Screams have echoed through the woods in Piedmont, South Carolina for 15 years. Madworld Haunted Attraction has carved out its place as the premier destination for fear. What began as a vision to bring movie-quality scares to the Upstate has grown into a Halloween tradition for thousands of fans each season.
As Madworld’s spine-tingling schedule is in full swing, we sat down with co-owner, Joseph Thompson, to chat about the journey, the challenges, and what keeps the heart of the operation beating year after year.
360: What has been the biggest challenge of keeping Madworld alive for 15 years?
Thompson: I would have to say, constantly keeping things fresh and new for the public. We can be satisfied with the job we’ve done, like with this year. We can’t become stagnant, or get too comfortable. Next year, it will be about what can we do different, how can we take it to the next level? The sky’s the limit – let’s push the limits!
360: What can fans expect to be different or special this year, with it being the fifteenth anniversary?
Thompson: We have different surprises sprinkled throughout the trail that are new this year. We have a whole brand new room called “80s Slasher Cinema.” In there you’ll see the iconic characters from the eighties – Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers. You get to go into those movies and witness them firsthand with the real characters. Then, we have our new Zombie Shoot VR. It’s a nod to the first four years we were open, we had a Zombie shoot. It’s really cool to go in and get lost in a world within a world!
360: Do you have a favorite scene or character?
Thompson: *Laughing* Oh man, that’s hard! If I had to choose a favorite scene, it would probably be Asylum. Asylum is just so gritty and nasty and gory. I have a hospital Phobia, that I’ve had since I was a kid. My brother, who owns Madworld with me, accidentally hit me with a bat and I had to have thirty six stitches in my face. I think the trauma from having to go into the ER as a young kid, I just hate going to the hospital – it creeps me out. So, the asylum is the creation of what that feels like, but in the worst way.
360: Is there a fan story or reaction that has stuck with you over the years?
Thompson: There’s a lot! There were two ladies that came in, years back, and before they even got into the gates, the flame thrower outside the entrance went off right beside them. One of them peed their pants! Her jeans were drenched! They were laughing hysterically. Of course we offered to help out any way we could, but they came on in and had the best time! That is definitely one I will never forget.
360: How has running Madworld affected you personally and professionally?
Thompson: Personally, it has affected me because it has taken a lot of time away from my family. When you’re working on creating something year-long, whether it’s ideas or physical work, it consumes you. You wake up at three and four o’clock in the morning with ideas or worries. So personally, it’s affected me in those ways. It’s also affected me in very positive ways. I can’t leave that out. Running a business takes a toll, but Madworld has been successful and because of that, I have been successful. I’m grateful for that. Professionally, as Madworld has grown, we’ve gotten more recognition. Now, people all over the U.S. and all over the world are talking about Madworld and that’s really incredible for our career.
360: When you think about the next fifteen years, what is your dream for Madworld?
Thompson: Honestly, just growth. Continuing to grow. We’re not stopping here!
360: Describe Madworld in three words.
Thompson: Three words! Oh man. Let’s see… scary, entertaining, and *long pause* life-changing. Yes, life-changing for sure!
Our Experience
Madworld was my first ever haunted house experience. I am, and have always been, the world’s biggest chicken! I’m afraid of everything. Having said that, I LOVE watching scary movies. Growing up, in the eighties, I knew Michael, Freddy, and Jason well. The 80s Slasher Cinema portion of the trail is what my nightmares were made of. Every guest will enjoy it, but if your birth year begins with 19, you simply have to experience it! Our whole group had the best time.
Joseph, Tim and their crew continue to outdo themselves. Their level of professionalism and passion is unmatched.
Fifteen years in, Madworld has proven it’s more than just a haunted house – it’s a community, a tradition, and an ever-evolving nightmare that continues to surprise its most loyal fans. With every scream, laugh, and heart-pounding moment, Madworld cements its legacy as a staple of Halloween in the Upstate, and beyond.
If the next fifteen years are anything like the first, the best – and scariest – are yet to come!