Here we are - the final run of The Experience.  It looks to have been a decent year despite the fact that Ohio has had the second wettest October in the record books.  That is also the reason we have yet to see the fire path - it's underwater!  The fire path runs through the low end of the woods and has been under water most of the run.

I want to personally thank those of you that I spoke with tonight - it was nice to meet some of my regular readers...  hopefully I will get to meet more of you over the next two nights.

I heard a bit of juicy gossip tonight... gather close because I have to whisper...

The Experience is moving next year!

It seems that the attraction has over-stayed its welcome and that the designers are actively searching for another plot of woods to haunt.  Apparently there are many woods in the central Ohio area that have legends surrounding them.  I think the real reason they are moving is because they want to put up a more permanent structure.  I can't begin to tell you how many tents and acres of sod Nightmoves Entertainment has purchased over the years.  On their own plot they can put the que line in a building and pave the parking areas.

Speaking of parking areas - it's mushy out there - be careful where you park!

Thursday October 26, 2006

Happy Halloween!  We are almost to my favorite holiday of the year!  With that - there are a few more things to mention about the remaining dates of The Experience.

Lots and lots of rain is expected on Friday and Saturday - so check the site or call the box office at (614) 306-0447 before you make the trip.

Beware of the parking lot - when it rains it becomes a muddy mess... 

Also - I am hearing that even though they have stated that the fire path will not be open on Friday or Saturday - that it may be open on Sunday - Tuesday.  But with all the rain coming I wouldn't get your hopes up about it - they will get it worked out next year I'm sure.  Speaking of next year - check the site a couple days after Halloween - they have picked their tagline!

If The Experience is cancelled this weekend - you should go check out Center Stage Players' The Rocky Horror Show in the Short North - Columbus.  CSP is the theatre troupe that acts in the attraction - so here's your chance to catch them on stage.

P.S. - the lines are shorter on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Saturday October 21, 2006

There is good news and there is bad news.  The bad news is - the fire path will not open this weekend except for some testing with live Guinea pigs (Muah hahahaha!)  They had another really bad downpour out there and it soaked everything - does anyone else notice how much rain we've had this year?  Opening weekend of Sleepy Hollow almost didn't happen because of rain - and that was mid-July!  Typically we are in a draught at that time. 

The good news is - last night the attraction did the same amount of people as they did last Saturday (which was their largest date so far) and finished with them two hours earlier - so they have definitely gotten their line control down.  That doesn't mean there will not be a wait - it just won't be 3 hours long!  Hopefully...

As I said - the fire path may be taking people through tonight so if you want to be a victim - look for me and I will see about putting you on the test list.  You have to be able to hang around for a bit...

It's gonna be a cold one - see ya out there!

Monday October 16, 2006

Well here we are - two weeks left in the run - and still no fire path.  Apparently the repair crews aren't working fast enough to correct some of the damages brought on by the terrible storms of the first week.  But I hear that Alan - the project manager lit a fire under their butts this past weekend and we might be able to see the fire path this weekend.  No promises but let's hope.

This past weekend was HUGE!  I don't think I have ever seen that many people out there - so take note folks - there will be a line...  ugh.  But I did notice that the concessions are open now - though the psychic was missing in action.  One other note - they will STOP SELLING TICKETS AT 11:15 FOR THE REMAINING NIGHTS.

Those of you who read up on me regularly know what is going on behind the scenes right now don't you?  The designers are making plans for next year.  All I can say is that they may be eliminating the choice and to deal with the long lines they are researching an "all reservation" system for tickets.

Your's truly should be "blowing" around out there this weekend - stop by and say hello! 

Monday October 9, 2006

Another successful weekend for The Experience.  Although they seem to be having all kinds of technical problems with the "Fire" path.  On Saturday alone the path was shut down three times for repairs.  I am sure they will get it worked out.

Some things that the site managers have asked me to relay to you:

Do not come to the attraction "blitzed" or "stoned."  The attraction creates suspense by following a story - if you aren't in your "right mind," you won't get it and most of you will cause grief to our ticket managers.  Please do us a favor and stay off the roads.

