Event Reviews by dirkadirka (View Profile)
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Friday, October 23, 2009 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Review
Hubertus House of Horror is as old as me and I am glad we finally met. This family-friendly haunt has kept victims coming back for 26 years and I have no reason to doubt they will be around 26 more. Your journey will lead you deep into a decrepit house to experience a mineshaft, crazy clowns, animatronic monsters, a 20+ft. vortex, and general creepiness.
Signage / Visibility / Location
The online directions made finding the haunted house easy. Despite the rural setting, there are two welcoming bars located on the same corner. Who’s up for Karaoke!
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
A large school gym has food, movies, video games and music to keep everyone occupied while they wait. And you probably will have to wait because this is a very popular attraction that fills up fast every weekend in October.
Actors' Performance
The actors were more entertaining than scary but there was a lot of energy in their performance. Several rooms had extended dialogue that encouraged interaction from the guests. My favorite actor was the prisoner busting out of his jail cell. Best scare in the house! I also liked the hands reaching out in the dark to grab at your feet.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
The haunt starts off with a bus simulator piloted by Freddy Krueger himself. It was a great concept but like a lot of rooms I felt it was just a few ghouls away from outstanding. We were confused about the theme in several areas and were unsure of when to move on.
Most monsters wore some sort of mask or makeup, but don’t expect to see any gore. This makes Hubertus appropriate for younger children compared to most haunted houses. The feeling you get from walking through a tired old house is awesome although the uneven footing can be treacherous.
Length
Our group took fifteen minutes to get through the house. Average length I guess.
Crowd Control
Groups of people are combined to form blocks of eight. This seems pretty high, but Hubertus does a good job of making it work. We got shuffled in almost every room and rarely left in the order we entered. This requires you to get pretty cozy with strangers so get ready to make some new friends. The pacing was very well timed and we never saw the group in front of us.
Most Memorable Moment
I’m not sure why blacklighting, 3-D artwork, and clowns always get thrown together, but it is definitely trippy. The 3-D glasses heighten that sensation and Hubertus makes these rooms work better than anyone.
Summary
The evil grandmother of haunted houses in the Milwaukee area. Hubertus House of Horror continues to entertain customers every year because the operators love what they do and are good at it. This non-profit organization uses 100% of the proceeds to benefit St. Gabriel School.
For a quick detour, stop by Holy Hill on your way to Hubertus. The impressive church looks incredibly eerie lit up against a misting October sky.
View all Hubertus House of Horror reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Friday, October 23, 2009 at about 11 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Review
Monster Mayhem is a one-of-a-kind Halloween attraction. In only its second year of operation it has already become one of the more intriguing haunts in Milwaukee. The unique theme should appeal to both adults and kids. Plus, the great location is worth a trip even if you chicken out. I would especially recommend it to people who are tired of traditional haunted houses and looking for something new.
I think there may have been a technical problem or some miscommunication because our tour ended rather abruptly after we stumbled into an access hallway for the staff. One of the actors tried to stay in character as he led us out but he seemed as confused as we were. I wasn’t upset because this happened towards the end of the haunt and I believe we were the last group of the night. The worst part was that I never found out how the story ended after being sucked into the entire theme.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The queue forms in a back stairwell and there was no line entertainment. That’s okay because we were entering a secret military installation and the screams from the groups ahead kept us on edge.
Less than 15 people were in line when we got to Monster Mayhem, but I am sure the bar and pizza parlor upstairs make longer waits more enjoyable. I did not expect to get in so quickly because a quality haunted attraction likes this deserves more customers on a Friday night.
Actors' Performance
All of the actors do a great job of pulling you into the story and making the experience more real. Brave soldiers sacrifice their lives to keep your group alive and provide safe passage. Other soldiers and personnel have become infected and hunger for human flesh. The whole scene is perfectly chaotic as you get whisked from one room to a next. These actors make this a fantastic haunt. I promise you will not experience another one like it in the area. In general, nothing was terrifying but it was a hell of a lot of fun.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
I’m guessing the budget is smaller than other haunted houses in Milwaukee. However, great scene construction and original ideas easily keep it on par with the competition. Several rooms are worth mentioning but I especially liked the body parts falling down the laundry chute and the zombies devouring a victim on a hospital gurney.
Length
Short but sweet. 15 minutes and I was satisfied.
Most Memorable Moment
It’s called Monster Mayhem for a reason. This giant beast scared my whole group and I am still not sure how they did it.
