The Bates Motel
1835 Middletown Road
Glen Mills, PA
Hauntsmith Randy Bates has been scaring area residents for over 20 years
with his top ranking haunted attraction, The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride. Located
just outside of Philadelphia, the Bates Motel, has drawn national attention
with several features on the Travel Channel and in USA Today. So, when I arrived
at Arasapha Farm in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, I had some understandably large
expectations, but I learned very quickly that Mr. Bates does not disappoint.
Visiting the
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride is like experiencing the pivotal scene from
every horror movie on your Netflix queue back to back. Not only do they have a
haunted house inside a full size replica of Hitchcock’s famous “Psycho” mansion,
but Arasapha Farm is also home to an equally elaborate haunted corn maze, and
one of the most incredible haunted hayrides in the country.
What makes the Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride unique isn’t the incredible
Hollywood-quality sets and special effects, but a solid understanding of how sensory
details complete an environment and create tension and distraction for an
audience. For example, no horror movie is complete (or scary!) without a
soundtrack and Bates Motel incorporates detailed customized music and realistic
sound effects to set the tone for each section of every attraction.
Is It Scary?
According to their Official Website : "America's Most Horrifying Motel."
The Raven & Black Cat says: Imagine
being surrounded by a series of horror movie sets and special effects in the
middle of the woods. Then add monsters that can touch you.
What We Loved
A common problem with hayrides is that once the zombies and crazed
killers reach the side of the wagon, they have nowhere to go. This is not the
case at the Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride! When these monsters reach the wagon they launch themselves into it! Realizing
that the usual rules don’t apply creates the ultimate feeling of unease and adrenaline. We
also loved the hayride’s mine shaft section. The sound effects and downward
movement created a chilling claustrophobic feeling of being trapped. Other
highlights include the man-eating crows and gators in the corn maze and the Bates
Motel’s greenhouse and room of taxidermy.
What Could Be Better
The set design and special effects are so complex and detailed.
It would be incredible to see the same time and attention applied to the acting.
A complex character (with a back story) that reacts to their environment and
moves with intention is more real and infinitely scarier.
Final Thoughts
The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride is perfect Halloween entertainment that will scare most and captivate all. Even the most fearless will enjoy visiting the dark and imaginative
world of Randy Bates.
The Bates Motel 2012 Season
September 28 - November 4
Ticket Information
- Haunted Hayride: $12 - $20
- Bates Motel: $12 - $15
- Corn Maze: $12 - $15
- Combo Special (All 3): $25 - $40
- VIP Pass (No Waiting): $60 - $75
Discount Tickets
- 13Haunts Coupon: $5 Off Combo Tickets (Sunday Thru Thursday) - Click Here!
- Wed., October 17th is Military Appreciation Night: 50% Off w/ Military ID. (All Vets get group rate any night w/ ID.)
- Wed., October 24th is Family Night: $10 Off the Combo Ticket when you Buy 4 or More.
- Sign up to have Discount Coupons Emailed to you.
Age Requirements
Children ages 2 and under are free with a paid adult.
Additional Information
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The Bates Motel[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500.0"]
The Haunted Hayride[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="851.0"]
The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride[/caption]
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