Tuesday, October 30, 2001

Happy haunting
By Tammera Friedeck

The Ballpark in Arlington Haunted House
Where: 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: Opens at 7 p.m. nightly until Oct. 31
Cost: $16.71 (tax included)
Length: 5 to 10 minutes

The Ballpark in Arlington Haunted House is back from its year-long hiatus with an abundance of new scenes. Everything takes place in the underground tunnels of the park, which are usually reserved for the players. The tunnels are cramped and dark, making it hard to navigate. Since the tunnels are so narrow, the “ghosts” only come out in the large rooms, which ruins the effect of surprise. Instead of using scenes of violence and gore to scare you, this haunted house creates an atmosphere of terror by playing on your fear of the dark and the unknown.

Cutting Edge
Where: 6001 Jacksboro Hwy. (near Loop 820 and Jacksboro Hwy.), Fort Worth
When: Open at 7 p.m. nightly until Oct. 31
Cost: $16.64 with tax
Length: 10 to 15 minutes

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Cutting Edge. To celebrate, they moved to a new location with more room for expansion. Cutting Edge also brought back some of their most famous scenes and added a few new ones as well. Large walking creatures and an alligator pit are among the highlights. Cutting Edge also uses holographic images and illusions to create a sense of terror, but there is the added fear that a monster may be lurking around any corner.

The Haunting of Southfork Ranch
Where: 3700 Hogge Road — Gate 4, Parker
When: Open at 7 p.m. nightly until Oct. 31
Cost: $16.64 with tax
Length: About 10 minutes

The Haunting of Southfork Ranch doesn’t use any violent scenes but still manages to
grab your attention from the beginning. Special effects and creepy music set the mood while dark halls and confusing mazes keep you in suspense. Some of the highlights are sets from Hollywood hits such as “The Exorcist” and “The Predator.” Be sure to watch out for wandering human-size puppets that may decide to follow you. These halls are much easier to navigate than the tunnels at The Ballpark therefore making the fright factor even greater.