Tim Tim

Hotel of Horror

On Halloween night a couple HRC members ventured to Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA. As always, this place does not disappoint.  Altered Nightmares & the Hotel of Horror will keep you on edge from start to finish.  The 3rd attraction, The Exhibition Macabre, is a museum of the strange and unusual; medical, dental, funeral, asylum, & penitentiary.  They display actual antiques, photos, & artifacts from these many specialties.  While the HRC didn't take in the museum this time, we do highly recommend it for anyone in any of these professions, or anyone interested in unusual history.

On Halloween night a couple HRC members ventured to Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA. As always, this place does not disappoint.  Altered Nightmares & the Hotel of Horror will keep you on edge from start to finish.  The 3rd attraction, The Exhibition Macabre, is a museum of the strange and unusual; medical, dental, funeral, asylum, & penitentiary.  They display actual antiques, photos, & artifacts from these many specialties.  While the HRC didn't take in the museum this time, we do highly recommend it for anyone in any of these professions, or anyone interested in unusual history.

First we ventured to Altered Nightmares.  Altered Nightmares is the perfect name of this hideous attraction.  If you have ever had nightmares, we guarantee you will find something from your nightmares right here!  And if you think you can escape without being terrified, you are sadly mistaken. The actors are top notch; they will find you, and they will scare the crap out of you! Just walking through this old lake hotel is creepy, but then add actors with intense timing, and you've got the perfect recipe for a great haunted attraction.  

Next we entered the Hotel of Horror, where medical madness has taken over.  We were greeted by the mad doctor, then sent on to meet medical monstrosities, witch doctors, voodoo priests, mad nurses, deranged patients, and the Abomination; a deformed creature that was once a human.  The Abomination was infected with a devilish plague, and now he's kept at the Hotel for experimentation & observation.  Again, the actor timing here is spot-on.  You aren't safe, no matter where you are in your group; front, middle, back.......they will find you, and they will creep you out!! 

This is HRC's 3rd trip to the Hotel of Horror, and we don't know how they do it, but they scare us every time!!! The actors, makeup, scenes, & themes are all well thought out, detailed, and just crazy!!! The actors give a theatrical performance that rivals a horror movie and gets in your head.  That's taking it to the next level, with very few animatronics, but just plain creepy characters and a creepy location. 

As the 2016 haunt season comes to an end, we want to encourage you to take an adventure next season; make Hotel of Horror a must see.  It is well worth the trip, and please tell them the Haunt Review Crew sent you

 

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Tim Tim

301 Devil's Playground

301 Devil's Playground located in Galena MD was a pleasant surprise for us this year. They are only in their 2nd year of operation and definitely in this to make a name for themselves. There are 3 attractions to attend. We went late in the season and got a Hell pass, which is their speed pass; definitely worth it on busy nights. This really helped us keep it moving. There was a few minute wait for the House of Hell but other than that the Hell pass was very quick.

301 Devil's Playground located in Galena MD was a pleasant surprise for us this year. They are only in their 2nd year of operation and definitely in this to make a name for themselves. There are 3 attractions to attend. We went late in the season and got a Hell pass, which is their speed pass; definitely worth it on busy nights. This really helped us keep it moving. There was a few minute wait for the House of Hell but other than that the Hell pass was very quick.

 The first thing we did was the Barn of Torture. That place was intense. The animatronics in here are not rookie products. Some of the best we've seen. The actors had excellent timing and hid very well. We didn't feel like they forgot the middle or back of our group. Sometimes haunts only provide scares to the folks at the front. Definitely not the case. The scenes were so unique. We loved that we haven't see these everywhere. The next attraction we did was the Zombie paintball. With their authentic armed vehicles and amazing hosts (believe ours was Ron) you stay so hyped up to kill zombies. The use of lighting really accentuates the experience too. They also strongly encourage you use all your ammo. They stop several times for reload. REALLY HARD TO RUN OUT HERE. It could use a few more zombies back there but honestly this place was our favorite paintball experience of 2016. Last on our list was the House of Hell. Totally saved the best for last. This one plays no games. Scares were coming from every single direction. The giant hand was really unexpected. The actors were so in character that it was hard for a second to remember it was just a haunted attraction. Some of the make up was down right hideous. So well done. This place accomplished much for being a new haunt. The fact they mask the hydraulics for the animatronics was awesome. Lead the props to be more believable. This place is on a farm. There is a lot of room here to expand. They have a little concession area and a merch shop. There is also a highly entertaining, slightly offensive and extra creepy dummy near the House of Hell. Yes, you read correctly. A dummy. Hilariously awful. His name is either "Bite me Bill" or "Biting Bill" either one is pretty appropriate. HA. You will need to go and see what we mean.
If you skip this in 2017, you will surely be sorry. It is going to be very interesting to see what the future will bring for Maryland's newest go-to haunt. Definitely scary and fun. Go and tell them that the Haunt Review Crew sent you!

