horror Camp Live! challenges campers to undertake a series of dare games, during which they will be split up from the rest of the group. Each campers experience will be different, but all will include content which is intended to shock, scare and entertain. Campers will navigate around a series of indoor and outdoor environments during the experience, with shocks, surprises and scares at every turn.

Suitable for those aged 18 and over, Horror Camp Live! is perfect for stag and hen parties, team building events and celebrations. It is also available exclusively to groups of 30 or more. Those aged between 14 and 18 may attend, but each must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

The experience begins at 8.00pm and concludes at 2am, leaving six hours for sleeping, before breakfast at 8.15am. Survivors leave the site at 9.00am, 13 hours after they arrived.

Bored of traditional camping holidays? Visited all the scare attractions the UK has to offer? Love horror movies, books and games? Then why not try scare entertainment as it has never been seen before, you will have one hell of a time.

Horror Camp Live! Who dares wins…

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Posted in Travel Terrors, UK, Year-Round Haunts | No Comments »

Screaming Soon: Spooky Empire May-Hem

May 9th, 2012

This Memorial Day weekend in Florida you can crank up the BBQ, head to the beach, and do some stalking at Spooky Empire’s May-Hem.

Spooky Empire has quickly become one of the most respected horror event promotions companies in the United States, bringing to life two of the most popular horror conventions in the nation, with fans attending from all over the world.

Spooky Empire - About UsOctober’s event, Ultimate Horror Weekend, has grown significantly since its modest start in Fort Lauderdale in 2003. After finding a permanent home in Orlando, FL it has become one of the largest horror conventions in the nation, with more and more fans attending each year. Just when you think the show can’t be topped, Spooky Empire brings it bigger and better the next year! Each show is more monstrous than the last. The name describes it perfectly; it is THE ULTIMATE weekend for horror fans of all ages! Where else can you meet and mingle with your favorite horror movie and TV stars, buy any collectible you can imagine from your choice of over 200 vendors and artists, see new and up and coming films as well as your old favorites, take part in one of the largest Zombie Walks, get tattooed by some of the best artists from around the world, and of course party ‘til your heart’s content…or until you puke…and that doesn’t even list half of the events that go on during this non-stop weekend of horrors.

Still, even with the “Ultimate” event each October, Spooky Empire felt as though they could still give the fans more. So, in 2011 they introduced the first “May-Hem” event taking place on Memorial Day weekend. Although a more intimate show, May-Hem still proved to pack just as big a punch as its predecessor. May-Hem exceeded everyone’s expectations and has now become an annual event.

Spooky Empire’s ultimate goal is to provide memorable events for horror fans to return to each year, a place where they can congregate with thousands of other people with the same interests.

Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend


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Posted in Conventions, Florida, Screaming Soon | No Comments »

Zombie Manor: Open on May 19

May 4th, 2012

Did you know that May is Zombie Awareness Month? What better way to celebrate than by being chased by zombies in total darkness?

On Saturday, May 19, Zombie Manor in Arlington, Texas, will be open for a special “Dead Light Fright Night.” All the lights will be OUT, and each group of victims will have only one LED corpse headlamp to guide them through the terror.

Tickets are $15, and the attraction will be open from 8 pm to 11 pm. This is your only chance to experience Zombie Manor in the off season, so if you need your zombie fix before Halloween, this is your chance.

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Posted in Texas | No Comments »

Eli Roth’s Goretorium: A New Year-Round Haunt in Vegas

May 1st, 2012

Last October, Scare Zone made a trip out to Vegas to experience several haunts in the area. There were some extreme highs (Freakling Bros’ Trilogy of Terror), and some terrifying lows (Bonnie Screams, Fright Dome). We’d love to go back to check out Las Vegas Haunts (and of course, experience Freakling Bros all over again), and with a brand new haunt opening up this September, we may have found the perfect excuse to return.