Expect a wait folks.  There are under 10 commercial haunted attractions in the Central Ohio area and a state population of over one million people.  There is going to be a wait no matter what time you get there.

You must make a choice - or we will make it for you.  At the beginning of the attraction you are given a choice between taking the Fire path or the Water path.  If you don't make your selection within 10 seconds the computer chooses for you.  Please listen to the story and be prepared to make a selection.

You can take the opposite path for just $5 bucks,  At the very end you are greeted by our candy volunteer - if you are interested in taking the other path let them know and they will get you on your way.

All in all it's another successful Experience out at The Schmitter Estate.  I am told that the concessions begin selling this weekend and that they have a palm reader setup starting this weekend as well.  Add to that performances by the cast of Center Stage Players' The Rocky Horror Show on Friday the 13th and you have a great evening of entertainment - because that is what this is all about - ENTERTAINMENT!

Sunday October 1, 2006

Well - we made it to opening weekend - and what a rough opening weekend it was.  It seems the weather ended up interfering much more than I had thought.  The crew opened up at 10pm this past friday and could only run one path.  It seems that electronic equipment and dampness don't do well together...  But the path that I took which turned out to be the water path was a fantastic re-creation of last year's attraction with enough changes to keep me entertained.   There was also a nice crowd out there as well - they seemed to brave the 2 hour opening delay very well and all enjoyed the attraction.

On Saturday the crew arrived out there early and began making changes to accommodate wet weather - good thing too because a huge rainstorm came through at around 6pm - once it passed the attraction was okayed to open - but then the weather service issued another storm warning much larger than the previous one.  The attraction was closed due to the weather. 

The designers have their annual "opening weekend meeting" this afternoon.  It will be interesting to see what changes they make between today and this coming weekend!  See ya all out there!

Wednesday September 27, 2006

What a night of good luck...  Apparently a couple of the designers were out at the woods tonight when the storm hit...   When we look back to past attractions - the successful ones always were preceded by a nasty thunderstorm.  The significance of this is that it knocks most of the leaves off the trees giving the paths of the woods a nice fall crunching sound which also allows more moonlight in to guide the weary travelers through the attraction.   Only one more day!

Monday September 25, 2006

It's here!  It's here!  The Experience opens this Friday!!!!

Of course, I don't have to tell you that the Schmitter Estate was busy with people all weekend long - as of this writing, you could still see the flashlights of the designers doing capacity walks in the woods.  I got to take a sneak peek walk through the woods today - there is a lot going on.  With two paths this year they definitely had their hands full. 

As you know I can't tell you all the details except that there are 2 paths and each one is different - you will be offered a chance to take the path you didn't choose for $5 extra on the night of your visit.  One path is a "souped" up version of last year's attraction (with a few new things) and the other path is completely new with an incredible (and I do mean incredible) finale.  Those of you that follow me know what I thought of last year's attraction and the well.  The finale on the new path far out weighs last year...

And the best part is that items are still arriving to the offices daily!  I love packages...

Wednesday September 19, 2006

Here we are - less than 2 weeks from opening!  I have been busy managing the que line video for this year's attraction so I have not been able to dig up any new info.  The designers did not have their preview this past weekend - I heard a brief comment that they were tired of spending every waking moment together... lol.   I believe it. 

Anyway - they are out there daily now - doing the fine-tuning and tweaking - getting ready for the opening.  Don't forget - we open Friday September 29th!  Tickets at the gate begin selling at 7pm and the first group takes off to the woods at 7:30. 

The best time to arrive on any of our open nights is between 8 and 9.  If you get there after 9 you may encounter a line - but I notice that our capacity charts are double what last year's were so that should alleviate any backup in the line. 

Remember folks that this is an outdoor attraction.  We do operate in the rain.  Also it is very wise to wear tennis shoes.  Do not wear flip flops or you may find them in one of the scenes the next year.  Oh yes - that's a dig in your direction.  We have 3 pairs around the woods from last year...