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Tim Tim

Twistback Manor

Greetings readers! It is with great pleasure we tell you all about Twistback Manor. A brand new haunt located in Oxford PA. They are a one attraction with a big impact show. This is a fundraiser to maintain the manor and grounds. A huge act of passion and love for both the restoration of the place and terrifying patrons. This place was refreshing for us for so many reasons. There are so many different types of places we go to in a year. To see a haunt in its first season is always cool because it allows us the chance to watch it grow and change.

Greetings readers! It is with great pleasure we tell you all about Twistback Manor. A brand new haunt located in Oxford PA. They are a one attraction with a big impact show. This is a fundraiser to maintain the manor and grounds. A huge act of passion and love for both the restoration of the place and terrifying patrons. This place was refreshing for us for so many reasons. There are so many different types of places we go to in a year. To see a haunt in its first season is always cool because it allows us the chance to watch it grow and change.

 We went inside and outside, and through wooded areas all along the manor. The actors are volunteers, yet they're some of the best actors, screamers and entertainers we've seen all season long. On this night there were roughly 18-23 actors and yet somehow they made it seem like there were 100. No lie, the surprises were relentless in here. They used old school classic haunt tricks mixed with homemade props, and scenes. It was the kind of place that takes you back to the basics. When it wasn't all about how many people they could squeeze through in a night. They take their work seriously. They only allow 1 group through at a time, as they grow they will probably need to find a way to speed that up, but for now it works. They create an individualized show for every group. They listen to our comments, and interact. It was very impressive for a 1st year open. The only regret we have is we couldn't get out there sooner in the season. Now you will all have to wait for 2017 to go give them a try. Honestly it is so worth your time and money to make that visit. You can take kids maybe 10 and up, or a little younger depending on the kid. Parents know what their kids can handle. In saying that it is appropriate for a fun family night out, make no mistake, it is still a scary place and it will surprise adults too. We really cant say enough about how much fun this place was.

Hope you will give them a chance in 2017 and let us know what you think. We hope to get out there next year too, because places like this are ever changing and always working on the next big idea.

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Tim Tim

Fright Factory

Fright Factory is an indoor haunted attraction in Philadelphia. It boasts over 25,000 square feet of space in a building that is over 100 years old, and this is one of the few places open rain or shine! 
Sometimes when reviewing attractions, we need to keep location in mind. Indoor, major city haunted attractions are limited by space, among other things. They did make up for this in part by having some nicely costumed characters outside of the Haunt, interacting with patrons in full character. This is something we always appreciate! 


Fright Factory is an indoor haunted attraction in Philadelphia. It boasts over 25,000 square feet of space in a building that is over 100 years old, and this is one of the few places open rain or shine! 
Sometimes when reviewing attractions, we need to keep location in mind. Indoor, major city haunted attractions are limited by space, among other things. They did make up for this in part by having some nicely costumed characters outside of the Haunt, interacting with patrons in full character. This is something we always appreciate! 
The acting was very impressive, though it could have benefited from more actors. And although the make-up was very well done, we felt the masks were lacking in completing the illusion. Fright Factory has some very impressive props, halograms, and lighting effects. We did wish that the plywood walls were decorated more thoroughly, again, to complete the illusion. 
At $34 a ticket, we felt the 20 minute walk-through haunt was not worth the cost and 90 minute drive... However, there is wiggle room in the price if you plan ahead. Tickets are less expensive earlier in the night, and cheaper when purchased online. They also sell discount vouchers, so do your research! 
All in all, with a few minor tweaks, we see a lot of potential for a great haunt here. We suggest making this part of a Philadelphia experience, and grabbing a cheesesteak afterwards!
 

