History, Legends& Myths & Movies They Inspired :Haunted Attractions - Featuring : Hell House LLC Trilogy

 Haunted attractions have long fascinated and intrigued people, drawing them into a realm where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. These spine-chilling experiences, often found in amusement parks, abandoned buildings, or specially designed locations, have become a popular form of entertainment worldwide. Let's delve into the captivating history of haunted attractions and explore some of the eerie and unexplained occurrences that have taken place within them.

The concept of haunted attractions can be traced back centuries, with roots in ancient folklore and superstitions. In medieval Europe, plays and performances centered around ghostly encounters and macabre tales were a common form of entertainment. These early renditions laid the groundwork for the haunted attractions we know today.

The modern-day haunted house emerged in the 19th century when phantasmal entertainment took a new form. The infamous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in London began incorporating eerie elements into their exhibits, captivating audiences with realistic depictions of ghosts and ghouls. This innovative approach paved the way for the development of standalone haunted houses, designed specifically to frighten and thrill visitors.

While most haunted attractions rely on theatrical tricks and special effects to create a spooky atmosphere, there have been instances when the line between illusion and reality becomes blurred. Numerous reports suggest that some haunted attractions have experienced inexplicable phenomena, leaving visitors and staff questioning the nature of these occurrences.

One such incident took place at an abandoned asylum turned haunted attraction in the United States. Visitors claimed to have witnessed shadowy figures lurking in the corridors, heard disembodied voices, and even felt ghostly touches. Despite rigorous investigations, these events remain unexplained, adding an extra layer of mystery to the experience.

Another spine-tingling incident occurred at a haunted mansion in England. Visitors reported seeing objects move on their own, hearing phantom footsteps, and feeling sudden cold spots in otherwise warm rooms. Paranormal experts were called in to investigate, but no rational explanation could be found, leaving visitors to ponder the existence of supernatural forces at play.

As technology advanced, so did haunted attractions. With the advent of animatronics, virtual reality, and sophisticated sound and lighting systems, the level of immersion and fear-factor increased significantly. Haunted attractions quickly became a staple of seasonal events such as Halloween, drawing millions of visitors each year.

In recent times, haunted attractions have expanded beyond traditional haunted houses. Escape rooms, haunted hayrides, and interactive experiences have become popular variations, allowing individuals to engage with the supernatural in unique and thrilling ways.

This is evident with thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush and a taste of the supernatural. Across the country, there are several extreme haunted attractions that have gained notoriety for their terrifying experiences and chilling history. Here's a glimpse  of a few  of the most extreme haunted attractions in America.

1. The Pennhurst Asylum, Pennsylvania:

The Pennhurst Asylum located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, is infamous for its dark past. Originally known as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic, it operated as a mental institution from 1908 to 1987. The asylum has a haunting history of mistreatment and abuse, which has fueled its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. Today, visitors can experience the horror firsthand as they navigate through its eerie hallways and encounter the spirits that are said to still linger within its walls.

2. The Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania:

Another haunted attraction in Pennsylvania, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, is a former prison that operated from 1829 to 1971. This gothic-style prison housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone. With its crumbling cellblocks and eerie atmosphere, the Eastern State Penitentiary has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts. Visitors can take guided tours and hear chilling stories of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena.

3. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky:

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium was once a tuberculosis hospital during the early 20th century. The building's haunting appearance and its dark history of suffering and death have made it one of the most haunted places in America. The sanatorium is known for its "body chute," a tunnel used to transport deceased patients discreetly. Visitors can explore the abandoned halls and witness paranormal activities such as ghostly apparitions and unexplained voices.

4. The Queen Mary, California:

Docked in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is not only a luxurious ocean liner but also a site known for its paranormal activity. The ship served as a troopship during World War II and witnessed numerous deaths, creating an eerie atmosphere that has captivated many ghost hunters. Visitors can take guided tours and explore the haunted areas, including the infamous Room B340, where guests have reported encounters with a ghostly presence.

The most extreme haunted attractions in America offer visitors a spine-chilling experience, combining

history and paranormal encounters. As thrill-seekers explore these eerie locations, they delve into the dark pasts and haunting stories that have made these attractions famous. Whether it's the Pennhurst Asylum, the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, or the Queen Mary, these haunted attractions provide a unique opportunity to experience the supernatural and unravel the mysteries that lie within their walls.

Of course there are even more extreme haunted attractions than those I've listed above, some in which you have to sign a waiver to get in. So extreme in fact, some owners have even had the police phoned on them, and others whom have been called nothing but places where people pay to be tortured. I'm not sure about all of that, but I do know that they exist. Check these out if you're interested just google them : McKamey Manor has 2 locations one in TN and one in AL, requires reservations and has a 40 page waiver. 

Blackout: locations in NY and CA, called the first X rated haunted attractions. You must sign a waiver and understand there is nudity, sexual situations, extremely loud noises, people touching and assaulting you, extreme darkness, and even a safe word. 

Gates of Hell: 17plus by the Freakling Brothers who describe this attraction as "full" contact. 

My final suggestion for investigation are a couple of very large Haunted attractions which are age 13 plus 

Shocktoberfest: Located located West of Reading PA

ScareHouse: Located at Pittsburgh Mills Mall, in Tarentum, PA 

What's with PA and its it's creepy stuff anyway?!

Darklings, the history of haunted attractions is a fascinating journey that intertwines folklore, entertainment, and the unexplained. From humble beginnings as ghostly performances to the cutting-edge experiences of today, these attractions continue to captivate and terrify audiences across the globe. Whether you visit for the adrenaline rush or to explore the boundary between reality and the paranormal, the allure of haunted attractions remains undeniably compelling.

