In this heartfelt review, Sydoney Banks discusses the Slaughterhouse, a unique haunted attraction in Tucson, Arizona, which may be closing after its 20th year. The conversation explores the emotional connection to the haunt, its history, and the experiences of both visitors and actors. The review highlights the special atmosphere of the Slaughterhouse, the quality of the performances, and the addition of the sideshow circus, Hellzapoppin. Sydoney urges listeners to support the attraction before it potentially closes its doors for good. slaughterhousetucson.com https://qrco.de/beJjEa
takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Haunt Reviews
00:55 The Slaughterhouse: A Unique Haunted Attraction
06:02 The Emotional Connection to the Slaughterhouse
11:52 Reviewing the 2024 Experience at the Slaughterhouse
25:05 The Importance of Supporting Local Haunts
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Sydoney Banks (00:00.846)
Hello my spooks and freaks and geeks and all of that nature. It is October! Fall season, spooky season as some may say. And we are doing our 2024 Haunt Reviews. Now sadly we are just based out of Arizona so we have only been doing Arizona. Now, that could change if you would like to help fund us to go to your haunted attraction or...
if you live in a different state and you would like to join USA Haunted Search and become a reviewer. Now that being said, today is a very very very very special episode of Haunted Attractions and Horgolo Podcast. Today we are reviewing one of our favorite haunted attractions, the Slaughterhouse.
Now, the Slaughterhouse in Tucson is by far the best haunted attraction in Arizona. We do not use these words easily. You have to really impress all of us here at USA Haunt Search, not just me, in order to get a title like that. This year we have been discussing
and talking about and I think this year we are going to give an award to the Slaughterhouse for being pretty much being the best haunted attraction of 2024. That being said, we are going to do our review today of the Slaughterhouse.
Now, the Slaughterhouse is a very, very, very, very unique and special place within itself. The building has its own history. And just by driving by or looking at it in the daytime, you can see that it's been around for quite a while. And it looks like almost somewhere that time has forgotten.
Sydoney Banks (02:09.324)
That being said, the slaughterhouse has its own spooks, ghouls, and goblins, and stories, and lore within itself. Now, it has been featured on ghost adventures, and even Post Malone was a part of that episode, where they went ahead and did an investigation on the slaughterhouse.
They found some unusual and compelling evidence that the slaughterhouse indeed is haunted by who knows how many different souls and spirits. This makes the slaughterhouse really unique in Arizona because it is a real haunted attraction.
And when I say haunted, I mean by unseen. Well, you know, things that go bump in the night that you can't always explain or see. And that's what makes the slaughterhouse very special. But that's not the only thing. Now...
been able to go through multiple times and even behind the scenes, and even had special opportunities of getting to act and play a couple of nights. The slaughterhouse is like no other haunt that we've been to in many, years. The very first haunted attraction that I worked at was called The Haunting.
back in 2009 and 2010. The haunting was brought by a very special individual named Jess Ackridge who bought it out from a legendary haunt, anyone knows anything about haunted attractions, Rocky Point Haunted House. Rocky Point was a very, very, very special haunted attraction and was
Sydoney Banks (04:10.39)
a huge pioneer in cutting edge at its time and because of what Rocky Point has done now the Han industry is where it's at. Sidney Neal really brought the Han industry into Hollywood quality and Jess Anchorage bought a lot of the sets from Sidney Neal when Rocky Point sadly retired.
And I even had the opportunity of meeting her and getting even to learn from her. Now the haunting had something special and unique about it because the fact it came from Rocky Point and individuals from Rocky Point came and taught and educated us on haunted attractions. There was a family dynamic like no other and this haunted attraction was very special due to that.
It was homely and very unique in how you felt when you arrived as a cast member and how it was treated. I've never really had that sense of home and belonging in many years. Rob Zombie's Great American Nightmare was very close, as well as Milamadness. But the slaughterhouse going to it had that same feeling of home.
And like, it wasn't just a haunted attraction but a family that really cared about what they did. All the actors getting together and being happy. And you could tell that there was just something special within the walls of this haunt. The slaughterhouse is truly special and unique. And being backstage was like being on a different planet.