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Tim Tim

Legends of the Fog

Greetings friends! We just left Legends of the Fog and wanted to share our experience. LoTF was one of our first major haunts in MD,and they've really expanded over the last few years. This year they have 4 attractions. The first stop is the former Carsin's Manor, now called the Farewell Hotel. The greeter had great makeup, and did a nice job explaining the rules and setting the tone. The receptionist was first up and easily one of the best actors in the building. The theme itself comes together nicely in their new concept. This year the focus in each attraction seems to be scene details. The rooms have some new props and decor. The actors played their scenes well, but it was not as in your face scary as years past. They have a great setup, so it will be cool to see where this building and actor development goes. After the hotel we went through the corn maze. We really enjoyed it. The atmosphere alone is creepy. This area isn't full of actors, there are a few, but this maze messes with your senses. It's so dark, the corn is so tall and the trails get you thrown off quickly. Though it isn't full of actors, those who are in there do a good job of not being seen until that perfect moment. They also help misguide you through so getting out can be tricky. We end up next in line for the Haunted hayride.

Greetings friends! We just left Legends of the Fog and wanted to share our experience. LoTF was one of our first major haunts in MD,and they've really expanded over the last few years. This year they have 4 attractions. The first stop is the former Carsin's Manor, now called the Farewell Hotel. The greeter had great makeup, and did a nice job explaining the rules and setting the tone. The receptionist was first up and easily one of the best actors in the building. The theme itself comes together nicely in their new concept. This year the focus in each attraction seems to be scene details. The rooms have some new props and decor. The actors played their scenes well, but it was not as in your face scary as years past. They have a great setup, so it will be cool to see where this building and actor development goes. After the hotel we went through the corn maze. We really enjoyed it. The atmosphere alone is creepy. This area isn't full of actors, there are a few, but this maze messes with your senses. It's so dark, the corn is so tall and the trails get you thrown off quickly. Though it isn't full of actors, those who are in there do a good job of not being seen until that perfect moment. They also help misguide you through so getting out can be tricky. We end up next in line for the Haunted hayride.
 They have changed the premise of the hayride this year. The battle last year between inferno and the well known Frost bite is dead. Both characters however, do make an appearance! The hayride starts with a video to set you up for the hayride. The video is actually quite good. We were ready for the hayride once it was over. The hayride has a few new scenes. One made us all go "wow" their redneck scene is now unlike any other redneck scene on a hayride. As you know if you're a haunter, there is a redneck scene in every single hayride you get on. It was nice to see something different! The hayride has quite a few very creatively designed scenes, a lot of opportunities to have surprise scares. There is a lot that can be done within this ride that is yet to be seen. It has some serious potential. We ventured last to the sinister circus. This circus was great. We all had a scare or two among the clowns inside. One even left us singing "Chop the wood." Creepy indeed. They've added some props and scene changes in the circus to keep that part of the show fresh as it grows yearly. We had an opportunity to chat with LOTF owner, and some folks in management. The next few seasons focus will be on bringing the terror to Harford County MD. This year they clearly focused on overhauling themes and adding new props, new actors and new scenes throughout all 4. They are really looking forward to turning their new actors into seasoned vets! Exciting things ahead for sure. This place is definitely the kind of haunt you can bring the older kids to, maybe 8/9 and up. They have an excellent midway area with entertainment, food and a huge bonfire. They are adding an end of season lights out weekend. Go to their website or Facebook page for full details on that. We've found when most places go full lights out, the scares get turned up. Let us know what you think!
 

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Tim Tim

Panic at the Ballpark York, PA

On 10/1, a couple of the HRC members visited Panic at the Ballpark; a first year haunted attraction in York, PA housed in The York Revolution baseball stadium. We look at most debut attractions as novice and try not to compare them to more seasoned haunts. Our focus is more on the theme and what the future holds. 

