[Question] Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

[bassmonkey1962]

One of the highlights of my Knott's scary Farm visits thru the years, is getting pictures with the monsters. Apparently, this year, this is not allowed. I asked a couple of them why, but I got no specifics, just simply, "It's a new rule."

Does anyone have an answer for this, why this new rule is in effect?

[NGW]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Honestly I think it is one of the best changes made this year. The monsters are there to scare you, not pose and look pretty. There is a select group of monsters allowed to be photographed with guests, but that is it. A lot of people were complaining about talent breaking character, or lines in mazes being held up due to people stopping to take pics with the talent.

[bassmonkey1962]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

I disagree with the policy, aside from within the mazes, which makes sense, regarding backing up the line. In Ghost Town, Necropolis, etc., I think it should be allowed. That aside, I am looking for an actual reason, from someone working the Haunt, or anyone "in the know," of why management made this decision, and what brought it on.

[CatchAPairO]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

are you allowed to do so at Universal?

[madmonkeygirl]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

At Universal I know the dancing girls (this year made up like clowns well their make up) people have posed with them and taking pictures. In the scare zones it's a bit easier to get pictures because that's just it. I was taking my time taking my own pictures of things in the scare zones (clowns, toys, witches) and could easily if I wanted to had my picture with them. I know the clowns are the ones that a lot of people tend to take their pictures with. I think in the mazes and Terror Tram though it's obvious you aren't allowed to. Because they'd break character. I know during chain saw chase out there are die hard fans who line the street taking videos and pictures.

[k_peek_2000]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Because Universal/Knotts do not pay these actors to be photo-ops. They train them extensively for scaring, and only scaring.

[lynxwiler]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Asking a monster to pose for a photo makes them break their character and slows down traffic in a maze.

[Dutchman]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Didn't hear anything about this when we were there Sunday night, had no problems with taking pics with a few of them.

[bassmonkey1962]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Because Universal/Knotts do not pay these actors to be photo-ops. They train them extensively for scaring, and only scaring.
-So, 39 years into the event, Knott's decides, NOW, "Hey, wait a minute, these employees aren't there for people to enjoy getting pictures with, they're there for scaring purposes only." Naw, that's weak. I see them for both purposes. That's what we pay money for-to have fun, get frightened, and get a few pics. It's part of the overall presentation.

Still awaiting an OFFICIAL reply, however, from an actual Knott's hocho, or "monster."

[NGW]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

From their facebook: Endgames is... | Facebook

[lynxwiler]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

From the KSF Facebook page:


Knott's Scary Farm Monsters scare, they don't pose.

[unclemike]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

You're still allowed to take photos of monsters in action as they stalk and scare, but we're not supposed to pose with guests. There were times in previous years when, if I agreed to one photo, suddenly 5 or 6 groups lined up to get a pic with me. Also, some guests use the "Can I get a picture?" line in order to preemptively stop a monster from scaring them.

[ericg]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Because Universal/Knotts do not pay these actors to be photo-ops. They train them extensively for scaring, and only scaring.
-So, 39 years into the event, Knott's decides, NOW, "Hey, wait a minute, these employees aren't there for people to enjoy getting pictures with, they're there for scaring purposes only." Naw, that's weak. I see them for both purposes. That's what we pay money for-to have fun, get frightened, and get a few pics. It's part of the overall presentation.

Still awaiting an OFFICIAL reply, however, from an actual Knott's hocho, or "monster."

You don't need an OFFICIAL reply to be able to figure out the answer. It's obvious.

You want to know the difference now? Nearly every person is carrying a camera. 10 years ago there were fewer cameras being carried and because they used film people were more selective on when and where they would take a picture.

Go watch the fireworks at Disneyland and hundreds of lousy cell phone and digital cameras are out with their screens shining back in my face. Guess what? Most of these photos won't be of any quality and most will never be viewed again. You can't take good photos of fireworks with your cell phone or an every day digital camera. Even worse those taking the pictures and video are missing the amazing show.

The scare actors are there to do a job of creating an atmosphere of fear and posing for photos was not part of the role. It destroys the experience and this rule is a welcome change. Bravo Knott's.

When you go to Disneyland and see the lines for the character meet and greets you can clearly see the reason behind this policy change. On a busy night, one photo will suddenly turn into hundreds of photos. If people want a photo op then Knott's should set up a monster in a specific area for that purpose.

[Professortango]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Because Universal/Knotts do not pay these actors to be photo-ops. They train them extensively for scaring, and only scaring.
-So, 39 years into the event, Knott's decides, NOW, "Hey, wait a minute, these employees aren't there for people to enjoy getting pictures with, they're there for scaring purposes only." Naw, that's weak. I see them for both purposes. That's what we pay money for-to have fun, get frightened, and get a few pics. It's part of the overall presentation.

Still awaiting an OFFICIAL reply, however, from an actual Knott's hocho, or "monster."

