By Dane Lyons ‘28 //
Hera’s Nightmare is preparing to open for its third season with new attractions, expanded spaces and a more developed storyline as Halloween approaches in Carroll County.
Located in the TownMall of Westminster, the haunted attraction was founded by owner and creative director Carlos Riveras, who describes the venue as more than a traditional haunted house.
“It’s my playground, essentially,” Riveras said. “It’s where I get to create an immersive world and do whatever I want and stay a child, I guess.”
This season will feature three main attractions. The Curse of Hexen Hollow returns with an expanded storyline and a new pre-show. Midnight Ward, an asylum-themed attraction, will debut this year, while Bite Fight will expand the vampire storyline introduced in previous seasons.
Riveras said Bite Fight remains his favorite attraction because of his interest in classic monsters.
“I like monsters,” Riveras said.
Rather than focusing solely on gore, Carlos said he wants visitors to experience elaborate environments and stories that encourage them to have fun and remain engaged after leaving.
“I want you to have fun,” Riveras said. “I want you to talk about this and think about when you go back to work on Monday, be like, wow, I wish I was back there.”
The attraction will also debut a VIP lounge featuring Halloween-themed decor, photo opportunities, carnival and fall-harvest elements and snacks. The addition is part of an effort to make Hera’s Nightmare an evening-long experience.
Behind the scenes, the attraction has been redesigned to improve the flow between attractions. Guests previously had to leave one attraction and enter another queue. This year, the first two attractions will connect more directly.
Riveras said about 85% of the attraction is complete, but he expects construction and changes to continue until opening.
“It will never be where I want it to be,” Riveras said. “The funny thing about haunted houses, it’s not about how long it is until it’s done. It’s when do you stop? Because you can keep adding.”
Hera’s Nightmare is scheduled to open Oct. 2 and operate Fridays and Saturdays, with two additional Sundays during the season. It will remain open through Nov. 1.
The attraction has also expanded its staff and training program. Actors are trained in interactive acting, traditional scares and performances involving puppets and special effects.
Carlos became interested in haunted attractions after visiting Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in 2019. He later built a backyard attraction before becoming involved with the mall’s haunted attraction in 2020.
Today, he also operates Grim Light Productions, a fabrication company that creates props and scenic elements for haunted houses, theme parks and other events.
Looking ahead, Carlos hopes to eventually move Hera’s Nightmare into a 30,000 to 40,000-square-foot standalone warehouse.
“It’s a Halloween experience,” Carlos said. “Not just a haunted house.”
##
Be the first to comment