Our most favorite time of the year is right around the corner! And no, we’re not talking about Christmas (although it’s a close second). We’re talking about Tomb of the Risen Dead, our spooktacular, family-friendly fall celebration! All weekends in October will be filled with everything there is to love about the fall season and Halloween.
Still not convinced you should embark on such an adventure as this? Below are 8 reasons you should join us at DeSoto Caverns for the thrilling yet magical experience that is Tomb of the Risen Dead.
1. Something for Everyone
One of our favorite parts about Tomb of the Risen Dead is that there’s something for everyone! Our park will have two separate sections to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Younger children will love the variety of entertainment we have scheduled from fire dancing to stilt walking to circus acrobatic acts, while older children and adults can enjoy the two haunts: “The Labyrinth of Lost Souls” located within DeSoto’s 3/4 acre maze and “The Tomb of the Risen Dead” which takes place within the caverns. Although there are no age restrictions on the haunts, there are spooky elements that may be considered scary to younger children, so we advise that children are accompanied by a parent.
2. Intriguing Storyline
Tomb of the Risen Dead is centered around a magical story that we invite our guests to participate in. Once upon a time, a small yet hospitable village was one of the very last of its kind. The Shadows were overcoming the world with its dark forces, and this village was set in the midst of a war between wicked empires. A ragtag band of traveling performers known as the Vardosy Company, lead by Geronimo the Gentleman and Lady Gloria, were fleeing from the tremor of the stalking shadows that began to flood the valley. As a result of their slapdash steering, they had quite an accident and their carriage had wrecked just on the outskirts of the village. The villagers kindly assisted the company and brought them to their village to take refuge. An evil mistress tricked the Vardosy Company into letting her bury her shadow minions disguised as a stillborn baby. As the dirt of the sacred soil covered the figure, the minions unraveled as a curse on the land and the Vardosians were swarmed by the unleashed, violent shadows. What will happen next? Will the light win over darkness? Come and find out for yourself!
3. Charismatic Characters
Each character you’ll meet along the way, both good and evil, play an important part in our enchanting story. Since we believe guests are also a part of our story and can help Geronimo the Gentleman and Lady Gloria defeat the curse, guests will be able to choose their own fate based on the choices they make. Be wise and keep your wits about you—you never know what may happen if you don't listen closely to Lady Wisdom!
4. Become a Lip-Syncing Star
Show off your sweet skills and participate in a Jester Lip-Syncing Battle with your friends and family! The friendly Jesters host this hilariously entertaining competition. Choose your favorite go-to karaoke song and "sing" you heart out! This is always a fan favorite, so make sure you come prepared!
5. Your favorite fall treats
In addition to Chick-fil-A, you can enjoy delicious fall treats from our Cave Cafe! We’ll have baked apple, pumpkin, and triple berry tarts, scrumptious fudge, a variety of muffins, and your favorite fall drinks including pumpkin spiced lattes and white hot chocolate. You can also purchase a s’mores kit! Go classic or walk on the wild side with different combinations, including Reese’s and Chick-Fil-A cookie! Trust us, they're unbelievable.
6. Chick-fil-A
Chick-Fil-A will be selling their delicious sandwiches, nuggets, salads, and more at Tomb of the Risen Dead. We'll also be having the famous 'Chick-Fil-A cookie s'mores' available in the Cave Cafe for purchase to roast over our campfires in front of our outdoor movie amphitheater. Do we really need to say more?
7. Exciting Entertainment
As we said before, even if spooky haunts aren’t your thing, there will still be plenty for you to do! Our festival will feature new breathtaking entertainment every weekend including acts such as fire dancers, stilt walkers, acrobatic acts, and much more! Check out the schedule on our website to find what entertainment is happening when. We’ll also have activities for guests to participate in including lip-syncing contests, pumpkin decorating/contests, costume contests for ages 12 and under, and plenty of festive fall activities for a memorable evening!
8. Spooktacular Movies
Each Friday, we’ll show a spooktacular, family-friendly movie for you and your friends and family to enjoy under the stars! You won’t want to miss out on gathering around a crackling fire to roast marshmallows and enjoy a spooktacular movie on our big screen!
9. Give Back While Having Fun
Here at DeSoto Caverns, we believe in the power of giving back! Part of the proceeds for decorating pumpkins will go to a local charity. Plus, if you win the best-decorated pumpkin of the night, you go home with a prize! Every latte and cup of coffee purchased in our Cave Cafe will provide a hot meal for a child in Honduras. Learn more about how our coffee is making a difference here!
10. Top Rated Haunt
We’re not the only ones who think Tomb of the Risen Dead is an amazing event! AL.com ranked us 1 of 13 Haunted Houses that Will Leave You Screaming for More. This event is listed in the Most Anticipated Top Ten Alabama Haunts on ScurryFace.com and was voted one of the top two haunts in Alabama in 2016.
Now that you’re convinced, go ahead and get your tickets and embark on the spooky and thrilling adventure that is Tomb of the Risen Dead!