New Haunted House Experiences

Expecting to follow her yearly tradition of spending a breezy October night downtown at The Beast and The Edge of Hell, junior Emily Moseley brainstormed for the best way to persuade her parents to let her attend. But she knew it was a long shot since they would be concerned about exposure to COVID-19.

While most haunted houses in the KC area decided to remain closed this Halloween due to COVID-19, The Beast and The Edge of Hell chose to accommodate coronavirus safety regulations and open their doors. The two houses didn’t delay their openings and welcomed guests starting Sept. 18 — just in time to prepare for the Halloween season. 

While some haunted house regulars, such as sophomore Elise Welch, were excited to still be able to experience the haunt, others, like Moseley, had parents who were worried about safety.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, haunted houses that have decided to open have enacted new regulations for employees and customers alike. All employees have a mask incorporated into their costume and all guests are required to keep a mask on at all times. Other changes include only being open on Friday and Saturday nights, smaller capacity and social distancing while standing in line.

The Head of The Beast and The Edge of Hell Media Relations Stacey McBride released a statement noting other changes, including temperature checks being required upon entry and the addition of hand sanitizer stations. McBride has been informed that the guests have been following the guidelines and everyone seems to be following the mask requirement. 

Welch, a yearly visitor who has already visited both haunted houses this season, wasn’t concerned about safety because she stayed in the same group she came with, versus being mixed in with strangers like years past. 

“It was really good,” Welch said. “I’ve been before and nothing had really changed except, obviously, you had to wear a mask.”

Welch heard from someone in line that the workers weren’t allowed to touch guests this year. Although, in her experience, the characters still were very close and touched her and others in her group. Since they only grabbed her ankles, Welch was not bothered by their actions.

Prior to going, Welch said her parents were hesitant to let her go and were worried about possible exposure from the large numbers of people, which varies depending on the number of groups each night.

“[My parents] were obviously worried about it, but as long as we’re wearing masks and staying somewhat far apart they were fine,” Welch said.

While Welch was fortunate to experience the houses, not all students have been able to attend this year that normally would in years past.

Moseley wanted to go, although her mom didn’t think it was the best idea because of how crowded they typically are. While she still wishes she could go, Moseley understands the reasoning behind avoiding haunted houses this year.

“I would still be interested [in going],” Moseley said. “But my mom, based off of Corona and safety concerns, said better wait until next year.”