This September 27, Eli Roth’s Goretorium will open on the Las Vegas strip. Although details are still scarce, Deadline is reporting that it will be a “multistory” attraction and will be open year round. There is no word on the theming, but given the fact that Eli Roth is involved, and the name “Goretorium” itself, we can certainly guess that there will be a lot of blood.

Reports say that the haunt will be located at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Harmon Ave., which places it in the vicinity of Planet Hollywood and the CityCenter. In fact, VegasChatter.com is placing the location of the haunt as inside a multistory Walgreens building currently under construction. (Other tenants in the building include Panda Express and a Bubba Gump restaurant—scary, indeed.)

We think a year-round haunt in Las Vegas is a fantastic idea. It’s a city brimming with all kinds of entertainment, but the horror genre has been sadly absent–until now. (We do feel a bit sorry for the future scareactors who will probably have to deal with drunken patrons on a nightly basis.) Scare Zone can’t wait to check out this haunt!

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Pittsburgh’s ScareHouse Reveals New 2012 Maze Theme

April 30th, 2012

Are those “slay” bells we’re hearing? The ScareHouse, located in Pittsburgh, PA, has revealed the theme of their all-new attraction for 2012: “Creepo’s Christmas in 3D.”

The attraction will replace the popular “Delirium in 3D,” which was retired this year. It will also be joined by “The Forsaken” and “Pittsburgh Zombies.” Check out the trailer for Creepo’s Christmas:

 

This announcement reminds us that with summer just around the corner, more and more haunt news will start coming in! Check back often for 2012 haunt updates.

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Scare Zone Review: Monsterpalooza 4

April 20th, 2012

This past weekend Scare Zone was back in Burbank, CA, to attend Monsterpalooza 4. This event is geared toward the horror film industry and fans. The convention focuses on “the art of monsters,” such as horror makeup, sculpture, and artwork. It’s a must-attend for anyone interested in horror makeup, art, and special effects. And of course, the presentations from horror makeup artists can be very useful for haunt actors and haunt makeup artists.

Like the previous years, this year’s convention’s was at full capacity. We attended on Saturday and had to wait nearly 2 hours just to get inside. even with the few “scareactors” roaming around the line offering some minor entertainment; the wait was still tedious.  We’re not sure what their arrangement is with the Marriott but the convention has obviously outgrown this location and would be more enjoyable at a larger location. In addition, their ticket purchasing system at the door was slow with an inefficient set up that seemed to be the main cause of the unnecessarily long and slow moving line.

Jason survey's the crowd for potential victims (c) Scare Zone

Besides the wait to get in, Monsterpalooza 4 offered another year, for lack of a better phrase, monster fun.  There were many familiar vendors along with some interesting new monster designers and artists. Our favorite exhibit, the Monster Museum, was back with a new collection of infamous Hollywood movie monsters and characters.

Monsterpalooza 4 also offered a some compelling and fun panel sessions including the Fright Night panel which reunited the original 1985 cast, writer and director, and FX artists. This session was a nostalgic look back the classic horror movie where they deconstructed the movie’s key scenes and reminisced about what it took to make them come to life.

We also attended an interesting panel on Jack Pierce, “The Man Behind the Monsters” hosted by John Murdy, creative director of Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. The panel provided a look back at how the classic Universal monsters such as Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Wolfman were brought to life from the 1930s and 40s.

We enjoy going to Monsterpalooza each year and feel that it’s a great way to start our countdown to haunt season. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, this year you’ll have a second chance with Son of Monsterpalooza coming this Halloween weekend. In the meanwhile, here’s a short video of Monsterpalooza 4.

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Posted in Conventions, Haunt Reviews, Haunt Videos, Southern California | No Comments »

“Run For Your Lives”: A Zombie 5K Race

April 20th, 2012


Are you tired of the standard 5K race through boring old city streets? Has the novelty of the trendy “mud run” worn off for you? If so, maybe it’s time to try a race that actually motivates you to run–from the hordes of zombies chasing after you!