Summary
A fully-immersive haunted house and a really cool concept. Monster Mayhem is one of my favorite two or three haunts this year and I am already excited to see what they come up with next Halloween.
View all Lister F/X Presents Monster Mayhem Haunted Laser Tag reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 9:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Review
Dead by Dawn Productions has surprised haunt-goers for years. The reason for that reaction is not the scares, although there are plenty of those. Instead, it is the unique take on “traditional haunted houses” that makes House of Bathory stand apart. It feels as though monsters actually live in the sets they inhabit rather than just visiting for the haunting season. They also take harmless themes and spin them around with demented glee until they are either funny, scary, or both.
Signage / Visibility / Location
The haunt is located behind a costume shop on South 8th Street in downtown Manitowoc. I stupidly forgot my directions and cursed Manitowoc’s layout and one-ways, but it shouldn’t have been that hard. Flashing lights and music from the entrance make the location obvious once you are close.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Lines are miserable under almost any circumstances. If you are over 21, I would highly recommend buying your ticket and relocating to the Fat Seagull down the block until your number gets called. Otherwise you are stuck waiting on the street in the cold. We enjoyed a cozy bar and a beer while listening to live music. Pretty sweet.
Actors' Performance
The acting in House of Bathory was somewhat spotty. For every amazing Ronald McDonald and Michael Jackson there were at least as many ghouls who basically stood motionless and stared at you. This may have been partly due to the number of young children staffing the haunt on our visit.
Unlike most other haunts, touching is allowed by the monsters. While surprising, it is not overdone and only helps make the experience more real.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
The House of Bathory has four essential haunt elements while most are happy to have one: a slide, claustrophobic room, vortex tunnel, and chainsaws. Combine this with sets that range from funny to disturbing, or sometimes both, and it adds up to a very unique attraction. However, some of the scenes are pretty similar to last year and it would have been nice to see more ghouls in makeup instead of masks. Several rooms could have been filled out more making it easier to understand the intended theme.
Length
It took us 15 minutes. I wish it had been longer but I am guessing they are already squeezing the most out of the space they have. Victims navigate through three floors and an outside scene before being released back into reality.
Crowd Control
The staff at the House of Bathory makes pacing a top priority. Group sizes are small and spaced out with plenty of room in between. This makes the customer experience better but also helps the actors reset and relax before another crowd comes marching through. Many other haunted houses have great scenes and scares that miss the mark because the timing is off. Nothing breaks the mood more than having to wait for the group in front of you to leave a room.
Most Memorable Moment
One room had me pretty worried. My buddy said he figured it out right away, so maybe I was just too far back in the group. It was pretty genius either way. I’ll leave it at that.
Summary
Based on past years, the House of Bathory has set the bar high for itself. A few minor details kept it from being an A+, but overall I thought it once again delivered a very unique and entertaining experience.
View all House of Bathory by Dead by Dawn Productions reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Review
Always in my top three, this year Dominion of Terror is my favorite haunt in Wisconsin. This non-profit event never repeats rooms and always has expert set design/construction. What surprised me this year was the scare factor. This is easily the most difficult aspect of a haunt to review because there are so many variables that can change an already subjective experience.
I was forced to go first and got the initial glance at each room. Several times I groaned and sincerely dreaded uncovering what horror lay within. In the worst rooms, (or best depending on how you look at it), we would all get an initial scare, then become disoriented, then frantically look for an exit which was never obvious. It may sound strange, but this required team work by a group of strangers and there was a sense of relief every time we made it out together.
There is a difference between being scared and being fearful. Big noises, surprises, and shocking gore may scare you, but being terrified requires a human element that monsters and props can’t deliver. Dominion of Terror was terrifying to me because the actors got in my head and clouded the part of my brain that says, “This isn’t real, just have fun.” Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that anyone else will have the same experience as me, but in my case it worked.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Day or night, rain or shine, Halloween or not, this hundred year old
warehouse is creepy and the outdoor waiting area sets up the terror to
come perfectly. From the hearse to the lights flashing through
boarded up windows, the whole scene is appropriately ominous and heavy
metal music does nothing to cover up the roar of a chainsaw that awaits
your group. Two mental patients roved the snaking line and
relentlessly scared a group of young girls. Their fake screams turned
very real when they accompanied my buddy and I through the haunt.
