Haunted Houses are the latest fad in horror. To many people horror movies no longer give you nightmares or scare you out of your wits. You’re craving much more. Well there’s great news for you. Haunted Houses are bigger than ever!
Haunted attractions have become high tech venues that do everything possible to make a scary scenario seem real, which includes hiring professional actors to jump out at you and using theatrical sets with sounds, lighting and animatronics.
Larry Kirchner, editor-in-chief of Hauntworld Magazine and a board member of The Haunted House Association, said haunted houses began on U.S. amusement piers in the 1920s then were run by charities before some went commercial in the 1980s.
No longer low class fright attraction, the Haunted House Association estimating the industry is now worth about $1 billion a year with ticket sales in the U.S. alone generating more than $500 million.
In the United States this year, 81 percent of amusement parks will hold Halloween or fall-themed events this year. Fewer than half offered Halloween attractions 15 years ago, and this trend is spreading internationally.
Rob Weiner, who lectures on the history of horror cinema at Texas Tech University Libraries, said these attractions provided something movies can't -- an in-your-face experience.
To check out all the Haunted Houses and attractions in Phoenix click here. Have a great time and remember, it’s all make-up and fun!
.jpg?i=102909122820){kind=small}
.jpg?i=102909122820){kind=small}
