Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/mysteries-and-moonlight-a-misty-march-through-midnight-falls/
Author: Ariel Landrum
In a town named Midnight Falls, where shadows creep, The Haunted Hayride stirs from its sleep.
I ventured within, a tale to derive, now listen close, for I did survive.
Through mazes and fog, where spirits did play, in Midnight Falls, they led me astray.
Ghouls lurked in corners, waiting to scare, yet I braved each moment, taking on the dare.
Kettle corn’s aroma, a sweet siren’s song, yet danger and darkness surely belong.
With uneven paths and floors that deceive, tread with caution, if you believe.
Hints from a survivor, I offer to you, to navigate the haunt and make it through.
Dress right, walk light, and always beware, for in every shadow, something’s there.
So if you seek thrills, and stories to tell, join the Haunted Hayride, and face the swell.
But heed my advice, before you venture inside, for it might just help you enjoy the ride.
The moon hung high, casting eerie shadows on the ground as I stepped onto the path of Midnight Falls, the cursed town housing the infamous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Venturing deeper into this eerie realm, the ground beneath shifted, and distant howls and whispers of the unseen sent shivers down my spine. The dirt paths and mazes, with their springy floors, seemed to have a life of their own. With my partner and a group of friends by my side, we braved the mysteries that lay ahead. The vastness of the place was a blessing; unlike the confined corridors of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, there was room to breathe… and to run.
Amidst the chilling ambiance, a familiar and comforting aroma teased my senses. It was a siren’s call, luring me deeper into the foreboding shadows of Midnight Falls. It was kettle corn, a beacon of normalcy in this realm of shadows, and it beckoned me closer. Its sweet and salty allure drew me further into the heart of the town. As I indulged, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this comforting treat was but a trap, a sweet deception masking the foreboding that lay ahead.
The Town Square, usually a place of celebration, was now a playground for the supernatural. Ghostly figures roamed freely, their eerie interactions sending shivers down my spine. The line between reality and the macabre blurred, making me question if I’d ever escape this haunted realm.
Drawn by an inexplicable force, I ventured deeper into the heart of town, where the Haunted Hayride awaited. The town’s gas station and garage marked its entrance. A foreboding sign of the journey ahead. Whispers of a cannibalistic family that once roamed these woods filled the air. As our wagon trudged on, the Witch of the Woods emerged from the shadows, summoning vengeful spirits to exact revenge on the unsuspecting townsfolk. Zombies lunged, their mechanisms allowing them to swing overhead or jump out, catching many off guard. Alien invasions and otherworldly encounters kept us on our toes, with actors delivering perfectly timed scares that left many, including myself, with racing hearts.
The Midnight Mortuary was a testament to the town’s haunted history. Animatronic skeletons, seemingly lifeless, jolted to life as I passed, their bony fingers almost grazing my arm. But the living delivered the biggest scare, catching me off guard just as I was distracted by the undead.
A haven amidst the horror, the Midnight Falls General Store offered respite and a chance to take home a piece of this haunted adventure. The store was a treasure trove of Halloween delights, from trinkets to apparel.
Yet, the true spectacle was the Monte Revolta Show. A fusion of horror and music, it was a performance that would remain etched in my memory. The Saw-themed act, with its gruesome climax, was not for the faint of heart. The audience’s mixed reactions, from gasps to cheers, added to the electric atmosphere.
In the heart of Midnight Falls, a secluded sanctuary awaited the elite – the VIP area. This oasis, bathed in an otherworldly glow, was a juxtaposition of luxury and lurking terror. Within its hallows, tantalizing mocktails, with their symphony of flavors, seemed almost out of place amidst the haunting backdrop. From the chilling sparkle of Liquid Death to Simply Juices, peach sour, lime margarita, and strawberry guava mojito – danced on my palate. Curiosity about the concoctions led me to a QR code that revealed the secret recipes behind these bewitching beverages. Still, even here, the line between luxury and lurking horror was razor-thin.