A lot of haunted attractions here in have the reputation of being, well, not the best for actors and actresses and staff by being underpaid and undertreated and just abused in many ways and lots of sexual...induendos and assault and harassment and...
Sydoney Banks (06:25.142)
just really not a fun environment or a safe environment but the slaughterhouse was not like that and being backstage was seriously being on a different planet it was like being back at the haunting again and i haven't had that feeling for many many years this haunt is so very special and dear to me but
Just the other day, I got information that this may be its last year. Trying not to get emotional. And that has really broken- I'm broken, breaking is not a word, has really broken my heart. To lose something like that here in Arizona is-
It's very tragic to me because it is the closest thing that I have seen in many years to the haunting. There's a couple of haunts that come close, like I said, Millenmadness and Sanctum of Horror. I've never really gotten to go back scenes of Sanctum of Horror, so I'm not sure really what it would feel like backstage. And we worked at Millenmadness and it was very close to kind of how the haunting was. But...
The slaughterhouse just has something that's special and unique. And I think a lot of it was because it is also family. And a family is the one that started it. But the building itself, and the individuals who make this haunt so special by their acting and their passion.
all the hard work and dedication over the years that it has taken. They're celebrating their 20th year and it might be their last, which really, really, really, really depressed me in many ways. I'm trying not to be too emotional or get too attached, but it's hard because the feelings that I've had for this attraction and how it's grown so strongly over the years and...
Sydoney Banks (08:36.62)
how it's not Halloween until you've come and seen the slaughterhouse. And due to different things that we're doing this year, we haven't even had the chance or opportunity to go and even play one night there. And I don't see it happening due to how busy we've been and we're needed elsewhere. So it really does sadden me that this might be the last year and all the things that I wish I could have done.
like do a documentary on it or go behind the scenes more and film more about it and just really get to do more and maybe even more about how the haunting history of the slaughterhouse and the background of it. So the fact that it may come to an end really, really, really gets me. I know it shouldn't.
And a lot of people will be like, it's just an attraction, get over it. But to me, it was more than that. And to me, it is more than that. And it's going to be really hard for me to just move on. It's like when the haunting closed. I'm still sad about that. And it's still a part of me. Just like I think the slaughterhouse will always be a part of me if it does close its doors.
I hope it doesn't, but it sounds like it's highly likely. But, I am a religious person and I will highly pray and send good energy that hopefully maybe it won't because there's so much more that could be done and I don't want it to stop at 20. That's... I mean it is a long time, but...
It just makes me sad because then it makes some of these other haunts feel better about themselves like they've outlasted or whatever. But just because maybe you've been around longer or whatnot doesn't make you a better haunt. And like I said, I don't use best thrown around. But the slaughterhouse truly is the best haunted attraction.
Sydoney Banks (10:56.746)
in Arizona and like I said this year I'm saying it is the best haunted attraction overall and it will be really really really sad to see it go and part of me wonders what's gonna happen to that building that history is it gonna be torn down is it gonna be sold and turn into something else so good as if they're vacant for many years just makes you wonder and makes you think
I don't want to go too much on about the sadness and the sad news because to be honest it hurts trying to hold back tears and depression of losing something so amazing I know that other things may come from this but it's just so awesome it's kind of as if you know it's like
Lent Brewery. The location itself is awesome and actually haunted and legendary. It's the same as, you know, as the slaughterhouse. It was a real slaughterhouse. It's actually haunted. It was on Ghost Adventures. I mean, there's so many things about this place that makes it so special. And to see it just leave or, you know, be gone is just sad. So if you have never been to the slaughterhouse, or even if you have,
Make sure you go this year because it might be the last Hopefully not but Probably highly likely and if you don't go you're gonna regret never ever having gone So make sure you do go if you have not now We're going to talk about This year and how awesome it was so we did go through this year
And as usual they hid it right out of the park. Now we got there early like we usually try to get places early but you know sometimes things happen. And it being in Tucson and us living in Phoenix you know it's a drive. But like I said it's worth it. The ticket prices and...
