After making our way through the ride, we started up a conversation with one of the guides and told him we were the creators of Dark In the Park.  He then gave us a behind the scenes look at the ride and we soon discovered they had an actual workshop in the ride complete with metal working machines.

The hidden workshop used to create and maintain scenes within the attraction.  Former Mansion worker, Steve Mezzo aka tattooed Steve, can be seen to the right.

They gave us a "lights on" tour pointing out the secrets to the stunts along with the various lengths they went to in order to get the ride to pass fire inspection.  Everything in the ride was coated with a special fire-resistant material.  There were fire extinguishers and exits throughout the ride and even a fire hydrant sitting right in front of the ride!  We even got our picture taken with a ghoulish creature in the ride.

Bill (left) and Seph (right) having tea with one of the manor's animatronic props.

We give credit to the do-it-yourself work ethic of the ride creators in designing a unique and original walk-through haunted attraction.  At the end of the 2006 season, the Haunted Manor was removed from Funtown Pier and only opened during Halloween at other locations.   After a five year hiatus, the ride will return to Funtown Pier for the summer of 2012.  We are looking forward to its return.   For more information, check out its official website at  www.hollowgraves.com.