October Haunts and Hollywood Delights
Author: Ariel Landrum
The Halloween season is known for conjuring an atmosphere of moonlit mysteries and spine-chilling stories. Yet, amid the traditional haunts and frights, a unique experience emerges that brilliantly blends the world of cult-classic movies with Hollywood glamour – and it’s as thrilling as it sounds!
Whispers of ghostly tales and Halloween legends rose from the historic Hollywood Athletic Club this past October. For the second spine-chilling year, Freeform offered an interactive Halloween House experience that coincided with their thrilling 31 Nights of Halloween film schedule. For those unfamiliar, Freeform’s Halloween House isn’t your typical haunted abode. Instead, it stands as a testament to the magic of film, offering fans an interactive journey through some of their favorite Halloween movies. For its second year running, this incredible attraction has transformed the historic Hollywood Athletic Club into an immersive wonderland dedicated to everything spookily cinematic. As I stepped into this realm, I felt like a character plucked straight out of cinematic favorites like Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Addams Family.
Now, let me whisk you away to that thrilling night. But hold on tight; it’s a rollercoaster of fun and excitement!
Upon our arrival, a looming facade greeted my friends and I. Our tickets, sensitive to the dark arts of the time, advised us to come 15-30 minutes early. And thank the spirits we did! The undead line seemed to stretch on forever, and we only entered the House a tense ten minutes past our slotted time.
Upon entering, ghostly wristbands materialized on our arms, magically registered to our emails. These ethereal bands would connect us to the various haunted activations, where phantom cameras would capture our terror-stricken faces and send them directly to our mortal emails. No more waiting for that one friend to forward the memories!
The labyrinthine house beckoned us further. Behind its ancient walls, a myriad of bewitching games awaited. A backdrop inspired by the Scream house, the hauntingly beautiful Halloween Town tree portal, and more. Sponsored by the mystical powers of Party City and Butterfingers, I was ensnared by the first challenge – spinning the wheel of fate and the treacherous bean-bag toss. My friend Shauna emerged with a dragon-themed makeup kit, while James conjured a card holder, and I, in a twist of fortune, summoned a Butterfinger bar.
Journeying forth, the Scream house’s chilling embrace entrapped us. Adorning blonde bob wigs (a nod to Drew Barrymore’s unforgettable scene), a 90s phone beckoned us with its eerie ringtone. The voice on the other end whispered, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” Suddenly, without warning, the phantom camera captured our reaction, and then, just like that, we were released from the house’s clutches.
Outside, a macabre graveyard stretched before us. Tombstones paid comical homage to beloved Disney characters. As I chuckled at the tributes to Woody, Sully, and Sally, I felt a tingle down my spine – the mix of humor and horror was enchanting.
Bigger, bolder, and eerier than ever, the Halloween House unveiled more devilish delights. The iconic Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, where daring souls tested their fate with the black-flame candle, the eerie lair of Oogie Boogie, and the grandeur of the Addams Family living room were just a few of the phantasmal realms we ventured into.
My night at Freeform’s Halloween House was one for the ages. From the chilling games to the haunted realms of my favorite films, it was a night of spine-tingling excitement. For those considering a visit next year, my advice? Don’t think twice. Dive into the cinematic universe, let your imagination run wild, and savor every enchanting moment. Because opportunities like these, where fantasy and reality intertwine, are rare, fleeting, and worth every second.
Dare to share your own spooky stories from Freeform’s Halloween House? Haunt the comments section below with your tales, and let the spirits of Halloween live on! If you missed out, mark your calendar for the next otherworldly experience!