Blueprints for Isla Corpus Pirate Haunt 2011

Yep, that's the haunt name - Isla Corpus Haunted Adventure! I came up with the name a long time ago, just didn't know how or where to use it. Anywho, I've decided to show my blueprints for this year's display at my dad's house. The "Davey Jones' Locker" scene in the garage will have my vortex light, and the sounds of a ghost ship. In the side yard, there will (possible) be a buccaneer's boneyard, and the front porch and front walk will be the "Treasure Cave" and "Haunted Harbor", respectively. I'm really looking forward to actually building the props, and have started budgeting. Keep a weather eye open mates!

Haunt Dilemma - I've choosen my theme...

It's Pirates.

I decided to go with it because, unlike "Phantom" it's a theme that people will respond to better. But I can promise you guys this: I will NOT, in any way shape or form, rip-off of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride or movies. As fun as they are, WAY too many haunters "borrow" images and music/dialogue from them. So I'll try to be as dark/scary and original as I can. Expect it to be a very ghostly haunt, while still having an adventurous spirit. I'm very excited about this, and can't wait to start building!

Also, shout-out's to Dr. Blood and Samanta Martins. Glad to have ye aboard!

Haunt Dilemma – “Phantom” or Pirates?

OK, first things first: I’m a flip-flopper when it comes to themes. Remember last year? I went from carnival to year-off then back to carnival before repeating the “Scarecrow Hill” theme. My problem is both indecisiveness and a enjoyment of many haunt themes. While I like all kinds (except for aliens/sci-fi), very few actually inspire me. Ever since I posted that teaser video for a redo of my old “Phantom of the Opera” haunt from 2006, I just haven’t been feeling the whole “Phantom” thing.Lately, I’ve been wanting to try my hand at a different theme – pirates. Now, before you start groaning, let me explain my reasoning.

1) It’s a theme I love, and have thought was fun and cool for most of life.

2) I haven’t actually built any props or sets yet, so the window of opportunity is still open.

3) Both sets would be similar in design – a cave, but instead of a Gothic style lair, I’d be doing a hidden tavern for the scoundrels.

4) With a pirate theme, there’s opportunity for a façade over the garage door.

5) Finally, while there are many excellent pirate haunts out there, none of them have been done the way I’d done it, with other haunts going very Disneyland instead of dark and frightening (along the lines of Nox Arcana’s Phantoms of the High Seas album).

So, before I start making any changes to my haunt plans, I’m going to get as many opinions as I can. If you have any ideas or opinions, please comment below. So, my fellow spookables, what do you think: Phantom or Pirates?