2023 Question and Answer With Twisted Haunted Maze

Demigorgon costume designed by Tina Ferkey

OregonHauntedHouses.com recently sat down with Melanie Heard of Twisted Haunted Maze, to discuss what's new at Twisted Haunted Maze for the 2023 Halloween Season!

What's new at Twisted Haunted Maze for 2023? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

“This year’s maze is so freaky that it will twist your mind,” says CROW’s Artistic Director and maze co-designer, Melanie Heard. Heard says that the original maze concept about an evil tree luring victims to their demise was her own, but that she is excited to be co-designing with her good friend Brian Sandahl – a retired senior art director from Disneyland who was known as “The Pumpkin King” for his Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion overlay. “Brian and I work really well together and we have some incredible surprises up our sleeves,” said Heard. “We are definitely a deadly duo.”
According to Sandahl, “I've designed a lot of odd things in the past....but Alura Botanica....this TWISTED tree...is going to be one ghoulishly gory creation.” Sandahl continued, “I've been known for my nightmarish designs for a certain Haunted Mansion at Disneyland...and all that TWISTED experience is sure helping out as we put together the haunted maze......it's guaranteed to have you screaming your head off!”

What are you most excited about for the 2023 Halloween Season?

Definitely love seeing people jump out of their own skin when they see something that they can't quite wrap their brain around. It's probably my favorite thing, ever. Psychological scares are the best.

What differentiates Twisted Haunted Maze from other local haunts in Oregon?

We are a high-quality theatre organization, which means we have an unusual element of detail and theatricality that sets us apart. We do our best to provide unexpected scares with really fantastic production values (costumes, sets, make-up, special effects). If you live far away, you should make the drive. You won't be sorry. Or maybe.....you WILL BE.

How long has Twisted Haunted Maze been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about Twisted Haunted Maze's history?

This is our 6th Haunted maze, but we had to take a forced hiatus thanks to COVID. We were voted "Best Haunt in OR" in 2018 and hope to reclaim our title. We need your help! Please post a positive review on OR Haunted Houses. If you post a negative review, we'll haunt you for the rest of your life, and you'll make lots of children cry. Don't be that guy.

What's your favorite experience since opening Twisted Haunted Maze?

My favorite thing is hearing people say that this small town maze is better or on-par with some of the most professional big-city mazes they've attended. We have a tiny budget in comparison to the big guys, yet somehow we are able to create some pretty amazing and terrifying stuff. People constantly tell us that they were amazed and surprised by our events and that they are "way better than productions they've seen in big cities." (pats self on back)

How long is a typical haunt experience at Twisted Haunted Maze from start to finish?

It's about 10 minutes-ish. Unless the 11 foot tall evil tree eats you. Then, forget about time, because you belong to her now.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say Twisted Haunted Maze is? Why?

9. We don't prefer to utilize a lot of gore, but we excel in production values, incredible details, and psychological scares. Anyone can do gore. We choose to scare you in unexpected "WTH was that that I just saw?!" ways.

Does Twisted Haunted Maze's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

Our studio space has a real-life ghostie named Maggie. She loves to shut doors, flicker lights, make rooms cold, and stand at the end of the hallway looking all freaky pants.

What inspired you to open up a haunted attraction? What's your favorite part of the business?

Watching faces as people are scared senseless. They don't expect our maze to be as awesome as it is, since we are in a small town. But then we get 'em good. That's my favorite thing, ever.

How has new technology (i.e. animatronics, special props, etc) helped you to enhance Twisted Haunted Maze?

We have lots of really cool special effects. We are theatre company. But I'm not telling you more. You'll just have to come and see for yourself.

Can Twisted Haunted Maze accommodate large groups? How many people can experience Twisted Haunted Maze together as a group?

We send people through in groups of 3-4 max. Our monsters like to isolate you before you they eat you. We have a party of 4 discount on tickets.

Does Twisted Haunted Maze offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

We have a party of 4 discount on tickets. $44 for four people, same night.
Also, we have onsite concessions, indoor restrooms and maze line, and a photo opp at the end of the maze.

Anything else you'd like to let us know about Twisted Haunted Maze?

C.R.O.W. is primarily a youth non-profit 501C3 performing arts organization and this maze is a fundraiser. We are always looking for sponsors and donors. This is our first year in a bigger, more comfortable venue with onsite concessions (Florence Events Center- 715 Quince St). We do really high quality work all year long with the children and adults in our region. But don't be fooled. This is not a "little kiddie" maze. It's not meant for small children or big chickens. You may or may not make it out ALIVE. Wanna find out for yourself? Bring a friend....help make a difference in a community that knows that "The Arts Really DO Matter."