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| Headless Horseman NY |
Ulster Park, NY--The atmosphere was electric and Halloween was in the air as the non stop flow of cars pulled into the parking lot of the
Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride and Haunted Houses. Over 3,000 people from all over the tri state arrived to kick off the 2017 Haunt Season to experience this Nationally ranked Haunted Attraction on opening night that has been a leader in the industry for 25 years. "
We have heard so much about this Attraction that we had to come and experience it for ourselves" said Mary Dautris of New Hamphire, who made the 5 hour drive with her husband Bob,
"we have been looking forward to this for a long time and finally we are here". This was a common theme amongst the many people in line, which made it obvious that the Headless Horseman is a Destination Haunt. The ominous voice of the Horseman in the parking lot immediately brings you back to Boardwalk Haunts of the 1980's. The Deep voice builds the excitement level as you take your social pictures to let the world know you have arrived. Select one or all of the many locations such Horseman Fire Truck number 13, the Hearst, the Entrance way or at the iconic sign that greets you from the main highway. You purchase your tickets at the ticket booth and get on your first line of the night which is the security checkpoint. You will go through a state of the art metal detector that ensures that nobody is entering the park with anything that is illegal. Safety at any attraction is an important aspect and it clear that it is a top priority at the Headless Horseman with the friendly presence of police and security thorough the attractions.
When you walk into midway, the lights are bright and you are in the middle of Halloween Central, you are on overload with all of the various shops, food, snacks that are offered. The music playlists changes from everything from Michael Jackson's Thriller to Ozzy Ozbourne's Crazy Train that creates a festive atmosphere as you make your way to the Hayrides themselves and wait to board. Each Hayride is named and come with a Narrator who boards 34-36 people on each hayride. You begin your trek that down the path and the large metal gates close behind you. The rules of the game are once again explained such as no cell phones, no photos and a the standard Haunted Attraction rule of thumb of the actors will not touch you, so you don't touch them.
Each set is grander than the next as you take in the story of the Headless Horseman who makes a grand appearance on his horse at the end of the Hayride. Without revealing any spoilers, there are parts of the Hayride that offer effects that are not done on any other hayride, so keep you head on a swivel to catch all of the action. The Sets throughout the Hayride are Hollywood level have amazing detail at each turn. The Authenticity cannot be matched with being out in the middle of a 250 year old farm with the stars, fog and with Ulster Park crickets that are loud and proud.
"We take pride in providing the same experience if you are the first customer or the last customer of the night" says owner Michael Jubie , who has been recognized by the best in the business as one of the top Haunted Attractions in the US,
Once you safely get off the Hayride, you get to take your group photo that can be viewed and purchased at the end of the night. Your ticket becomes your guide to what lies ahead as you tear off each section of the 9 Haunted Attractions that remain following the Hayride that starts with the First Haunted House which is the Lunar Motel. This is where the team at Headless Horseman flawlessly go from authenticity to realistic.
"You feel like they picked items at a Hoarders House and put it inside this Motel" says Slav Profaca of North Bergen, New Jersey "
the detail was amazing".
The Actors are very well trained and you can tell that they have been part of a team for years. They keep the flow of the Haunt moving and telling the story as you move through the elaborate sets. Glutton's Diner makes you think twice about what you are being served. Horseman's Tomb descends into the tomb area then you make your way back up and out of the tomb. This is a one of many features that is unique to the Headless Horseman. The Sideshow Haunt brings you back to Coney Island with reenactments of some of the best attractions from back in the day, Corn Maze brings a variety of scares in the Corn Field that is clearly defined and provides footing that is above average. Greenhouse is another unique attraction where you need to Be aware of everything around you before you end up in a hive. The Feeding is experiments that have gone wrong. Take note of the depth and scope of this Haunt and how the Actors change the level at which they Scare. Magic Show provides great entertainment with an Illusionist and the opportunity to grab a dozen Cider Donuts before heading into the final Haunt with Two Ravens Manor which will keep you guessing if what you just experiences was real or a machine. Most Haunted Attractions use words as Scariest, Darkest and Premier, but at the Headless Horseman and Haunted Hayrides, the two words that jump out are fun and entertaining. A place where Halloween season is celebrated and can be enjoyed by all teens and adults.
Headless Horseman.com
Tickets
Online Ticket: $41.95 + 3.95 service charge + tax
On-site Ticket: $49.95 + tax
Scream Pass (Front of the Line) : $25
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