REVIEW: SAMHAIN’S Lot

October 22, 2024

REVIEW: Samhain’s Lot

During the pandemic, we saw some of the greatest yard displays to date. One of the haunts that really stuck out from that period was “Samhain's Lot”. Located east of LA in Rancho Cucamonga, this display explored a very memorable world filled with witches and vintage Halloween decorations, surrounded by amazing set decorations (even a life-size well), all illuminated under eerie blue lighting.

Since then, they have participated in other haunts (such as Rotten Apple) and honed their building skills. And while we were sad they were dark last year, they have come back strong for the 2024 season with their incredible, invite only maze. This is the first year that Samhain's Lot has taken on the task of creating a maze, but you would never know it. Their storyline, builds, and characters are so excellent that they could only be created by a professional who has spent years developing their unique skill set.

When you arrive you watch an origin story video that tells the tale of a cursed pumpkin patch where witches were scorned. You are then kept in a waiting area full of vintage Halloween signs and outfits which set the tone for what is about to come. A manager of Samhain's Lot then opens the gates into the pumpkin patch where it’s explained that the onsite RV, which is the security guard station, also contains a portal along with a rumored serial killer inhabitant. As you listen to this story told by the pumpkin patch staff, you stand among corn stalks, spooky jack-o’-lanterns, and a silent and looming demonic scarecrow-esque character who slowly circles you from a distance.

Once inside the RV you find piles of human remains and then embark on an elaborate journey through the portal. Throughout the maze you run into characters like puritans and witches, which include scare actors cameos from both The Farm and AdamJessFX. In addition, you will be able to enjoy set pieces from past incarnations of Samhain's Lot. The layout of the maze is impeccable, climaxing with a dead body underneath a massive well where ghoulish skeletons are crawling out to celebrate their demise. As you stare in complete awe, a worried, demonic woman appears silently to send you out on your way - as if you shouldn’t have witnessed the carnage during your visit.

Samhain's Lot was perhaps one of the biggest surprises of this season. While we are well aware of the talent that exists within this haunt, we never in a million years expected them to offer a private maze that surpasses anything we’ve seen at Horror Nights. The more intimate attendance of this event offered a very unique experience, where we were not rushed through and really could soak in and enjoy the massive amount of work that Samhain's Lot and their crew put into making this very special attraction. With that in mind, please do not show up without an approved invite first as we saw many potential guests being turned away during our visit.

VC

October 22, 2024

Hauntsofla.com

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