Silence Will Save Your Soul

Stick to the Path

Red is the Bad Color

Follow the Light

Look to the shadows, listen for the sounds

Oh hey - I heard their ad on 97.1... did you?

Thursday September 14, 2006

I didn't realize how long it has been since I updated this page!  I have been busy placing print orders and coordinating schedules for the various crews working in the woods.  Each day brings something new and exciting... 

I have heard some interesting discussions out there as well - like the day they completely re-vamped one of the paths, or the day they decided to nix a project that was already complete, and it continues on. 

Though not open to the public - the designers are hosting their preview night this weekend to test the capacity and timing of the two paths.  From this point forward the attraction will change daily until the designers feel it is ready for you! 

I received a contract several days ago from the Toledo Psychic Center.  Apparently Mama Rose and Sister Gilda will be doing palm readings out at the site this year.  Your's truly will be first in line - I want to see if I will ever get to be on the design team for The Experience!  What a great job to have!

Saturday August 26, 2006

Lots of stuff going on in the woods this weekend.  There were many cars, trucks and vans parked at the Schmitter Estate today and many of them full of props, lumber and plastic totes.  The entire design team was busy installing all the wiring and control equipment.  I've also seen the electrician out there a couple times these past few weeks - so that means they are getting all of their inspections out of the way!

I got the scoop on the "second trip" thing I talked about a couple paragraphs ago.  There are two attractions in the woods this year and everyone who goes through will have to choose which path they take.  Each path tells a different story.  I am hearing that one of the paths is based on Saran (and similar to last year's attraction) and the other path is brand new with new effects and a really neat finale.  When toured together they tell more of the story of Malcolm and Saran.  Everyone is to be offered a chance to go through the path they didn't take for $5.  I am also told that anyone taking the second trip will not have to wait (very long) to take the second path because they are cueing up repeat tours in another section of the woods (away from the main line).

So there you have it - two experiences to tour this October.  By the way, they are running previews on Saturday September 16 - which means they must wrap up all of the projects in the next two weeks!  Can't wait to tell you all the details!

Saturday August 19, 2006

It's like Christmas time around here folks, packages arriving daily, models being completed and a Halloween buzz in the air.  We are now about 4 weeks from previews and 5 weeks from opening - eek!  The sound designer for The Experience is having listening sessions daily for the team - which means the soundtracks are nearing completion and all the special effect experiments are underway.  There are some neat things in the workshop...  they have created a fire effect that isn't fire - but it's also not one of those "blowing silk fan" things either.  This really could pass for fire!  There is also a large water pump sitting in the woods.  It's not connected to anything yet but it is on the Saran path.  I wonder if that means Saran is represented by water?

In other news, tickets are already selling fast - they've got me watching the sales daily in case I have to turn them off once the attraction reaches full capacity - so get your tickets here!  Volunteer signups are also coming in regularly.  If any of you would like to volunteer for the attraction - contact the volunteer coordinator here. 

Sunday August 6, 2006

I GOT THE SCOOP!  The Experience this year is gonna be one helluva trip!  They have two attractions in the woods at The Schmitter Estate!  I am hearing that one path focuses on the story of Saran and the second path focuses on the story of Malcolm. I also heard that the two paths are completely different but that when toured together - they tell the complete story of Saran's disappearance...   Though all that isn't final yet - I did send a graphic off to the printer that said something about a $5 ticket to take the second path after you take the first one.   But the really cool part?  You get to make your own choice as to which path you take...  Don't ask me how that all works - I don't know yet... but I am determined to find out!

I have been told that those of you who follow The Experience have nothing to worry about as far as this year's attraction.  The designers have assured all us peons in the office that 2005 will pale in comparison to the design they have cooked up this year.  All we have been "officially" told is that it involves water, fire, wind, and smoke.   Now I don't think that means the guests will be involved with that - just that the attraction is centered around it...  hmmmm very interesting as Rusty (a lead designer) always says.

