This past weekend, we had the awesome opportunity to visit Fantasm Orlando, a haunt and horror convention at the Rosen Shingle Creek. With fascinating panel discussions, lots of spooky entertainment, and talented horror-themed vendors, this convention was so much fun! Thank you, Fantasm, for inviting us out to cover your event – including special pop-up haunt The Nightmare Chamber!
In a future post I will talk about the convention itself, but today I want to focus on one thing – The Nightmare Chamber! As part of the event’s available entertainment – The Nightmare Chamber created an actual haunted house in the middle of a conference room! Designed by Courtney McIntyre (you might know him from the Tampa-based Chamber of Terror or Studio 1031 Concepts), this special engagement haunted house was only operational October 1-3, the duration of Fantasm Orlando. For such a short-lived attraction, this haunt packed quite a punch!
The Nightmare Chamber Story
From Nightmare Chamber’s Instagram:
This is the story of Agatha Grimsley, a lonely widow, whose life was stricken by tragedy. On Halloween night in 1979, she took her only child Cooper trick-or-treating. That night, as all the children scrambled from house to house she lost sight of him. Calling and yelling out for him in a panic, only to be answered by distant voices muttering the words “Trick or treat!”.
Having to live with the pain and grief every year on that faithful night, as years came and went. Unable to bear the pain of the last words she heard Cooper say; “Trick or Treat.” That simple phrase has now filled Agatha with hatred for all who speak it.
Although stories and rumours have surrounded the home for years, some of the more brave children still knock on her door, looking for treats on Halloween night. The townspeople rumor that she captures those children and cuts out their tongues, so they can never again repeat that painful phrase… Trick or Treat!
The Nightmare Chamber Experience
Open during select windows of the convention, I was so impressed with the interactive nature of this haunt. In many scenes, we were treated to prolonged conversations with a particular scaractor – really amping up the creep factor!
My most notable memories occurred during the first two scenes. After entering the facade (Grimsley house), Agatha leaps out of her chair and begins to explain exactly what she thinks of your Halloween antics. As penalty for your insensitivity, you’ll pay with “…Six finger, six toes, and six teeth. What comes next lies beneath…” ::Shudder!:: I wonder what will happen next?
Exiting the first scene, we were immediately confronted with a spooky witch. She seems pretty intent on helping us fulfill Agatha’s aforementioned price, bending down and getting uncomfortably close to my arm! She approached me in such a terrifying way that, for just a moment, I really believed she might try to bite my fingers off!
Throughout the rest of the haunt, you’ll travel through more of the Grimsley home – taking in the horrifying sights of Agatha’s “souvenirs,” exploring Cooper’s bedroom, and meeting more scaractors along the way!
For such a quick set up and operation, this haunt was incredibly detailed. I loved my visit to Agatha Grimsley, and I wish there was more opportunity to do it again!
Studio 1031 Concepts
As a seasoned haunt professional, Courtney runs an attraction costume supplier called Studio 1031 Concepts. Selling high quality costumes, masks and (coming soon) mock weapons – Studio 1031 understands what haunters truly need! If you’re interested in reviewing their collection, visit their website or contact them at studio1031concepts@gmail.com.
Thank you, Fantasm Orlando, for inviting us to experience the convention and The Nightmare Chamber! We had a blast and hope to eventually see a return of Agatha Grimsley!
