New haunted house opens at former Dr. Slaughter’s location
People ready to get scared this Halloween season can expect just that at the new Planet Doom in Idaho Falls. Planet Doom is replacing Dr. Slaughter’s, which closed after 18 years. The new owners are two brothers who are putting their own spin on the haunted house.
“We’ve remodeled about nine or 10 different scenes in the haunt,” said Brent Wilson, operating manager of Planet Doom. “And our goal next year, when we have the full year to remodel the haunt, is to completely revamp the haunt.”
The brothers grew up doing their own home haunts. They can now turn their love for scaring people into reality.
“We do a lot of animatronics, projections things like that,” said Brian Wilson with Planet Doom. “We’re big fans of some of the bigger haunts in Salt Lake City. So we’re going to bring that element to it. Upgrade the technology a little bit, but also want to keep the community involved, the kids and volunteers, that’s crucial to it.”
A major part of Dr. Slaughter’s was its partnership with the Bonneville County DARE program. Planet Doom plans to continue that partnership. They know Dr. Slaughter’s leaves behind a huge legacy, but they plan to do their own thing.
“We’re just excited that we get an opportunity, they created a good pathway for us,” Brian said. “We want to do our own thing independent of that, but also use the resources that are provided by the dare board, which has been priceless.”
“We love Dr. Slaughter’s, but we’re not going to try to be Dr. Slaughter’s,” Brent said. “We’re going to be Planet Doom and do our own thing. And hopefully we’re as successful as Dr. Slaughter’s has been over the last 18 years.”
The Idaho Falls Police Department suspended its involvement with the DARE Program due to a staff shortage, but the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is still running its program and is partnered with Planet Doom. Planet Doom opens September 28th.