In other news, Sleepy Hollow the musical was declared a success this past weekend.  The team that brings you The Experience told the entire office that Sleepy Hollow has a guaranteed time slot in September of 2007 and beyond.   

I have to say - I have seen many haunts destroyed when the parent company began to diversify and grow - but The Experience is different.  Nightmoves places the same designers each year on the attraction team - and then steps back to see what they can do...  it's nice to know that there are some corporations that are focused on quality product rather than huge commercial attractions with nothing special - and it's the "special"  that makes the Experience - a great Halloween time experience!

Monday July 17, 2006

Sleepy Hollow opened this weekend out at the Schmitter Estate and looks like it will settle down to success.  You should get out there and see it before it sells out - it's a great show with some incredible music you will be humming as you make that final stroll down the exit path!

Things have been quiet around here regarding the Experience, but that seems to be the time the best ideas come out for the attraction.  I have no doubt that the break the designers are getting from The Experience will result in some terrific things in just a few short weeks. 

Construction has began on the Experience stuff so wood piles abound and people are out at the site daily!  Now's the time to contact us if you want to be an actor or behind-the-scenes tech for this year's event!  Click on CONTACT US in the menu.

Wednesday June 28, 2006

Here we are at the end of June and the Nightmoves offices are aflood with incoming shipments of materials and equipment.  Among the goodies, I have spotted a couple scent machines, some "Schmitter Estate" signs, fence posts, candles, and some long black wigs.  I love this time of year - it's better than Christmas!!  The designers have 6 meetings scheduled for July and all of them at The Schmitter Estate - that usually means that they are in construction mode.  Unfortunately they have been very hush hush this year on the details of the attraction - but I do know that it has something to do with Saran and that they have added someone new....

Don't forget that Sleepy Hollow opens July 14th - you can get tickets here!  You won't recognize the woods anymore - they have a stage full of buildings and audience seating out there...  it promises to be the "can't miss" show of the year!

Sunday May 21, 2006

A life-size replica of a lighthouse showed up at the offices yesterday...  that's interesting no?

I also noticed a landscaping company on the premises yesterday...and there are drawings for a fence laying out on one of our designer desks....

Sunday May 14, 2006

There's a buzz in the air at the office lately because Sleepy Hollow is well into production.  Casting is currently taking place....   now why do I bring this up?  Because our favorite designers are involved with both projects - now the significance of that is substantial.  As most of you who keep up with this blog have learned over the years is that the designers feed off of each other and the woods.  So by having them out there every day will bring about some fantastic things for the Experience!

The Sleepy Hollow website is up and running and you can get to it here!

Monday May 8, 2006

You can tell a lot about a company's plans by reviewing the web domains that they purchase.  I recently noticed the following names at www.dailychanges.com registered by Nightmoves Entertainment Inc.:

Legendofsaran.com

Legendofschmitterwoods.com

Obviously those two deal with The Experience directly - looks like Saran might be around for a while and maybe Nightmoves will begin using her in a movie or story of some sort.  But these next sites tell us more about the company itself:

hauntedattractionteam.com

yourownexperience.com

Looks like they are setting up for the future franchise of The Experience which is a rumor that has been floating around the nightmoves offices for some time now...  but look at these:

ghostpass.com

childofglass.com

ghostbelongedtome.com

These sites vary in their relationship to The Experience - Ghostpass is the speed ticket that they offer, but Child of Glass?  and Ghost Belonged to Me?  Around 1996 there was a musical version of The Ghost Belonged to Me that was being discussed at length around here...  perhaps they are finally going to produce it?  Maybe on the new Schmitter Outdoor Stage?

Before I go - one more thing that piqued my interest this week:  Naras.  I don't know who that is yet - but I will keep you posted!

Wednesday April 12, 2006

Things are progressing quickly out at the site of The Experience.  These past few weeks have seen the designers and a team of engineers working with the SCHMITTER OUTDOOR THEATRE site.  The area is awash in scaffolding and construction tools.  I hear that auditions are the second week of May for anyone interested in being in SLEEPY HOLLOW.

