Episodes
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Halloween is having a moment, and Universal is here for it. Comcast announced it will split into two companies, with the entertainment half, NBCUniversal, anchored by its growing theme parks division. Since Comcast has made horror a central part of its brand, Halloween is about to become a much more visible story on earnings calls, and a higher bar for HHN and Horror Unleashed to clear. That dovetails with everything else Universal announced this week, from four new HHN Orlando houses to a Resident Evil takeover in Las Vegas. We also look at Michaels betting big on Halloween nostalgia, and what that might say about the consumer.
In this issue:
- Comcast to Spin Off NBCUniversal Around Universal's Theme Parks
- Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Announces Remaining Original Houses
- Resident Evil Takeover Soft-Launches at Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas
- Michaels Bets on Nostalgia With Six 2026 Halloween Décor Collections
- House of Horror Haunted Carnival Moves to Tropical Park
- IAAPA Expo 2026 Registration Opens, Haunting Grounds Moves to West Building
- Run Your Own Dark Ride with "Scream Operator: Haunted House Manager" Game
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/comcast-splits-as-universal-bets-big-on-halloween -
Two threads land on themes we keep circling back to: who you're selling to and what you're selling is changing.
Families are one of the three groups still spending on attractions, and the new Universal Kids Resort is a direct play for that demographic. But, it seems to suffer from the same issue as Universal Horror Unleashed: Universal positioned the product as premium, betting that the IP and brand would justify the price, and early reviews show it struggling to meet guest expectations.
The operators who get premium right don't lean solely on IP to do the work. They build a strong core product, evoke emotion, and let everything else extend it.
Ultimately, we all sell memories made of emotion, and increasingly, guests want to buy items that extend them. During IAAPA Expo Asia, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park explained how merchandise fits into that cycle.
For haunts, it comes down to one question: what's the moment in your attraction that guests already talk about, photograph, and remember? You're not just selling the scare. You're selling the moment they'll remember, and everything else extends it.
In this issue:
-Universal Kids Resort Opens For Previews
-Stranger Things Returns to Halloween Horror Nights
-H.R. Bloodengutz Returns to HHN Orlando with New Original House
-Dollywood Hosts Its First Separately-Ticketed After-Hours Halloween Event
-The Rocky Horror Picture Show Planned for Sphere in 2027
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/a-haunt-sells-memories-not-scares -
Missing episodes?
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Spirit Halloween announced it will hire over 52,000 seasonal associates, the largest hiring event in the company's history. Most Americans don't go to a haunted house, but nearly all of them first encounter Halloween through retail. Retail is the first wave of the season, and it primes guests for everything that comes after, including your attraction.
In this issue:
-Spirit Halloween to Hire 52,000 Seasonal Associates
-2026 Halloween & Costume Association Awards Open for Submissions
-Legoland Florida Expands Brick-or-Treat to 18 Days
-Knott's Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed Returns August 18th
-Green Tagged's News Catch-Up
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/what-52000-halloween-hires-mean-for-your-haunt -
Our job is to entertain people. How they want to be entertained, though, might be changing. New data from PGAV and Integrated Insight show that the audience for paid attractions is shifting, with visits down about 11% year over year, with the steepest declines among lower-income households, women, and families without kids.
This week, we break down who's still spending, what they want, and why Disney's new Oogie Boogie Bash street party might point to where entertainment is heading.
In this issue:
-Madame Leota's Swinging Wake Comes to Oogie Boogie Bash
-Monstropolis Celebrates H.U.M.A.N. Day at Disney's Hollywood Studios
-Six Flags Fiesta Texas Announces Werewolf Gorge Launch Coaster
-Nightmare Wharf Reveals Attraction Themes
-Midsummer Scream Announces Main Stage Theme Park Panels
-C.H.A.O.S. Training to Be Held on June 27th
- Midwest Haunters Convention Returns June 10th-13th, 2027
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/whos-still-spending-on-attractions -
Haunts and theme parks are facing similar challenges in entertaining guests: the connective tissue between the big moments is what makes the day (or night) work.
In this issue:
- Sinners Announced for Halloween Horror Nights Orlando and Hollywood
- Hersheypark Dark Nights Sets June Audition Dates
- Epic Universe Turns One: Takeaways
- Disney Faces Class Action Over Disneyland Facial Recognition
- Field of Screams Nixa Expands to Branson With New Indoor Haunt
- Hotel of Terror Reaches Purchase Agreement with City of Springfield
- Monsterpalooza Comes to Pasadena, CA This Weekend
- Get Ready for Midwest Haunters Convention, June 6th - 7th
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/why-haunts-are-becoming-scream-parks -
Last week I attended IAAPA Honors, and my biggest takeaway was something I saw last year: F&B as narrative. From LA Haunted Hayride's Cider Mill to Scarehouse Windsor's dinner experiences, the expansion of food carts at HHN, and all the haunts with hidden bars, we're seeing more haunts weaving food into the story. Guests are buying experiences from us, and food has to be part of that, not separate from it. Also this week: United Parks posted a rough Q1 while peer parks grew, and the next Sphere is heading to Yas Island.
