(Altamonte Springs, FL) One of my absolute favorite Central Florida haunts, A Petrified Forest is back with terrifying scare trails, live entertainment, a selection of local food and merchandise vendors, and more. Running select evenings from now until November 2, this year’s event explores three vastly different societies linked together by a dreadful secret.
We were SO THRILLED to attend A Petrified Forest’s opening weekend. With impressively detailed sets, breathtaking special effects, talented performers, and frightful storytelling; this year’s event is unquestionably incredible. I cannot wait to tell you all about my experience. But first I want to give a huge THANK YOU to A Petrified Forest for inviting us out!
About A Petrified Forest
A Petrified Forest is an outdoor haunted attraction with seriously creepy original stories and characters. Their three scare trails and overall theme change every year, bringing new experiences to Orlando area Halloween enthusiasts.
@freaks_of_hhn The opening scaremonies for A Petrified Forest! With incredible original stories, gorgeous set pieces, and talented performers; we adore this Altamonte Springs haunt! #halloween #hauntedhouse #hauntedmaze #everydayishalloween #halloweenlife #spooky #spookyseason #spookyszn #spookylife #halloween2024 #hauntedattraction #hauntedattractions #halloweenfan #apetrifiedforest #altamontesprings @A Petrified Forest ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
In addition to their immersive trails, admission to A Petrified Forest includes access to a festive central courtyard (The Front Yard). With a party-like atmosphere, this area features a live DJ, local vendors, midway games, walk-around characters, and more. The whole evening feels like one spooky party!
You can learn more about A Petrified Forest at apetrifiedforest.com or keep up with their latest updates by following them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok!
Societies in Shadow
@freaks_of_hhn There’s one thing that connects all the “Societies in Shadow” at this year’s A Petrified Forest. Who are the observers? #apetrifiedforest #petrifiedforest #theobservers @A Petrified Forest #hauntedhouse #hauntedattractions ♬ Nightmare – Lxzt
This year’s theme at A Petrified Forest is “Societies in Shadow” with each trail representing a very different secretive community. While it may initially appear that these civilizations have nothing in common, each group is furtively concealing dark and awful mysteries. Will you uncover the horrifying truths? You’ll have to venture deep into the shadows to find out!
A Petrified Forest Haunted Trails
@freaks_of_hhn This year’s A Petrified Forest will explore “Societies in Shadow” – three very different communities all plagued by dangerous secrets! #apetrifiedforest #petrifiedforest #theobservers #hauntedhouse #hauntedattractions #societiesinshadow @A Petrified Forest ♬ QsensX, Pt. 15 – QsensX
The centerpiece of A Petrified Forest’s event, the trails offer three distinct stories, environments, and sets of scare tactics. I won’t be giving away any spoilers, but I do want to share my overall thoughts on each of these incredible attractions:
Deadly Games
From A Petrified Forest’s website:
In the 60’s, the golden age of the American TV game show, “How to Get Out” was all the rage. Contestants had to solve family friendly maze puzzles to win extravagant prizes. Years went by and the show became old news and proved to not have the staying power of other programs. On the brink of cancellation and having their soundstage torn down, the producers were given their own way out…
Starting with an engaging pre-show, Deadly Games takes guests into a sinister TV program. Complete with over-the-top imagery, moving set pieces, and a vibrant color scheme; Deadly Games is unlike any haunted house you’ve experienced before.
