LA Haunted Hayride a mixed bag of Halloween Treats

Last week we were invited out to the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, a very cool and unique Halloween event. 

The Hayride itself is amazing and is something that can't be matched. Unfortunately the two other sideshow attractions don't quite work, but they are worth checking out nonetheless. 

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The entry to the Hayride

Once inside, there are very cool directions signs that lead you to the different attractions in the area. On the outside it doesn't look like a very big area, but there's a lot to do. 

The entrance to the Hayride itself. The entire experience is probably about 20 minutes and features 9 or 10 different "scenes" with a lot of very talented actors. 

We don't think the event is particularly "scary" compared to some other local events, and depending on the child we think this would be perfectly acceptable for kids around 10 years old. 

But not everything has to be scary, it just has to be fun. And the Hayride is a LOT of fun. 

The media headed for our special hayride. We were able to take pictures and flash, so there will be some flash pictures below, which we normally don't do. But the hayride is VERY dark, so hopefully the pictures will give you a good idea of the fun within. 

This was a kind of "circus" theme, but very different from everywhere else. 

Sacrifice scene, this was probably the most disturbing part. 

Flying stuff, really cool and one of the best parts of the Hayride. 

Part of the Hayride features a little game. 

Spin the wheel, choose your doom

We have the KTLA reporter to blame for getting us all killed. =)

Awesome pumpkin room. 

Attack of the killer pumpkin! 

Killer tree. Again, sorry for the flash, it looks so much better under show lighting. 

The last scene features a kind of heavy metal demon thing which is great fun all the way around. 

Like any good ride, it ends with a gift shop. 

The Seven Sins Sideshow ... where to begin. 

First off, we'll say that we totally get where they are going with this. It's basically 7 "shows" that are triggered by the audience and a 2-3 minute "act" by one or two actors. 

The dedication of the people inside isn't in question here at all, but the execution is a bit off. 

We actually found the sideshow comical, not the least bit disturbing which probably isn't what they are going for. In addition, the effects weren't really up to the point you'd normally see in an event of this size. 

Again though, we applaud them for wanting to do something other than just another "maze", but this needs some help before next year for sure. 

The other Sideshow attraction is "House of the Horsemen" which is basically supposed to be the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. 

Like the Sideshow, we get what they are trying to do here, there are individual show rooms and some audience participation moments. But again, the execution is lacking while we do think the effects in the Horsemen is better than the sideshow. 

Maybe they should combine the two and make one great sideshow attraction?

The Backwards Scary-Go-Round is great fun. 

In Between is pretty much the only "Maze" at the event, and is a kind of "Blackout" maze that's just unique enough to be great. Other than the Hayride itself, this is the second best thing at the event and shouldn't be missed. 

That's going to wrap it up for our look at the LA Haunted Hayride. Despite a couple of "ok" sideshow attractions, the entire event is great fun and the idea of a hayride basically in the middle of LA is a unique and cool thing. Be sure to check out this recommended event prior to the end of it's run. 

Details, hours and prices can be found on the LA Haunted Hayride website. 

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