Reaper’s Revenge – Haunted Attraction 2017 Preview

Joe Rovinsky |

Sep 22, 2017

Web Page: http://reapersrevenge.net/

Location: 460 Green Grove Rd, Olyphant, PA 18447

Reaper’s Revenge is a premier haunted attraction in the tri-state area and quite possibly one of the top attractions in the country. Over the past nine seasons, excellence in haunt operations and an obsessive commitment to the “perfect” horror inspired show, has fueled the augmented the rapid growth and evolution of this popular attraction. Every single season, Reaper’s Revenge grows by leaps and bounds while maintaining an emphasis on the “show” itself. Creative and design decisions are made to enhance the guest experience, and there are very few attractions that can compare with the “total package” approach to haunting executed by Reaper’s Revenge.

Reaper’s Revenge successfully incorporates immersive, transformative attraction designs coupled with first-class scare acting to create an unforgettable spectacle that has reached the pinnacle of horror inspired entertainment. No other show has captured the essence of Halloween and horror based entertainment in a manner that targets the diverse persuasions of each guest that enters through Reaper’s Revenge’s gates. While not always terrifying for those hardened haunt fans, the design and quality of each attraction allow even the most jaded visitor a chance to become immersed in a transformative, theatrical experience. This season, Reaper’s Revenge has continued to refine its four core haunted attractions, injecting new life into perhaps its most terrifying attraction “Pitch Black.” Newly christened as “Pitch Black Incorporated,” this attraction is not to be taken lightly. While many haunts host “dark” or “lights out” mazes, none have reached the level of fear generated by this newly enhanced attraction. “Pitch Black Incorporated” alone would be worth the price of admission, as it is a sensory-based haunt that is relentless in using psychology to create fear. Continued development and attraction improvement ensure that veteran guests and first-time visitors experience a fresh show each season.

In 2017, Reaper’s Revenge continues to expand as it achieves industry recognition. Reaper’s Revenge is now a part of the “13 Haunts” a major industry organization promoting some of the top attractions in the tri-state area. Furthermore, this November the attraction will be featured on “Transworld’s Legendary Haunt Tour,” a major end-of-season industry gala allowing haunters across the country the opportunity to experience this special attraction. Industry recognition is the telltale sign that Reaper’s Revenge has “arrived” on the major, mainstream haunted attraction scene. Dedicated scare actors, seasoned management, and creative visionaries all work together in concerted effort to grow the attraction to new heights. The 2017 season is shaping up to be an exciting, hallmark season, the next chapter in the rapid expansion of what may truly be “America’s Best Haunted Attraction.”

Behind the Haunt

Development of Reaper’s Revenge is an ongoing, collaborative process that continues throughout each season well into the spring and summer months. Nine years ago, Reaper’s Revenge opened as a rather unassuming “Hayride” and dark maze “Pitch Black” attraction staffed by only thirty-five scare actors. Flash forward to the 2017 season and the attraction has grown in every aspect of haunt design, with one of the most structurally impressive, immersive haunts one can ever visit. Guests are provided with ninety minutes of non-stop horror-themed entertainment, catering to diverse guest interests and backgrounds. An obsessive commitment to excellence ensures that each attraction is structurally and creatively designed to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

Every single aspect of each attraction’s design is carefully planned, analyzed and tweaked throughout the season in a collaborative manner incorporating diverse perspectives into the haunt design process. Constructive criticism, customer feedback, and reviews play a significant role in defining the characterizations and stylistic approach of each four attractions. Scare actors and management take feedback seriously monitoring social media, online and print reviews. At times, some of the staff members take negative feedback almost too personally, as an insult to their arduous work, yet turn that frustration into fuel which only enhances each nightly performance and yearly improvements. Sound effects, scene-specific lighting, pyrotechnics and large-scale structural designs create unforgettable scenes along the extensive journey 65-acre journey. An all-around entertainment package is promoted by Reaper’s Revenge, as scenes are designed to make guests laugh, induce scares and at times hone in on the phobias of those looking for mature-themed scares.

Reaper’s Revenge is systematically designed to immerse guests in diverse horror inspired scenes. Each scene is designed to transform each environment, creating a spectacle that places the guest at the center of each scene. For example, the “Lost Carnival” attraction features authentic rides, a funhouse, and carnival specific soundtracks that transform the entire environment, a surreal departure from the tranquil forest. The level of set detail is impressive, yet some of the most impressive work is unseen. From enhanced safety measures to new infrastructure improvements, there is a great deal of work, time and cost put into each scene/attraction at Reaper’s Revenge. Careful implementation of long-term plans that ensure continued to grow maximizes the potential of each attraction and allows guests each year to experience a new, fresh show.