In this issue:
F&B as Narrative: What I Saw at IAAPA Honors
United Parks' Dismal Q1
The Next Sphere Is Going to Yas Island
Derry Halloween to Adopt New Partner-Led Approach
First Look at Midwest Haunters Convention Exhibitor List
Haunters Toolbox: Inhuman Resources Hiring Session
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/why-haunts-are-weaving-food-into-the-story -
Both Disney and Six Flags posted strong earnings this week, and while haunts are a few steps removed from the major theme park operators, it tells us something useful: guests are still booking, still spending, and still showing up. The two chains are taking different approaches to the same moment, with Six Flags leaning into value and regional passes while Disney leans into premium. For haunted attractions, the takeaways are the same ones we've been tracking since TransWorld. In this issue:
Disney Q2 Revenue Up 7% as D'Amaro Pitches Disney+ as Everything App
Six Flags Q1 Revenue Up 12% as Reilly Doubles Down on Pass Strategy
Oogie Boogie Bash Returns for 33 Select Nights
AEOStudios to Close in June After 30 Years
ScareCON 26 Takes Place May 18-20
Mars Unveils New Seasonal Treats for Halfway to Halloween
Read More: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/what-disney-and-six-flags-tell-haunts-about-fall -
It was a slow news week after the rush of Halfway to Halloween, but a few major trends are emerging that could shape this Halloween season.
In this issue:
-Dead Man's Party Returns to Six Flags Great Adventure
-Six Flags St. Louis Enacts Strict Chaperone Policy
-Universal Horror Unleashed Teases New Dinner Series
-Nocturne Theatre Debuts The Eaves
-Ohio Haunters Convention Takes Place This Weekend
-Midwest Haunters Convention Announces Pre-Show Tours
-Spooky Swap Meet Announces 2027 Dates
READ MORE:
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/the-trends-shaping-the-2026-halloween-season -
Halloween creep is officially here. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to the Magic Kingdom on August 7th, the earliest start date in the event's history. But Disney is moving up the calendar without really reinvesting in the event itself. Combined with Universal bringing back HHN icons and recent earnings flagging softer summer demand, the question is whether the major operators are quietly bracing for a slower fall.
In this issue:
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns August 7th
Universal Parks Revenue Surges 24%, But There's a Catch
Dark Nights at Hersheypark Returns September 12th
SCAR Awards 2026 Nominees Announced Ahead of ScareCON
Winchester Mystery House Halfway to Halloween Events
Dark Hour Hosts Halfway to Halloween Spring Market
Spirit Halloween Reveals 2026 Store Theme
Lowe's Halloween Early Access for Rewards Members
HAA Silent Online Auction Live Until May 31st
Read More: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/halloween-creep-hits-a-new-record -
It's Halfway to Halloween week, and haunters nationwide are celebrating. The Spooky Swap Meet is taking over Heritage Square Museum in LA, the East Coast Haunters Convention kicks off this week in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and it's also the opening weekend of Universal Fan Fest Nights, where Universal Monsters are headlining.
In this issue:
-East Coast Haunters Convention Guide
-Spooky Swap Meet This Weekend
-Fan Fest Nights Food and Merchandise Lineup
-Six Flags Reinstates Park Presidents at 10 Parks
-Field of Screams Halfway to Halloween Music Fest
-Creep It Real OC Announces September Return
-Universal Horror Unleashed Panel at Monsterpalooza
Read more here:
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/how-haunters-are-celebrating-halfway-to-halloween -
The East Coast Haunters Convention is less than two weeks out, and this week's HAN newsletter has your full guide to haunt tours, the show floor, seminars, and the Saturday night party at Shocktoberfest. Build season is picking up, and we're booking Vendor Spotlight Videos on the ECHC floor.
Also this week: Disney cut 1,000 jobs across marketing and publicity while parks and live entertainment went untouched, Home Depot dropped its 2026 Halloween lineup in April, and Dorney Park faces a negligent hiring lawsuit tied to a Halloween Haunt employee.In this issue:
Your Guide to the East Coast Haunters Convention
Disney Lays Off 1,000, Theme Parks Untouched
Dorney Park Sued for Negligent Hiring
Disney Patents a Heat Exposure Prediction System
Home Depot Releases New 2026 Props
Thirteenth Floor Hiring for CA Scenic Shop
Haunters Toolbox Live Session with Spooky World
Creep I.E. Aftermath Tickets on Sale
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/echc-retail-creep-and-1000-disney-layoffs -
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/transworld-2026-the-full-recap
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Held annually at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show, the State of the Industry Seminar brings together HAA board members, haunt owners, operators, and vendors for a candid look at the past season and the challenges ahead. Moderated by outgoing President Jim Werner (Pennhurst Asylum), this year's discussion covered the ongoing insurance crisis, AI's impact on search and operations, and a push for collaboration over competition. Read our full recap here.