The walls seemed to whisper tales of the town’s past, and every so often, a familiar face from Midnight Falls would drift in, blurring the lines between guest and ghost. Eerily lifelike dolls, mischievous clowns, and even the enigmatic Monte would drift in and out, mingling with the honored attendees.
The streets of Midnight Falls were not just pathways but a stage for a parade of the peculiar. Draped in everything from ghoulish garb to vintage Halloween pinup styles, attendees transformed the town into a living tapestry of eerie elegance. Each outfit was a chapter, each accessory a whispered tale from the annals of Midnight Falls.
Amidst this carnival of costumes, the “Trick or Treat” maze beckoned beyond the main thoroughfares, its entrance seemingly innocent. But as I ventured in, the façade crumbled to reveal the town’s sinister underbelly. The once cheerful homes now bore witness to unspeakable horrors. The mournful wails of lost souls had replaced children’s laughter. As I ventured deeper, every creaking floorboard and chilling draft hinted at the malevolent spirits that lingered, waiting to share their tales of torment.
But Midnight Falls wasn’t just about shows and scares; it also offered a touch of thrill. Nestled among the main attractions was an axe-throwing booth. Here, attendees could channel their inner warrior, aiming for the bullseye, a brief respite from the surrounding horror.
As the night drew to a close and I stepped out of Midnight Falls, the haunting melodies and memories of a night filled with terror and delight lingered. The Haunted Hayride was not just an event; it was a chapter in the ever-evolving tale of Midnight Falls, a story I would carry with me and recount for years to come.
As the tales of my journey through Midnight Falls come to an end, I feel compelled to share some arcane wisdom. For those brave souls who dare to tread where I have to face the horrors and delights of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, one must adhere to certain rituals and precautions. These are not mere suggestions but essential guidelines to ensure safe passage through this realm of shadows. Heed these words, for they may be the key to your survival…
How To Survive the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride:
- Dress for the Occult: Leave behind any costumes, face paint, or props – they’re forbidden relics inside the haunt. Young souls might be an exception, but the spirits haven’t specified an age. And while you might be tempted to don heels or flip-flops, remember: the ground might betray you.
- Beware the Cursed Grounds: If you or a fellow traveler relies on mobility aids, tread carefully. The earth is treacherous, with uneven paths and areas of springy, deceptive flooring that might just pull you in.
- Mist and Breath: The town is shrouded in a dense, otherworldly fog. Those who struggle with the mortal affliction of asthma should keep their protective charms (inhalers) close.
- Banish the Smoke: Any attempt to summon clouds through smoking or vaping will be thwarted. Such items will be seized by the guardians and cast into the abyss. It’s best to leave them in your chariot.
- Glimpses of the Beyond: Outside the haunted boundaries, you’re free to capture spirits (with your camera) and partake in forbidden sustenance. But within the haunted realm, food, drinks, and light-casting devices are strictly forbidden.
- Guard Your Possessions: Only the smallest satchels and pouches are permitted, and the spectral sentinels will scrutinize them.
- Respect the Damned: Any affront to the tormented souls (scare actors) or their keepers (staff) will result in your banishment from their realm.
- Chariots of the Dead: Phantom shuttles from the LA Zoo’s North West corner await to ferry you to the entrance trail near Spokes ‘N Stuff. But be warned: the last spectral carriage departs 30 minutes before the witching hour.
- Gateway to the Nether: With your pre-purchased scroll (ticket) in hand, pass through the security portal and choose your path: the cursed Hayride or the haunted Mazes. Present your scroll and brace yourself for the haunting that awaits!
Arm yourself with this knowledge, and you might just survive the chilling embrace of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Tread carefully, and may the spirits be ever in your favor!
Dare to experience the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride for yourself? Secure your passage now and embark on a journey you’ll never forget. And if you’ve already braved its mysteries, share your tales in the comments below. Remember, every scream, every thrill, every chill is a story waiting to be told.