This was the first haunted attraction we’ve visited that made their theme congruent with their unique location;  the theme was centered around a deranged baseball player. There was a well produced video that gave the details of the how the baseball player became deranged. We were then taken on a tour where we got to see cool parts of the stadium; many the public never gets to see.  Along the tour we saw some interesting scenes and our tour guide gave more details about the story. There were a few dead spots which we are sure will be filled in next season. There was a section you walked through on your own…this had some CRAZY scenes filled with awesome actors!!!!  We saw some impressive hand build props. J To the actor, you should be very proud of your hard work. Overall, this attraction was more fun, than scary…..but, it won’t take much to make this a hardcore creepy attraction in the years to come.  

On 10/1, a couple of the HRC members visited Panic at the Ballpark; a first year haunted attraction in York, PA housed in The York Revolution baseball stadium. We look at most debut attractions as novice and try not to compare them to more seasoned haunts. Our focus is more on the theme and what the future holds.

This was the first haunted attraction we’ve visited that made their theme congruent with their unique location;  the theme was centered around a deranged baseball player. There was a well produced video that gave the details of the how the baseball player became deranged. We were then taken on a tour where we got to see cool parts of the stadium; many the public never gets to see.  Along the tour we saw some interesting scenes and our tour guide gave more details about the story. There were a few dead spots which we are sure will be filled in next season. There was a section you walked through on your own…this had some CRAZY scenes filled with awesome actors!!!!  We saw some impressive hand build props. J To the actor, you should be very proud of your hard work. Overall, this attraction was more fun, than scary…..but, it won’t take much to make this a hardcore creepy attraction in the years to come.  

As with most new attractions there will be a learning curve for the owners, builders, & actors. From what we could see, this place has great potential. There’s plenty of space to use and some talented prop builders.  The deranged baseball player theme is a great idea that should play well as it is developed. We look forward to seeing them grown this attraction in the coming years. 

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Tim Tim

OC Screams in Ocean City MD

The HRC hit OC Screams, 1 of 3 haunts in the region run by Steelhead events and productions. This is their freshman season in this location. Located right by the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City MD. The theme runs perfectly for the location. Straight out of Ghost Ship. The creepy nautical props begin immediately. They have some gruesome scenes in this 2 floor haunt. The most shocking comes while you're distracted by maneuvering their ever changing floors. The layout is done well, some of the scenes have human props that appear very real. Several occasions...they were. HA. The actors and staff do a great job of not allowing the haunt to get overcrowded. They give each group a chance to enjoy and see it all. Something that is so appreciated.  They do have a very well lit staircase which I heard a few people complain about, however it is absolutely necessary for safety reasons; so yes it stinks because it takes you out of the story for a sec, but all is forgiven once you're on the second floor. That brings you to some serious sharks, and other treachery. The haunt itself is short, but it appears they have room to expand. We have high hopes for what they will accomplish once in that building a few seasons. All in all, it is too short to recommend driving hours to do, however if you're not too far from it, or are in OC to enjoy the beach, and you love to be entertained and visit haunts, then this is a must do. Nice job OC Screams. Way to bring the terror to the beach!

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Tim Tim

The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride

On Sunday night, 10/16, HRC members visited The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride in Glen Mills, PA.  For some haunted attractions Sundays are slow & slightly understaffed, but not here!  Bates had an awesome crowd, making for a busy midway, including the merchandise shop, food vendors, and coffin rides.

On Sunday night, 10/16, HRC members visited The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride in Glen Mills, PA.  For some haunted attractions Sundays are slow & slightly understaffed, but not here!  Bates had an awesome crowd, making for a busy midway, including the merchandise shop, food vendors, and coffin rides. The first attraction we hit was the legendary hayride & it was on fire…Really! As we traveled through the dark, thick woods, ghouls & creeps were everywhere. They were crawling, swinging overhead, & even springing out of the ground!  There are some new things to see on the hayride this season. It seemed longer this time & has always been an HRC favorite.

 

Next stop, the Haunted Corn Maze.  It's not just a regular corn maze; that's not Randy Bates style. There are tons of creeps spread throughout the corn, with some interesting buildings to visit along the way. It was amazing to see such high level technology & detail in a corn maze. And just when you think the walk is over, it takes you on another journey.

 

 The Bates Motel is the perfect mix of old school & new school haunt. The first room sets the mood for the rest of your stroll, or run, through the motel. Keep your head on a swivel to take in the attention to details in every room & scene!  It’s so busy in there; things moving that shouldn't & creepy actors coming out of places you wouldn'texpect. There are NO dead spots in the motel; it will keep you on your toes.