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TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show kicks off this week in St. Louis. Whether you're heading to the show floor or following from home, here's what the industry is talking about heading into the biggest week of the year.
Also this week:- Halloween Horror Nights 35 Reveals First Haunted House and Returning Icons- Jana Partners Pushes Six Flags to Explore Sale- Sesame Workshop Sues United Parks to Terminate Licensing Agreement- Carowinds Brings The Conjuring: Beyond Fear to Spring Break with First-Ever Scream Break- HAA Proposes Bylaws Changes That Would Open Board Seat to Non-Owner/Operators- Minecraft World Announced for Chessington World of Adventures in 2027- Funland to Renovate Haunted Mansion Ride- Horror at Hinchingbrooke House Cancelled Due to School Grounds Damage
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/transworld-week-is-here -
TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show returns to St. Louis next week with 450+ exhibitors, dozens of seminars, and a full week of industry events. We put together a guide to help you navigate it all.
Also this week:- Travis Kelce Signs On as Six Flags Brand Ambassador- New State Lease Terms Put Old Joliet Haunted Prison's Future in Question- Will Attractions Be Impacted by Conflict in the Middle East?- Limited-Time Savings on Universal Horror Unleashed Tickets- Wicked New England Returns to Salem With Year-Two Expansion- Slashers Axe Throwing Hosts 2nd Annual Purge Night Tournament.
Read more: http://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/the-haunt-industry-descends-on-st-louis-next-week -
It's March, and that means convention season for the haunted attraction industry is upon us! This week: Preview the floor plans for TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show, coming up March 26th - 29th in St. Louis; Midsummer Scream Tickets On Sal; East Coast Haunters Convention Haunt Tour Tickets On Sale; Texas Haunters Convention Registration Open; United Parks Reports Declining Revenue Amid Stock Buybacks; Dark Masquerade Returns to Queen Mary in March; Distortions Unlimited Reveals Frankenstein Animatronic. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-convention-season-is-underway
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Six Flags is rethinking seasonal events after cancelling Christmas lead to an estimated loss of 425,000 visitors.
Also this week:
- Imminent Doom Haunted House wins OSCARES Best New Haunt Award
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/six-flags-rethinks-seasonal-events -
The 2026 OSCARES Award winners have been announced, honoring excellence across the haunted attraction industry ahead of the March 28th ceremony at TransWorld.
Also this week:
- Glenwood Caverns Files for Bankruptcy After $116M Verdict
- Dark Masquerade Returns in March After Sold-Out Debut
- Derry Halloween Proposes Ticketing System for 40th Anniversary
- East Coast Haunters Convention Announces Haunt Tours
- HAA Live Auction Moves to Thursday Night
- Midsummer Scream Haunter Pass Applications Open
- 7 Gates Screampark Rebrands as Pine Street Horror
https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=5e7f24babe8c8ee6cfc465904&id=0b6d76bf7d -
D'Amaro is Disney's new CEO, underscoring that Disney's future runs through physical experiences rather than linear media; we explain why this will benefit Halloween events.Also this week:- Spooky Swap Meet Tickets on Sale- Runway Showcase at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show- East Coast Haunters Convention Announces Haunt Tours- 3rd Annual Halfway to Halloween Festival Comes to Rancho Jurupa Park- Six Flags Restructures Season Passes Into Regional Tiers- Haunted Calgary Delivers Ghoulish Greetings for Valentine's Dayhttps://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/what-disneys-new-ceo-means-for-halloween
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Over 100 haunts are opening for Valentine's weekend, and Dark Hour's new interactive mechanic shows how operators are evolving the off-season format.
This week:- Dark Hour's Glow Stick Mechanic Turns Blackout Haunts Into a Game- Universal's Hotel Strategy Crosses $1B Quarterly EBITDA- Attractions Magazine's Epic Universe Guide Now Available Digitally- Ask the Haunter: Live Q&A with Philip Hernandez (Feb 10)- Efteling Partners with HHN's Nightmare Fuel Team for New Show- Horrorland Miami's "Love Kills" Valentine's Event- Creep It Real OC Announces 2026 Dates- HAA Proposes Bylaw Opening Board to Non-Owner/Operators- 100+ Valentine's and Friday the 13th Haunts Nationwide
Read more:
https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/is-your-haunt-capitalizing-on-valentines-day - Show more