Part haunt, part 5K run, this ”zombie-infested 5K obstacle course race” puts a terrifying twist on the standard race. Runners will wear “health flags” on a belt around their waists, and as they navigate through the obstacle course, the zombies will try to grab the flags. If you make it back to the “safe zone” with at least one flag, you will be eligible for a time-based award. Lose your flags, and you’re considered “dead.”

But if running’s not your thing, and maybe you’d prefer to stagger around and grab at people, then consider signing up to be a zombie. For a $25 Zombie fee, zombies receive a full makeup transformation, a t-shirt, and a beer. As a zombie you have two choices: chase or stumble. There’s an activity level for everyone.

And if you can’t decide on being a zombie or a victim, you can do both! Zombies can take a turn running through the race for free, but they are not eligible for awards.

The Zombie 5K is coming to the following locations in 2012:

  • Massachusetts, May 5-6
  • Minnesota, June 2
  • Indiana, June 23
  • Colorado, July 14
  • Washington, August 4
  • Missouri, August 18
  • Pennsylvania, September 1
  • Toronto (Canada), September 22
  • Southern California, October 20
  • Maryland, October 27
  • Florida, November 17
  • Texas, December 15
Be sure to check out the website for all the details.

 

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Posted in Screaming Soon | 3 Comments »

Texas Haunts to Open for Friday the 13th

April 12th, 2012

If you’re in the Lone Star state this Friday the 13th, it’s gonna be your lucky day: Two area haunts will be open!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Cutting Edge (Fort Worth, TX)

♦ Open: 8 pm  to 10:30 pm, $25

 

Moxley Manor (Bedford, TX)

♦ Open: 8 pm to 10 pm, $15

 

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Posted in Friday the 13th, Texas | No Comments »

2012 West Coast Haunters Convention

April 11th, 2012

From the desk of Ed Roberts, founder of the West Coast Haunters Convention.

The 2012 West Coast Haunters Convention will be held June 1-3 in Portland Oregon at the Doubletree Hotel at Lloyd Center.

This years’ convention is being held in Portland Oregon, at the Doubletree Hotel and exhibition center.

The WCHC is thrilled to announce two keynote speakers; Mike Krausert from Cutting Edge Scenic Design and New England’s Spooky World and more recently The Fear at Fenway park and Ed and Marsha Edmunds owners of Distortions Unlimited and the stars of the Travel Channel show Making Monsters.

Convention highlights will include: A haunt tour and dinner Friday night, a costume ball on Saturday night; Sponsored by Dark Light precision Lighting Systems, a hearse car rally featuring cars from around the northwest and other events throughout the weekend.

Education at the West Coast Haunters Convention is paramount and this year will be no exception. Classes and workshops will take place daily, with over 50 hours of topics related to all areas of haunting and haunted houses!

This years tradeshow floor will feature some of the top vendors in the industry and the new home haunter’s headquarters. The move to the Doubletree allows the tradeshow to more than double the available space for vendors. All this and the opportunity to network with hundreds of haunted house owners and enthusiasts can be found at the 2012 WCHC.

The show was started by Ed Roberts, of The Nightmare Factory, a charity haunt for the Oregon School for the Deaf. They were featured on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

The West Coast Haunters Convention was started because other conventions were too far away or too costly for Ed to bring his students from the school for the Deaf, So Ed decided if he could not take his students to a convention he would bring the convention to his students with the intention of creating a haunters convention on the west coast for all haunters and Halloween fans.

One of the unique things about this convention is that it is run as a nonprofit that contributes to a foundation that provides grants for special education. There will always be workshops and seminars about charity haunting, be because the convention got its start at the Oregon School for the Deaf. Seminars will be interpreted for any deaf or hard of hearing participants.

All proceeds from the convention will go to the West Coast Haunters Convention Foundation, established to help teachers of both deaf and autistic children.

For more details please visit the WCHC web site at www.westcoasthauntersconvention.com

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Posted in Conventions, Oregon, Terror Tips, Travel Terrors | No Comments »

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