Updates and Howl-O-Scream 2010 review

33 days to go! We cleaned out the garage last night, and stocked up on a cemetery upgrade. Today we'll start pulling everything out and sorting through. If it doesn't rain, we can probably have the outside set up today or tomorrow.

UPDATED WISH LIST:
**Old paint** especially black, white, red, off white, and any neon colors
Paint mixers (those little wooden sticks that Home Depot and Lowe's give you when you buy paint. We need about 25. I'm gonna go beg today.
Old "creepy cloth" or tulle netting
Old bedsheets. Especially white.



HOWL-O-SCREAM Review
First off, let me say that I enjoyed it. I didn't know what to expect, but ended up having a great time. I've heard from multiple people and review sites that this is the WORST event Howl-O-Scream has created. If this is the worst year, then I'm pretty excited for the future. Here's my review (There are no spoilers).

We went to the "Freaky Preview" of Howl-O-Scream on Saturday. It was our first time ever attending this event. I went with no expectations being that I know they have a much smaller budget than Universals HHN, and they're not professional set setters. I've heard from some that it's better, some that it's not, so I went with an open mind. In the end, I found it a few steps up from a home haunt. They had a lot of store bought props, and most of the props they made can be made by the average home haunter. This isn't necessarily a bad thing being that HHN sometimes over does it with the elaborate sets sometimes, and forgets to concentrate more on the actual scares. It's just a more "raw" feel.

Before we went, this years HOS "My X" theme sounded kind of teeny-bopperish, and I wasn't really feeling it. I thought the best part about it was the "Behind the Band" recordings they had on their site. Unfortunately, this feeling didn't improve once we were there. I was kind of bored with this theme by the 3rd house (and there's a reference in every single one) Also, if I hear one more of My X's songs, I'm going to cry. Luckily, the theme wasn't the main focus of the night. There were references everywhere, but you can kind of ignore it. I didn't see the band play since I was talking to my Florida Haunters friends. Tavo said they sucked, and coming from a musician, I trust his judgement. They only played 3 songs, so if you're going, don't feel like you need to go out of your way to see the band play.

As far as the scare zones went, I wasn't impressed at all. That's it. Half the time we didn't even know we were in one until we saw a sign as we were leaving the area. Bad. Just bad.

Now onto the houses...
Overall, they were pretty well executed. Home haunt style on a bigger scale. The "My X" house was my least favorite. It was actually kinda dumb. The best part was the dressing room (check out the mirrors - awesome). My favorite regular house was Nightshade Toys. I LOVED it. I can actually use a lot of ideas from it too! Be sure not to miss that one (it's right by the entrance but we did it last). As far as the other houses, they were good. Not excellent, but they were good. It was fun. I don't think I saw a single vampire reference in "Taste of Blood", but it was good otherwise. "DEDer Extreme Rush" was kinda messed up, haha. "Deconstruction", "Death Row Vengeance" and "Trapped" were pretty cool. Awesomely ridiculous moment of the night: I don't remember which house it was, but our "greeter" said a creepy "what's up" to us... of course we returned it with "what's up". We kept going back and forth until it turned into a "whhaaazzzzaaaaaap" fest as we were all cracking up (actor included). Too funny!

Advice on making your haunted house experience more enjoyable:
We had speed passes so we zipped through all the lines (which were pretty long). Be sure to get the speed pass, but take your time! We were done with everything by 10:00 with the speed pass, but it was a preview night so I'm sure the rest of the month will be more crowded. While in the houses, SLOW DOWN!!! Take a minute to look at everything. Let a small space build up between you and the people in front of you. It gives the actors a chance to reset so they can be ready to scare you, otherwise you'll miss out and the people in front of you and behind you will get all the scares.

Now the best part of the night: ALONE
There is a $25 up charge for this house, and you need to make an appointment. If you are going, make your appointment NOW! They sell out FAST!!! You DO NOT want to miss this house. I was thoroughly impressed. I wish all the commercial haunts were like this. Anyone can jump out an say "boo!" but they put so much more into this. The house is about 10 - 12 minutes long, and you should get there 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time. They let a group in every 5 minutes. You can go in with maximum group size of 4, but if you go in completely alone, you get a T-shirt (which is a logo of the house from the website and says "I did it Alone". They only come in XL and XXL. Also, I've heard that not every trip through is the same. Some people get different experiences and endings. If you go to HOS this year, DO NOT MISS THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In full swing!

It's the most wonderful timmmmmmmeeeeeeee of the yeeeaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrr!!!

We're back from camping, and it's officially Halloween season. All the Halloween stores are open, all of the regular retailers have their shelves fully stocked, and I'm behind schedule (as usual). We start building the haunt in less than 2 weeks, and I haven't built a single prop! Who's surprised??? Not me! Hehe.

I'm still in need of plexiglas! Just ONE piece (around the size of a small window). I'm also looking for some additional actors this year. We'll need you Oct. 30th and 31st. Anyone? Anyone?

I need to pick up our new hallway soon so it can be painted, and I need to order pieces for the new prop that will go inside. I also need to dig deep in that creative brain of mine to build some more props that will be much needed in one of the rooms. My wonderful husband thinks we have enough already, but what does he know, right?!?!

Anyways, 41 days and I haven't started a thing! This weekend, it's game on!
Ready, set, go!

