What’s my favorite haunted attraction of all time in the Central Florida area? So glad you asked. It’s not in a theme park or even an open field. Actually, this is located in the real tunnels of an old bank smack dab in the middle of downtown Tampa. “The Vault of Souls” may be the
What does the future of immersive entertainment look like? Is it entire theme parks filled with rich backstories for every employee like Evermore? Or is it more intimate events that can have a larger impact on guests? Scott Swenson, who will be giving a talk about immersive entertainment at the International Association of Amusement Parks
If you’re going to be in Central Florida the first week of February, you’re not going to want to miss this event. Theme Park industry veterans are gathering together for “Robbiween” at the Winter Garden Theater to discuss their unique stories of being in the themed entertainment business from noon to 5:30 pm. The afternoon
Tampa’s premier haunt event is back for another year of “elegant fear” in the old Exchange National Bank which opened in 1903. There are several notable changes to the event this year and while some may not be for the best, this is still Central Florida’s most unique haunt experience and I genuinely look forward
I get inquiries all the time in my inbox about where to turn to gain insight into the attractions industry. There literally hundreds of resources out there and today I’m happy to share a brand new one that I think TPU readers will enjoy. Scott Swenson, in my opinion, is one of the brightest minds
How did you spend your Thursday night last week? I personally spent hours exploring the underground tunnels of a bank in downtown Tampa. Among the highlights were playing hopscotch With demented children and getting smacked in the butt with a riding crop via a lady of the night. Easily the best and most unique Halloween evEnt
There are two things I have looked forward to this fall: the return of pumpkin spiced everything and The Vault of Souls coming back to downtown Tampa. For those unfamiliar, this event takes place in the real creepy basement of a real bank built in the 1920s filled with real history. Unlike a typical haunt attraction,
Finally. After living in Central Florida for nearly 20 years, I have been craving a form of entertainment that goes beyond what can be done in a theme park. Something that can throw away all the rules of waiting in long lines, keeping your hands to yourself and being herded like cattle in order to
If you’ve ever been to a traditional haunted house, either as a stand-alone attraction or within a theme park, you know the drill. Wait outside in metal gates usually meant for cattle and after a half-hour or even several hours, you and your herd head inside the house. Moo. Regardless of theme, the formula is
Rarely have I been so excited about a new attraction opening in Central Florida. Opening in October 2015, the Vault of Souls will be combining a unsettling haunt experience with immersive theater in Tampa, Florida. What is being called “an elegant evening of fear”, this event takes place in the real Exchange National Bank which