Drone Crashes & Valentine Haunts
Haunted Attraction Network
Connecting the global Haunted Attraction industry through education, news, and events.
Drone Crash Raises Questions About Safety and Costs in Attractions Industry On December 21, multiple drones unexpectedly fell during a holiday show at Lake Eola, Orlando, injuring 7-year-old Zander Edgerton, who required open-heart surgery. The FAA launched an investigation and suspended Sky Elements' Part 107 waiver, effectively halting all night drone flights over populated areas. Sky Elements has canceled shows nationwide as investigations continue, and Universal Orlando Resort has removed drones from its nighttime spectacular. With drones increasingly used in attractions and Halloween events, this incident could lead to heightened safety requirements and increased costs for drone shows across the industry. We discuss the ramifications on this week’s Green Tagged.
?Valentine Haunts
After Christmas, Valentine's Day is tied for the most popular time for haunted houses to open for off-season events. We've begun populating a list of haunted houses opening for Valentine's Day below; the dates range from Feb 8th through Feb 21st, suggesting a few haunted houses will try to extend the holiday.?
2025 Valentine Haunted Houses
We'll continue working to update this list and add it to our website; if you want your haunt listed, reply to this email.
Education
2025 Prep Podcast from Haunter’s Toolbox The latest episode from Haunter's Toolbox “The Ghosts of Past, Present, & Future: Alcohol Sales, Safety, Queue Lines, S'mores & MORE!” explores essential topics for the haunt industry as 2025 approaches. Discussions include selling alcohol at haunts, free marketing strategies, campfire rentals and selling s’mores, concessions and merchandise sales, corn maze operations, and preparations for the upcoming season.
? Ask the Haunt Expert: Leonard Pickel Haunter’s Toolbox is hosting a 90-minute LIVE Q&A session with Leonard Pickel on Tuesday, Jan. 14th, from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm CST. Leonard Pickel has over 40 years of themed attraction design and operations experience, creating over 300 original and innovative dark-themed attractions for major venues worldwide. A pioneer in the haunt industry, Leonard has founded key organizations, launched national conventions, and been featured as an expert on major television networks.
领英推荐
Retail Awards ?
2024 Spooky Awards to Honor Halloween’s Best The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) will host the inaugural Spooky Awards at The Halloween & Party Expo in Las Vegas on January 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. This event celebrates innovation and creativity in Halloween costumes, accessories, and decor, with finalists judged on artistry, marketability, and trendsetting potential. Learn more about the awards here. ?
Haunter Gift Guide
If you’re searching for the perfect last-minute gift for the haunter in your life (or a little something for yourself), please consider these:
?Haunted Attraction Association Reminders ?
Reminder: HAA Scholarship Applications
The Haunted Attraction Association is accepting scholarship applications until January 31, 2025. Eligible members, including family and staff of Small and Large Haunts and Vendors, can apply for two $1,000 college scholarships and one $1,000 makeup scholarship.
Don’t miss this opportunity—apply now!
Reminder: HAA Auction Donations Needed
The Haunted Attraction Association calls for donations for its annual auction at TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show. Proceeds help fund vital industry initiatives like the OSCARES awards and scholarships.
If you’d like to contribute, please submit your donation using the HAA Auction Donation Form. Thank you for supporting the haunt community!