Beyond The Parks

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Last year when we did our Midsummer Scream updates we called it the "unofficial" kick-off to the Halloween Season. 

Judging by the growth of this event in just it's second year it's safe to go ahead and remove the unofficial moniker. The event was run like a well-oiled machine given the longer prep time vs last years event. 
Written by Gregg Condon
Before we start diving into Halloween 2017, let's take a look back at the epic 2016 Halloween Season 
Welcome to Midsummer Scream!!

Despite a couple of long lines to kick off the event (everywhere has security, get used to it, plan ahead) we have heard overwhelmingly positive things about this years event. 
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Our first stop was the amazing Hall of Shadows which was even bigger this year. Hey, we know those guys!!! 
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With all of the mini-haunts, monsters walking around and the Decayed Brigade shows this was definitely one of the more popular spots this weekend. 
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Somebody's about to get scurred ... 
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Despite being called "mini haunts" some of these were amazing and some of these independent haunts are going to have amazing years. 
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Some of the themeing is on-par with the big time haunts. Shows some of the amazing time people put into these events. 
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One of our favorite haunts last year is back ... they offered both PG-13 and rated R shows. I'll let you guess which one we saw. =) 
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You never know who you're gonna find just walking around Midsummer Scream. Hanging out with the legendary Bob Gurr. 
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Some awesome booths for things we all might want to check out, including Scream Box. 
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Here's Greggie!!

(Seriously, where else can you pull an axe on your son and have him laugh about it) 
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Knott's Scary Farm Panel

Our first panel of the weekend was for Knott's Scary Farm. Despite being a bit on the short side we did get some tidbits about this years event. 

​Their full event will be unveiled on August 31. 

(click any of the pictures below for a larger version) 

Fright Fest (Six Flags Magic Mountain) 

Next up was Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain and there were some amazing things announced 

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Queen Mary's Dark Harbor

Lastly on Saturday was Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, and they announced a whole bunch of new bars, a new maze, hidden bars, re-designed mazes, ice bars, Costume Balls and more bars. 

(click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Hollywood) 

On Sunday we headed to the Halloween Horror Nights panel which was easily the largest panel of the weekend. HHN fans are crazy dedicated. 
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Below highlights of the Ash vs Evil Dead maze along with some artwork shown during the presentation. 
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Below highlights of The Shinihng maze along with some artwork shown during the presentation. ​
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This year, ORIGINAL SCARE ZONES!! And they look awesome!!! We really loved the Gauntlet of Fear last year although The Purge isn't scary. It seems to be coming back in some form this year on the Backlot. 

(click any of the pictures below for a larger version) ​

Winchester Mystery House

Lastly on Sunday we attended the Winchester Mystery House panel, one of our favorite places. And this year they have expanded their Candlelight Tours! 
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The entire panel is a podcast on The Season Pass so be sure you check it out. 
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20 nights this year!!! 
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They also talked a bit about Winchester which is in theaters next February. We simply can't wait for this movie. 
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And because Winchester Mystery House is amazing, they gave everybody in the audience 2 tickets to the all new "Explore More" tour and an amazing print. There will be more of these so be sure you head up to the house and get yours! 
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And with that, the curtain has come down on another amazing Midsummer Scream. 
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We are SO ready for Halloween Season and we only have a little over a month until it all begins. 
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