Dracula’s Forest 2015 Review
Dracula’s Forest (website)
Location: 2828 Rock Rd, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Introduction
Dracula’s Forest has been providing scares for the past 32 years and boasts probably the most perfect “atmosphere” for a creepy haunted attraction set in the dense forest of Ransom, PA. The attraction’s design has a distinctively vintage feel, with a hayride that features some of the most unique, classic props, gritty animatronics, action packed scenes and a haunting soundtrack which makes for an entertaining yearly visit to this classic attraction. Dracula’s Forest’s atmosphere, the dimly lit trail, and creepy set designs set the perfect backdrop for a hayride that includes actors who are well hidden, and seem to pop out of nowhere. This year Dracula’s Forest has added a new walk-through addition “The Walk of Doom”, which has great potential as it continues to utilize the incredible outdoor environment of the attraction’s forest to generate fear.
Dracula’s Forest may be familiar for those who visit on a yearly basis but overall they feature one of the most entertaining haunted hayride attractions you can visit this year. Dracula’s Forest also has the potential to be one of the scariest attractions in the area, it has the perfect atmosphere, fantastic, creepy sets and structural design that can provide the backdrop for the actors to terrorize guests. Perhaps the attraction can incorporate more mature nights, to complement its family friendly atmosphere to cater to haunt fans of all interests. Several haunted attractions host special nights such as “contact nights” or “black out nights”, and Dracula’s Forest can utilize a similar strategy to reach its potential at being one of the most terrifying haunted hayrides in the Northeast.
Attractions
Dracula’s Forest Haunted Hayride
The “Haunted Hayride” attraction is the centerpiece of Dracula’s Forest and one of the best hayrides you can visit in 2015. The classic set design, vintage/creepy props, lighting and fog which creates an incredible atmosphere for a haunted hayride. The set design has an old-school feel, featuring gory props, interactive animatronics and scenes which feature some classic horror monsters, and actors who are hidden within the darkness. The set designs and props are unique to this haunted attraction and are likely from generations past. From the Crypt Keeper who sits atop his “treasure”, a disturbing “wizard”, animatronic witches, and a disturbing graveyard scene, the visuals you will see at this attraction are some of the most memorable in any haunted attraction. The “Haunted Hayride” is action packed, there is little downtime between sets, and actors are hidden around every corner. Some actors have impressive masks, and costume designs, while others are characters dressed in hooded sweatshirts/ jeans. Dracula’s Forest can improve its attraction by enhancing the overall FX and make-up design of its actors to differentiate between each scene. Furthermore, aggressive actors who rely on jump scares/screaming can be balanced with those who “act”, and interact with guests on the hayride. Simply yelling in guests faces, does not always generate scares. A balance of jump scares, and interactive actors coupled with improved costume/makeup designs can make the hayride a more diverse experience. The setting of the hayride is the perfect backdrop for talented scare actors to interact with guests in creative ways. The “Haunted Hayride” finale the infamous “Tunnel of Terror” has also improved (although slightly) from last year. Incorporating Michael Myers, insane clowns and chainsaws the ending was far more effective than previous years. If the actors were again allowed to turn up the level of aggression, perhaps touch or interact with guests this ending can be even scarier than it already is for more mature guests. We were also perplexed by the missing “flying chainsaw” actor who always seemed to be a crowd favorite this year. The attraction at times seems like its holding itself back from turning up the fear, the potential is always present, and we look forward to what Dracula’s Forest has planned next year.
The Walk of Doom
The “Walk of Doom” is a new out-door haunted trail that is guided by an actor through the dark forest. The “Walk of Doom” has several interesting set designs, such as an impressive “werewolf scene”, creepy clown scene and set in which a “guest” is abducted by a maniac. The creepy walk-through the forest is an effective environment for scares, and again the vintage/gritty quality of the set designs add to the atmosphere of the haunted attraction. The “Walk of Doom” can improve its experience by adding a few more actors along the dark trail and perhaps ditch the guide who takes guests through the trail. A self-guided trail, with small groups through the forest can be an effective and entertaining addition to this classic attraction. The ending of the “Walk of Doom” can also use some work as guests seemed to expect more at the end of the trail. Again, this a first new addition in several years to Dracula’s Forest and we hope they continue to take chances, and continue to evolve.
The Final Word
Dracula’s Forest every year provides an entertaining, old-school haunted attraction that at times seems to be holding itself back from being one of the most terrifying in the area. The gritty, vintage set pieces, set upon the dark backdrop of the evil forest is the perfect environment for a fantastic haunted attraction experience. As we mentioned last year, we also think the attraction can benefit from a more dedicated advertisement and online presence. Enhanced marketing, and social media outreach can expose this classic attraction to a whole new generation of haunt fans who are bombarded by media provided by newer haunts. Dracula’s Forest continues to be a yearly visit, and we look forward to see if they enhance the “Walk of Doom” in future haunt seasons. A trip to Dracula’s Forest is at times an experience that is rooted in haunts of years past, and hopefully this attraction finds its own niche to compete with the ever expanding haunted attraction industry in the northeast.
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