@freaks_of_hhn What prizes can you win from Deadly Games at A Petrified Forest? Let’s find out! #halloween #hauntedhouse #hauntedmaze #everydayishalloween #halloweenlife #spooky #spookyseason #spookyszn #spookylife #halloween2024 #hauntedattraction #hauntedattractions #halloweenfan #apetrifiedforest #petrifiedforest #altamontesprings #altamontespringsfl #florida #altamontespringsflorida #floridalife #floridahaunts #floridahalloween #deadlygames @A Petrified Forest ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Estate of DeKay
From A Petrified Forest’s website:
In 1837 the DeKay family built a lavish Victorian mansion. The family had seven sons, seven generations ago. Over the years the family’s wealth dwindled and one bad turn after the next found them on the brink of losing everything. Jacob, the youngest of the 7 sons, having just turned 18 decided this was not the fate he would allow for his family. He secretly worked on the foundations of something to give the family their power back. He created the secret society known as the “Order of DeKay.” His 6 brothers joined him and started to play with magic, human sacrifices and dark forces they weren’t familiar with…but it worked…
A twist on the traditional “haunted mansion,” this house has seen some unbelievably gruesome times. But the current day DeKay family, in a desperate attempt to quell the growing rumors, has invited us all on a tour of their beloved home. Of course, things do not go as planned!
Estate of DeKay is a gorgeous house, full of breathtaking imagery and super creepy vibes. With unexpected effects and memorable characters, you don’t want to miss this attraction!
Lifeline
From A Petrified Forest’s website:
Deep within the tangled woods and hidden away from modern society, lies a secluded community known as the Town of Faireview – founded by an idealistic man who calls himself Dr. Graham. With limited resources and minimal technology, Dr. Graham is faced with the grim task of saving Faireview from the optically advanced creatures that have emerged…targeting and taking the lives of it’s residents. Though, by accepting Dr. Graham’s lifeline, his followers soon begin to see that they may have traded their safety from the creatures that are terrorizing their people for something far more sinister.
Lifeline is 100% the creepiest haunted house I have seen this spooky season. Not only is the story absolutely fascinating, but this house has some of the most disturbing and memorable visuals of the whole night. Additionally, this house uses light and dark in a very visceral way. It both adds to the overall experience while making you doubt your very own senses. If you are a haunted house fan, you MUST see Lifeline!
The Front Yard
@freaks_of_hhn In addition to their three immersive trails, A Petrified Forest features a lively “Front Yard” common area! Between attractions you can enjoy a delicious meal from a local vendor, interact with spooky characters, dance to tunes from a live DJ, or shop haunt-branded merchandise! Don’t miss out on this fan-favorite haunt! A Petrified Forest runs select dates through November 2. #apetrifiedforest #petrifiedforest #theobservers #hauntedhouse #hauntedattractions #deadlygames #estateofdekay #lifeline @A Petrified Forest ♬ Egyptian Moonlight – Dj Mnight
Between trails, enjoy all the entertainment in A Petrified Forest’s Front Yard! You can grab a bite to eat from the many vendors, shop A Petrified Forest branded merchandise, or interact with the walk-around performers. The live DJ and available games make sure that A Petrified Forest maintains a party atmosphere all night long!
Freaky Thoughts: A Petrified Forest
@freaks_of_hhn Meet Reggie at this year’s A Petrified Forest! With the theme “Societies in Shadow,” this haunt includes three immersive trails and lots of walk-around entertainment. Thank you, A Petrified Forest, for having us out tonight! More coverage to come! #apetrifiedforest #petrifiedforest #reggie #hauntedhouse #hauntedtrail #scaractor #hauntedattraction #halloween2024 #everydayishalloween @A Petrified Forest ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
With its consistently impressive trails and creepy stories, A Petrified Forest is one of my all-time favorite local haunts. I am always amazed at the level of detail and immersion they are able to achieve. In addition, they have so many working effects throughout each of the three trails. Finally, each trail is always vastly different from the others, resulting in three absolutely unique stories and vibes for a truly impressive evening. If you are a Halloween fan or a haunt enthusiast, DO NOT MISS A Petrified Forest: Societies in Shadow!
Getting Tickets to A Petrified Forest
A Petrified Forest runs select evenings now through November 2. You can purchase your tickets online at apetrifiedforest.com. If you’re looking for even more scares, check out A Petrified Forest’s special events like Total Eclipse (the lights are turned off!) or Blood Moon (unlimited admission through the trails) evenings!