Deep in the woods on a new path - I got to catch a little excitement!  Alot of underbrush and trees have been cleared out along the back stretch of the woods.  This is great news because it confirms what I have been hearing for a while - that they have either expanded the path or added another path to the attraction!  Of course that means more opportunity to wow us with their crazy imaginations but from what I can tell it adds about 6:00 minutes to the trip for a total of 30 minutes.  Nice! 

Thursday March 31, 2006

A backhoe was delivered to the site today - it looks like landscaping for the outdoor theatre is beginning - and a rumor has passed to me that they are going to be doing some digging on the Experience paths as well - something about "a way to hide a piece of machinery."

With the designers occupied with their various experiments, not a lot has been heard about plans for this year's attraction.  Some of the experiments laying around the designers warehouse is a "lightening" generator, a couple video projectors, and some new flexible neon lighting... 

I will keep my ears open at the site this weekend while the designers focus on Sleepy Hollow - whenever these guys get together - the Experience is bound to come up...

Sunday February 19, 2006

Some interesting news coming out of an Experience meeting today - the designers have chosen a unique concept to present in the attraction this year.  Now that could mean anything - after all for those of you who toured the attraction last year will remember that the ending was unlike anything ever seen in a haunt.  But I have been whispered that they have created a new concept unlike anyone else.  The image on the front page of this site says "Make your choice" - could that mean multiple attractions?  Or is that something from the story?  I will have to do some snooping to see if I can uncover anything.  As I stated last time - the designers have kept the story of Saran alive for this season - citing that there is still more to tell.  I certainly hope so. 

In other news, it looks like plans are underway for the outdoor theatre that is being constructed on the North side of the Schmitter Estate.  I have seen some faxes lately from Script licensing agencies, and the engineer on the design team had some blueprints laying on his desk last week.  Look for more on that project soon - I believe the show is scheduled to open in early July.

Things are heating up around the Nightmoves offices - more to come soon!

Saturday January 21, 2006

I didn't realize so many of you keep up on my blog...  so thanks for reading!  Now that I have received so many emails about what is going on with The Experience I thought I'd at least have to give ya the big news...  It seems the designers have dropped the idea of Sleepy Hollow - for the attraction.  They are still building an outdoor performance space to do the show in the summer, but I was told they all feel it would be overkill to do Sleepy Hollow The Musical and then also focus the attraction on it.

So what are they considering?  I have heard several bits and pieces:  something about an "attraction gone wrong," a tribal version of The Village, and something they (the designers) keep referring to as "Malcolm's Story."  Now if that means what I think it means - they may very well be keeping Saran in the picture.  What hypocrites...  they said they were gonna put her to rest.

I guess things do change frequently around here.  The designers returned from their trip to Orlando with lots of pictures - so I believe they are into the "effect" phase of their design.  They usually start with brainstorming sessions, followed by a feasibility study, and then they begin engineering all the effects - so where does that put us?  I guess we'll have to wait and see... the designers meet again on Friday.

I have also seen some correspondence about other Experience Attractions in the area most notably Columbus - wouldn't that be fantastic?!  Two Experiences to go visit - here's hoping that they are two different attractions...

Monday December 12, 2005

I've noticed a little more activity around the offices here at Nightmoves in the past few days, there have been some meetings scheduled and there are some drawings posted on the walls.  It looks like they are setting up some meetings in Orlando with a couple attraction consultants while they are down there on their annual trip.  When they come back I will have lots more to tell ya...

In the meantime - I have been asked to solicit your opinions!  Send me an email at nightmoves@nightmovesohio.com and let me know some of the stories that you have always wanted to see turned into an attraction.  I don't know what will become of it but your feedback will help the designers tailor the attraction to all guests!  I'll let ya what I have wanted to see become an attraction:  Saw II, The Grudge, Darkness Falls, Harry Potter, and Titanic...

