Halloween’s Most Extreme Attraction by Erica Lloyd
Every year thrill seekers and Halloween lovers alike seek out a new, and more extreme haunted attraction. Most of these haunted attractions use the same tactics to spook their patrons, however there is no rulebook or contract signifying how these attractions must go. Yet, that doesn’t weaken the tactics used. Getting chased with a chainsaw, or yelled and screamed at is still terrifying regardless that the same thing happened last year when you attended. However, even though no official “scare rulebook” is in place, there is still a line that needs to be drawn.
The fantasy of being in danger is very different from being in genuine physical harm with your safety being threatened. The Mckamey Manor, located in southern California, is a physically and mentally demanding eight hour tour. It’s important to note that most Haunted attractions are at a maximum of roughly two hours. Mckamey Manor is often described as a rough and intense experience, with a key factor of a no-quit tour. The Manor, on top of this no-quit policy, forces guests to sign a waver. This waver confirms the visitor is aware there is no safe-word, so your only way out of the experience is physically getting pulled out by staff.
Many believe that the Manors policies are only in place to add controversy and hype to their attractions. However, these policies hold grave consequences for the attending guests. Without a safeword in place participants are subjected to a multitude of atrocities. Guests can be slapped, stomped on, have their hair cut, water-boarded, bound and gagged, and many other highly abusive behaviors. While all of these happen to the visitor they must suffer without any possible escape.
Above all, the actors inflicting this pain have demonstrated that they have no consideration for guests. Many are untrained and have no knowledge of how deeply they’re hurting the guests. One actor bragged to a Guardian reporter that, “I am here to make sure no one makes it out. I get carried away. I don’t really have a line.” This is extremely dangerous for all guests. Without competent actors the risk of harm in an already dangerous environment becomes even more prominent.
The fantasy of being in danger is very different from being in genuine physical harm with your safety being threatened. The Mckamey Manor, located in southern California, is a physically and mentally demanding eight hour tour. It’s important to note that most Haunted attractions are at a maximum of roughly two hours. Mckamey Manor is often described as a rough and intense experience, with a key factor of a no-quit tour. The Manor, on top of this no-quit policy, forces guests to sign a waver. This waver confirms the visitor is aware there is no safe-word, so your only way out of the experience is physically getting pulled out by staff.
Many believe that the Manors policies are only in place to add controversy and hype to their attractions. However, these policies hold grave consequences for the attending guests. Without a safeword in place participants are subjected to a multitude of atrocities. Guests can be slapped, stomped on, have their hair cut, water-boarded, bound and gagged, and many other highly abusive behaviors. While all of these happen to the visitor they must suffer without any possible escape.
Above all, the actors inflicting this pain have demonstrated that they have no consideration for guests. Many are untrained and have no knowledge of how deeply they’re hurting the guests. One actor bragged to a Guardian reporter that, “I am here to make sure no one makes it out. I get carried away. I don’t really have a line.” This is extremely dangerous for all guests. Without competent actors the risk of harm in an already dangerous environment becomes even more prominent.