Gallery • 3 Photos

Stuart Monicatti

In “Human(e) Habitat,” guests get put in cages with other failed experiments and scary silence. Between labs and paths are human-animal hybrids.

Jacob Mueller, Valleyfair’s Ride Area Supervisor, said ValleyScare’s appeal is its fantasy and excitement.

“Honestly, it’s just fun,” Mueller said. “You get to experience stuff that you wouldn’t get to experience on a regular day basis, whether it’s going to an abnormal alley of a nuclear apocalyptic land or people rising from the dead.”

ValleyScare is filled with haunted houses, mazes and more, according to Mueller. He said he enjoys the park’s fantastical atmosphere.

Senior Leah Hulett said the exciting atmosphere of ValleyScare contributes to her working experience, but the job doesn’t come without its struggles.

“I get to make people pee their pants, and there’s good pay, too. It’s super fun and I get to meet new people,” Hulett said. “I get kind of tired but it’s not too bad. Your first couple of days are challenging because you need to develop your character, develop what they do and the different sounds they make.”

Mueller said areas in the park transform from storage areas into the Haunted House and other features. He said the unpredictability of ValleyScare increases the park visitors’ excitement.

Mueller said he thinks the employees  enjoy working at ValleyScare.

“We employ people who like to be there, do their job well and have fun,” Mueller said. “If you like scaring people, then that’s your job.”

Hulett said a friend’s advertisement on Snapchat presented the job opportunity.

“I’ve wanted to work there for a few years now. I thought I should take the opportunity,” Hulett said.

Junior Thomas Bryant said he found ValleyScare slightly scary, but a good time overall. He said the exhilaration he felt on the roller coaster, Excalibur, makes it his favorite ride.

“It’s worth going just to go on roller coasters at night because that’s a really cool view,” Bryant said. “The haunted houses aren’t as scary as they’re made out to be, especially at ValleyScare. If you’re thinking about it, go for it.”

Senior Ernesto Garcia said his experience applying for work at ValleyScare was surprisingly easy.

According to Garcia, the environment and his co-workers at ValleyScare make his job better, yet Garcia finds there are challenges that come with the job.

“(I applied for the job) because I like to scare people and thought it would be a nice opportunity to try it,” Garcia said. “(One of the difficulties is) finding different ways of how to scare people because not everyone is the same,” Garcia said.

ValleyScare is open in October from 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays, 11 a.m-midnight Saturdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. ValleyScare is not open Monday-Thursday, except Oct. 20 when it is open from 7 p.m.-midnight. Ticket cost depends on the day, but they usually cost around $37.