Quality scare acting and scene-specific storytelling ensure that each attraction is different from the next. A full-scale make-up and design facility, hidden from public view is the core control center, the heart of Reaper’s Revenge, designed to prepare each scare actor for a nightly show. After a long night of haunting, the staff of the attraction meets for a voluntary post-haunt meeting. This time allowed the actors and staff to inform management of any issues, highlight each other’s strengths and discuss solutions for any problems which may have arisen during the night. A supportive, collaborative environment allows each actor and staff member to voice concerns, receive feedback as well as improve the operation of the show. The level of passion for providing a quality show is felt while watching each scare actor encourage each other to be better, and focus on creating an even better show regardless of crowd sizes. The collaborative environment encourages all staff to play an integral role in the creative process, creating personal investment in producing the best-haunted attraction experience for every single guest.

Attractions

Diversity in design, coupled with a passion for producing the “perfect” show is more than just an abstract concept, but a theme that is conveyed in the quality of each featured attraction. The entire atmosphere of Reaper’s Revenge embraces the spirit of Halloween with a variety of entertainment options that go beyond the core attractions. Guests can purchase new merchandise, play “Zombie Paintball,” watch theatrical stage shows and dance routines while sitting by a bonfire.

What is important to note that not only does Reaper’s Revenge pride itself on providing a quality show, management focuses on ensuring that wait times are at a minimum without sacrificing the integrity of each attraction. Implementation of line-queue management systems, such as timing strategies and the addition of new wagons are used to ensure that each guest intimately experiences the show. Wait times may be extended due to the increasing popularity of the attraction, but Reaper’s Revenge strives to provide a quality show without pushing large hordes of guests through each specific haunt. Scare actors are trained to utilize their abilities to manage lines within each attraction and even on the busiest nights we rarely have encountered other groups on our many visits. Furthermore, entry into each attraction is “timed” by haunt management to keep effective crowd flow and prevent the dreaded “conga line “backup effect. While some may be angered by wait times, Reaper’s Revenge displays a color-coded map with suggestions on when to avoid “busy” nights.

Haunted Hayride

“Haunted Hayride” is the classic centerpiece of Reaper’s Revenge the start of a ninety-minute spectacle, an unforgettable journey targeting the interests and fears of each guest. Haunted Hayride boasts incredible structural designs, scene-specific sound, and special effects that transform the forest into diverse Halloween inspired scenes. Each scene is strategically designed to entertain haunt fans of diverse backgrounds. Diversity in scene design ensures that each guest is entertained during the lengthy hayride attraction. Guests will be subjected to Zombies attacks, visits with iconic horror movie characters, a trip through the enchanting Pumpkin Forest, an encounter with a vicious “Reaper” are all staples of the hayride experience. Scare actors use their environments and roles to engage each guest and create a constant sense of anticipation juxtaposed with fear. Zombies pull unsuspecting guests from the wagon; demented tribal monsters make their sacrificial offerings and chainsaw-wielding maniacs charge each wagon at full force, as guests prepare for a final encounter with the infamous “Reaper.”

Lost Carnival

“Lost Carnival” embraces a surreal, nightmarish authenticity that goes beyond the traditional designs of carnival inspired haunted attractions. Clowns and various freaks pop almost out of nowhere, grab and touch as they create an atmosphere of constant tension. Each scene of the “Lost Carnival” creates an immersive haunt experience in which character actors utilize realistic set designs to create stories and torment visitors. Carnival authentic sound and special effects allow for nonstop startle and interactive scares. For first-time visitors, “Lost Carnival” is truly a “special” attraction and words cannot describe the surreal atmosphere of a joyous nightmare brought to life.

Pitch Black (Updated for 2017)

Pitch Black’s sinister design invokes panic, cultivating a truly terrifying, claustrophobic, sensory assault that pushes guests to their breaking points. The attraction is designed to be a relentless assault on one’s senses, creating a constant feeling of insanity. “Pitch Black” is not to be underestimated, and strikes at one’s innermost fears and phobias. For the 2017 season, “Pitch Black” has undergone extensive upgrades, transforming the already terrifying attraction into a sinister “factory” of fear. In 2017, “Pitch Black Incorporated” comes to life, promising to terrify even the most jaded guests, with an all-out barrage on the senses.

Sector 13

“Sector 13” is a post-apocalyptic nightmare, a custom-built dungeon home to a variety of aggressive militant police, twisted monstrosities, psychotic doctors, and freakish experimental creatures that cannot be defined. The gritty, barbed wire surrounded structure of “Sector 13” creates an authentic post-apocalyptic experience. Sound and lighting effects augment the transformative nature of the attraction, such as the blaring sounds of helicopters and aggressive orders barked by the corrupted military personnel. While visiting “Sector 13,” guests may be subjected to experiences that range from the bizarre to the terrifying. Grotesque mutants litter the grounds of the infirmary area, twisted doctors force “surgery” upon various guests, guests are locked in a variety of cages, and drill sergeants bark strict orders as each guest tries to escape. “Sector 13” is a physically exhausting, relentless attraction.

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