Ghastly ghouls, creepy clowns and survival horror

By DEVIN HEILMAN

Staff Writer

ATHOL — Imagine being trapped in a zombie apocalypse, where the undead lurk in the shadows and your pulse quickens at every twist and turn as you struggle to escape.

In Scarywood’s Planet Zombie, you don’t actually have to imagine it.

"It's really the most extensive attraction we've ever built," said Silverwood spokesman Jordan Carter. "It is one-of-a kind, and the only one in the world that does a movie, live action, a stage show and a haunt all put together. It's so detailed and terrifying."

Planet Zombie immerses thrill-seekers into a world of survival horror. They’re primed by Sgt. Buzz and his team of zombie slayers, who start the show before Scarywood guests even step foot into the winding walk-through attraction.

"It's been about six years in the making," Carter said. "We've been building and designing for eight months now to get it up and running."

Planet Zombie, an intense, level 5 thrill, made its debut Friday during opening night of Scarywood’s ninth season. It’s a progression in the storyline of the Zombiewood Express, which has been abandoned by Buzz and his crew after it crashed and was overtaken by the undead.

"I actually worked on that and I built it the last couple of months, so that’s why I wanted to be the first one through," said Cameron Smith, 18, of Athol. "There's a lot of hiding places in there."

This one is for a more mature audience, as the show that precedes the walkthrough is as gritty as the action that awaits inside.

"The (Zombiewood) train has always been my favorite part. When I heard it was the continuation of the train I was super pumped for it,” said Ivan Watts, 18, of Athol. “The stage show on the front was awesome. The setup is spectacular. This would actually be an awesome place to come hang out."

This high-octane attraction joins the returning haunts that populate Silverwood Theme Park’s Halloween-themed underworld, including the psychedelic 3Dementia, the claustrophobic Total Darkness and the disturbing backwater cannibal nightmare of Blood Bayou.

"It was terrifying, to say the least,” said Taylor Morales, 21, who weaved through Blood Bayou with her best pal, Allison Towey.

“I don’t do well with scary things," Morales said. "I would watch when the other people in front of us got scared and I would make her switch sides with me.”

“I’ve been through it multiple times and it doesn’t scare me, so I’m just protection for her," said Towey, 19. "I just love Scarywood. I try to do it once a year."

In addition to the attractions, several scare zones are scattered throughout the park and the Timber Terror will be coasting backward, for those who dare.

Park security has been tripled, Carter said, and Scarywood is recommended for ages 13 and older.

Scarywood Haunted Nights will be providing Halloween thrills and chills Thursdays from 7 to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight through Oct. 28. Prices vary.

Info: www.scarywoodhaunt.com