 

Randy Bates is a senior statesmen in the haunt industry. He knows the value of building your own sets, actor training, & the optimal mix of animatronics. He has the ability to design and build just about anything in house, including custom prosthetics for the actors. Randy’s mad scientist lab is an amazing place!

 

New in 2016, The Bates Motel Escape Rooms offer 3 escape rooms like no other. These are open year round and are located in West Chester, PA. The HRC will be visiting in the off season. 

 

During the winter holidays the Bates hayride continues, with plenty of scenes for the season. Gotta love a place that can provide year round entertainment!!!

 

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Tim Tim

Asylum Run

On Friday, 10/14, a couple HRC members ventured to Asylum Run in Harrisburg, PA.  This was the 4th year for this nonprofit haunt. Proceeds from admissions help 2 great local organizations; Hospice of Central PA's Camp Dragonfly and C.M.C (Cooper's Monster Creations).  We love supporting haunts that give back to the community.  

This year Asylum Run's theme was "Unfairy Tales: When Legends Become Nightmares."

 

On Friday, 10/14, a couple HRC members ventured to Asylum Run in Harrisburg, PA.  This was the 4th year for this nonprofit haunt. Proceeds from admissions help 2 great local organizations; Hospice of Central PA's Camp Dragonfly and C.M.C (Cooper's Monster Creations).  We love supporting haunts that give back to the community.  

This year Asylum Run's theme was "Unfairy Tales: When Legends Become Nightmares."  They have 3 attractions, starting with Hatter's Mad House.  The Mad Hatter has tipped the scales on "mad" in this crazy cozy house.  The house is very unassuming from the outside, but when you enter it will surprise you with the great use of space, including your personal space! The characters were all versions of your childhood "friends" gone quite mad.  We hope you still love your cuddly teddy bears after this! The use of lighting was well done, making you question what was real and what wasn't. The characters were unsettling, as they followed us, made hideous sounds, and generally creeped us out.  

Next we were off to Alice's Nightmare, and it was a nightmare. Alice looked like she lost a fight with a werewolf! Apparently, Alice was recently prescribed anxiety medication, but a side effect of the medication.......her nightmares come to life!!  In Alice's nightmare, we see the gruesome creatures that plague Alice.  They hide in dark corners and even in plain sight; but is that creature in "plain sight" real?? Maybe, maybe not. If we were Alice we would ask the doctor for a different medication!!! 

The last attraction was Horrorland; a walk through the pasture, where creatures lurk.  This was a long walking attraction with multiple scenes and plenty of space between scenes, which just heightened the anticipation.  Don't be surprised if your group gains a member or 2 along the trail; the creatures seem to tag along from scene to scene.  Beware, is this just an empty area along the trail, or is there something out there watching and waiting? Is that just a prop scene or is there a creature hidden right in front of your face? 

Overall, Asylum Run was well done for a haunt just in it's 4th year.  We commend this all volunteer staffed haunt; their volunteers help with set design, costumes, and even come up with the theme every year! Asylum Run has an impressive roster of over 170 volunteers, including full families.  This gives them variety each night, so it's never really the same exact show. We loved seeing the small children actors, in full character, truly enjoying playing their part.  We must also mention this was our second, female run haunt this year.  We applaud Raelee Shafer, for her dedication to this haunt and the community.  As we interviewed Raelee, we could feel the love and affection her volunteers had for her. Thank you for all you do, Raelee. Check out our interview with Raelee in the video review.  Also, please check out the local charities Asylum Run benefits: www.hospiceofcentralpa.org/camp_dragonfly.php & www.facebook.com/coopersmonstercreations/

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Tim Tim

Laurel's House of Horror

The HRC had a pleasant surprise last weekend. We attended Laurel's House of Horror- Haunted House and Escape room, and it kicked butt! They have a great location in an old movie theater in Laurel MD. When we arrived we were a little unsure of what the night would bring. It is in the far corner of a shopping center, not far from a Chuck E. Cheese. Once in the area of the haunt we saw entertainment, haunt decor, and items for sale. They have well priced  concessions in the theater's original snack bar area. The entire place is all done up with old fashion theater curtains, classic horror movie posters, and scary props on the walls. 


