Cleveland, Ohio - Rockin' - R - Ranch Presents Spooky Ranch
By Hauntworld Magazine

TO FIND MORE HAUNTED HOUSES IN OHIO CLICK HERE ... http://www.hauntworld.com/ohio_haunted_houses

 

Ohio Haunted Houses are some of the scariest and best in America!  Hauntworld.com rates and review the best and Scariest haunted houses, haunted attractions, and Halloween events in America!  Spooky Ranch is located in Cleveland, Ohio and has one of the scariest haunted houses in America!  Prepare to scream!  This Halloween you can't miss the scariest and best haunted attraction in the entire state of Ohio, Spooky Ranch. Spooky Ranch features multiple haunted Halloween attractions including haunted houses, haunted hayrides, and attractions.  Cleveland Ohio has some of the best and biggest haunted attractions in America but Spooky Ranch is one that truely can make you scream!  Below you will read our review of Spooky Ranch In Cleveland.
To learn more about Ohio's Spooky Ranch visit their websit below:

www.spookyranch.com


 

WOW!  Sensational! Over the top! A knock out! A winner! A triumph! Incredible! Amazing! Astonishing! Exceptional! Heart stopping! Bind blowing! Remarkable!
Where do we even begin! This is one of the country’s BEST haunts.

Many years ago Cleveland, Ohio had the unfortunate stereotype given to it by a misguided, uninformed, non-talented comedian as the “mistake on the lake”. Today, Cleveland is a vibrant entertainment and health-conscious mecca. Inside this wonderful entertainment district are theatres showcasing Broadway productions, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Clinic Hospitals, the beautiful metro-parks, Lake Erie for boating, the Cleveland Cavs, the Cleveland Indians and of course the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is a great place for seasonal entertainment due to the change of seasons each with different weather patterns. People in this neck of the woods think in terms of what they do for fun and enjoyment in relation to what season it is, such as snuggling together in front of the fireplace & drinking hot chocolate in the Winter, dreaming of the winter thaw and fresh flowers at the Home and Garden Show in early Spring, planning a trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park in the Summer to try out the newest roller coaster and checking out the beautiful Fall colors of orange and bronze, pumpkin carving, trick or treating and of course, haunted houses, in Autumn.  

Cleveland is quite competitive in the haunted house and haunted attraction industry with several new haunts popping up each year while several other haunts close every other year. Only the good ones last, and one of the best is SPOOKY RANCH also known as the Rockin’-R-Ranch.

Derek Vitas and his brothers Jimmy and Damian were mere teenagers back in 1990, twenty-five years ago when the Rockin’-R-Ranch, now known as Spooky Ranch began. The Vitas brothers did not sit down one day and start planning a haunted house attraction. The idea evolved when their mother almost lost the farm where they lived. “It’s uncanny how your survival mode kicks in when necessity of survival becomes a reality,” agrees the family.  The oldest son, Jimmy recalls how he used to make haunted houses in his basement and had his school friends come over to scare. “I remember thinking…If the farm down the road can do hayrides, why don’t we?  But to differentiate us, I wanted to make ours a haunted hayride. We didn’t have much money, but we had a couple of credit cards, an old tractor, a hay wagon and some hay. We had some talent, drive and a hard work ethic.”  They started making homemade props, and the rest is haunting history. The saga of Spooky Ranch at the ole Rockin’R-Ranch began with the introduction of the now famous Haunted Hayride, but originally it was called Spooktacular Nights at Rockin’R-Ranch. Time progressed, other haunted houses were added to the venue, and eventually the name changed from Spooktacular Nights to Spooky Ranch.
Most every haunt owner will attest that their haunt is the scariest, the best, the most frightening, the biggest, the most well-known, has the best actors, the most monsters, most gruesome zombies, most wicked creatures, most crazed clowns or whatever else they can dream up to say. Through the last 25 years, Spooky Ranch has provided all that and more which is why their customers (victims) keep coming back for more! What sets Spooky Ranch apart from everyone else to be ranked so high in the haunted house community?  To be awarded an 11 out of 10 rating by the Haunted House Enthusiasts is quite an honor. They’ve been rating haunts for over fourteen years. Their average attendance is forty to fifty haunts per season. So why did they rank Spooky Ranch their rare 11 out of 10 rating when only 5 other haunts prior had been bestowed such honor?  Obviously, the simple math of that speaks volumes. Where Spooky Ranch goes above and beyond is the “quadruple threat” of acting, prop use, proper animatronic use and timing. Spooky Ranch hits on all cylinders. Some might say that every haunted house utilizes these 4 facets, but to say that all haunts use them correctly would be false. The Spooky Ranch team is expert! Here is an example: You walk into a room and are greeted by a monstrous actor. He introduces himself as your ‘master of ceremonies’ for the evening. As he gives his outrageous spiel, you fail to realize he has moved closer to you. Just as you notice the prop in his hand, the floor starts to drop & vibrate and a deep, penetrating laugh that emanates seems to shake the whole room. Without giving away the whole gag, I believe you get the idea. Not realizing that he changes his proximity to you as well as producing a scream rendering prop, gives you an idea of how Spooky Ranch interweaves the ultimate quadruple threat. Now, combine those scare tactics with the great sets and exterior designs, and that’s why Spooky Ranch deserves all the accolades.