Actors' Performance
The sheer number of actors made all the scares more successful. This allowed these ghouls to come at intruders in waves and keep anybody from getting complacent. They employed startling, screaming, running, dialogue, moaning, misdirection, chainsaws, you name it. At one point my friend got separated from our group and the morbid janitor whispered to him, “It’s just you and me now.” The gate-keeper that greeted us at the entrance to the graveyard unsettled our entire group and set the tone for the rest of the haunt.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Dominion of Terror has a unique way of continuing themes for three or four rooms before transitioning to the next idea. The school setting was great, but the torture rooms are truly haunting. We felt sympathy for all the victims and the image of one particular girl with a leg injury will remain burned in my brain.
The attention to detail is fantastic in every room. This is also true for all actors. I did not see a single store-bought mask and the gory makeup is almost nauseating, in a good way.
Length
Time stretches depending on how scared you are. It took us 25 minutes, but seemed to go on forever and a tiny part of me was relieved to be finished. No comedic or “pop culture” rooms broke up the action and the feeling of being in a horror movie persisted from beginning to end.
Crowd Control
Very good pacing. We bolted through several rooms trying to get out as quick as possible and still did not run into the group ahead of us until halfway finished. Some nifty misdirection by an actor allowed us to pass them and we never saw the poor souls again.
Most Memorable Moment
Of all the great actors, my favorite was the zombie in the graveyard. He nailed his performance and should try out for the next George Romero: ___-of the Dead movie.
Summary
I can’t guarantee you will be as scared as I was, but the $12 admission goes to a good cause. The length is above average, the setting is above average, the scenes are above average, and in my opinion the actors are above average. Might as well go find out for yourself, no?
View all Dominion of Terror reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at about 10:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Review
The Feargrounds have built a reputation as one of the best Halloween events in Wisconsin. The praise is well deserved because this big-budget production pays attention to all the details, both big and small. Find out for yourself why this is the busiest haunt in the Milwaukee area.
Signage / Visibility / Location
Waukesha County Fair Grounds. Look for the parking area with lots and lots of cars.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Bring warm clothes because although the waiting area is covered it is not heated and lines will get very long closer to Halloween. A handful of Waukesha police are around every night and security is monitored both inside and outside all three haunts.
Actors' Performance
Very good overall. We especially liked Jasper the goat and the leather trench coat maniac. His face looked like the doll from Saw and he was all over the place. Expert room construction allows these monsters to shortcut between rooms and continue the scare. Having such active ghouls makes it seem as though there are twice as many people out to get you. However, there were too many times when an actor delivers a line and then proceeds to physically block your path to the next room or tries to corner someone in the group. This is not scary, just really uncomfortable.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
All three attractions have a different theme and stick to it. In the manor you wind through the library, dining room, bedroom and hallways of a decrepit and demonically inhabited mansion. Torment messes with your senses a bit more and sends you through a maze and several dark passageways. Finally, Unstable makes you aware of fears involving farms and livestock that you didn’t know existed. The continuity is impressive, but I actually prefer a hodgepodge of ideas and rooms that don’t necessary connect. Attention to detail and room design is superb from beginning to end including the actors’ makeup.
Length
Morgan Manor was long. Torment was short. Unstable was average. I obviously forgot to look at my watch.
Most Memorable Moment
Waiting in line always sucks, but Morgan Manor made it a bit more fun this year. A camera is set up inside the haunt and people in the queue can watch each scare on a screen. I was surprised how many people went limp and fell on the floor when scared…not exactly fight-or-flight. We tried to guess where the camera was located on our walk-through and failed.
Summary
Morgan Manor will not disappoint but Torment and Unstable are more of the same. Save the $15 and check out another haunted house in the area.
View all Wisconsin Fear Grounds reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at about 9 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Review
Although the theme is Neverland, don't expect MJ to make too many appearances at Hauntfest. It is unfortunate because there are some truly terrifying scenes that could have been created from his life.
Push that disappointment aside and enjoy the haunted house for what it is: a series of well done rooms meant to scare and entertain you. What you get is a group of themes that make no sense at all when put together (a disembodied robot Micheal Jackson skull as an example). Why are you
getting into an elevator or traveling through a swamp? Who cares, it's fun!
Signage / Visibility / Location
Hauntfest is located on the State Fair grounds just south of I-94. No, it is not inside the big pumpkin. Keep driving down 84th St. until you see flashing lights and signs. Street parking is available in the adjacent neighborhood, or you can pay to park in the secure lot operated by State Fair personnel.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
We got in right away but the wait area seemed well equipped to handle crowds. Large screens pay tribute to the best videos from the King of Pop and there is a tent equipped with lights and a DJ booth ready to break out a dance party when groups get bigger/wetter. Several ghouls trolled those waiting looking for easy marks to scare.
