Event Reviews by lysergicerberus (View Profile)
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Please note: this review is for the 2007 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 26, 2007 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 27, 2007
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
The most noteworthy item I can mention is that this venue is NOT in the city. The dark, winding country roads leading to F&F certainly set the mood. Print off some directions and enjoy the cruise. There is a dimly lit sign in front of the road accessing the property. Keep your eyes open for it.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The wait area is different from most. You'll find an indoor heated clubhouse with a bar, baked goods, nice people and some entertainment. Keep in mind Fin & Feather is a shooting club, so you'll find the atmosphere to be unlike any other haunt. The volunteers helping out, both inside and out, are very helpful and great people. They'll assist with parking, finding tickets, escorting you to the Woods' entrance,etc.
Most Unique
Several unique items here. The main focal point is the venue itself. There aren't many haunted woods in the greater Milwaukee area. Something about the smells of the woods in October; that foliage and dead leaves scent, the odor of decay, it's unique to October and Halloween and it pleases the olfactory senses. Ok, what else is unique? There are scenes and props that you will NOT see anywhere else! It didn't take big dollars to create this haunt, but you wouldn't know it with some of the effects. Keep your eyes in the sky for levitating spirits and on the ground for one of the coolest effects I've seen, EVER! Unique? Umm, a pirate ship in the woods, cannon and all. Watch out for the living dead as you exit the ship!
There are so many unique items at this attraction that you just have to experience them in person. Go through some fuel in your car, grab some friends and head out to Fin and Feather's Haunted Woods. You won't be disappointed.
Actors' Performance
The actors are all volunteer and friends of the club. We were surprised just how many there were within the woods. They were all very much into their roles. From the pirates to the maze-keepers. These actors are not well trained, drama students by any means, but they don't care...they wanna scare you and have fun. Don't be fooled, they can and WILL give you a scream!
Summary
I'd like to extend my gratitude to the Fin and Feather staff, the volunteers and certainly the man in charge, Butch. For only being the second year for this haunt and spending almost nothing on it, this attraction was awesome! We had a lot of fun and were sad when it was over. We truly enjoyed ourselves and got a few scares in the process. Kudos to all of you at Fin and Feather! Keep up the great work and we'll definitely see you next year. Thank you.
View all Fin "N" Feathers Haunted Woods reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2007 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at about 9 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 14, 2007
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
If you print directions, it's very easy to find. It's right off the freeway on the right side. Look for some strobe lights and a big glowing ghost. Parking is on the street. Be sure to check out the front yard display on the way up the driveway.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Ok, I told this to Bruce, co-owner/operator, last night and I think he didn't believe me. The wait area is FANTASTIC! Few haunts take the time to really create an atmosphere in the wait area, but Spooky Stalks has. You won't find concessions or fancy effects or even death metal. You will find simple displays, mood-setting music and the greenhouse warming effect. It didn't cost much, but it took time and thought. To me that goes a long way. I feel that true hauntlovers will appreciate this wait area. If you do, be sure to tell the young lady at the ticket booth, for it was her creation.
Most Unique
2 unique items for this review.
1) The vortex. Yeah, ok, lots of haunts are doing the vortex now, but not like this. These guys built it from scratch!! Not only that, but it's highly effective compared to most vortex tunnels I've seen. I'm not sure why, but it REALLY screws with your equilibrium. Very cool!
2) Humble beginnings. This event started out as a home haunt, a yard display. Over the course of about 3 years, this simple family haunt became the "medium scare" Spooky Stalks(elaboration on "medium scare" below). This venue is unique in its own rights, being both isolated and eerily dark and quiet. This is MILWAUKEE mind you, not West Bend or Cascade. Just an awesome haunt, period.
Actors' Performance
The actors varied in age and experience. They aren't drama students or seasoned veteran actors, but they have a lot of heart and a desire to give you a scare. These guys are friends of the owners. In fact, one guy came to help out one night and loved it so much, he keeps showing up every Saturday (Big Mike-he'll get you GOOD!). Costumes and masks are great. Even the young actors in the field can give you a startle. I was very impressed.
Summary
Spooky Stalks is listed as a "medium scare". To some, it may be, to others...it could very well make your skin crawl. I'm giving it a 'high scare' due to my experience last night. This isn't Splatter Haus scary, but it certainly deserves the credit of having scare skills. I'd like to thank Bruce and the entire team at Spooky Stalks for their hospitality and for a fun night.
Please go out and support this haunt! They have put some serious time, money and effort into it and you will not be disappointed.
