While I do enjoy the festive side of Halloween like the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval, I also love getting frightened in haunted houses during this time of the year. However, one thing I don’t like to be afraid of is the horrible admission fee. Here are some haunted houses I’ve attended that definitely gives you the best scare for your buck!

The Blumhouse of Horrors is a new haunted house experience by Jason Blum, the producer of the “Paranormal Activity” series, “Insidious,” and “Sinister.” Set in the historic Variety Arts Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, the Blumhouse of Horrors tells the tragic story surrounding the disappearance of a magician’s assistant and the curse that follows. Directed by a Hollywood producer, the Blumhouse of Horrors ends up being more spectacle than horror with animatronics, holograms, and fifty cast members. In addition, Jason Blum gives us more than just cheap scares; he delivers a story that makes us feel like we’re inside a Hollywood movie. Unfortunately, the ending seems abrupt after all the buildup. I also wish there is more interactivity involved with the unlucky patron who receives the prop rose, but when touching between the cast and the audience is prohibited, there is only so much one can do. However, those who attend will also get the rare opportunity to view the majestic stage of the Variety Arts Theatre, which is usually close to the public! General admission at the door is $35, but presage tickets are only $32 each with $5 off when you enter the promo code CUT5OFF!!! Repeated visits are also 50% off at the door. The Blumhouse of Horrors is located at the Variety Arts Theatre on 940 S. Figueroa St in Downtown LA. As of today, they are operating daily from 6pm to midnight through Saturday, November 3rdwith the exception of Sunday.

Another new haunted house that is a personal favorite of mine is the Big Worm’s Sherwood Scare in Northridge. Like the Blumhouse of Horrors, this one also implores the help of filmmakers to craft an intricate story, this time involving a missing bride. While they don’t have the big budget that Jason Blum has, they do the haunted house experience so much better. The pacing is exceptional, and it’s definitely scarier. There was even a group after me that left the building in fright after experiencing only 1/3 of the haunted house. What’s even more amazing is they built this set from the group up in a tiny neighborhood. You get all this for only $3, and it all goes to charity to the Big Worm’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!!! The Big Worm’s Sherwood Scare is located on 8856 Encino Ave in Northridge. As of today, they still operate from 7pm to 10pm on October 26th, 27th, and 28th, and they run from 7pm to midnight on the day of Halloween.

Make sure to check out the Blumhouse of Horrors and Big Worm’s Sherwood Scare with your friends since it’s always more fun to see their reactions. We didn’t take many photos this time around so that readers can experience the fright themselves. (There is a Yahoo! News video however that spoils 75% of the Blumhouse of Horrors experience if you want to see it.) For more Halloween tips, please make sure to read our past posts for Dia de los Muertos that occurs this Saturday and the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval that happens on Halloween. Also be sure to visit our Facebook page and our Twitter page @SurvivingLA for updates on future events.

So what is your favorite haunted house experience?

Until next time,

Steven