What makes Spooky Ranch so special?  
“Our haunt is managed properly, professional and unique, but even more importantly is the family aspect.  I’ve learned… The family that scares together, stays together.  Who knew?” says Darlene with a smile, mother and CFO of this family operated business.

What could credit the success & longevity of this haunt?
Spooky Ranch has done such a good job at pleasing so many age groups at the same time. Even while being a hard core haunt, Spooky Ranch is also a major draw for families. It’s not easy to please so many age groups, but kudos to them for being the rare haunt that truly caters to all generations.

Weighing in on this is son, Derek Vitas, who is perhaps the creative genius behind the success of Spooky Ranch. “Spooky Ranch appeals to the masses not just teens,” says Derek. “We truly are the theme park of haunted houses, and our actors have speaking roles. Instead of giving the typical ‘boo’s and ‘rah’s found at other haunts, we give you a professional, theatrical production. People of all ages attend our incredible haunt. How we do that?...We have different levels of fright and fear. We have kids that will come with their parents to ride our now famous Haunted Hayride. This is a ride of terror and suspense at every turn.  We have Hollywood quality sets and scenes in the Forest of Fear including massive thirty-foot-tall, gigantic props, monsters and many surprises. The Haunted Barn is a theatrical production with all the glitz, screams, thrills etc. of a ride at Universal Studios. In fact, when the doors open to exit, our patrons are clapping their approval… That’s when you know you’re doing something right!  Plus, this is the only place in the Cleveland area to ride a haunted hayride.  Spooky Ranch has it!”
I couldn’t agree more with Derek. The ambiance is so electrifying as you drive up and immediately see the gigantic, lighted skull atop the barn. Nothing beats their Haunted Hayride. It’s the flagship of the production. After all, what’s better than a ride underneath the starry Autumn skies with the Halloween moon shining down as you timidly enter the Forest of Fear with creepy monsters, ghouls, zombies and ghosts lurking behind each tree and prop along the way.

“The second level of fear might be the Wicked Clowns in 3D or the new Blood Slingers Saloon with a western theme,” says Derek, “and the extreme level of fear & fright would be our new Bloody Mary’s Revenge haunted house.”  

Spooky Ranch is the only haunt in the U.S. to have the copyright to use the Bloody Mary name. Previously, Universal Studios Horror Nights in Orlando, Florida used it. “Children are not permitted in this house,” tells Derek, “not for vulgarity, but it’s just THAT frightening.” Spooky Ranch’s top actor, Gus Maurer, is the lead actor who sets the stage in this house. “He is well renowned in the industry, and for GOOD reason,” explains Derek.  I happen to know Gus, and I certainly agree with Derek.  