Sunday November 20, 2005

I caught a couple of the designers out at The Schmitter Estate today!  They had survey equipment which means another rumor that I have heard is in pre-planning stage!  The designers are kicking around the idea of putting on a summer production in the style of Tecumseh in Chillicothe Ohio.  I have not heard the storyline yet - but I will keep my ears to the trees and keep you posted!

Friday November 11, 2005

The designers have scheduled a wrap up meeting for tomorrow afternoon.  I would love to be a fly on the wall in that get-together...  you have to understand what these designers are like - they are the same guys who brought you Center Stage Players ...  so think QUIRKY...  they have been working together as a team for a couple years now and at no time do their meetings ever end on time - nor do they discuss anything on the agenda.  They usually run off on a tangent about some of the ideas floating around amongst them. 

So do I know about next year's attraction?  All I can say at the moment is that it looks like they are going to let Saran rest in peace for a year while they pursue another story as told to them by an amateur historian in the town of Ostrander.  It seems there is a local legend that is very similar to the story of Sleepy Hollow.    I guess that your's truly in the offices of Nightmoves will be talking to some horse people over the next few months... 

It never ends and they never sleep...   ;-)

Friday October 28, 2005

Here we are - the final weekend of The Experience for 2005.  It has been a year of trials and tribulations for the designers but from the looks on their faces at the attraction last night (and from the looks of the guests) they have a lot to be proud of.   This year's Experience has jumped leap years ahead of anything they have done - and it begs the question - how will they top this next year.   I'll just say that I know these guys pretty well and I guarantee that they will come up with something amazing!

Last night was a busy night at The Schmitter Estate and tonight is already filling up with reservations.  Once again I remind you that the lines will be long this weekend but Sunday night will be light - so if you can't stand the line you should think about coming out on Sunday.  Yours truly is there all weekend so be sure to introduce yourself if you are familiar with my gossip column on here!

Sunday October 23, 2005

Another record-breaking weekend for The Experience even in the rain!  Waits were once again long this weekend and at times the line stretched around the tents.  Those of you non-regular haunt goers please keep in mind that if you come to The Experience at 10pm or later that you are going to encounter a line.  Plainly simple folks - it's the peak season for haunted attractions and I would love for someone to show me a haunted attraction that doesn't have a lengthy line. 

Enough of that - no more on the subject.  Though I noticed a little wear and tear on the attraction this weekend I did notice a couple of new things along the path that were added and there seemed to be a new sound track in some of the areas as well.  Those designers are at it again - plussing the attraction so that each trip is a new Experience.  See ya this weekend!  It's the last one of this attraction!

Sunday October 15, 2005

A record-breaking weekend for The Experience - so I will lead off by saying - YOU MUST EXPECT A LINE.  I can't begin to tell you how many people seem to think that they will get to a haunted attraction in the month of October and expect to get right in.  Folks - the waits out at the Schmitter Estate were between an hour and 3 hours long last night.   Please be smart about this and don't harass yours truly at the tent.  Then you can enjoy the "good, creepy fun" out at The Experience!

I am hearing rumors about next year's attraction...  I overheard the designers discussing the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and an outdoor version of Darkness Falls.  I'll keep you posted...  In the meantime be sure to send your comments about the attraction to the designers using the Contact Us Link!

Friday October 8, 2005

Steven Shaw of the Nightmoves Journal here - Another opening of the weekend - and lots of rain.  Which apparently affected some aspects of the attraction tonight.  I was on the phone with several electricians that later appeared out of nowhere and entered the woods like a line of soldiers during the american revolution.  I guess no one realized just how much rain fell from the heavens today.

Either way - the following information has been passed to me - please read and heed the advice.

1.  This attraction is not a typical haunted attraction - there aren't any actors that will get in your face and follow you around for the rest of the tour.

2.  There won't be any loud noises or power tools used to scare you.

3.  If you are a teenager - you should probably skip this one - it's not what you want.

4.  Wear tight-fitting shoes!

5.  Expect somewhat of a wait - with all of the equipment that has been installed in the woods there are bound to be delays either with the operation of said equipment or with the required nightly approval of our electrician which must be obtained before the attraction is opened.