View all Spooky Stalks Haunted Cornfield reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2007 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at about 10:45 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 7, 2007
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Print out directions from this site and follow them. You should have no problems. On Hwy 57, you may find yourself wondering if you may be lost, but keep going. County W is your turn and there ARE signs for the Haus. You will know when you are at the event.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The numbering system is very efficient. The ladies in the ticket booth do a great job. In the staging area you will find concessions, mood-setting death metal (hey guys, check out Dimmu Borgir sometime!) and an easy-going crowd of Haus lovers to mingle with. The wait area has a sense of anticipation that I have rarely encountered. The Haus has that effect.
Most Unique
What isn't unique? From the killer robot to the one-of-a-kind Pinhead, there's plenty of unique scares. Every room comes at you full force. The set designs and monsters are crazy. One room stands out to me, The Claustrophobia Room. You'll know it when you find it. There is nothing stale about Splatter Haus.
Actors' Performance
I cannot possibly do justice to these guys. They are insane! It was over 100 degrees in there last night and I know they were suffering, but it didn't show. Those guys are intense and love what they do. In fact, the entire staff of Splatter Haus is top notch. This is one very well orchestrated haunt! The actors should be proud of what they accomplish. They make Haus the icon that is.
Summary
I just want to personally extend my gratitude for the hospitality shown to us Saturday night. The owners, actors, security and the rest of the staff really make this haunt a memorable experience. The observation system was insane. These guys give not only give the actors safety measures, but they provide real-time performance evaluations! Hand-built everything! That's dedication. You guys scared the hell outta me and created a true Splatter Haus fan. Thank you.
View all Splatterhaus reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 27, 2006 at about 8:45 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Ok, I'm not gonna lie. This event is hard to find with all the long dark roads and construction. If you have GPS, use it!!! Once you actually find the right road, there are signs pointing you in the right direction. Just beware of rough and narrow roads.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Partially outdoors and covered. Snacks and farm animals are part of the wait area.
Most Unique
The event is long and covers multiple venues. You have a house, a tent, a hayride, a cornmaze and a woods walk. Very cool. The mine and the backlog story of the event is very unique and well done.
Actors' Performance
The actors are super. If they don't get you the first time, they'll track you down and get you the next time. I gotta hand it to them, they're out there in the dark,mud and cold and still give everything they have when you cross their path.
Appropriate For
10+
Summary
Dress warm and sit on the outside seats of the hayride. Be prepared for intense scares on the ride. They attack all of your senses. Just be sure to give yourself time to find this event!
View all The Dark Side reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 20, 2006 at about 10:15 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Right on the corner of 15th and Forest Home. Look for the lights and listen for the creepy circus music.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Wait area is outdoors. Circus music, evil clowns and an overall malevolent carnival feel certainly set the anxiety.
Most Unique
Freakshow is cool. The vortex is trippy and the ringmaster is fantastic. The option to choose left or right is also unique.
Actors' Performance
Ok, this is what I have to say about the actors and that's all: they get off on scaring you to death!
Appropriate For
15+
Summary
Gilly has done it again. He loves to scare his guests and hires actors that feel the same. One of the evil clowns in the house, Craig, will do whatever is necessary for you to soil yourself. Beware.
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
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at about 9:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
The event is located at the Waukesha Expo Center. If you know Waukesha at all, you'll find it.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The wait area is definately different. Now, I didn't experience the full impact of the wait area, because our group had vip passes and skipped the line. However, I heard plenty of screams coming from the corral area where visitors were caged in and attacked by actors. Very cool.
Most Unique
The wait area was unique. The scenes were very realistic and well done. I had heard that before attending and was not let down.
Actors' Performance
Boy, they love to scream at you. It's creepy. They singled me out of the group, which was fun. The actors are witty and passionately love to scare you.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
Definately a good time and worth the admission cost. Not the absolute scariest event for me this year, but the quality is spectacular. Oh yeah, if it looks fake, it probably isn't.
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
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 27, 2006 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Signs leading you in the right direction. It's almost like the whole town is advertising the thing. Location is inside the Auto Museum next to the river.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Waiting area is partially outdoors. There are actors roaming the grounds that lead to the anticipation. The "giant" is cool.
Most Unique
3 unique mentions: 1) The checkerboard game. Misdirection at it's finest 2) The pendulum scene is definately unique. Be prepared for "scene interaction" 3) the fact that this event is non-profit. One could expect a charity event to not be a "top tier" Haunt. Dick, the operator of TORS, really put a lot of time and effort into this event. The scenes, makeup and details are fantastic.
Actors' Performance
Once again, they are REALLY into their roles. Timing is spot on. The actors with actual dialog are awesome.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
I pretty much said what it all. I loved this Haunt and so did the group I went with. The ONLY drawback was the "bunching". Groups would run into each other. That happens though and it's not unique to this event. Overall, I was very pleased.
View all Terror on Rural Street reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 27, 2006 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
There is construction in the area, so be sure to have a map handy. Tip: go to the 2nd exit and backtrack down that Hwy (Hwy P?). There are signs leading you in the right direction.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Wait area is outdoors (like the event) so dress warm. There is a bonfire available for a fee (?). Plenty of things to see and do including shops, snacks, decorations, etc.