Other SPOOKY RANCH projects: Hauntville in Elyria, Ohio is another extreme, rare, totally out of the box, over the top, scary haunted attraction produced and operated by Derek Vitas, the family’s guru of haunted attractions. Derek designed and began this amazing haunt in 2010.  He and his scare-masters production team managed by Maureen and Krieg Hall is a whole new haunting experience. The five mind-blowing, awesome attractions are Cellblock 13, the Butcher Barn, Psycho Manor, Zombie Hunt in 3D and Wicked Clowns in 4D. Wicked Clowns is the first 4D attraction of its kind utilizing a whole new sensory perception of sight, sound and smell. For years, Hauntworld.com has recognized BOTH Spooky Ranch and Hauntville as two of the best, scariest, most well-done haunts and gives them extremely high ratings.
 
Also, back in 1995 the family started a daytime festival called The Old West Pumpkin Fest at the Rockin’-R-Ranch. This is a real Autumn treat for the whole family. It features hayrides, pumpkin patches, pony rides, animal petting farm and more.  They even feature a professional stage show with a live production of the costumed characters called The Country Kids Show.
Past, Present and Future:  Derek Vitas is the creative talent behind both Spooky Ranch and Hauntville, and with the invaluable help of his siblings, Jimmy, Damian, Travis and Allison they have moved way beyond that first haunted hayride experience twenty-five years ago. The original, old tractor used in haunt season one has been laid to rest many years ago. In Columbia Station, (Cleveland) and Elyria, Ohio you will find two haunts unlike any other in the country.  These creative giants led by Derek will give you an experience like no other. They will make you scream, laugh and be totally entertained and amazed. Derek’s plans are to imitate his success by expanding into other cities across the country as his family migrates elsewhere. It’s a natural progression for this well-run family business operating 2 of the country’s best haunts!

Spooky Ranch and Hauntville will be highlighted during the Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC), the largest Halloween convention of its kind in the US serving a primary audience of haunted attraction producers, actors, artists and home haunters, May 29 -May 31, 2015, featuring the pre-bus, spotlight tour of the best haunted houses in Northeast, Ohio.
 

Get on the bus and check them out, or go to Spookyranch.com, Elyriahauntedhouse.com, Hauntworld.com, and Clevelandhayride.com.

TO FIND MORE HAUNTED HOUSES IN OHIO CLICK HERE ... http://www.hauntworld.com/ohio_haunted_houses

To learn more about Ohio's Spooky Ranch visit their websit below:

www.spookyranch.com

Cleveland, Ohio's - The Fear Experience Haunted House
By Hauntworld Magazine

TO FIND MORE HAUNTED HOUSES IN OHIO CLICK HERE ... http://www.hauntworld.com/ohio_haunted_houses

Ohio Haunted Houses are some of the scariest and best in America!  Hauntworld.com rates and review the best and Scariest haunted houses, haunted attractions, and Halloween events in America!  The Fear Experience is located in Cleveland, Ohio and has one of the scariest haunted houses in America!  Prepare to scream!  Sit back and prepare to scream through our review of The Fear Experience. This Halloween you can't miss the scariest and best haunted attraction in the entire state of Ohio, The Fear Experience. Their attraction features some of the scariest actors, crazies scenes, and amazing set design. Now sit back and read all about the best haunted house in the the Cleveland area, The Fear Experience. The Fear Experience is by far Cleveland Ohio's best haunted house and scariest haunted attraction and now rated and reviewed by Hauntworld.com.  The Fear Experience features five different attractions in the same location and we will review the biggest, best and scariest haunted house in Cleveland Ohio.