That said - yours truly was out, about, and wet throughout and I assure you that they had another night of fantastic audience response and the lines will increase tomorrow night!

Sunday October 2, 2005

I didn't realize how long it has been since I last leaked out all the juicy gossip about The Experience.  It's been a long 3 weeks and your humble office worker for Nightmoves Entertainment Inc. has been busy playing gopher for the design team of The Experience.

The attraction opened this past weekend to a rousing success!  I saw many groups exit the attraction completely shocked by what they had Experienced.  The comments I heard:

"...now that's good creepy Halloween fun!"

"Everything looks so real and that it belongs you have trouble discerning what is real and not real."

"Is this Disneyworld or Ohio?!"

And there were countless others...   So what's my take on it?  Well - as usual I am privy to a lot of what is going on just by being an employee of the parent corporation - but they usually do a lot of their work in private so I just get to see the deliveries and storyboards...  early stuff like that.  So I toured through the attraction this past Saturday and can't believe what these guys have come up with!  Those of you the read this regularly and have attended past attractions have no idea how much they have done in those woods!  I was terrified and completely shocked by the massiveness of this attraction - they pulled out all the stops and have therefore cemented themselves as a staple haunted attraction that is a must-see every year!

From what I am seeing in and around the offices here at Nightmoves is bustling activity answering phone calls and returning emails to guests that are interested in attending or that have attended and are calling to tell us what a great time they had.  Today, I think the designers (plus 1) had their traditional opening weekend brunch because they were all calling around the same time - my regulars will know what that means - they are already tweaking the attraction to make it even better.

I have been passed some information concerning the attraction:  Arrive early, wear shoes (flip flops are bad) and be prepared for something unlike you have ever seen. 

All I will say is this - you have to see if for yourself - no words can accurately describe my Experience of October 2005.

Monday September 12, 2005

More work completed in the woods this weekend - they carried miles and miles of wire I am assuming to connect all of the effects and sensors... 

I also noticed ads starting to pop up on websites in the area...

More previews are scheduled for this weekend! 

Friday September 2, 2005

WOW!  Here we are the weekend of designer previews - this is the weekend where they invite family and friends to tour the attraction and fill out surveys.  So much work has been done at the site - there are two very large doors at the entrance of the woods and it looks like they have added decorative lighting to light the trees.  There is a well along the path - shades of The Ring, and there is a VERY LARGE object near the end - I am not being told what it is - but it is massive - these guys have gone way out there this year!  Check back on Monday when I will let you know how the previews went.

Friday August 19, 2005

The Experience is just now a couple weeks away from soft previews.  The deliveries have doubled, the phone calls are steady, and the designers are developing an affinity with the woods on the Schmitter Estate.

The story (from what I can see) is changing daily.  They have a great plot line and now they are working on all the little details to flesh out the story of the attraction. 

Marketing has gone out it seems for The Experience - I imagine you will begin to see that barren tree everywhere!

Friday August 11, 2005

A video projector arrived at the office today.  And I have caught some of the designers pulling out horror movies on DVD and watching them during the day. 

Electricity is flowing at the site and you can see them testing lighting during the night - it really is getting close!  Real exciting huh?

Soft previews begin in two weeks - yours truly (Steven) will be out at the site asking for opinions and seeing what details I can dig up for ya!

I can tell you a couple things...  they have changed their rules a bit this year:

Silence will save your soul

Stick to the path

Question all that you believe

Trust only yourself

For those of you around last year they also had "Stay in the Light."  Interesting that that is missing.

Oh - also something that I don't believe I stated but have mentioned before is that those of you who came to the first two weeks of The Experience last year did not view the final attraction.  The designers tweaked through the season and eventually added Saran and Malcolm to the attraction.  Saran is a freaky long haired Japanese looking girl that wanders through the woods and her father Malcolm is a figure in a black cloak.