The HRC had a pleasant surprise last weekend. We attended Laurel's House of Horror- Haunted House and Escape room, and it kicked butt! They have a great location in an old movie theater in Laurel MD. When we arrived we were a little unsure of what the night would bring. It is in the far corner of a shopping center, not far from a Chuck E. Cheese. Once in the area of the haunt we saw entertainment, haunt decor, and items for sale. They have well priced  concessions in the theater's original snack bar area. The entire place is all done up with old fashion theater curtains, classic horror movie posters, and scary props on the walls. 
The attraction is a 20-30 minute walk through. The beginning is light on actors, but very well sets the tone. The rooms are very detailed and go smoothly with the theme. By the 3rd or 4th room the dead really come to life. The actors in here came to scare you. The have great hiding spots, not like most places where you anticipate the spook easily. They have a scene in an actual theater and the overall vibe and mood of that is spot on 80's horror. It was definitely an HRC favorite. The place has props never seen before. Homemade sets (our favorite things) and the best clowns ever. Really. The clowns got us a few times. The attraction felt much longer than 30 minutes, the use of space was terrific. They mazed it out and you felt like you were inside, outside and who knows where in the dark. 
This is only their 3rd season running. HRC has very high hopes for this place. They've taken it back to the basics, but on steroids. The classic old school haunt is there, with a unique twist and a little technology here and there. Just the right balance. This isn't an animatronics sales show. This is one of those places where you feel the passion for Halloween, scares and fun from all of the staff involved!
Overall we highly recommend this attraction. We didn't say for the escape room but we are definitely going back. Those are open in the off season! Go check it out and tell us what you think!
 

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Tim Tim

The Nevermore Haunt in Old Town, Baltimore

On Saturday, October 1st, 2 members of the Haunt Review Crew visited The Nevermore Haunt in Old Town, Baltimore. 

 

The Nevermore is a 10,000 square foot, indoor, "old school" haunted house. Created by a group of haunt enthusiasts with previous experience in a variety of positions at area haunts, it is entirely themed to 19th Century Baltimore and is completely handcrafted. There are no animatronics. Only people, ready to scare you with their terrifying shrieks as they lurk in the hidden corners of this creepy, dark haunt.


On Saturday, October 1st, 2 members of the Haunt Review Crew visited The Nevermore Haunt in Old Town, Baltimore. 
The Nevermore is a 10,000 square foot, indoor, "old school" haunted house. Created by a group of haunt enthusiasts with previous experience in a variety of positions at area haunts, it is entirely themed to 19th Century Baltimore and is completely handcrafted. There are no animatronics. Only people, ready to scare you with their terrifying shrieks as they lurk in the hidden corners of this creepy, dark haunt.
Interestingly, one HRC member loved the darkness and "old school" feel, while the other felt It needed more light. 
The Nevermore Haunt is not meant to be a multiple-attraction, all night haunt. It was designed to be enjoyed as a part of a night out on the town, which is evident by the Nevermore's partnership with several Fell's Point bars and restaurants where you can enjoy exclusive specials, including Bad Decisions, where a free shuttle departs every 30 minutes to transport you to and from the Haunt. Tickets are sold in 15 minute time slots to prevent crowding, and they plan to boast food trucks later in the season.
The Nevermore Haunt is a baby, in it's 1st year. Currently it is using only one floor of its 4 floor facility, so they have ample room to grow and develop. We can't wait to see what becomes of this Baltimore haunt over time. If you're into the old style haunted houses, or looking for a fun night out perhaps with dinner, drinks and a scare, The Nevermore Haunt is for you. Tell them the Haunt Review Crew sent you!
 

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Tim Tim

Reaper's Revenge 2016

Our 2nd weekend reviewing and Haunt Review Crew is already feeling blown away by talent! Seems these haunts are really ready for guests! We attended Reapers Revenge in Scranton PA, and we are happy we did! The first thing you notice here is the instant energy. They set the tone from the moment you step out of your vehicle. (Don’t forget  $3, you have to pay to park at this one) Once you arrive and purchase tickets you wait at the beginning to get on the Hayride. Once you’re on the Hayride you have a smooth 90 minutes as each attraction flows to the next. The good news is, once you've waited that initial time to get on the hay wagon the rest is little to no wait. That initial wait can get very long though, we recommend checking their calendar online and coming on a less crowded night, or purchasing a speed pass to jump to the front of their line!

Our 2nd weekend reviewing and Haunt Review Crew is already feeling blown away by talent! Seems these haunts are really ready for guests! We attended Reapers Revenge in Scranton PA, and we are happy we did! The first thing you notice here is the instant energy. They set the tone from the moment you step out of your vehicle. (Don’t forget  $3, you have to pay to park at this one) Once you arrive and purchase tickets you wait at the beginning to get on the Hayride. Once you’re on the Hayride you have a smooth 90 minutes as each attraction flows to the next. The good news is, once you've waited that initial time to get on the hay wagon the rest is little to no wait. That initial wait can get very long though, we recommend checking their calendar online and coming on a less crowded night, or purchasing a speed pass to jump to the front of their line!

The Hayride sets the expectations for the rest of their show! This hayride by far has the highest quality and most effective sound we've ever experienced on a hay wagon. The atmosphere and pitch black darkness are spot on. The actors do things rarely seen at a haunt, the way they stay in character is crazy. They don’t break character the entire time they are in your sights. They have theatrical sets and believable scares. They dumped us out into a very dark forest leading us along a path of more props that are homemade and not purchased at some convention, affording them the opportunity to be one of the most original designs we've seen. The actors in here have great timing, the twins by the carousel are an HRC favorite.  We stumbled all through these woods laughing at each of us as we got scares along the way. Every single one of us had a moment where we jumped or felt impressed by Reapers Revenge! The security scene was awesome. One of the last scenes on the hayride include a very scary, very tall ghoul, the level of scary in this is not easily achieved. Be on the lookout for that one when you go. Pitch black maze is not your typical lights out walk through.  They really nail it. Throughout the haunt's beginning you can opt for a glow necklace to prevent the ghouls of the hayride and forest from touching you, once you reach pitch black however, your necklace is returned and you are on your own! The darkness itself is freaky, combine it with the twists, turns and tricks in this one, and you'll run out breathless. So much fun! Lastly we enter their Zombie apocalypse themed attraction. We must say, the costumes and makeup through this is something out of Hollywood. Very cool stuff in there. Same can be said for the scenes.  The pods, the deranged experiments, the whole thing is just creepy. Prepare to be separated from your group too! They will take you right down to a very personal show.

What we loved about Reapers is they're going for a quality experience. Yes, you may wait more than other places at first, but it is all done to maintain the integrity of the show.  Some haunts rush so many people through that the scares become anticipated because you can see the group just before you. Sometimes your crammed like sardines in a hay wagon and it's just not as fun.  Reapers Revenge will not do that to you. They've got 4 great spots, a huge bonfire and carnival foods for you to enjoy. Their merchandise shack is also a must-see! You'll want proof you've been to Reapers so don't forget your merch! Go there, be scared, entertained and amused! Tell them HRC sent you!

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Tim Tim

Shocktoberfest 2016 is better than ever!

Shocktoberfest 2016 is better than ever! HRC started with their attraction, "The Unknown 2.0" the name could not be better for it. They've taken The Unknown, and put it on steroids. The entire attraction is like walking into a movie. You're narrated all throughout as you go. The timing of the scares was awesome. We had more than several "gotcha" moments. The actors are perfectly placed and stay right in character along with the show. By the time we got out of it we were breathless from the non-stop scares and unexpected sounds. Our senses were way overloaded. We could go on forever about the changes made in there and the details put into each scene, but we want you to go see for yourselves. 

Shocktoberfest 2016 is better than ever! HRC started with their attraction, "The Unknown 2.0" the name could not be better for it. They've taken The Unknown, and put it on steroids. The entire attraction is like walking into a movie. You're narrated all throughout as you go. The timing of the scares was awesome. We had more than several "gotcha" moments. The actors are perfectly placed and stay right in character along with the show. By the time we got out of it we were breathless from the non-stop scares and unexpected sounds. Our senses were way overloaded. We could go on forever about the changes made in there and the details put into each scene, but we want you to go see for yourselves.