Actors' Performance
The monsters inhabiting Hauntfest use a number of different tactics to terrorize their victims. Some are quiet and creepy while others will scream your brain fuzzy. It's not overdone, but be prepared to leave with your ears ringing. Scares come from above and below with unsettling dialogue breaking up the usual in-your-face surprises. No particular performances stood out, but the actors were at least average.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Almost all actors had great makeup and unique costumes. Try to notice some of those details before running out of a room. The different scenes try to assault all of your senses during a visit. You will be spun around, lost, disoriented, blinded, squeezed and probably end up on your hands and knees at some point. Trust me; it's better than it sounds. Again, no particular room was groundbreaking but all were well done.
Length
I forgot to check, but it was longer than expected. The entertainment is sustained throughout because there is no wasted space or empty hallways. Most guests went as groups of two, but later in the season expect group size and pacing to increase.
Most Memorable Moment
We briefly ran into the man in charge of Hauntfest who was sporting fangs and creepy contacts. He wasn't doing it to scare guests or staff a particular room. Apparently it pumps him up and helps him get into the spirit of Hauntfest. Those are the types of people you want running a haunted house.
Summary
A "standard" haunted house done really well. After visiting multiple years, it seems that Hauntfest can be a schizophrenic production that has good years and bad years. Luckily, this is a good year.
View all Hauntfest reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Review
By day, the Glacier Rock Farm is an outdoor classroom for schoolchildren to learn and explore the beautiful Kettle Moraine scenery. At night the scene morphs into a spooky monstrosity known as the Dark Side that sprawls across all 100 acres and includes a haunted mine, hayrack ride, haunted trail, and corn maze. Are those cute Shetland ponies actually undead flesh-eating zombie horses controlled by the freaks and demons of the Dark Side? Probably.
Signage / Visibility / Location
Usually googlemaps is sufficient, but I got lost trying to find this haunt. There is a sign at the end of the lane, but one in Ashippun would really help. Street signs are small and dark in this rural area, but that just adds to the adventure.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Because this is a multi-attraction haunt there are several different wait areas as you progress deeper into the rotten heart of the Dark Side. If it is a chilly night $1 hot cocao and cider from the gift shop will make the initial wait more bearable. The last two wait areas both have toasty bonfires but no marshmallows. There were no actors to entertain those waiting but whatever; I would rather put those actors in the woods and fields anyways.
Actors' Performance
All of the creatures inhabiting the forests, cornfields, and mine did a great job. Most of them successfully used the old-school scare tactics of surprise and loud noises, and having a chainsaw in your hands makes it easy to be terrifying. Probably more actors than I have seen in any one haunt location so far this year and many of them manage to scare you more than once. My favorite actor was a young guy who got stepped on by almost every group that went by. He's got to be pretty dedicated and tough to be taking that kind of abuse. There also seemed to be a lot of clowns although I don't remember a circus theme anywhere.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Of the four different attractions, the hayride was by far our favorite. The creators designed great sets that reach down and touch your face while you're constantly on the lookout for the next monster. Sharing the scares with the whole group is fun because you start laughing at someone else's screams, but then you get spooked and the laughter is returned. The production value will not blow your mind but the craftsmanship and unique touches make the Dark Side different than anything else you will find this Halloween season.
Length
Clear your nightly haunt schedule because this one took us an hour to get through, seriously. Probably 20 minutes were spent in the four waiting areas but this is still the longest haunt I have been to. The anticipation from being outside and hearing screams from both your group and those a half mile away keeps your blood pumping during the down times.
Most Memorable Moment
It took some convincing, but my parents accompanied me on the trip to the Dark Side. The last time either of them joined me, my chauffer dad was sleeping in the van waiting for my 14 year old friends and I to finish our hauntings for the night so he could take us to Pizza Hut, a yearly tradition. They both really enjoyed the experience, especially the hayrack ride. I enjoyed hearing my mom scream and swear every time she got scared.
Summary
The Dark Side is absolutely worth a drive out into the country and is a perfect haunted destination if you are part of a large group. The operators are good people, the actors are dedicated, you get four completely different experiences in one place, and everything costs only ten dollars. At a price that low I almost felt like making a donation or starting a tip jar because I definitely got my money's worth. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt and old shoes because there is a lot of walking and some of it can be muddy and treacherous in the dark.
View all The Dark Side reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at about 11:30 p.m.