To learn more about Ohio's The Fear Experience visit their websit below:
www.thefearexperience.com


 

TO FIND MORE HAUNTED HOUSES IN OHIO CLICK HERE ... http://www.hauntworld.com/ohio_haunted_houses
 

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Back then, the duo decided to build a massive home haunt and enter a national competition hosted by Good Morning America. They began building in the summer of 2008, and by fall they were putting the finishing touches on an elaborate 8,000 square foot attraction in Francis’s backyard.  “The haunt took up my entire yard; 7 years later the grass still hasn’t grown back,” says Francis.  “We spent days researching our favorite horror movies and haunted houses and tried to incorporate some of the ideas we liked.  The end result left our families amazed by the terror we created.  Nobody believed we could build something that impressive.”  

They hired a professional videographer to produce the video that would be submitted to Good Morning America for the haunted house competition.  “Our video received the most votes nationally but didn’t manage to win. We found out on Halloween and were incredibly disappointed,” says Simon. “It seemed like all our hard work was for nothing - that is until we opened our doors to the public later that night.”

In just three hours of operation, over 500 people came to their haunt.  Not bad considering it was in a residential neighborhood and they had no advertising.  At 10 pm, the police showed up and shut them down, but by then Francis and Simon knew they were onto something.  The two saw endless opportunity ahead.  Of course, they couldn’t keep running the haunt in Francis’s backyard, so that night the young entrepreneurs decided they would open a commercial attraction the next year.

Fast forward to present day and their commercial haunted house attraction, The Fear Experience, has taken the Cleveland market by storm. “It hasn’t been easy; Cleveland is competitive. Sometimes it seems there’s a haunted house around every corner and some have been around for over 20 years,” says Simon.  “But for us, the competition acts as a constant stimulus.”  
 

Francis adds, “We believe the only way to keep haunted house customers coming is to put on the best, scariest and most entertaining show in the market, and that is our exact focus all day, every day at The Fear Experience.”  Their dedication to excellence in haunting is unwavering.

The Fear Experience is located in a 90,000 square foot, retail location about half a mile from one of the biggest interstates in Cleveland.  The entire event is indoors, protecting its guests from Cleveland’s cold and rainy fall climate. Covered waiting has been a key differentiator in a market where most haunts are outdoors.  

The Fear Experience haunted house didn’t start off in such a great spot, however.  For the first few years the attraction jumped around to different temporary locations and the sets weren’t quite on par with what Simon and Francis wanted.  Simon commented, “We originally didn’t have the time, money or skills to build the kind of sets our customers enjoy today, but we always made sure our customers had a great time.  Instead, we crafted as many startles as we could and focused on making the show scary and entertaining. We knew we had a long way to go to achieve our goal… being the best haunt in the Cleveland market.”

A stroke of serendipity came in 2011 when Rick Thomas, member of internationally renowned band Mushroomhead, guest acted at The Fear Experience.  Thomas saw potential, “I could tell they were ready to take this haunt to the next level, and I knew I could bring the level of quality they needed.”  By this time, Thomas had been designing and building haunted houses for more than two decades.  Over the years he had acquired a lot of experience in set design and show production that would become an essential aspect of The Fear Experience’s rapid development.  Haunted houses have always been one of Thomas’s greatest passions along with music.  When he’s not touring around the world with Mushroomhead, he’s working day and night at The Fear Experience.  Thomas credits his love for building and designing haunted houses as his motivation to constantly make improvements to the attractions.  

With the addition of Thomas as lead scenic designer, the team brought a level of quality and realism that hasn’t been seen before in the Cleveland market.  The haunts feature large, grand scenes and realistic, horrifying environments.  The latest addition is a massive mausoleum style entrance that customers actually walk through to reach the box office.  Francis described the thought process around the project, “We wanted to build an entrance that would amaze our customers the second they walked in the door.  Now you’re not just waiting in line to buy a ticket, you’re walking through something you’ve never experienced before.  It’s probably one of the coolest sets we’ve built to date.”  
 