Now it's time to take a look at a trilogy of movies based on an an extreme, and truly evil haunted attraction - Hell House LLC

Welcome to the sinister world of "Hell House LLC." This trilogy of horror movies has captivated

audiences with its spine-chilling narrative and bone-chilling scares. "Hell House LLC" is a found footage horror trilogy that takes place in the fictional town of Abaddon, New York. The first installment, released in 2015,  follows a group of ambitious entrepreneurs who turn an abandoned hotel, the Abaddon Hotel, into a haunted house attraction for Halloween. 5 years after the death of 15 tour-goers and staff of a another iteration of a haunted house tour. Little do they know, the hotel holds a dark history that starts to unravel as they delve deeper into the project.

Written, directed and edited by Stephen Cognetti he does a pretty good job at making the story seem real enough for a viewer to ponder for a moment that this could actually be a true story, in the same vain Blair Witch blurred the line between fiction and reality. 

The Original Hell House LLC from 2015 

The "Hell House LLC"  takes viewers on a heart stopping adventure of demons, and killer clowns amongst other nasty things.  As the horrors unfold within the Abaddon Hotel In the first installment, the group experiences unexplainable occurrences during the opening night of their haunted house attraction, leaving many questions unanswered, and a trail of bodies.

Produced by Joe Bandelli and Matt DePaola

Cinematography Brian C. Harnick

The trilogy features a talented cast who bring their characters to life and add an extra layer of terror to the films. 

Ryan Jennifer Jones as Sara Havel

Danny Bellini as Alex Taylor

Gore Abrams as Paul O'Keefe

Jared Hacker as Tony Prescott

Adam Schneider as Andrew “Mac” McNamara

Alice Bahlke as Diane Graves

Phil Hess as Joey Sheffler

Lauren A Kennedy as Melissa

Jeb Kreager as Martin Cliver

The second film, released in 2018 "Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel," picks up eight years after

the tragic events of the first film. Investigative journalist Jessica Fox visits the Abaddon Hotel to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearances that occurred years ago. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a hidden conspiracy that connects the hotel's dark past to a malevolent entity.

Vasile Flutur as Mitchell Cavanaugh

Jillian Geurts as Jessica Fox

Joy Shatz as Molly Reynolds

Dustin Austen as David Morris

Brian David Tracy as Arnold Tasselman / Andrew Tully

Kyle Ingleman as Brock Davies

Amanda K. Morales as Suzy McCombs

Laura Frenzer as Wendy Mallet

Danny Bellini as Alex Taylor

Tom Sibley as Jackson Mallet

Lauren A. Kennedy as Melissa

Adam Schneider as Andrew McNamara

Alice Bahlke as Diane Graves

Bailey Moyer as Hotel Guest

Sean Hall as Amateur Videographer

Matthew Binder as Amateur Videographer

Gore Abrams as Paul O'keefe (archive footage)

Alex Beechko as Andrea

Jared Hacker as Tony Prescott (archive footage)

Ryan Jennifer Jones as Sara Havel (archive footage)

Joe Bandelli as Malcolm (uncredited)

The final chapter, "Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire," takes a different approach by exploring the

aftermath of the Abaddon Hotel disaster. The documentary crew sets out to make a final film, hoping to uncover the truth behind the events that transpired. However, they soon find themselves trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse as they face the hotel's vengeful demonic spirits.

Gabriel Chytry as Russell Wynn

Elizabeth Vermilyea as Vanessa Shepherd

Sam Kazzi as Jeff Stone

Theodore Bouloukos as Robert Lyons

Brian David Tracy as Andrew Tully

Bridgid Abrams as Jane Maloney

Leo DeFriend as Gregory Sandvick

Jordan Kaplan as Max

Danny Bellini as Alex Taylor

Ryan Jennifer Jones as Sara Havel

Gore Abrams as Paul

Jared Hacker as Tony

Joe Bandelli as Louie / Hell House Clown

Scott Richey as Harvey

Olivia Roldan as Isabel

Adam Schneider as Mac

Joy Shatz as Molly

Jillian Geurts as  Jessica

Dan Dobransky as Father Paulis

Joe Walz as News Reporter

Listen darklings, I know this trilogy got crappy IMDB ratings, and mostly panned by other critics as well, and to be honest, I turned it off the first time I tried to watch it. The first 15-20 min or so is painful . With that said however, get through that first awkwardly acted and directed bit and it will be worth it . 

I wanted to know what was going on with the background of that nasty place and why the Frack people would keep going going back and continue to reopen the place, and better question yet WHY the hell the town would even allow such a place to continue standing, let alone give people permits to open the place. I mean seriously. Of course the name of the town IS Abaddon  which means destruction so there is that. Personally I didn't think Blair Witch 1 was all that great but critics loved it. So who knows if the critics are right on this one. the bottom line is in my opinion is this. 

The "Hell House LLC" trilogy is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a blend of found footage and supernatural scares. With its eerie atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, this trilogy will leave you questioning what lurks in the darkest corners of abandoned buildings and haunted attractions this Halloween. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of terror as you step into the nightmare world of "Hell House LLC."

As an aside. You might be wondering why I didn't cover a better movie , for example the 2009 remake of Night of the Demons. Well, it's because the original edition and this edition are going to be a part of an episode on demons early next year so that's why. It will be worth the wait trust me. See you next time.

BTW after I wrote this a 4th installment of Hell House LLC is coming out exclusively on Shudder on
the 30th of October just in time for Halloween. Number 4 is titled Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor.