My (many) years of collecting Halloween villages have taught me that, if you love a piece, BUY IT. I am lucky enough to own the Octosqueeze and Chuckles.
I love the old fashioned devil image. The film Abbott and Costello "Keep Em Flying" has great carnival scenes in it with old timey dungeon with devils, blinking eyes smoke and fire.
Love these theming videos. Great for beginners. 100% yes to the roller coaster. I found Lemax long after D56 so I missed a lot of the cool older pieces. Octosqueeze is just amazing. Would like to find the stand up ride that’s ghost themed.
Boy I wish I had the room for a carnival display. I have to move furniture out just to get the regular village up....LOL!!!! Thanks for the video Doug. One day closer to Halloween!!!!!!
I had the same trouble in the past. It all changed in 2020 when I needed my dining room table/space to work and school the family from home. I still wanted everyone to have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN so I decided to still put up spookytown, but I split it into different districts/towns so I can still enjoy them, but wouldn't take up much space. One was a witch/pumpkin town. Then I had a shops and bars downtown. A carnival and a Haunted mansion district. I actually enjoyed this alot more than the big setup I had always done in the past. Hope this inspires you to try something different this year. Have fun🎃👻🎃👻
Love the Tilt-N-Hurl design, but both of the ones I had quit working within a month. The first one just stopped moving entirely. The second one had problems with the carts derailing.
OMG!!! I LOVE THE CARNIVAL!!!! So glad you narrowed it down to a handful of favorites because Lemax has so many AMAZING carnival pieces and accessories. That's one of my favorite themes I display every year....and every year it gets something new❤. Octosqueeze was amazing but had too many issues especially with the paint and the plastic octopus...I opted for the octoswinh that had less issues and still runs great! I've recently (2020) have opted out of a full all together display and am now doing districts/themes on smaller areas around the house. There is the Carnival- sometimes paired with the carni trailer park in the background/side, Pumpkin Hollow, Downtown district, Haunted Mansions/graveyard (Inspired by Disney'sHaunted Mansion), western, pirate, Trick or treat lane, Witche's Grotto, Gothic/vampire. Don't own anything g zombie 🤢 but am very tempted to get the Last Ditch- I need a gas station for my town😅. Keep up the GREAT work!!! xoxo from 305 👻🎃👻🎃
Awesome video! The addition of a rollercoaster is a great idea. For space limitation I may go with CDX's Flyer or Little Dipper with some custom paint.
Yes! My two Lemax faves... Wheel of Terror and Tilt'n'Hurl... the latter especially for its soundtrack. Actually that Lego roller coaster is a great idea. People could, perhaps, paint it to give it that wooden look, and make it "Halloweenish" as you suggested. Now I'm all nostalgic for Crystal Beach amusement park... my younger self was too terrified to ride on that huge Comet rollercoaster.
I love my carnival! I agree with the Ferris Wheel and the Tilt n Hurl. Both great pieces. I can't wait to get The Bat Bonanza this year. It'll be the most expensive piece in my village, but I think it'll be totally worth it :D
Doug, I love your theme presentations. It's something that hasn't been much discussed in detail, you are doing quite a public service I think. In fact, I'd love to know if there is some guide of all the Lemax & D56 items...sorted by theme. I have a few different themes I do every year, and am sometimes surprised by an older item that would fit right in but I didn't know about it. And the Cyclone is awesome!
Liked your video. The Dept 56 The Scream was on sale on E-BAY for $800.00. Also Mr. Christmas World Fair made a functioning roller coaster that lit up and had music.
When I was around 12 or 13 years of age, my parents used to go to my Dad's company picnic at a place called Como Park in St. Paul, MN. There was a small amusement park there with a Tilt a whirl. I once rode on it about 5 times in a row and promptly got sick. Tilt n hurl is right!
So excited that you made a carnival theme video! I watched it once and went ahead and ordered the CDX coaster with the motor, and now I’m back to say thank you! I have been looking for years to get one for my village and only came across the Knex coaster. Not sure how I never heard of the CDX coaster considering that it’s been available for a while now, so again thanks for the info and your great videos. I can’t wait to add it this year!
Another great video Doug, thank you! I'm not as much into the "monster" themes and am slowly selling off my old, retired pieces. The carnEVIL is my biggest baby, taking up probably 60% of my 90 ft. long village. It's my absolute favorite!!! I could kick myself for passing on a few of the Dept 56 pieces. I could only afford a few here and there but I wish that I had invested in more than I had. ❤️👻🎃
Tanya, you've posted pics of this display in the group pages right? I remember seeing an incredible display with that name. If that was yours, very nice job!
FANTASTIC VIDEO DOUG !!!!! This is my favorite theme, even ahead of Fall/Pumpkin and hauted house/Cemetary !!!! Here are my thoughts: The best DEPT 56 Carnival piece IMO ------- Clown House of Terror !!!!! Epic, old-school design. You can't mention a Carnival and then not talk about the Holy Grail of Theme Park pieces ------- Chuckles Funhouse !!!!! My most under-rated piece --------- Shooting Range !!!! LOVE the lighting and animation! Nothing else like it. A Spooky Town Roller Coaster MUST be made. If Lego can make and sell them for $400 -500, so can Lemax. Yes it will be expensive, but Lemax needs that Halo piece that could get non-collectors into collecting. Plus it just makes sence. Pieces I'd avoid: Zombie Plane Ride. Eeerie-Go-Round. Bump in the Night. Ghost Around (just cause of the horrible quality). Please make a part 2 !!!!!
Oh my gosh I was just going to say the same thing about Lego coaster. I saw one at my friend’s house on 4th of July. It could possibly even fit, but the expense is a bit high.
I am so glad on got Wild Pumpkin Ride when it came out! I have learned from your channel that I definitely like the pumpkin theme. I have always bought pieces that appealed to me, never really considered theme but I feel my displays make sense. I will certainly try harder to better group pieces together. Thank you for your videos! 🎃💀
Really enjoying these theming videos! I would love to see a video for a zombie themed village if you continue the series. I picked up the Gloom Room this year, and I'll probably get last year's Zombie Records to pair with it. Would be cool to hear suggestions for older zombie pieces, too.
Just wanted to chime in about "The Scream" It was produced in 2015, one year only and currently it is going for just under $900.00USD. It scarcely comes up anymore. Shooting Gallery from D56 is also pricey these days.
This makes me hate that I passed on it at retail price with 30% off even more! My local shop had one they couldn't get rid of back when it came out. Ugh! I think it's one of the most beautifully thematic pieces available. No crazy lights, but massive atmosphere!
That roller coaster looks cool. I really hope they do one very soon i know it would be the most expensive spooky town piece but i would defitanely be all over it.
Another awesome video!👏 👏 👏 Just got back from Cedar Point and I TOTALLY AGREE with the need for a rollercoaster piece!! I don't have a carnival theme but I'd buy that as a stand alone for my sofa table! Would love to see your "spookifying" process with the CDX!! 🤓
@@SpookyVillages King's Island is definitely one I need to go to on our next trip up! I've been wanting to ride The Beast since I was a teen! When you go to CP, head straight back to ride Top Thrill Dragster and my ALL TIME FAVORITE...Steel Vengeance! Rode it 4 times this last visit. Best coaster, hands down IMO! 🤘😍 Every time we go, it's our tradition to ride Cedar Downs before we leave. It is one of two racing carousels in the US originally built in 1921. The hand carved horses are stunning and nostalgia feel is off the charts! Recommend it 1000%!
New to your channel. Saw your Cracker Barrel video, funny we were just there looking at their Halloween display. I think the roller coaster would look awesome!
Great vid. I am a huge fan of the carnival pieces myself, I am only missing the Witch’s Hat and Chuckle’s Fun House, which are hard to find at a good price. As far as a coaster goes, I would recommend The Scorpion by Coaster Dynamix. It has just been re-released for $250 pre-order. I am looking forward to your vids of your carnival setup once you have a moment to set it up and film it. 🎃
Hey James, looking at Coaster Dynamix site I really dig the Lightning too! Kinda vibing to go after that one! I may ask my subs which one to get and vote on it!
These choices seem to have more of a specific Halloween theme whereas you could do a second video that is more for general carnival theming with less "creepiness."
Hey Brie, so I actually went back and forth with that piece. I was going to lead off with it but decided against it because I figure if you want to do a carnival, a big centerpiece ride is probably better so I scrapped doing that as a "budget" option. I agree though, it's a great piece for the price of it. Very well lit.
I have the D56 Scaredy Cat Ferris Wheel and love it! The carnival theme is one of my favorites. I would love to see you get the coaster and do a review on it. :)
I agree that the Web of Terror Ferris Wheel has the best lighting and is visually stunning. I dislike the audio though. If you end up doing part 2, you should pick a carousel.
Talk about going down the rabbit hole. Lmao. Yes I would grab the coaster but just like Lego. CDX sell the power pack.! it don't come with the kits. Just for my Lego coaster on top of the $400 it cost me $60 for battery pack and $45 for the motor. CDX was around $40 but it a plug in cord . Lego just release a Loopster coaster for about $500 but its tall ..if you watch the video you"ll see. I'm grateful.I was able to get the coaster I have. But.i will say this their big and eat up ra lot of real estate in your displays. !!! so you have to plan around them.and if you dont have a big space for your display.i wouldn't get it to them ! If you or any one has any question on them ask away I"d be glad to help .
I saw that Loopster coaster. It's cool but yes, super tall. I like the CDX coaster vibe more than the actual lego ones. It's looking like I am probably gonna nab one of these this year!
@@EvilGroupProductionsNews oh i thought you meant for you! No, I'm not doing a graveyard scene this year so my budget is gonna be kept for other stuff!
My (many) years of collecting Halloween villages have taught me that, if you love a piece, BUY IT. I am lucky enough to own the Octosqueeze and Chuckles.
That's so cool! You are very lucky! Can we see a video of your display?
This is very true, Tanya. If you want something, get it! Chuckles is a piece that hopefully one day I can wind up acquiring.
I love the old fashioned devil image. The film Abbott and Costello "Keep Em Flying" has great carnival scenes in it with old timey dungeon with devils, blinking eyes smoke and fire.
Well, now I am on the hunt for The Scream.
Love these theming videos. Great for beginners. 100% yes to the roller coaster. I found Lemax long after D56 so I missed a lot of the cool older pieces. Octosqueeze is just amazing. Would like to find the stand up ride that’s ghost themed.
Boy I wish I had the room for a carnival display. I have to move furniture out just to get the regular village up....LOL!!!! Thanks for the video Doug. One day closer to Halloween!!!!!!
I had the same trouble in the past. It all changed in 2020 when I needed my dining room table/space to work and school the family from home. I still wanted everyone to have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN so I decided to still put up spookytown, but I split it into different districts/towns so I can still enjoy them, but wouldn't take up much space. One was a witch/pumpkin town. Then I had a shops and bars downtown. A carnival and a Haunted mansion district. I actually enjoyed this alot more than the big setup I had always done in the past. Hope this inspires you to try something different this year. Have fun🎃👻🎃👻
Love the Tilt-N-Hurl design, but both of the ones I had quit working within a month. The first one just stopped moving entirely. The second one had problems with the carts derailing.
OMG!!! I LOVE THE CARNIVAL!!!! So glad you narrowed it down to a handful of favorites because Lemax has so many AMAZING carnival pieces and accessories. That's one of my favorite themes I display every year....and every year it gets something new❤. Octosqueeze was amazing but had too many issues especially with the paint and the plastic octopus...I opted for the octoswinh that had less issues and still runs great! I've recently (2020) have opted out of a full all together display and am now doing districts/themes on smaller areas around the house. There is the Carnival- sometimes paired with the carni trailer park in the background/side, Pumpkin Hollow, Downtown district, Haunted Mansions/graveyard (Inspired by Disney'sHaunted Mansion), western, pirate, Trick or treat lane, Witche's Grotto, Gothic/vampire. Don't own anything g zombie 🤢 but am very tempted to get the Last Ditch- I need a gas station for my town😅. Keep up the GREAT work!!!
xoxo from 305 👻🎃👻🎃
Awesome video! The addition of a rollercoaster is a great idea. For space limitation I may go with CDX's Flyer or Little Dipper with some custom paint.
Yes! My two Lemax faves... Wheel of Terror and Tilt'n'Hurl... the latter especially for its soundtrack. Actually that Lego roller coaster is a great idea. People could, perhaps, paint it to give it that wooden look, and make it "Halloweenish" as you suggested. Now I'm all nostalgic for Crystal Beach amusement park... my younger self was too terrified to ride on that huge Comet rollercoaster.
I love my carnival! I agree with the Ferris Wheel and the Tilt n Hurl. Both great pieces. I can't wait to get The Bat Bonanza this year. It'll be the most expensive piece in my village, but I think it'll be totally worth it :D
Great video and yes to the rollercoaster! 🎢🎡🎃
Doug, I love your theme presentations. It's something that hasn't been much discussed in detail, you are doing quite a public service I think. In fact, I'd love to know if there is some guide of all the Lemax & D56 items...sorted by theme. I have a few different themes I do every year, and am sometimes surprised by an older item that would fit right in but I didn't know about it. And the Cyclone is awesome!
Liked your video. The Dept 56 The Scream was on sale on E-BAY for $800.00. Also Mr. Christmas World Fair made a functioning roller coaster that lit up and had music.
When I was around 12 or 13 years of age, my parents used to go to my Dad's company picnic at a place called Como Park in St. Paul, MN. There was a small amusement park there with a Tilt a whirl. I once rode on it about 5 times in a row and promptly got sick. Tilt n hurl is right!
This is a great story!
So excited that you made a carnival theme video! I watched it once and went ahead and ordered the CDX coaster with the motor, and now I’m back to say thank you! I have been looking for years to get one for my village and only came across the Knex coaster. Not sure how I never heard of the CDX coaster considering that it’s been available for a while now, so again thanks for the info and your great videos. I can’t wait to add it this year!
let me know how you like it! I am looking forward to trying one out!
@@SpookyVillages Will do!
Another great video Doug, thank you! I'm not as much into the "monster" themes and am slowly selling off my old, retired pieces. The carnEVIL is my biggest baby, taking up probably 60% of my 90 ft. long village. It's my absolute favorite!!! I could kick myself for passing on a few of the Dept 56 pieces. I could only afford a few here and there but I wish that I had invested in more than I had. ❤️👻🎃
Tanya, you've posted pics of this display in the group pages right? I remember seeing an incredible display with that name. If that was yours, very nice job!
Thank you 😊 I have posted some pics in the FB groups in the past. Hoping to expand my platforms this year though!
FANTASTIC VIDEO DOUG !!!!! This is my favorite theme, even ahead of Fall/Pumpkin and hauted house/Cemetary !!!!
Here are my thoughts:
The best DEPT 56 Carnival piece IMO ------- Clown House of Terror !!!!! Epic, old-school design.
You can't mention a Carnival and then not talk about the Holy Grail of Theme Park pieces ------- Chuckles Funhouse !!!!!
My most under-rated piece --------- Shooting Range !!!! LOVE the lighting and animation! Nothing else like it.
A Spooky Town Roller Coaster MUST be made. If Lego can make and sell them for $400 -500, so can Lemax. Yes it will be expensive, but Lemax needs that Halo piece that could get non-collectors into collecting. Plus it just makes sence.
Pieces I'd avoid:
Zombie Plane Ride. Eeerie-Go-Round. Bump in the Night. Ghost Around (just cause of the horrible quality).
Please make a part 2 !!!!!
Oh my gosh I was just going to say the same thing about Lego coaster. I saw one at my friend’s house on 4th of July. It could possibly even fit, but the expense is a bit high.
Thank you for all of these tips! I’m a newbie for the spooky villages and I cannot tell you how helpful these videos have been!
Thank you for these awesome videos. I just found out about spooky village/Lenox today and am looking forward to starting a collection!
Welcome to the madness!
I am so glad on got Wild Pumpkin Ride when it came out! I have learned from your channel that I definitely like the pumpkin theme. I have always bought pieces that appealed to me, never really considered theme but I feel my displays make sense. I will certainly try harder to better group pieces together. Thank you for your videos! 🎃💀
Really enjoying these theming videos! I would love to see a video for a zombie themed village if you continue the series. I picked up the Gloom Room this year, and I'll probably get last year's Zombie Records to pair with it. Would be cool to hear suggestions for older zombie pieces, too.
Zombie theme video is on my list!
Just wanted to chime in about "The Scream" It was produced in 2015, one year only and currently it is going for just under $900.00USD. It scarcely comes up anymore. Shooting Gallery from D56 is also pricey these days.
This makes me hate that I passed on it at retail price with 30% off even more! My local shop had one they couldn't get rid of back when it came out. Ugh! I think it's one of the most beautifully thematic pieces available. No crazy lights, but massive atmosphere!
For a cheaper option the carnival of carnage is a great choice! It's huge, nicely lit but relatively inexpensive
the "frankie" bumper cars ride that he was talking about was bump in the night, I think he was talking about that at least, they look similar.
you are correct!
That roller coaster looks cool. I really hope they do one very soon i know it would be the most expensive spooky town piece but i would defitanely be all over it.
Another awesome video!👏 👏 👏 Just got back from Cedar Point and I TOTALLY AGREE with the need for a rollercoaster piece!! I don't have a carnival theme but I'd buy that as a stand alone for my sofa table! Would love to see your "spookifying" process with the CDX!! 🤓
I am jealous you went to Cedar Point! I am going to King's Island next weekend for the first time and hope to hit CP sometime next summer!
@@SpookyVillages King's Island is definitely one I need to go to on our next trip up! I've been wanting to ride The Beast since I was a teen! When you go to CP, head straight back to ride Top Thrill Dragster and my ALL TIME FAVORITE...Steel Vengeance! Rode it 4 times this last visit. Best coaster, hands down IMO! 🤘😍 Every time we go, it's our tradition to ride Cedar Downs before we leave. It is one of two racing carousels in the US originally built in 1921. The hand carved horses are stunning and nostalgia feel is off the charts! Recommend it 1000%!
New to your channel. Saw your Cracker Barrel video, funny we were just there looking at their Halloween display. I think the roller coaster would look awesome!
Thanks for stopping by!
Great vid. I am a huge fan of the carnival pieces myself, I am only missing the Witch’s Hat and Chuckle’s Fun House, which are hard to find at a good price. As far as a coaster goes, I would recommend The Scorpion by Coaster Dynamix. It has just been re-released for $250 pre-order. I am looking forward to your vids of your carnival setup once you have a moment to set it up and film it. 🎃
Hey James, looking at Coaster Dynamix site I really dig the Lightning too! Kinda vibing to go after that one! I may ask my subs which one to get and vote on it!
These choices seem to have more of a specific Halloween theme whereas you could do a second video that is more for general carnival theming with less "creepiness."
Great video as always Doug! The Carnival of Carnage by Lemax is a great affordable option- about $50-70!
Hey Brie, so I actually went back and forth with that piece. I was going to lead off with it but decided against it because I figure if you want to do a carnival, a big centerpiece ride is probably better so I scrapped doing that as a "budget" option. I agree though, it's a great piece for the price of it. Very well lit.
I have the D56 Scaredy Cat Ferris Wheel and love it! The carnival theme is one of my favorites. I would love to see you get the coaster and do a review on it. :)
The Scaredy Cat is another great carnival piece! Department 56 did some good ones, just not a ton! I liked their pumpkin ride too.
Lemax also makes usually one or more witch pieces per year
Hey Marcus, yes you are right on that. It slipped my mind!
8:34 I thought about making a video like that also since I own a few that require you to turn it out via the switch.
I agree that the Web of Terror Ferris Wheel has the best lighting and is visually stunning. I dislike the audio though. If you end up doing part 2, you should pick a carousel.
Would love to see the coaster build/review! 👻🎃💀
I would like to see that roller coaster 🎃👍
Talk about going down the rabbit hole. Lmao. Yes I would grab the coaster but just like Lego. CDX sell the power pack.! it don't come with the kits. Just for my Lego coaster on top of the $400 it cost me $60 for battery pack and $45 for the motor. CDX was around $40 but it a plug in cord . Lego just release a Loopster coaster for about $500 but its tall ..if you watch the video you"ll see. I'm grateful.I was able to get the coaster I have. But.i will say this their big and eat up ra lot of real estate in your displays. !!! so you have to plan around them.and if you dont have a big space for your display.i wouldn't get it to them ! If you or any one has any question on them ask away I"d be glad to help .
I saw that Loopster coaster. It's cool but yes, super tall. I like the CDX coaster vibe more than the actual lego ones. It's looking like I am probably gonna nab one of these this year!
I found a rest in pieces mausoleum on mercari for $179
I hope it arrives safe!
Do you think your gonna get it?
@@EvilGroupProductionsNews oh i thought you meant for you! No, I'm not doing a graveyard scene this year so my budget is gonna be kept for other stuff!
Oh cool
I sold mine on Mercari for around $60 a few months ago. They tend to have a few issues. You can definitely find them for a much better price.