Halloween Stores opening

Just in case you're wondering, Spirit Halloween will be opening on Monday, September 6th (Labor Day). I said in a previous post that it is at Melbourne Square Mall, but it is NOT. (I know, I was shocked too!) It is in the OLD "Rooms-to-Go" building a few buildings east of the mall. (More space, which is better)

Halloween City is located at the Avenues in Viera, and in the old Circuit City at Melbourne Square Mall. I'm not sure when they open, because they don't update their website or leave any information on their automated message. In fact, according to the message, there will be NO Halloween City's in the Melbourne area... yet there are two. If "Spirit" opens on Monday, I'm assuming Halloween City will also... at least the mall location since they're going to have heavy competition there.

Shoot... Spirit, Party City and Halloween City all within 1/4 of a mile. Talk about 1 stop shopping :)

I got my tickets!!!

We got our Universal Studios "Halloween Horror Nights" tickets... and speed passes, of course! (Thank you, Jim!) We're going on Thursday, October 7th. I'm so excited!!! Let me know if you'd like to join us. I think our group is currently at 11 people. The more the merrier!

Also, We're probably going to go to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens on Saturday, September 25th during Florida Resident "Freaky Preview". I'm REALLY excited about their haunted house 'Alone'. I don't mind paying the upcharge for a personalized house. If you haven't heard, you pay $25.95 for your time slot. You can only bring up to 3 friends with you. You go into the house completely ALONE. If you go in by yourself (no friends) and make it through, you get a t-shirt. I'm cheap, so I rather Tavo and I share the time slot and skip the t-shirt. Either way, it should be pretty cool.

Getting there... 72 Days!

So we're almost at the 2 month mark, and I haven't done SQUAT! Luckily I work best under pressure. I wanna thank Dennis who will be giving us our extension for 2010, and Diane and Bob who will be giving us some decor and MUCH needed plexiglass. I can probably get the large cardboard box from work. I don't mind a little dumpster diving in a time of necessity. Of course I can just ask, but where's the fun in that??? :)


In case you're curious, but you're not a store stalker like me, Here is an update on the stores stocking Halloween goods. It will be brief, and then edited since I will make my rounds this weekend.

Yankee Candle - has had their full Halloween display up for a couple of weeks. New scents, new cute little creatures. Very nice.

Dollar Tree - I got to pick up some "nice" stuff a couple of weekends ago. Some repeats from last year, some new stuff. Well worth $1.

Old Time Pottery - Nice display on the seasonal side... thank goodness it's not next to the Christmas stuff like last year. No Christmas stuff to report here yet!

Hobby Lobby *SIGH* No Halloween to report, only some fall foliage... but they managed to have their FULL Christmas display up. Trees, ornaments, Santa, the whole works. First thing you see when you walk in is a Christmas tree. What month is this???

Michaels - I heard from my buddies over at Floridahaunters.com that Michaels is fully stocked, but not impressive. I'll check it out this weekend.
*EDIT: Most of their stock is the same as last year. If the Lemax 'Spooky Town' sets weren't so expensive, I'd seriously consider collecting them!

Lowes - Some parts of Florida do have their displays up, some don't. I'll find out this weekend.
*EDIT: Haven't gotten around to checking, but will update when I do.

Cracker Barrel - I heard their general store has tons of stuff! I checked online, nothing worth reporting about on their website, but maybe there's some better stuff in person.

Hallmark - They've had some cutesy stuff out since July... right next to their Christmas stuff. *rolls eyes*

Ross - Last month they were stocking some small stuff in the back, but they finally got enough (and it's close enough to the season) to move the full display up front when you walk in.

Bath and Body Works - I just received my email today about the new "BOO-tique". I love it! Scented soaps, antibacterial gels, a few nice dispensers, and a really nice luminary. I'm definitely going to pick some up!
*EDIT: Got some cute soap dispensers. The scents are nothing to write home about. 'Autumn' was really nice, but I didn't buy any candles.

Publix - Haha minor sighting last night: they added the first Halloween recipe book! WOOHOO!!! They'll be adding Halloween Horror Nights tickets very soon. Keep a look out.
*EDIT: HHN Tickets are now on sale!

Party City - They stay partially stocked all year, but they're starting to stock the good stuff. Check back weekly to see what they've added!

Halloween City - Previously known as Halloween USA, will be opening at the Avenues over by Kohl's. Their stuff is usually pricey and their store is smaller, but you can usually find better stuff than at Spirit. They will be opening soon (Actual date TBD)

Spirit Halloween - Since the Christmas-loving, Halloween-forgetting Hobby Lobby opened, there will be NO Spirit Halloween in Viera. The closest will be at the Melbourne Square Mall, or on Merritt Island. They will be opening sometime between 30 August - 18 September. Keep your eyes peeled. I'll let you know the actual date when they announce it. I'll be there, first one in line on opening day :)
*EDIT: Opening Monday, September 6th (Labor Day)

100 Days till Halloween!!!

Ahhh, almost in double digits! I can almost smell it in the air. A few stores (Hallmark, Michaels, Dollar Tree) have already started putting up their Halloween displays, and a few more are getting ready. We've already started our planning, layout and design and as always, we'll need your help.

2010 Wish List:
People to help build, setup, act, and *cleanup*
Old Halloween decorations (or new, I'm not picky!)
Building materials such as wood, foam and plexiglass
a large cardboard box

more will be added as I think of it...

It's almost that time again...

I'm only 2 days away from being able to say "Halloween" in my house again (a little deal my wonderful husband and I have... He helps me out and puts up with all my Halloween crap, as long as I dont mention it from Nov 5th - July 15th. I'll give him till the 23rd since I cheated a few times this year hehe.) Then let the horror commence!

I've already created the layout for 2010 to include any changes. I also have a list of things to add/move. Also, this year will be our first FL Halloween party! WOOHOO! Lots to look forward to, so keep checking back for updates!