Halloween 2007 Deal-or-No-Deal Trick-Or-Treat

This is our curbside presentation - not revealing much about what is inside.

We built an entry alcove so we could leave the front door open and still make the inside as dark as possible. The slit plastic sheeting is two layers to cut down light.

On entering the alcove a left turn takes victims into this totally dark space. There is an IR floodlight at the top and an IR video camera at each end. A black-and-white video monitor is at the top left of the far wall, faintly presenting the scene viewed by the tiny IR camera just below it. Cast members hid behind the door as victims entered. Using the video, the cast members could see themselves and the victims to play pranks. There was lots of screaming from here. The exit is through the far wall on the right.

Exiting the dark entry tunnel, one passes through this light-trap vestibule with a greeting skeleton and a fright point attended by a cast member behind the boxes to the left. Through the next opening leads to the game room.

This is the overall game room layout.

The top of the game room is open to the sky. Beams support the UV lamps. The metal sheeting visible to the left is the flame thrower platform. When the flame thrower is active, it sends a huge flame across the top of this open space from left to right, accompanied by a satisfying "whoosh" as it ignites.

The backs of the Halliburton-style cases have been cut open so that cast members concealed behind the game room walls can restock candy and reach through to grab unsuspecting victims as they go for their treats. These cast members wore white cotton gloves on their hands, which were bright white under the UV lighting. There was also available an air-burst gun to provide an additional fright experience when a puff of air from an opened case surprised a victim.

More behind-the-scene spaces.

Opening a case revealed some candy and some accompanying figure. One case had a large red push button labeled "DO NOT PRESS" . If the victim pressed the button, it triggered the overhead flame thrower.

The cases containing these giant spyders were my personal favorite, as they seemed to be reaching for you as the case door was opened.

Given the nature of the entertainment, fire extinguishers were the order of the day.

Exiting the game room took participants back through the dark space where waiting cast members were ready to provide final thrills to the victims.

Exiting, another IR video camera on the wall displayed images of the approaching victims on a green/black monitor. The floor pattern showed up strongly on the IR displays.

Evening falls, and it's time for traditional Trick or Treating.

For most kids and stops, getting your treat is pretty straightforward.

Our lovely hostess is preparing hot apple cider on the stove, to be served later. It helps sustain those waiting to be victims.

Things are ready at the DoND site, too.

Groups assemble outside, waiting for their turn.

A cast member ready to greet arriving guests in the dark tunnel.

Cast members for the dark tunnel.

Under UV lighting the signs and cases stood out strongly against the black background.

Madeup cast members and victims in the game room.

An overall view of the game room in operation.

The flame thrower in action, just overhead in the atrium. It's hard to overemphasize the impact of the giant flame experience. It was awesome.

Parents and kids watch the other groups exit and try to decide what to expect. Exiting kids are giggling and laughing. Parents are more quiet though - more like in shock.

A sushi guest.

Discussing what could be ahead.

Satisfied customers.

The cast by UV

The cast by UV

The cast by UV

The cast by flame thrower.

The cast by flame thrower.

Using the flame thrower for lighting casts such a nice, warm glow.

The after party.

The after party.

The after party.

The after party.