Sydoney Banks (13:02.602)
how awesome it is, it's well worth it than the other haunts that are around here. Again, I do really support, Milla Madness and Sanctum. They're also very great as well. And there's a lot of home haunts and stuff around here. But the slaughterhouse, like I said, is just something special and something that no other haunt has here. And that's the history and the building and just...
When you walk the slaughterhouse, there's so many things I think you miss when you're going through as a regular customer. And this year when I want, I'm glad I really kind of looked, because I didn't know at the time that this might be the last time. Kind of makes me sad, because now I really want to go again and just really, really take it all in. But, you know, it's far and money-wise and gas and the economy and everything.
Bye.
The slaughterhouse is truly special. mean, once you enter those gates and you see the yard itself, it's like that's once where cattle was. And you really look back and look at all the machinery that's still there and, you know, all the things that they still have, it's original from that building and stuff and how industrial and cool it looks like for a photographer. It's so like it's awesome. And then, you know, on top of that, then you
put Halloween into it and actors and makeup and costume and decorations and effects. It's just... it's mind-blowing, really. And this year they added a new escape room.
Sydoney Banks (14:45.378)
So they had too many escape rooms. They, for their 20th year, they have a sideshow circus, rock and roll sideshow circus called Hezapoppin. And I'll do my, like a whole review on that in just a minute. That was in itself amazing. They have their store, they have food, they have activities. Again, Slaughterhouse has a lot going on for it. And they still have the line system that they've always had where you don't just have to stand in line, you get a taxi.
message when it's your turn and you go so you don't have to spend hours standing in line next to porta-potties and stuff like other haunts, you actually can go and enjoy yourself and not just have to stand in line for hours and hours and hours. Which again is smart business-wise because then you're going around and doing stuff instead of just standing in line. They still have characters that walk around in the midway and
They have entertainment and they have, you know, videos playing with music in the background. And then you get to enter the attraction and you get to enter the graveyard scene in the beginning. And I think that one gets overlooked a lot, but it's really cool. Again, if you actually get to look at all the things that are inside it, like the tombstones and the boo holes and all the little nooks and crannies and all the things that are inside it, sadly, the gargoyle wasn't there, which was kind of sad.
But we went on a night that probably wasn't as busy and I know they were down some actors but again you couldn't really tell because they're so good at what they do you you don't know and we went through the first part and the actors were great and the actors and actresses both did a wonderful job and I just really took my time and looked and appreciated all the set design and everything Again, not knowing that this might be the last year
and just really taking it all in and then you enter the actual slaughterhouse and like I said you see the old machinery and the different sets and all the little things that they have there's so much to look at and there's so much I think that's missed because again when you're going through a haunt you're scared you're startled and they do a great job at that but if you really can just look at it and really just appreciate everything that has gone into it over the years and
Sydoney Banks (17:10.8)
you know, the actors and actresses, some of them have been there for many, many years and have grown up in the, you know, in the slaughterhouse. And I think that's another thing that makes it special. And it feels like the haunting is some of those guys and girls have been there for, for many, many years and have grown up in the slaughterhouse. And I feel for them too, because losing something like this is like losing your family or
losing something that you belong to. So I really feel for them too. Ooh, try not to cry. Because I remember when I got that phone call of the haunting being sold and gone and I can't imagine what they're going through because...
That's- they love what they do and they do what they love and it- it really- the slaughterhouse it shows and it's really quite sad that it might be the last and I feel for those guys and girls because like I said, getting to know and have talked to some of them and have, you know, seen that some of them started when they were young and have grown up into it and- and stuff, it makes me- it makes me quite sad for them and wonder, you know, what they're gonna do now.
And like I said, I really wonder what's going to happen to the building.
I don't know, but I hope it doesn't get teared down or sold to somebody who does something else with it. Or it would be sad if it just sits there vacant for many, many years. So...