Most Unique
The scenes and details of them, especially considering it's outdoors and in a huge corn field. The pirate scene and the strobes!!!
Actors' Performance
Very well done. There doesn't appear to be many actors, but with the huge size of the event there really are plenty laying in wait. I jumped a few times, especially in the scenes.
Appropriate For
10+ (with parent maybe)
Summary
You can see the heart put into this event. Attention to detail on a large scale really shows. These guys love what they do and it's well worth the drive. The strobe lights, blacklights and fog are all setup perfectly. Well done fellas!
View all Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm and Creepy Cornfield reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at about 9:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Look for a strobe light and a line on the North side of Mitchell
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Not really any entertainment to speak of, but the people running the door are slightly dressed up. Dress warm.
Most Unique
The venus itself is unique. It's the upstairs of an old building and it has a natural creepiness to it. The enbalming room was very realistic and well done.
Actors' Performance
Top notch! These people stay in character no matter what. They love scaring you and will do what it takes to get a scream out of you. It doesn't matter if you are in front, middle or rear of the group. The Asylum Girl is fantastic!! I want to marry her
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
I'm glad i finally made it to this event. I've been wanting to go for years, and all the reviews I've read are true. I'm 29 years old and a seasoned veteran Haunt critic. This event scared the crap out of me. Well done!!!! See you next year.
View all Mars Haunted House reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2005 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Monday, October 10, 2005 at about 8:30 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 29, 2005
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Our group was familiar with the event's location and we still almost passed it up. There are some lights and a sign out front, but it comes up quickly so keep your eyes open. It comes up just as you leave Tichigan and enter Waterford.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Wait area is outside so dress warm. Very little entertainment, but there are pumpkins and assorted concessions to choose from while in line.
Most Unique
The hearse thing ride was cool, the bonfires in between scenes kept you warm, the death metal music was great and the spongy ground FX were a nice touch.
Actors' Performance
The actors at Bear Den weren't as top notch as last year. They aren't as plentiful either. We witnessed several actors breaking character, which greatly reduced the scare factor. In fairness, some actors really put forth a great effort and if they didn't scare you the first time around, they would track you down and give it another try.
Appropriate For
12+
Summary
If I have any complaints, they have already been mentioned in other reviews. The fact that they sent us through in a combined group of 12 was just stupid. I understand wanting to keep the line moving, but 12 people in a group?! Just not good. Other than that, it is a decent haunt. It is worth going to overall, but $10 is just a bit too much for what you get.
View all Bear Den Haunted Woods reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2005 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 28, 2005 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 29, 2005
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Right on the corner of 15th and Forest Home. There are strobe lights and assorted decorations located in front of the haunt. Rather easy to find.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The wait is very short, and that wasn't a surprise having read the other reviews. There are a few clowns keeping you entertained and the creepy circus music to throw your expectations of the haunt WAY off.
Most Unique
The whole experience was unique. The circus theme, the way the staff utilized lighting and darkness, the psychological torment of the sounds and anticipation and most of all the actor's performances.
Actors' Performance
INCREDIBLE! The actor's should be proud of their performances. They stayed in character at all times, their timing was perfect, their patience and devotion to their roles is unsurpassed. The 4 people in our group all agreed the actors not only made this haunt spectacular, but their performances can't be beaten.
Appropriate For
not under 13
Summary
THIS IS THE SLEEPER HAUNT OF THE YEAR! Don't let the fact that this event is new of under advertised sway you from attending it! I cannot stress enough how scary and well done this haunt is. The average age of the people in our group was about 23, and we all came out of there with our hearts racing and begging for more.
View all Gilly's Haunted House reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2005 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 14, 2005 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Saturday, October 15, 2005
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Print off the map and you will be fine. There are burning barrels and a VERY pimp hearse with purple underbody glow out front, so it's hard to miss once you come within 20 feet of the entrance.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Unique, but a little confusing. The 'line' is indoors in the arena. It is warm and has some entertainment. The fashion in which they circulated groups was effiecient, but confusing. Basically, the more people you want in your group, the longer you will wait. At least it seemed that way. There are also concessions outside.
Most Unique
I can't pick one unique characteristic of the haunt, so I will run down the top few. The lighting/fog effects were my favorite, hands down. The make-up and scenes were professionally done(literally). Air cannons are a nice touch. Body Bag Room ROCKED!
Actors' Performance
AWESOME! Everyone was really into their roles. Even the younger kids did a spectacular job. Plenty of good scares.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
From what I understand, the production crew that designed The Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney helped create this event. The Darkness had every feel and sight of a high-dollar haunt. The quality of this event is worth the $12 alone. DEFINATELY A MUST SEE!!
View all reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2005 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Friday, October 7, 2005 at about 8:15 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 9, 2005
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
There isn't really any signage along the way that I noticed, but I have also attended this haunt several times before. There are lights at the beginning of the driveway and a big orange sign. It is located just West New Berlin West High School.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Wait was short. The Lindner's continue to improve the wait area each year with 'pre-scare' visuals. There is a pumpkin patch as well.
Most Unique
The corn maze has a definitive 'lost' feeling to it. There are times where you really don't know which way to go and you are free to make a choice. Scarecrows man!! Scarecrows!
Actors' Performance
The first actor you will encounter is AWESOME! He was really in tune with his role. For the most part, the actors did a great job. There were a few non-actor security guys walking the maze, but they did kinda put forth an effort to blend in. The number of actors' cellphones ringing and lighting up in the corn was a disappointment.
Appropriate For
13+
Summary
This has been the best year yet for this event. The Lindner's really put alot of effort into this haunt. The addition of more walk-through environments was a plus. Need more stalkers on the paths! Other than that, keep up the great work Diane! (hope I remembered your name right)
View all The Corn at Lindners Farm reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2004 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 16, 2004 at about 9:45 p.m.
Submitted: Sunday, October 17, 2004
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
We passed the event up, but knew it as we did. It is well lit, especially considering it is on a very dark stretch of road. No signs that we saw, but look for the orange lights.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
The wait area was cold and muddy. There was a bonfire however. No entertainment other than hearing groups ahead of us screaming their heads off. The office where you buy the tickets is indoors and there are some snacks and pumpkins for sale.
Length
The wait went faster than it looked like it was going to. Approx. 20 minutes. They send groups of about 10 through at a time, which helps speed the line up.
The event lasted approx. 30 minutes+. There were a few times we thought it was over, but it wasn't. Gotta love that!
Actors' Performance
VERY WELL DONE! The actors were very into their roles. Guys, girls and children... all were intense and scary. Great makeup and good hiding spots.
Appropriate For
13+ (Blood effects and very high scare factor)
Summary
I heard this stated by another reviewer, but this is definately the sleeper of the year. Everyone, including me (27 year old male), was scared at some point. These guys create an all out sensory assault on their audience. They use every means available to them to create fear. LOTS of actors. Creat mazes. Lighting was excellent. Plenty of distractions and surprise4s. A word of warning, be prepared to crawl through the dirt. It sucks at first, but it only amplifies the scare factor. GO TO THIS EVENT!!!!
View all Bear Den Haunted Woods reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2004 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at about 8:45 p.m.
Submitted: Thursday, October 7, 2004
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
Few signs, but we found it rather easily considering we knew the area. It is next to New Berlin West High School.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Very little entertainment. Small pumpkin patch, cider, some music, scenes, the usual. Ok, entertaining enough I guess.
Length
Wait was about 20 minutes. They send small groups for maximum effect. The event took approx. 20-25 minutes. It's a corn maze, so your speed determines the longevity.
Actors' Performance
The actors did VERY well. They kept us on our toes and in suspense. You never know when you are staring right at an actor. Well done!
Appropriate For
I'd say 13+ (very little blood)
Summary
The majority of the maze is very low-cut corn, which at first takes away from the experience... but give it time. The weather and the moon will either heighten the suspense or take away from it. Lots of scares, several surprises, scarecrows and parking lot security. $5 is a steal! Great fun. We shall return again.
View all The Corn at Lindners Farm reviews
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Please note: this review is for the 2004 season rather than the current season.
by
lysergicerberus
after attending on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at about 10 p.m.
Submitted: Thursday, October 7, 2004
Review
Signage / Visibility / Location
If you know where the State Fair grounds are, then it's easy to find. Just look for all the lights and activity.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
Zombie Trail- We had no entertainment other than basic creepy music. Our wait was outside, but there is a staging area in the pavilion.
3D Fear Factory- the wait was inside and not very long.
Length
Zombie Trail- Our wait was about 15 minutes, although we were told we would only wait 5 minutes. The event lasted approx. 20 minutes. The maze took the longest amount of time.
3D Fear Factory- the event lasted approx. 5 minutes.
Actors' Performance
The actors were into their roles. However, there could have been much more effort put into the overall experience.
Appropriate For
3D- all ages. Zombie Trail- 13+
Summary
The 3D Fear Factory is geared more towards the younger crowd, as it is not scary. It is entertaining, but not for $10. 3D effects are pretty cool.
The Zombie Trail is noted as having a "brutal fear factor", this could not be further from the truth. The zombie theme was well planned and executed, but the only scary part of the event was the maze, and only because it was pitch black and dead quiet.The anticipation of an actor jumping out heightened the experience, but there were NO actors in the maze! What gives?! Not worth $10 either. Better luck next year.
View all Hauntfest reviews
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