Submitted: Friday, October 17, 2008
Review
Splatter Haus has moved locations in 2008, but the actors are still terrifying as hell and maintain the over-the-top scare factor from past years. Many of these monsters are also hooked up to microphones and speakers so their terrible noises and scares are sure to overpower your own puny screams. These possessed demons will fly at you from out of nowhere, but try to stick around long enough to get a good look at their amazing costumes and makeup. Our group of five included three people who were absolutely terrified and ran out of almost every room screaming, which made the experience much more enjoyable. Tickets are called in batches of 50 so you can hang out and eat, listen to music, or smoke cigarettes like everyone else. I would recommend going early because the wait will probably be over an hour if you arrive anytime after 9:30.
Summary
I miss the foreboding tone set by having previous Splatter House versions built on farms in rural settings. However, the newest spawning of this franchise is just as good as the past. There were some very unique scares that I have not seen in past years, and many of the old favorites return. While the scares are top-notch, the sets are not very imaginative or detailed. The actors are incredibly dedicated and intense, but I prefer haunted houses that put just as much effort into room design.
View all Splatterhaus reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Review
Wow. The House of Bathory and Dead by Dawn Productions is my new favorite haunted house in Wisconsin. Most haunts stick to a certain formula, and some have perfected this prototypical attraction better than others. The House of Bathory has a totally different feel to it. It seems as though you are walking through someone's house, and you pretty much are. The creators own both the costume shop downstairs and the apartment directly behind the building so the horrors of the house have been evolving since January 2008. These depraved individuals turn nonthreatening scenes (i.e. Wizard of Ox) into terrifying reality.
Signage / Visibility / Location
Use googlemaps or mapquest whenever you are planning a trip to a haunted attraction.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Other than the music playing in front of the entrance there is not much entertainment. I would recommend striking up a conversation with Dawn or one of the other operators. She will be glad to tell you the story of Elizabeth Bathory, the namesake of the house. The line moves very slow, but be patient because this haunt takes its' time and does things right before excreting your lifeless corpse from its' bowels.
Actors' Performance
There are a lot of people working in this haunt, and almost all of them have very sinister intentions, except Cheech and Chong of course. Some actors have ominous and freaky dialogue, some are loud and surprising, and some are creepy without saying a word. Even the disturbed kids working as slave labor are unsettling. The demons throughout will definitely mess with you and make you uncomfortable so be prepared to be touched and cornered.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Every scene that I can remember uses one-off pieces and sets that cannot be purchased at any store, although if there is something you really want you can convince Dawn to let you buy something in hers. Because there is so much detail in most rooms, the actors are able to wait and surprise you, leaving you terrified of which props are real or dead. Without giving more away, the House of Bathory has four essential haunt elements while most have only one: a slide, a claustrophobic room, a vortex tunnel, and glorious chainsaws.
Length
I completely forgot to look at my watch for this one, but I would guess twenty minutes to a half hour. I was honestly pretty dazed and disoriented with all the levels by the end and had trouble remembering all of the individual rooms. Some sort of terror-amnesia brain response maybe?
Crowd Control
The operators are really nice people, and can sternly handle security themselves. On our night groups were limited to four or less, but this will increase over the following weekends. Victims are let in at long intervals so that you do not run into the group in front of you and the actors have time to recover.
Most Memorable Moment
A munchkin latching on to my leg and being drug along as I tried to escape.
Summary
This haunt was a frightening rush from beginning to end. The best way to get scared is to let yourself go and get caught up in the madness created by these talented actors and designers.
View all House of Bathory by Dead by Dawn Productions reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at about 8 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Review
Simply put, this year Dominion of Terror has some of the best sets I have ever seen in a Haunted House. I was even more blown away by the fact that almost everything is new for 2008 with virtually no scenes being repeated from previous years. On top of all that, this haunt supports the non-profit Jaycees charity group which means all actors and designers are volunteers. For the price and the quality, an hour drive from Green Bay or Milwaukee is well worth the trip.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
All the action takes place in and around an old condemned looking three story brick warehouse. Outside there is music, a hearse, and frequent scares from actors to keep patrons entertained while waiting in line. Inside there is a brief wait in a staging area before the scares begin.
Actors' Performance
Overall, most actors gave very engaging performances. Many ghouls had unique dialogue and noises to get your attention. There were several loud and shocking surprises, but nothing that is overdone or will leave your eardrums ringing. For me the scare factor is always dependant on the group I go with, so on a different night it may have been higher.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
It is safe to say the themes and rooms of the Dominion of Terror will not be found in any other haunt in Wisconsin. Work started in July, and if they chose, volunteers were able to let their imagination go crazy and design their own sets staffed by their own friends. This accentuates the uniqueness of each scene because they are built and overseen by different people. Although it may sound disjointed, this is an incredibly well tied-together haunted house. Rooms transition smoothly from one theme to another and many ideas carry over for two or three rooms like the sprawling city scene (props to the butcher). The vortex tunnel was so effective I had to close my eyes, great use of old-school dark tunnels to break up scenes, and my favorite room was the movie theater.
Length
It took 20-25 minutes to work our way through. Great length, and it seemed even longer.
Crowd Control
The group size was limited to four victims, which is an ideal size for any haunt. This will probably change towards Halloween when lines get longer. Everything moved very smoothly through the haunt, and there were five or six security guards on hand outside. All of the actors take a break between 8:30 and 8:45 so be patient while waiting in line.
Most Memorable Moment
We were paired with a nine year old girl and her father. Initially, I was concerned that this may be too scary for someone of her age, but her father assured us that she watches plenty of movies and will take the haunt in stride. She went first throughout the entire haunt and was visibly calm and unafraid the entire time! I could not believe that we were more scared than she was. Seriously, how many 9 year olds do not find a chainsaw terrifying? I was pushing past her like George Costanza in Seinfeld at that point.
Summary
Great scenery, good actors, admirable charity, extended length and terrifying chainsaws.
View all Dominion of Terror reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Friday, October 10, 2008 at about 9:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Review
Gilly's is the perennial underdog haunted attraction that always seems to deliver. Once again this year the haunt had virtually no wait on a Friday night while other haunted houses in the area were backed up for thirty
minutes to an hour. What those line zombies missed is a haunt with great acting performances and operators who strive to please you, not pick-pocket you. While the Haunted Circus is not ground breaking or fight-or-flight
terrifying, it continues to improve and deliver a solid experience every year.
Signage / Visibility / Location
Lights and carnival music let you know you're in the right place. It's pretty amazing that the operators are able to build this haunt while maintaining a winter business selling and renting tropical flowers out of
their greenhouse.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The ticket girl is very sweet and can convince even the most undecided guests to enter the big-top. Old newspaper clipping pinned up in the covered wait area tell the backstory of the circus and actors make frequent
appearances.
Actors' Performance
The organizers and operators take great pride in their actors. By holding auditions they ensure that only the most dedicated and talented ghouls populate the various scenes. While the surprise scares and fear factor are
not as intense as other places, I was just as entertained by the great dialogue, unique accents, and novel characters that are created.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Much of the setup was similar to past years. The vortex tunnel (take your hands off the railings if you can), foggy chain link fence maze, and freak show all are present again this year. The addition of a marionette room is a great idea. The actors were much more memorable than the scenery.
Length
10-15 minutes. Just a touch on the short side so take your time and interact with the actors.
Crowd Control
Crowd Control? Gilly watches over the haunt while double-fisting two hatchets, do you want to screw with him?
Summary
A solid spook-house that I go to, and enjoy, every year. While similar to past years, the outstanding actors made it worth the return visit in '08.
View all Gilly's Haunted House reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2008 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka (Review Crew)
after attending on Friday, October 3, 2008 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Thursday, October 9, 2008
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
The setting is one of this haunt's strongest assets. Located just off I-90 to draw people from around the region, close enough to Stoughton to receive local support, and yet still retaining the feel and darkness that only haunts in secluded rural areas can provide. By capitalizing on the farm
venue the TTT Ranch has created a unique haunted attraction that starts in a barn, transitions to an outdoor trail, and re-enters the barn via a creepy old school bus.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
There is plenty of free parking and as soon as you leave the safety of your car you hear the foreboding music of the haunt and see the menacing hearse in front of the barn. We heard the themes from Beetlejuice, Psycho, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show on our trip. There is a covered wait area
that would not shelter more than one group and a lonely guy selling pizza.