Sydoney Banks (18:46.23)
I don't know what's gonna happen, but you should go and see it before it's gone. yeah, the slaughterhouse is so awesome and walking through and seeing the boiler room, which if you don't know that has its own history and it's probably the scariest part. And getting to see the actors and actresses come to life in each scene and bring it to life with their acting and their makeup and their costumes and their props and their... I mean, it's just, they do an outstanding job.
can tell they love what they do because you can see it. And the guy with the chainsaw that has the cow head did an amazing job. And the pig face. I mean they all did really really great. And then after you leave the slaughterhouse you enter the clown maze. The 3D clown maze where you actually get 3D glasses and it's black light. And you enter a spinning tunnel and...
all the cool art that is on the walls. Again, I don't think a lot of people really look and appreciate it, there's so much artwork that's on the walls of their, you know, that bring the effects to life with the 3D glasses and the makeup that the clowns are wearing with the costumes and the acting and how good they are and how fun they are. The clowns are scary, but they're also a lot of fun. And there was a couple of them that, man, they were creepy.
I did a really great job. I always love going to that one. I mean, all of them are so good. All the actors and actresses are just phenomenal.
Once you leave that, you enter Apocalypse, which is the zombies. And last year they- my goodness, they were so good. And this year they were good too. And this year they had the Umbrella guys there. I think we've never really seen the Umbrella corporation there, so it was cool to see them. And they had little reactions with one another and did little scenes. It was really cool. seeing that made it even better. And then getting to see the zombies and hear them and seeing some of the zombies
Sydoney Banks (20:51.622)
that we know.
Then going upstairs and getting the guns and stuff and we had a good time because the guy that was right behind us was a big jerk because he was just he had an attitude so we were having fun before that guy got to him so me and my my co-star David were like I was like trying to get pictures of him because we take pictures and videos where we go through and David was shooting I was like stop shooting at my zombies I'm trying to get video of them photos you know you're killing them I need to get videos and photos of them
stop shooting and they were laughing and having a good time and I'm glad because we told them it was like right after us there's a big jerk coming through just a heads up so again the zombies really did a great job and
Afterwards we talked to one of the girls who helps run Apocalypse and she said they were That they've been low on zombies and stuff but she asked how they did and we're like they did really good and they worked the area really well because They had to work them more than one area because they were covering for the loss of you know Not all the zombies being there, but again the average person wouldn't know the only reason we know is because we've been doing haunts for long time and also we've been there before but They did such a good job
covering all that area and staying in character and doing a good job so good job zombies as usual and the zombie killers and it slaughterhouse again you hit it out of the park I don't just say best easy I really don't I'm a harsh critic when it comes to haunts
Sydoney Banks (22:29.089)
and y'all did such a great great great job and I didn't even know it was going to be your maybe your last year until a couple of days ago and then when I was bringing myself to having to do this review and I was like how am going to do this you know with knowing this information it's it's going to be hard and man I tell you it's it is really hard this review is very heartfelt
and very emotional for sure. I absolutely love the slaughterhouse and all the staff and team behind it and all the blood sweat and tears and hours and years that have gone into everything that you guys have done and I truly appreciate it.
That being said, if this is the last year, I'm really blessed that I got the opportunity to make it, because I didn't even know if we'd get to go this year. And I'm very blessed to have the opportunity to even have gotten to know and go and be invited and have all the things that I've gotten to do with the slaughterhouse and the family.
I'm truly grateful.
Sydoney Banks (23:57.042)
And getting to meet the actresses, I'm sorry, the actors and actresses, and the makeup artists, and the staff that all make it happen from security to the tech to the background guys. That place is special with each and every one of you. Play such an important part.
And just because the audience doesn't see you or know that you're there doesn't mean that your part isn't important because it all is one big oiled machine and you need each part in order for it to work.
And I appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. From even ticket sales, to sales clerks, to the food stands, to the escape room, everything. To the builders and the set designers and all of that. I really, really, really thank you for all your many years and dedication to the slaughterhouse.
