If Knott’s Scary Farm’s 2015 preview of what guests can expect when the gates open Sept. 24 into a fog-filled landscape crawling with ghouls and all things dead-ish is any indication, this year’s haunted attracted promises to be a real screamer. We can expect three new mazes (there are 11 mazes total this year), all of which are full of blood-curdling enticement.
Paranormal, Inc. takes guests into a haunted hospital as part of a paranormal investigation. Apparently there will be no shortage of demonic spirits, as well as aerial stunts.
My Bloody Clementine signals the return of live monster talent to the Calico Mine Ride. From the demented mind of designer Daniel Miller, this maze tells the story of Clementine and her father, murdered there centuries ago and determined to take sweet bloody vengeance on their murderers. And if we know Miller, he will not take “bloody” lightly.
The Dead of Winter takes a slightly different angle to the idea of scaring. With the maze, designer Gus Krueger rebels against the typical dark, hot and hellish idea of what is horrifying. You will be pursued by an angry Snow Queen and her undead army of Viking warriors in a white, icy land. According to Krueger, he always wanted to create a high-contrast maze like this. “We’re not gonna be afraid of bright lights. We’re not gonna be afraid of really dark, darks. And we’re really not gonna be afraid of rich blood red,” he said.
Also, the Green Witch is back this year, but with a new sadistic Deadly 7 – her entourage of monsters representing the seven deadly sins. They will be making surprise visits throughout the park.
We also should mention some interesting tweaks to a couple of the returning attractions. First off, the Infected interactive zombie attraction returns – yay – with better guns and a bigger course. Instead of two courses, it will be one giant crazy zombie apocalypse experience. Secondly, The Gunslinger’s Grave Western-themed maze is back and now it’s gone to the wolves – werewolves. We look forward to the added fur.
RIP One final word… We held our breaths waiting to hear about a new Trapped maze. And, sadly, there will be no Trapped this year. Trapped was a unique experience that really got our brains working trying to figure out how to get the hell out of the maze. The monster talent customized the experience to each small group that entered and it all made for an extremely memorable, just plain fun experience. We will miss you Trapped, long lines and all.
Details:
Knott’s Scary Farm runs Sept. 24, 25, 26, Oct. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31
Hours are 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays