What makes all the commotion all the more amazing is that there really weren’t very many new mazes unveiled. Seven mazes had already been announced prior to the event, six of which were returners, and front man Jeff Tucker announced four more -- two of which were new. A slate of three new mazes out of 11 total isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, but Scary Farm has largely trimmed down on the fat and excess of some of its mazes and most of the offering at this year’s event sound pretty darn good. So let’s get to that.
NEW MAZES
Dead of Winter
Somehow, someway we made it through this announcement without a “Let it Go” joke being cracked. God is good. “Dead of Winter” takes guests through an icy tundra to face a vengeful snow queen; what she’s so upset about isn’t mentioned and honestly doesn’t matter. Vikings were mentioned, meaning this will have a bit of a Nordic twist.
Sound familiar? Of course not.
Paranormal Inc.
This announcement had a considerable amount of song and dance to it. A group of paranormal researchers (think Ghost Hunters, or Tucker and Specs from “Insidious”) came out on stage to announce they would be doing some research at Knott’s Berry Farm.
While talking about their work, one of the not-so-lucky band of nerds is snatched up by some sort of invisible demon, ala “Paranormal Activity,” and is dragged away to a grisly murder (offstage, of course). This maze sounds to me like a classic haunted house with this group of paranormal investigators mixed in as a bit of comic relief. Sign me up.
My Bloody Clementine
While not really a maze, the newest overlay on the Calico Mine Ride sounds like it just might be the best yet. Taking full advantage of the updated tech on the Mine Ride, Knott’s will opt to tell a great ghost story on the ride in 2015. Oh, and for the first time there will be live actors populating the mine.
How this will all play out remains to be seen, but color me optimistic. I think this is going to work.
NOT QUITE NEW
Special Ops Infected - Patient Zero
I was not a huge fan of the Special Ops experience at Scary Farm last year. I was in the minority. This year it’s back with double the actors and double the route — and updated guns to boot. So if you liked it last year, it’s back with a vengeance this year.
The Gunslinger’s Grave - A Blood Moon Rises
This was, by far, the worst maze at Scary Farm last year. Why? It wasn’t scary. Because cowboys aren’t scary. That just might change this year, as it sounds like werewolves will be added to the mix in a reboot of last year’s maze.
Voodoo - Order of the Serpent
By far the best maze last year, Voodoo is back and bigger than ever; which is good news given the maze’s relatively small footprint last year.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
Tooth Fairy
A decent maze last year that will serve its purpose well this year.
Trick or Treat
Quickly becoming a staple of Scary Farm, this was one of the better mazes over the past couple of years and there’s no reason to think that will change this year.
Forevermore
One of my personal favorites, particularly because the set dressings are so damn good, this Edgar Allen Poe themed maze is a lot of fun.
Black Magic
Cool sets and a fun concept have been largely wasted on an aimless, directionless cast. Someone figure out how to get scares going in this thing!
Pinocchio Unstrung
Just bring back the Doll Factory. This maze has long rotted away.
SHOWS
Elvira’s Asylum
She didn’t make an appearance at Wednesday’s unveiling, but she’ll be back for the third-straight year with a new show.
The Hanging
Here’s the new Hanging, it’ll be a lot like the old Hanging.
Tickets are on sale now and the event begins on Sept. 24. What maze are you most looking forward to?
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