39 years ago people didn't haul around cameras nearly as much nor take pictures so indiscriminantly. Nowadays, every person with a cell phone has a camera and wants a picture of them and monsters plastered all over their facebook. Monsters are hired to scare, not pose with every person who wants a picture. This has been a growing issue every year as more and more people have camera phones, they just finally said enough. It's a great decision.

If you still want to take pictures, monsters at the front gate are available for that. But the monsters in the scare zones will be doing their job, scaring people.

[cruise]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Stopping to take pictures with monsters in the scare zones has always seemed rude to me. I am there to be scarred, and when you make them stand in the middle of the road with a light on them my experience is ruined. You have all the right to have an enjoyable experience yourself, but don't take what I paid for away from me.

[Lane]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

Another reason why monsters are discouraged from taking pictures with guests: If a monster mistakenly places his hand in a certain way, guests complain that the monster sexually assaulted them and the guest has proof. Dont blame knotts for the rule, blame the guests who want free stuff.

[PetiteMortKvsh]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

As a monster in past haunts...I must say camera's with flashes are EXTREMELY annoying. When your in a Mask your vision is already impaired, the fog, strobe lights, black lights and the contacts most of us choose to wear add to that. "We" monsters have adapted to the elements we must work in, but if you throwing in a Flash of a camera or or the brightness of a screen can be very disorientating.

[darkamor]

Re: Why the Policy of "No Pix With Monsters"?

I've made it a rule NEVER to take photos within a Maze unless it didn't interfere with what Parks Guests were experiencing (& I never use flash as that bothers the eyes of everyone). I often take pictures with Monsters within Scare Zones (I ask first, I don't use flash unless it's necessary & even then I ask if flash is ok). I was only able to take a few photos this year, because for the 1st time in 27 years I was disappointed with Knott's Scary Farm (Knott's Corporate needs a better budget next year & I don't want to hear excuses as for why it was so half a r s e this year) & yes times have changed unfortunately with people whipping out their smart phones / tablets without giving a damn if it intrudes on other Park Guest's experience -


1) no souvenir mug & less food variety for the pre scare boo fet (boo in a bad way)
2) calico mine train had no theming (<3 the ride, hated it with nothing inside)
3) timber mountain log ride was under themed (<3 theme idea, but it was under used)
4) mazes continued to be milked to death (ie no more clowns please)
5) no more up charges (not paying $60 for Trapped, or whatever for front of line pass)
6) midnight Green Witch Hanging fine, the "other" experience was awful
7) some "live shows" need to be replaced by something better
8) Tricksters need to be less rude and more spookie (I got one in trouble)


<3 'd the Haunt Museum, <3 'd seeing Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) who is "fang"tastic for her age, <3 'd bringing back Green Witch, <3 'd the friendly Theme Park Employees, <3 'd the Trick or Treat Bag, <3 'd Ed Alonzo's Live Show - but wouldn't a photo op with Monsters during Pre scare Boo fet (before or after meal time) be a good idea?


C J

[Professortango]

Re: Why the Policy of &quot;No Pix With Monsters&quot;?

The mine train was themed, just no actors. And Trapped was well worth an extra $10.But Bobo's really needs to go.

[madmonkeygirl]

Re: Why the Policy of &quot;No Pix With Monsters&quot;?

Exactly the Mine ride was even running that way during the day for regular park guests. I found the story of the green witch and what they did have inside was just perfect. Subtle yet effective. Trapped definitely is worth the extra charge especially if you have 6 people that's only an extra $10 per person. I mean really $10 is worth it if you split the cost among 6.

Also I enjoyed the Boo-fet much better this year. My chicken was MUCH MUCH better than even opening weekend. There were other choices and even the cupcakes that had plastic Halloween rings were a nice touch. Thankfully even without a Haunt souvineer bottle the Snoopy ones were a nice touch and mine is going to my nephew. Also it pays to get the Boo-fet because we had the Mine Ride, Log Ride and Uncle BoBo's all done by the time the general public entered at 7pm.

I do have pet peeves not so much about cell phones, cameras, etc but by the light up merchandise. It used to be Knott's would make sure if anyone had them on prior to going thru a maze they'd politely tell them to turn them off. Well our turn thru Slaughterhouse there was a group of 3 ahead of us and the girl had on a pair of light up devil horns. They never asked her to turn me off and it ruined the whole experience for me. I didn't want to go thru again (could have), nor felt well at the end of the evening to go and complain at Guest Relations. Frankly it is rude to those behind someone with something light up in the mazes. I am cool with glow sticks and bracketed because those are a little more dimmer and do not seem as bright as the horns and swords. Now over at Terror of London actually had parents turn off their son's light up sword before entering the maze. Next time if this happens I will just go back ru the maze but I'd love to know why every employee doesn't make sure that light up things are turned off before entering a maze. They make sure no flash photography etc inside yet can't make sure a light up is turned off. My biggest pet peeve at Haunt.

I really thought my second visit on Sunday was far superior to opening weekend. I was actually stalked in Terror of London, terrorizes by the vampires in Dominion of the Dead and even had the Green Witch talk to me in Trick or Treat. Plus I had monsters following me down streets of Ghost Town.