Event Report – Dread Central Attends the Kick-Off of Knott’s Scary Farm 2015
Sean Decker
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On September 24th, we made a truly frightening pilgrimage (two hours and change in snarled L.A. traffic from Hollywood to Buena Park, CA) to the commencement of Knott’s Scary Farm, 2015. But was the event, now in its 43rd year of operation, worth the drive? Step inside for a rundown on what we saw, what we missed, and a photo gallery.
With four more maze attractions than its competitor Halloween Horror Nights, in this writer’s estimation, when it comes to park attractions turned “haunt” in SoCal, there’s no bigger bang for your buck than Knott’s: World-class coasters, Elvira’s returning show (this year titled “Elvira’s Asylum”), engaging mazes, that sense of sweet nostalgia for Los Angeles residents given the attraction’s four-plus-decade run, and oh, let me not forget two of the park’s best aspects – inexpensive tickets and short lines – all conspire to make for an entirely enjoyable experience.
So, what did we see? Following a drink or three with fellow journalists Christopher Jimenez, Richard Trejo, and Sam Santi at the media reception, first up on our maze tour was the all new “PARANORMAL, INC.: Case #1, The Haunting of Hayden Hill.”
Unlike its competitor HHN, whose mazes are derived from licensed and known film properties, Knott’s attractions and their narratives are often based on historical characters, urban legends, and in this case, the public’s fascination with reality TV shows focusing on paranormal investigation. Beginning with a “live” taping of a ghost hunting show, the opening scene of “PARANORMAL, INC.,” complete with a cheesy host, effectively lulled us into near catatonia. Good thing, too, as it served as an entirely effective setup for a gasp-inducing punch line we couldn’t have predicted. What followed was a claustrophobic journey into a haunted hospital, complete with elevated production design, startling wire gags and more than a few jump scares.
Following this ghostly encounter, we ventured into the returning “Pinocchio Unstrung” (wooden boy wants to be real, so he cuts off people’s faces), “The Tooth Fairy” (grim, gory, and unsettling with A Nightmare on Elm Street “boiler room” aesthetic), and “Trick or Treat” mazes. All are a good time, although the latter seemed lacking in that its historic finale was cut (and it appears as though the park decided instead of restoration to replace the much-loved Halloween tree at the maze’s entrance with a new, and unfortunately rather one-dimensional, one). Still, the attraction remains eye candy for those with a love of the Halloween season, and the opening jack-o’-lantern strewn staircase and new “bewitched attic” and “potion room” all conspire to communicate the holiday.
Possessing perhaps the most top-notch production design of the mazes we experienced, we headed over to the “Voodoo: Order of the Serpent” attraction, and we weren’t let down. A descent into the haunted bayous of Louisiana and populated with nefarious voodoo priests, priestesses, corpses, crocodiles, and more, the maze delivers, from its opening “snake woman” gag to its overall immersive quality.
With so much to do (we did catch the opening number of Elvira’s show, which as in years past retains a kitschy, burlesque personality and Vegas quality show design), we missed the mazes “Dead of Winter,” “My Bloody Clementine,” “Black Magic,” “Forevermore,” and “Gunslinger’s Grave: A Blood Moon Rises,” as well as the show “The Hanging” (although we hear it’s as politically incorrect as ever) and, sadly, the zombie shoot “Special Ops: Infected – Patient Zero” (we were really looking forward to that one, although it appeared that operationally there was an opening night delay). A follow-up visit is in order.
What we wanted more of? Fog. There wasn’t nearly enough (“Fog Alley” exempt), and the sounds of the 90’s goth band Switchblade Symphony were suspiciously absent from the park (c’mon, Knott’s, don’t break tradition; we notice these things). Overall, though, it was a blast.
Recommendation? While the park’s lines are happily short, purchasing a Fright Lane pass with a Skeleton Key for $105 is the way to go. The former will assist in seeing everything during your visit, and the latter unlocks hidden rooms within a handful of the mazes for added scares.
Knott’s Scary Farm is located at 8039 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park and runs on select dates from now until Halloween. For ticket info, click here!
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