Actors' Performance
Even though I was with a couple of newbies, this haunt was more fun than it was scary. We rolled up
on the first day of the season so many of the ghouls were still working on their scares. The only minor complaint I have with this haunt is the lack of actors, specifically outside. Talking to the owners, they assured me that there will be more monsters over the following weeks, especially on Saturdays. Our favorite performers were the young girls terrified of Freddy and the creepy lady with a baby. This haunt has great potential for 2008 and I found myself thinking about actor improvements that would put the TTT Ranch on a higher level.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
The all new interior of the barn has been spruced up this year with the acquisition of a vortex tunnel and set pieces from a defunct haunted house in Wausau. There were no sparse rooms or hallways and
the creators did a great job of putting decorations everywhere and constructing the haunt by hand. Money was well spent on full-size monster props tucked into dead ends and a couple of animatronics
scattered throughout. All of the actors had good costumes/masks/makeup and the Freddy Krueger sequence stood out as a favorite. The addition of a trail leading through the prairie and woods into a 'cemetery' adds a whole new facet to this year's spooky attraction. To nitpick, the Haunted Barn would have benefitted from more than two themed rooms and the solar lights near the graveyard were inadequate (the operators planned on bringing in a generator for better lighting the next night)
Length
Good length. It took us about 25 minutes because we spent time enjoying the outside walk and the anticipation of the surroundings
Crowd Control
I don't think the Haunted Barn uses a ticket numbering system like others, so bring a sweatshirt and some friends you can stand. There are no mazes in the haunt so even on a busy night things should move smoothly. Hidden security cameras monitor the action
Most Memorable Moment
The one-of-a-kind bottomless pit
Summary
This haunt has a lot of things going for it. $8 is a fantastic value, the haunt competition in the greater Madison area is weak, and the owners are very nice people. We rolled up on the first night of the
operation and it was obvious that they will improve throughout the season. Although the Haunted Ranch may not be on the same production level as major haunts in the Milwaukee area and elsewhere, we still had a blast and it is well worth a visit. Just remember to bring a sweatshirt because you will be waiting and walking around outside
View all The Haunted Barn reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2007 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Friday, October 12, 2007 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Thursday, October 18, 2007
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
The haunt is a house in Fireman's Park. This house looks small from the outside, but every inch of it gets used to scare you.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Ticket numbers are called out on a megaphone allowing those waiting to do whatever. Heated indoor seating is available in a broke-down looking barn along with concessions. No actors harassed us, but it did not really matter because we could hear the screams from inside the house. There was a large crowd on hand, and we waited in hour to get in which was totally worth it.
Most Unique
The woods walk leading up to the house was great, especially the crazy person tied between two trees. Hartford Jaycees have spent money wisely and have the best mechanical props around.
Actors' Performance
The actors both real and fake did a fantastic job. Quick scares, great make-up and high intensity keep the energy level up throughout the haunt. These dedicated actors and designers make this one of the best haunts of the year!
Summary
I highly recommend this haunt for people disappointed with low scare factors elsewhere. It is not particularly long, but who cares because everything else makes up for it including unique scenes and high detail.
View all Hartford Jaycees Haunted House reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2007 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at about 10:30 p.m.
Submitted: Thursday, October 18, 2007
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
From highway 57 turn west on county W for one to two miles. The website did not have directions when I went, and the address does not show up on mapquest/googlemaps/etc. The location sets the perfect tone for this event. Splatter Haus is in a barn complex surrounded by nothing but darkness. Hey, I didn't know the stars were this bright outside of the city!
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Ticket numbers were called out in batches of 50. After that, visitors wait in lines for about 20 minutes to get in. With big spotlights lighting up the waiting area, it would be nice to bring a frisbee or football.
Most Unique
The actors' intensity and dedication as well as the craftsmanship of this haunt. Nothing is unbelievably detailed, but every room is well done and scary as hell.
Actors' Performance
The best I have seen this year and possibly ever. These actors don't pop out at you and scream, they fly at you as if possessed or spring loaded. I'm not even sure if I remember what they said/screamed because my mind was blank with terror.
Summary
Go early at night to beat the lines. When leaving specific rooms, take one last look directly into the actors eyes. These images are still burned into my brain, and I guarantee you will consider them later.
View all Splatterhaus reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at about 11:30 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 22, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Should be easy to find. We got lost, but it was our fault. Its in the fairgrounds.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
We waited indoors. The line was probably 100 people deep, but we only waited 25 minutes. It was pretty dark, and there were no actors, but it was late. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to wait in the horse pens, but the house made up for that.
Most Unique
The time and money that went into the rooms is obvious. Great detail. There are some very memorable rooms. We kept running into the group in front of us, but they were slowing down to take it all in.
Actors' Performance
They did an unbelievable job. The timing was great, and many of them had things to say or unique ways to scare. No two scares were the same. The costumes were spectacular as well. They had great makeup and hand made suits and contact lenses as opposed to masks.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
Just seeing the fact that there are two pages of positive reviews on this haunt should be a good indication.
