Fright, fiends, and foes: Theme parks embrace the dark side beyond the spooky season

From Halloween Horror Nights to Mickey’s Not So Scary, the spooky season is full of special events. Whether guests attend to see their favorite horror film transformed into a real-life experience or just appreciate a good scream, the reality is that people long for those frights. As seen with recent developments, theme parks are ready to keep the fog rolling long past the witching hour.

Halloween is and continues to be big business. It is more than candy, costumes, and parties. Pop culture embraces those moments that make people feel a little uncomfortable and even celebrate the dark side.

While the haunted house lines are long and the screams pierce the silence, the reality is that frights and scares do not magically disappear on November 1. Whether people squeal at the sight of a spider or cannot think of pea soup without a movie reference, the reality is that scary is always part of life.

In recent theme park news, the dark side has become mainstream. People are no longer hiding that affinity for the Disney Villains or Universal Monsters. It is totally permissible to cheer for Ursula and her spirited song about unfortunate fools.

A clear example is Disney Parks choosing to create a villains-themed land. Whether it is a soft spot for Cruella de Ville or sympathy for Scar, there is something to be said for acknowledging the villains’ place in the story. After all, there would be no happy ending unless those characters had a hand in the turn of events.

Universal has long embraced its storied history with the classic Universal Monsters. Dracula might not be quite as ominous as today’s modern slasher characters, but there is something intriguing and mysterious about that iconic terror. The lure will never fade.

Epic Universe has fully embraced that side with its Dark Universe area. From the ride that might be the hit of the park to the interactive dining experience, people hunger for those moments in the shadows. If Epic Universe did not include this space, many people would have felt the theme park was lacking.

Even Las Vegas tempts people away from the vices of the Strip with the upcoming Universal Horror Unleashed. The year-round experience set to join Area15 will give people that scary, sinister experience they crave. It might be the ultimate thrill for some people.

While some experiences will continual to be seasonal only, there is a place for the dark side and people are longing for it. From ghost tours to haunted hotels, these places are just as popular as the relaxing spa or luxurious resort.

As horror continues to resonate with people, there are plenty of opportunities to expand on these scary experiences. Who says that the only theme park screams happen because of thrill rides?