We decided next to do the Hayride. This has a zombie safari theme. The zombies the night we went (we are told some are different bc they have a zombie experience, look into that!) were amazing!! Cory the shirtless zombie was fantastic. We believe he is one of their actors and will be there when you go as well, we hope! He was so good and so in character. Voice training was a definite use here. All of the zombies were creepy and had great makeup and costumes. The ways they maneuvered around the wagon were almost unsafe. We did not see them approach us a few times. The spaces in between scenes on the hayride were just added effect for the creep factor. The trail is overgrown and wagon is a little more narrow than typical wagons. A favorite scene among guests was the pods. This hayride has definitely improved since years previous and we were excited to share that with you! We finished up the attractions with their Prison. What a way to finish with a bang. That building itself is weird, and the way they've got tunneling in the bottom is just insane. The actors again had excellent timing and were not all the same. We cannot stand when every actor does the same thing in a haunt. Some were quiet and gently touched you as you go by, some banged loudly when you least expected it, and others jumped out with a classic scream and startled us enough to run. Chain saws show up at the perfect moment making them more convincing as well.

Overall Shocktoberfest impressed us this season. We recommend doing everything and trying out the zombie laser tag. This laser tag is seriously kick-butt. The guns are cool, the zombies are some of the greatest actors and the overall area to play is a really good time. Make sure when you go, you give yourself enough time to enjoy it all. Please tell them the Haunt Review Crew sent you! 

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Tim Tim

Field of Screams 2016

2016 Haunt season is here! Field of Screams, the original and only one in PA continues to be the pioneers for opening early in September. It was about 90* out on September 10th when we visited for our review. With the actors being in costume and heavy make-up, or masks, they were definitely sweating their socks off. That being said, not once did they break character. Not even in the Den of Darkness or Asylum. Those are both their indoor attractions. We were sweating just walking through, so kudos to the actors for handling that better than most! Field of Screams never lets us down. This year there seems to have been a focus on improving the customer experience overall.

2016 Haunt season is here! Field of Screams, the original and only one in PA continues to be the pioneers for opening early in September. It was about 90* out on September 10th when we visited for our review. With the actors being in costume and heavy make-up, or masks, they were definitely sweating their socks off. That being said, not once did they break character. Not even in the Den of Darkness or Asylum. Those are both their indoor attractions. We were sweating just walking through, so kudos to the actors for handling that better than most! Field of Screams never lets us down. This year there seems to have been a focus on improving the customer experience overall.
 Their roads are paved now, which is really nice bc some haunts send us down the bumpy, muddy unknown and it can be an unpleasant trip to reach the parking area. They've upgraded their entrances to the attractions themselves and added a much more efficient, user friendly line system. They have an entire mid-way area with tons of food and game options. They have carnival like game booth areas, and a really excellent free photo booth as well. They even have a FOS snapchat filter. The Den has seen some nice changes too. The rooms have had some new props and actors and there is one area that is entirely new. Freaked us out pretty well, something about crawling through unknown pitch black darkness that is terrifying. The Den was our favorite of the 4 attractions this year. The actors delivered a flawless show, even in the heat! The Asylum saw some changes as well. The special effects have much improved making us feel unsure of which items are props and which are people. Both indoor attractions violated our senses completely. The smells of sewage, death and even blood flowed all through both of them. Those small details are what makes Field of Screams stand out. Nocturnal Wasteland has grown in the last few years into its own true identity. This is an outdoor trail. It is so hard to fill space in an outdoor scene without it coming off as either way too many props, or way too many holes. Field Of Screams certainly sets the bar when it comes to walking outdoors for a haunt. They have really pulled this one together nicely. The scenes are incredible. Some may say electrifying. The actors did a great job at playing roles that match their scene. Speaking of roles and scenes... we have their Hayride. The Hayride for us was our 2nd favorite this year. The hayride added one new scene, but improved many others. Their use of the space they have there is really amazing. Each stop on the hayride is its own little show. The actors there really do a great job of capturing the audience and forcing us to look one way, so that we are unprepared for a scare the other way. Overall what we love about FOS is that this is an operation of passion.
 The actors and managers are volunteer. Some often use their own funds to put towards making their scene come to life. We are already looking forward to what they will add next. They are open through September and October. We have also learned the extreme edition will return in November. See last year's review on that in the archives! 
 

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