Local Plant City Haunted Attraction Celebrates 10 Years!

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, located between Orlando and Tampa, will welcome fans for their tenth year open, as of Fall 2024. Visible from Exit 22 on Interstate 4, the central Florida haunted attraction has operated as a 501(c)3 - raising funds for nonprofits, providing volunteer hours for hard working youths, and the source of countless screams.

“Our official ten year anniversary will be October 3rd of this year,” says attraction owner Zach Glaros. “We will have to officially celebrate with the fans the following night, Friday the 4th, so that prior night on Thursday, I will celebrate the milestone privately with close friends and family who also sacrificed to help make this all happen.”

Parking is free with admission, which ranges from $27 to $57 per person, per night. Season passes will also be available on site. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This is done to prevent overcrowding and give customers the best experience possible.

Fall events at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail feature three open trails - each with a unique storyline. There is also a haunted hayride, upcharge experiences such as escape games, and courtyard entertainment that is all rated PG13 and up. These themes, as well as operating dates and hours, are available at SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com and on their connected social media channels.

The brand has also expanded with similar projects such as Sir Henry’s Haunted Summer Camp. In July of 2024, participants aged 12 to 17 learned future skills needed to work at a haunted attraction. Public figures such as WWE’s Byron Saxton volunteered in the endeavor to mentor young thrill seekers towards theme park, entertainment, and horror career paths.

Sir Henry’s also provides an in-depth podcast for fans to get behind the scenes information about upcoming offerings at the haunt. There is also a trilogy book series about the iconic characters, and a new cook book released this Fall that also details the attraction’s decade of history.

Extended offerings of the haunt are an accessibility night, or an alternative accessibility discount for guests who utilize mobility devices, have sensory challenges, or other disabilities that will otherwise prevent them from fully enjoying the attraction. Further accessibility measures based on feedback will be implemented over the years to continue making the experience as equitable as possible.

“Florida has some of the top accessible beaches in the country, and globally recognized accessible themed attractions,” says Glaros. “I think it is a great goal to aim for, for all fans to feel included in the scares.”

The crown jewel of the Fall 2024 event will be a completely new trail that was rebuilt from scratch, and pays tribute to the historic State of Florida. Glaros utilized his educational background in History towards the plot of trail entitled “AGUA DE MUERTE." This spook trail is modeled after Saint Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, and the town’s infamous paranormal footprint.

OFFERINGS:

Included with general admission is free parking, three trails (one trip per trail), main area with character encounters, plenty of photo opportunities, and a centerpiece performance. Port-o-potty restrooms and handwashing stations provided outside of the front gate for guests. Discounts for group sales are available.

UPCHARGES:

Haunted hayride access, light food offerings, merchandising, two escape rooms, laser tag, ticket upgrades, and axe throwing.

RECOMMENDATIONS/SAFETY/ACCOMMODATIONS:

Some additional draws of Sir Henry’s are not only the convenient location right off of I-4, but also free parking and accommodating staff. There is currently not a bag policy in place, but the staff at Sir Henry’s ask that you please not bring any concealed weapons, that there be no filming/lighting/photography on the trails, and that you please keep your smoking outside of the main guest area (past the entry gate on the parking lot side).

Wheelchair-using and other mobility aid fans, or those with accessibility needs, will be provided assistance coming through the trail. Those sensitive to strobe lights or have sensitivities to artificial fog should speak to guest services before attending the event. Contact Sir Henry’s a minimum of two weeks before your planned visit to ask about accessibility accommodations and possible discounts.

The event is outdoors, so wearing closed toe comfortable shoes and bringing an umbrella or poncho will provide a better experience. Adult supervision for those under 13 is advised and the event may be too intense for such young individuals.

Sir Henry & Jim O'Rear.Photo byJim O'Rear