So if you think you've seen it - there's a chance that you didn't even Experience the final version of the attraction.

Be sure to check it out this year.

Saturday August 6, 2005

I am being told that the designers are moving out of the R&D phase and into the production phase of the project.  Actual construction is beginning at the site and they tell me that money is being spent.  I am also hearing of a soft preview weekend coming up - check back and I'll post the date!

Monday July 25, 2005

With work well-underway at the site for this year's Experience, the designers took the weekend off and headed up to the MidWest Haunter's Convention in Worthington Ohio.  I am told that they talked with some vendors and placed orders for some key items that will be used in the attraction.  On Friday the designers had the honor of touring through The House of Nightmares in Mount Vernon - a top-rated haunted house in Ohio - they won't tell me who they met there, but suffice to say they have added one more person to the design team!

Friday July 15, 2005

Boxes of equipment seem to be arriving every day to the Nightmoves Entertainment Inc. studio.  I have been told that the designers have one more planning meeting to go before the storyline can be released to us.  That's a pretty good sign actually...  I believe last year they were still working on story details the week the attraction opened.

I have heard so many stories of the ideas these designers have come up with, but now that they are entering the production stage I will be able to offer you more insight into this year's Experience!  Stay tuned...

Sunday July 3, 2005

More people were out at the site yesterday.  I spoke to one of them who told me that they were to the point where they are marking off the locations of effects, props, and control areas.  Orange flags are everywhere! 

Friday July 1, 2005

The designers met with the site caretaker today and secured their permits for this year's Experience!  It's official - watch for the publicity that is sure to roll out!

Side note - Alan (the producer) forwarded me an interview he did with City Blood Ohio Haunt in preparation for their tour this year.  The interview has been posted to City Blood Ohio website - no wonder these guys come up with great attractions!

Don't forget to sign up for the Experience mailing list - they often giveaway tickets and such to anyone on the list!

Monday June 27, 2005

Models are starting to pop up around the facility with some very unusual effects.  I am sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you that I have never seen anything like this in any other haunted attraction.  These designers have pulled out all the stops trying to completely immerse the audience into the world of Saran.  Some work is beginning to happen at the site, 8 40 foot telephone poles were delivered this past week and we've seen teams of people walking in the area with clipboards.  It's hard to believe that opening is only 3 months away!

Friday June 17, 2005

Wow - the time is really flying fast now!  I am already seeing advertising for this year's Experience popping up around the area - this means the designers are in full swing on the attraction.

I spoke with one of the designers today who had this to tell me...

"We are looking at several different and high-cost effects that are not normally used in haunted house for this year's attraction.  We are focusing on the same characters from last year, but making them more physical to interact with the audience."

I can't wait to see what these guys think up!  By the way, if you are interested in being a performer, volunteer, or dancer for the attraction - the director asks that you email him at experience@centerstageplayers.com to let him know of your interest.  I will be there every night - hope you will too!

Tuesday June 7, 2005

I was informed that the designers returned from their annual trip to Florida yesterday after doing some research on the attractions in the state-of-the-art theme parks down there.  This always means the start of lots of information flowing my way!

Check back soon for more updates!

Saturday May 28, 2005

Nightmoves Entertainment Inc. released the new website for The Experience 2005 today!  It sounds as though they have created a sequel to last year's version of the attraction. 

My sources in the Nightmoves offices say that Saran and Malcolm (the characters from last year's attraction) were so well received that it warranted another year with them!   For those of you who have not been to the attraction - Saran is a creepy little girl with long black hair looking somewhat like "Samara" from "The Ring."  Though we do not get to see her very often - when she's around all hell breaks loose.

The sketches and drawings are being worked on at this moment from what I have been told - and if I can get my hands on anything I will be sure to post it here!

Friday May 20, 2005

The location has been confirmed - this year's Experience will take place on the historical Schmitter estate in Ostrander Ohio - same place as last year.  So I guess that means a couple trips out to the site to get you all some pictures of the work in progress!