|
|
|
| |
|
Review by Rick West |
|
Honestly, in a case like this, "review" is totally not the right word, because what Diane and Preston Meyer do in their front yard in the name of fun and charity - you can't "review" it like other pro haunts, you know? Even if it sucked, it's for a wonderful cause and these are wonderful people with a great team that works their asses off each season to do this for the people of Burbank. |
 |
That said, let it be known that the Rotten Apple 907 haunt for 2011 - A Space Oddessy - was far from sucking; in fact, we were very impressed and are always amazed that they pack so much into their driveway here in SoCal! It's mind-bending, really! The Meyers change their theme each season, and this year it was a trip into outer space in an oddball kind of way (thus, "Oddessy" for those paying attention). The thematic elements of the maze were totally top-notch, and live up to any haunt quality you'd find elsewhere that people charge for, if not better. This group oozes creativity and engineering know-how, so in the end, guests and fans are treated to one hell of a show, regardless of the theme from year to year. Rotten Apple's home haunt attracts fans - and media - by the hundreds each night, if not more. When we visited, the line stretched down the block and out of sight - but no one was put off by that. We walked the line and were met by enthusiastic, cheering people who didn't seem to mind the queue at all. Many of these people were locals - families that have made it a tradition to visit this particular attraction each year, so they don't mind the wait. And truth be told, the good people of Burbank go one step further and open their wallets for charity; we stood and watched guest after guest drop something in the haunt's donation can, which is a wonderful thing that the Meyers do each year. This year, the charity of choice was the Family Service Agency of Burbank, which provides low-cost-no-cost professional clinical and psycho-educational services to Burbank families as well as surrounding communities. 100% of the Rotten Apple donations go to the selected charity each year; the cost of building and running the haunt comes out of the Meyer family's pocket each season. That is really wonderful - and should be noted by everyone. Major props to them. |
|
While Rotten Apple 907 attracts tons of people, for the most part, folks are courteous and well-behaved when it comes to neighbor's lawns and property. It's a positive event and everyone attending is generally really cool about it. The neighborhood is generally accepting of the haunt, understanding that it is for a fantastic cause each year. Unfortunately, every street has a Scrooge or two - and this is no exception, which has been a challenge in the past for this crew. It seriously boggles the mind that people have nothing better to do than frown on something that really, is only a short-term change in program for the neighborhood for charity. I guess some people just never get it, and thrive on existing like Grinches rather than understanding and enjoying these things. |
|
Speaking of Grinches (I am trying so hard to stay positive) - one of the most delightful thing we attended during the holiday season last year was the Christmas version of Rotten Apples, which was a full-blown Nightmare Before Christmas "maze" that was gorgeous and totally family-friendly. We loved it, and considering there aren't too many Christmas "mazes", it was a real treat! The children walking through were having a wonderful time! Again, it was done out of the kindness of the Rotten Apple team's hearts and was for charity. The City of Burbank (likely by the prompting of a Scrooge or two in the area) has made it so costly and physically challenging on the team to proceed with a holiday attraction, that Diane and Preston have no choice but to discontinue their Christmas maze this season. To that, we say the city officials and politics involved in Burbank can suck it. Theme Park Adventure loves this group of haunters and is thrilled that we were able to attend their 2011 attraction! Enjoy the images, the video and most importantly - get out and support this team next year and beyond! It truly is a very special Halloween attraction that everyone should see! Rotten Apple 907's official web page: http://www.rottenapple907.com |
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All images on this page are the copyrighted material of Theme Park Adventure. Unauthorized use for personal or professional gain without the written consent of Rick West is strictly prohibited. Images may not be linked to from other sites online. |
