Behind the Screams! Building the #1 Haunted Attraction in America with Parker Collins #220

Welcome back to the Jack Murphy Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Parker Collins, from Kersey Valley Spooky Woods, one of the Southeast’s largest and most popular haunted attractions that draws over 100,000 visitors every year. Parker takes us deep inside the operation of a 92-acre haunted empire, sharing how they design ever-changing corn mazes (including GPS-guided patterns like dinosaurs and the state of North Carolina), terrifying scare zones, zip line experiences, and immersive haunted houses. From daytime family-friendly adventures to full-throttle nighttime scares, he reveals what it really takes to create an unforgettable thrill experience. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes realities: managing 375 seasonal employees, maintaining top-tier safety standards, the annual haunted attraction owner meetings where ideas are swapped, and some hilarious (and clever) scare tactics — including a timed scare in the women’s restroom! Whether you’re a haunted attraction fan, business owner, or just love a good scare, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical wisdom on how to build and run a successful fear-based entertainment business. 🎧 Listen now to discover how Kersey Valley turns woods and cornfields into pure nightmare fuel — while keeping guests safe and coming back for more!