View all Wisconsin Fear Grounds reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at about 7:45 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 22, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Easy to find. Directions on the internet. $5 to park? weak.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
If you don't spend the $20 for the VIP pass, don't even bother going. We waited 2 and a half hours to get in! When the wait is that bad, its hard to stay objective. There was a DJ in the tent we waited in who was way too loud, and 3 or 4 characters who kept the line entertained including a guy with a real chainsaw. They sell beer for $5. It felt like we were at the mall.
Most Unique
The body bag room was good, as was the room with the two characters blending into the walls. The cage maze was ok. The vortex is really disorienting and the highlight of the house.
Actors' Performance
Ok. Pretty repetitious. 3D glasses and artwork make it unique, but none of the actors themselves stood out or made any unique noises. Mostly just a mask or something bought in the mall, no spectacular rooms or outfits. In the house there was a fake plastic chainsaw with a speaker on it.
Appropriate For
10+
Summary
We were all very upset after we left this house. If I knew that we could pay $5 more and wait 5 min. versus 2 and a half hours I obviously would have. The line wasn't more than 150 people, but they were letting in people SO SLOW! That was just ridiculous and unacceptable for any haunted house. Once we did get in the house. The actors broke character 3 times and told us to wait. If that wasn't enough, characters told me repeatedly to hurry up (because I was last) even though it seemed quite obvious I couldn't go anywhere.
View all Hauntfest reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Friday, October 13, 2006 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
A little confusing because we didn't know the area well. The clown music can be heard a block away as well as throughout the house, Im sure the neighbors love it. Its pretty obvious once you drive by the flower shop its located in.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Just one clown who told us she would not go in the house because it was too scary. That was a good start. There was no one else in line. (The cold is no excuse to stay home, it was friday the 13th)
Most Unique
The vortex tunnel was the best part. We spent some extra time getting disoriented in it. The freak show was very cool, but individual lights on each part would have been great.
Actors' Performance
They did their job well. It seemed like most of them had been doing it a while and knew how to act. The clown giving the rules was weirdly creepy and had a hatchet. The ringmaster in the freakshow was by far the best. Give the man an emmy.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
At one point you choose either left or right. Which is great, but we went right and there was just one person in it. The left looked pretty cool, but the grass is always greener. A good house when the lines elsewhere get long. No chainsaws.
View all The Haunting at Hickory Oaks - CLOSED reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Friday, October 13, 2006 at about 8:45 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
A sign with a spotlight is hard to miss. So are all the cars in the parking lot. We used mapquest to make it easy.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Great wait area and ticket hut. There were pumpkins for sale and other things. The line looked long, and there were a lot of cars in the parking lot, but it took us only 15 min. to get in.
Most Unique
The hearse ride and the fact that it is outside. I have not been to an attraction like that before. When your outside, people can fly at you from anywhere. "Rooms" were constructed in the woods, there were fires burning throughout, and the bridge over the swamp is spooky.
Actors' Performance
All the actors did a fantastic job. From the hearse ride until the end. They are really what makes an attraction great. It also helps when they are holding chainsaws. The makeup and masks were excellent.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
They combined two groups together into 10 people, which seemed like a lot. It was still fantastic though, and your definitely not safe just because your in the back. At one point they separated the guys and girls, but I don't know why. Maybe just to switch the order around. Lots of chainsaws.
View all Bear Den Haunted Woods reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
dirkadirka
after attending on Friday, October 13, 2006 at about 7:45 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Easy location, just off I-43. There is a burning trash barrel, a hearse, and a guy with an air traffic controller wand.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The waiting area is a large circular pavilion. We went so early that there really was no entertainment since there was no line. If we had gone later I think the Spawn clown would have gotten really into it. He did a great job. Would have been a great place to wait in line with large groups.
Most Unique
There was one guy in the circular pavilion that had an AMAZING costume. I couldn't believe it. Which one is it? Im not telling you, but its great.
Actors' Performance
The Spawn clown in the wait area was the one that stood out the most. The witch in the second wait area that tells you the rules had great makeup, and did a good job too, except she told my friend twice that he smelled like beer. Other than that, I thought the actors had a lackluster performance. It seemed like they missed their timing and when we entered a room they would just be standing there like we surprised them.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
The clown in the clown room really got one of us. The girl in the jail cell being quiet and creepy also really got one of us. The house in general was just very dark. I know, I know, its called the House of Darkness. The sequence is dark twisting hallway, room, repeat. If your with someone who scares easy, force them to go first. No chainsaws.
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