McKamey Manor '09 (Part 3) Video

We have received a lot of requests to show a complete walkthrough of McKamey Manor vice a compilation video...so here it is! The 2009 series will be in 6 parts in order to fit on YouTube.

I first have to thank all the actors...they are absolutely the BEST!!! They really bring our Haunt to life with their unique personalities and performances...day in and day out. All the actors will be listed by name along with their rolls at the end of part 5.

We went with a theme for the first time this year...McKamey Manor Asylum. What you don't see on the video as of this posting (I will be adding her footage soon), is our greeter signing in the audience, filling out waiver forms, passing out name badges and most importantly...telling the back story concerning the Asylum. The story involves cloning (and why wouldn't it?), and one angry inmate named Mary Parker. Be warned, whatever you do...don't look Mary in the eyes.

As usual I have a ton of great footage that's been taken this season. We've had the usual number of folks quit the tour, pass out during their stay, and even had one who was so worked up...she vomited...a lot. Even though we still have a few remaining nights, we had a participant earlier in the season who truly made a lasting impression on us. Her name is Sandy, and it was CRAZY watching her experience the Asylum.

Keep in mind McKamey Manor is a home haunt in a typical residential area of San Diego. Like any other house in the area, we don't have a lot of space to work the illusion. I say illusion because it feels like it's a lot larger than it really is. Each personalized tour takes an average 35 minutes to complete.

There are 17 different areas with a lot of sights, sounds, and smells to take in. I have to put as much detail into a space as possible, because the audience sees everything. I don't hide the scares in the dark with the exception of the garage and coffin room. I film each and every group, and the light on the camera makes the rooms as bright as day.

Everyone reacts differently. Folks get scared, scream, jump, laugh, pee, etc. But as you'll see, Sandy went above and beyond. She started out fine, but it didn't take long (about 4 seconds), to get things rolling. Once she experienced the Coffin Room...it was all over. She was hysterical, and it stayed that way for the rest of the tour.

For me, it was like watching a horror movie up close and personal. It's a very intense experience at McKamey Manor due to the size of the rooms. Everything is very claustrophobic and "in your face," and our actors really pour it on. Sandy was terribly shaken after her experience.

We sent out emails to check on her after the night was over, and we called her several times the following day.

We were a bit worried when there was no response. She did eventually call back later in the evening...still trying to recover from her experiences here at the Asylum. She's doing well...considering. She also gave me permission to post her tour for all to see on YouTube.

Sandy gets the McKamey Manor award for the #1 guest of 2009. Sandy was a brave soul and a good sport. Everyone here at McKamey Manor salutes her! On a side note, she said she would not be doing that again anytime soon.

I can be connected at www.djparty.org for questions or comments. Just click on the "Contact" form and hit submit. Currently this is a "Free Home Haunt". If there is anyone interested in going into business to make McKamey Manor a "Professional (Paying) Haunt," please contact me as well. I have the tools, just not the space location.

From everyone involved in McKamey Manor, we hoped you enjoy the videos. Happy haunting and we'll see you again in 2010!

Russ and Crew