- Individual Interview & Title: Randy Bates / Owner
- Name of Haunted Attraction: Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride
- Location of Haunted Attraction: 1835 Middletown Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342
- Number of years in operation: “28 years!”
- What inspired you to open a Haunted Attraction: “Wanted to save the family farm.”
- Describe your haunt, what makes you unique: “The Haunted Hayride is a heart pounding ride through the dark forest of Arasapha Farm, and is filled with huge, detailed sets, giant monsters and more pyrotechnics than a rock concert. With new sets, and a new digital soundtrack, the Hayride is better than ever. The Haunted Corn Trail is a terrifying walk through a tall corn field that’s filled with buildings, detailed sets, tons of animatronic monsters and over 30 actors in full makeup and custom costumes. The cornerstone of this attraction is the Bates Motel. A huge, Victorian mansion that is filled with amazing detail, 25 seasoned actors and unexpected scares. The realism in the Bates Motel is astonishing, and is guaranteed to wow even the most discriminating haunted house enthusiast.”
- What is new for the 2018 haunt season: “We have added a huge new facade to our haunted trail, as well as new rooms and themes in the Bates Motel.”
- Any real haunted history at your haunted attraction: “No.”
- On a scale of 1-10 how scary is your haunted attraction: “8 out of 10! Our Attractions are family friendly, without a lot of gore. We rely on great acting and high startle scares.”
- How long is the typical experience: “Typically around 90 minutes.”
- How many actors are part of your performance each night: “Typically around 125 actors each night.”
- How has technology helped to enhance the experience your haunt offers: “We have always relied on digital sound effects and lighting. We also design and build our own animatronics, as well as custom masks and makeup. We strive to be unique and original.”
- Looking a few years down the road do you have anything new or exciting coming about: “This year we are adding a Zombie laser tag attraction. Players get to walk the gauntlet of props and zombies and take them out! Lots of fun.”
- Any final comments to share: “The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride have been consistently ranked as one of top Haunted Attractions in America over the past 18 years, and it only gets better. Go to www.thebatesmotel.com for all the grizzly details, or call 610-656-0980 for group sales.”