There’s another very practical reason for the new entrance.  Haunted houses have gotten expensive; it can easily cost $100 for a family of five.  Francis and Simon wanted to assure their customers, before they paid, that they made a great choice by coming to The Fear Experience.  The best way they could think to do that was to build an interactive scene right in the front door.  

The incredible new sets have opened doors to amazing opportunities.  Most recently, the band Mushroomhead chose to film their latest music video entirely at The Fear Experience.  The band thought the haunt would be the perfect place to shoot the music video for one of the album’s top tracks, Qwerty.  Mushroomhead’s new album, The Righteous and The Butterfly reached #1 on the Hard Rock chart and made the Billboard Top 20.  “We were really honored to have such a recognized and loved band choose our haunt to shoot this video.  It turned out amazing, we were blown away by the end result” says Francis.

Today, The Fear Experience features four haunted houses under one roof.  Each attraction has its own unique theme, but they are all tied together by one riveting, overarching concept.  The attractions reside in the city of Centralia, based off a real city in Pennsylvania that has a tragic and gripping past.  Centralia was once home to the largest coal mines in the United States but is now a ghost town.  In 1962, a few local residents accidentally started a fire in one of the mines and it’s been burning non-stop ever since.  The rampant fire has made the baron city uninhabitable and destroyed much of its infrastructure.  Centralia has also been the inspiration for a number of famous horror movies including Silent Hill.  

The latest addition to The Fear Experience, The Centralia County Fair, debuted in 2013 and was a crowd favorite.  The first half of this haunted attraction is designed like an outdoor fair.  It features a huge destroyed midway, a creepy back alley and rotten food truck.  The guests are then chased through a giant clown’s mouth into the circus section.  Although it has its fair share of clowns, the team at The Fear Experience wanted to do something more unique.  Their idea was to create a freak show and zoo that houses all of the circus’ sideshows.  All of the actors in this section are elevated above the customers’ heads, creating a very intimidating effect.  “The finished scenes terrify guests,” says Thomas Thomas “We designed each room with the actor in mind.  Actors can climb and jump around the rooms so quickly that people don’t know where a creature might pop out from next.”

When the team isn’t working on building new haunted house attractions, they’re working on marketing.  They want their marketing pieces to identify The Fear Experience as the go-to haunt in Cleveland.  Their first move was to hire one of the top horror photographers in the area, Blind 7 Photography also known as the “Godfather of Dark Glamour” to shoot their characters.  Simon commented, “We wanted to use real photos on all of our promotional pieces; we felt that type of realism would capture people’s attention.”  Another big step was their website, www.TheFearExperience.com.  The site was designed to be simple and easy to navigate with all the most relevant information right at your fingertips.  The site is also very mobile friendly. “We saw that about 50% of our traffic was coming from mobile devices and we knew our site needed to be just as easy to use from a phone” says Francis.  
 

Their website is not their only online presence.  The Fear Experience Facebook page has over 61,000 fans.  “That’s more than any other haunt in our market!” says Francis who manages the page. “I try to post and interact with fans daily.”  He strives to use Facebook to build real relationships with customers so that when haunt season rolls around, they know exactly which attraction they’re going to.  

Simon, Francis, and Thomas expect a bright future for The Fear Experience.  The three are dedicated to improving the show every year through additions, scenic development and constant innovation.  New, creative ideas fuel the changes made from year to year.  They want to provide each haunt guest with an incredible experience that they can’t get at any other Cleveland haunt or haunted house nationwide.  Their goal is for each guest to leave remembering at least a few very concrete things that scared or amazed them.  Francis and Simon closed by saying, “We will continue to bring true quality and the highest level production value to the Cleveland market.  Cleveland is a great town and deserves the best haunted houses in the world, and we want The Fear Experience to lead the charge.”  


TO FIND MORE HAUNTED HOUSES IN OHIO CLICK HERE ... http://www.hauntworld.com/ohio_haunted_houses