Sydoney Banks (25:05.746)
This was gonna be a hard one. I knew it. And like I said, if you've never been and you've always wanted to go, or even if you haven't, make it out this year and support them. Maybe if everybody in Arizona goes out and sees the slaughterhouse, maybe they won't close. Maybe if everybody in the world goes to the slaughterhouse, maybe they won't close.
Be supportive to your local family haunted attractions and go out and buy a ticket, go out and have fun. Support a great cause, a great community event that has been going on for many years and has been doing so much for the community and so much for any horror and haunt lover out there.
And Ghost Adventures, if you ever listen or hear this, you too should also reach out to the slaughterhouse and thank them for being on the show. And that would be awesome if you guys could even make a trip back and see them now and see what's going on and maybe even doing another investigation. That would be so cool. But who knows?
Like I said, this could be the last year, so please, please, please support them if you can. That would be awesome. Tell them that USA Haunted Search told you to, you know, you. Or you can even, hell, tell them Sid sent you. But, hands down, the best haunted attraction of 2024. The Slaughterhouse in its 20th year.
And like I said, they have a sideshow circus called Hellzapoppin, which is an extra ticket item and let me tell you it's worth every penny. I am a huge sideshow circus fan. I love the circus and I love sideshow circus. Huge P.T. Barnum and Barnum and Bailey circus fan. I love the art form.
Sydoney Banks (27:16.468)
and the history and everything behind the circus and all of that. So getting to see that side show was so very cool. It's to music, it's old school, it is super cool. I loved every second of it. The... The Ringmaster.
himself is so animated and looks at the crowd and really you really feel like you're there like you're a part of the show and each act is amazing and I don't want to give too much away but Hell's a Poppin is freaking awesome. That's another reason to go to the slaughterhouse this year is to see the sideshow. It is so worth it. It's so cool. The tricks and the stunts and all of that that
they do is absolutely cool and amazing from sword swallowing to fire breathing to archery I mean it was really cool like when the show is over you're sad because you're like man I could go on forever and I could watch it I could see that show like 17 more times and still not be bored of it it was such a cool show so hell's a poppin great job loved it loved it loved it I love the sideshow circus I love the art form and I even love how they educate and talk about
that in the show and how it's a dying art. So for sure please support your local sideshows and Hellzapoppin and all that because we do not want the circus and the sideshow industry to die because it is historically important and amazing. So be sure to when you go to the slaughterhouse, which you will because it might be it's last year, you're gonna get your ticket to Hellzapoppin and see the show. It's well worth it.
So, again, just another thing that they added that just made them even more awesome was that sideshow. And it's actually in a circus.
Sydoney Banks (29:20.758)
like tent and everything so it really really brings you back to the old times when sideshow circuses you know existed with the ringmaster you know talking about each act and you know then the act is doing their act and it really it really was really really cool and i loved every second of it it was it was really really really awesome and i really appreciate it so
This review, probably one of the hardest I've had to give in a while, just because of the emotions that is attached with this review. But, The Slaughterhouse truly is the best haunted attraction of 2024. And it's a must see. Please see it before it's gone, there's only a couple of, what, weeks left, days left.
And you're not gonna wanna miss this and please support them, cause that might help. If so many people go, and I'm gonna hope and pray and anything that I can that maybe it just won't shut down and we'll have some more years to go. Cause it would be such a loss to lose this haunted attraction. To the world.
the United States and especially to Arizona. We really need a great haunted attraction here and by golly gosh darn it the slaughterhouse really is very very special and really unique and one of a kind and again I don't just say that to say that I mean it with all my heart.
Whew, that was a hard one y'all. But thank you for listening y'all are crazy for following and listening to me. I don't know why y'all do it. I get tired of hearing my own voice.
Sydoney Banks (31:22.558)
But I appreciate y'all. Thank you so much for listening and please please please support the slaughterhouse and Hellzapoppin. They're both amazing and I'm glad that they are working together this year. It couldn't be more perfect. That'd be cool if the slaughterhouse doesn't close and that could be something that would be constant. That would be really cool. So that being said as always, every day is Halloween.
and we appreciate all y'all for listening. Until next time, happy haunting.