It’s halfway to Halloween! And for the first time, the University of Florida is celebrating with a student-led, full-scale haunted house. Presented by Swamp Haunters, Crimson Carnival was a seven-room maze with special effects, jump scares, and lots of creepy sets. Bringing guests into an abandoned amusement park overrun with bloodthirsty creatures, this maze offered a welcome bit of spookiness to the end of the spring season.

But Who are the Swamp Haunters?

Crimson Carnival’s creators and designers, the Swamp Haunters are a division of the Gator Theme Park Engineering & Design Club (Gator TPED). Passionate about the themed entertainment industry, these college students and young professionals utilized a diverse set of skills to create an immersive environment and lively attraction. Find out more about Gator TPED by visiting their website or following them on Instagram.

The Crimson Carnival

Entering through a fog-filled facade, the Crimson Carnival included 1,200 square feet of detailed scenes, actor interactions, special effects, and a variety of jump scares. There was even a Jack in the Box animatronic, a full runway in the “VIP Lounge,” detailed backdrops, and lots of different lighting techniques.

I adored every inch of this house! The sets were so impressive, and the all of the actors were so engaging!

If you’d like to see the full video of my walk through Crimson Carnival, check it out below:

Stay in Touch with Swamp Haunters

While Crimson Carnival is over for the Halfway to Halloween season, Swamp Haunters is just getting started! Make sure to follow their Instagram account for all the latest updates.