Pandry

I'm not in the 3D camp. The In Between was the only one I liked, and that house flat out rocked. So I'm hoping this will follow suit. But at the same time, I like the theme of this house, a lot, and am hoping the 3D doesn't ruin it, but enhances it. And for the record, I can't walk through those vortex tunnels. I have to close my eyes. Get too dizzy. And inevitably some drunk pukes in them at least once at some point throughout the season.

The only thought that pops to mind is they're truly trying to capture the 2001 version and do a throwback look.

Whew, that house...she was one of the more creepy characters I've ever seen at the event. Freaky old lady. I remember looking over that bridge and then her popping out behind me with that scream prompt. It's not often they catch me during the event, if at all, but I shouted an expletive on that one. And the fake lady at the bottom of that gag scene doesn't do justice to how the actors were made up to look. Those eyes, freaky is the only word that comes to mind.

...and his little Wicker family.

Gothic was great, truly. Every run through I had of it was amazing. Had tons of scares and some of the most incredible scenery they've done before. Didn't it tie with Dead End for HOTY that year? Or maybe outright win it?

That picture is actually pretty cool because it shows both the effect and also how the effect is done because you can see the mirror edging. So the set was suspended from the ceiling upside down to reflect below right side up.

They've used that Gothic effect in other houses prior. It's really cool and I know there are people on here who can really detail how the effect works. But it's basically using mirrors to reflect a hidden scene (or not hidden) which then gives a great illusion to make it look like your looking far down, that you mysteriously went up levels. Gothic's was done so well that it reflexively made me back track the first time seeing it trying to figure out if we walked up a ramp at some point. Interstellar Terror in '08 also had good use of it making it appear like you looked out into deep space As to Jack's presence, I wouldn't even begin to know anymore. You'd think he'd have a large presence, but current marketing has often lead us into entirely different directions. Should be a badass house regardless. Nightingales was worthy enough for it's own sequel house.

My lasting memory of that house in '08 was actually going through it with about 30 minutes to close on the very last night of the season. My girlfriend and I were the only two going through and once we get to the spine scene, there's no collector there, but the scare actor is still there, spine sticking out, and she's chatting it up with the security guard like it was a break room. And yes, some snow has to factor in. At least we know it'll have max A/C going a la Winters Night.

So it sounds like they'll be using the projection scheme similar to Halloween last year, which is cool. This should be a fun zone.

Concur.

I'm nonplussed. Didn't do 2001, did 2006 and it was blah. For me, just personally, I've never had good luck with Disaster houses, as far as them being memorable for me. Haven't outright disliked any, but they're always just so-so.

Me 3, can't wait. Loved '08's and have been waiting for them to return ever since. I wonder if they'll have the spine ripping scene. Haven't seen that used anywhere since.

Got it. Now know exactly what you're talking about.

Does anyone know if Sting Alley will be used this year? Hasn't been used since 2011, good time to reuse. Legacy - what were the pop-sticks that year?

Oh, and I guess it's official, that stage is for Jack.

Regarding the CDT, we pretty much knew they were coming. There was mention a while back about two roaming hordes - a male and female CDT. Or something to that affect. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great. Having a zone in San Fran, combined with roaming CDT's makes it a much much better street experience. On paper, at least. Not that huge dead zone that was last year's.

I didn't make it for the actual reveal. Woke this morning and it was like Christmas, except I already knew what Santa brought me. But anyway, it looks good. Especially the zones. Did anyone see Mike's tweet about AWIL where it's the first time they've ever brought back an "identical" house? Then there was something about more wolves, or an update to them. In any event, it's cool for those that missed it two years ago as it was a great house. I'm now really looking forward to the anniversary house. Last one wasn't memorable, but this one sounds really good. Recollections still my # 1 going in.

Scoping out some scenic ideas for the Dracula Untold Part II house.

Found it. Week of Oct 19th looks hellish. Thursday 10/22 will be crazy packed with high school kids with so many counties off that Friday.

A while back (maybe last month?) someone did have a handy calendar showing all the area school counties and what their days off will be. I've been trying to search for it to no avail.

Clever ideas and me is an understated oxymoron.

What menacing items will you have this year? I remember last year's chicken claws. And also your hilarious stories for how you've gotten things past security in previous years.

JDW worked his magic in record time.

They're probably a subsidiary of Comcast.

I was there for both, but for the life of me I can't recall any of those shows in that location.