Granby Manor, at least as we know it, might not return in 2018.
On October 29th, 2017, Granby Manor closed its gates to the public... possibly for the last time. But why would they do this? MLA Industries and Granby Manor had a wildly successful season with a great fan turnout. Does this mean that they are simply changing the theme and creating a new haunt, just like in 2015 and every year prior? We reached out to MLA Industries and Entertainments with these questions, but received no response.
The Facts
The official Granby Manor website states "Granby Manor was located..." and the exact address has been removed from all pages.
The MLA Industries and Entertainments website states that the company will cease operation of haunted attractions after 2017.
The Speculation
Right away, we can rule out problems caused by high operating costs as the reason for Granby Manor's demise. MLA has been easily able to sustain haunted houses for the last six years, and Granby Manor was by far the most profitable. We did see an increase in ticket prices this season, but this was likely because the company realized that they could charge more for admission and not see a drop in attendance.
Also, we know that the company has had several clashes with the County before the 2017 season started, so this could possibly be a cause for the Manor's closing.
Most likely, however, this is because the contract between the Granby Manor developers and MLA Industries and Entertainments is due to expire in the spring of 2018. Not much is known about this contact except that it has been in effect since 2012, it was modified in 2016 (most likely to extend the rights to the "Granby Manor" brand for the 2017 season), and that it is up for review in 2018.
Also, we know that the company has had several clashes with the County before the 2017 season started, so this could possibly be a cause for the Manor's closing.
Most likely, however, this is because the contract between the Granby Manor developers and MLA Industries and Entertainments is due to expire in the spring of 2018. Not much is known about this contact except that it has been in effect since 2012, it was modified in 2016 (most likely to extend the rights to the "Granby Manor" brand for the 2017 season), and that it is up for review in 2018.
While talking to one of the cast members in October they said that MLA wants to modify the contract again, but GM Developers are against it. She also said that GM management has to go through a long process with MLA whenever they need to modify anything in the haunt (like scenes or even operating procedure). So its quite possible that the two companies could split and Granby Manor would become an independent attraction.
ReplyDeleteMLA Industries owns the rights to the Granby Manor brand and set designs. If the companies were to terminate their contract and split, MLA would take every mention of Granby Manor, its concepts, costumes, characters, etc. with them, leaving the Yorktown developers with lighting and audio equipment. However, as much as I love the Granby Manor backstory and theming, I would be interested in seeing what new house they could come up with!
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