Please note: this review is for the 2006 season rather than the current season.

Wisconsin Feargrounds

by kmpatterson after attending on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at about 3 p.m.

Fun Factor: Very High Fear Factor: High

Review

Signage / Visibility / Location

Signs were clearly visible from the road, getting to the back of the EXPO where the haunt is located can a little confusing, as the parking lot is spacious and there aren't large signs to indicate that you have arrived at the correct location within the parking lot. There was a popcorn wagon and a small, dimly lit booth - upon approaching them we knew we were in the right place. (It was a slow night so we couldn't simply follow the crowd.)

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Again, it was a slow night, but we were escorted into "holding pens" which are used in the summer months to house cattle during the Waukesha fair. The grounds likened them to "cells" where a staff "goul" waited in the cell with us. The performance of our character was undeniably one of the best I've experienced. It was a nice touch to have our own space while we waited for our turn.

Most Unique

Scenes and treatment of what is considered "scary." The lighting was especially good as were the attention to detail (pictures on the wall that seemed to be portraits would change as you walked past). In addition, subtle hints at unsettling items made it more hair-raising - they have seemed to master the "less is more" making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for those who want a well-done haunt sans cheesy effects.

Actors' Performance

Again, some of the best I've seen. WE happened to visit on a special night - the makeup artist who did the makeup for the water scene in the Titanic worked on the actors that night - with amazing attention to detail such as different colored contact lenses. The actors did participate in typical haunt behaviors, but some particularly impressed us, including some disturbing behaviors that would be likened to a psychotic person (hovering in the corner, making noises that reminded us of a character playing a schitzo), diving onto the ground and crawling after us. The theme seemed to be one of cannibolism - many mentioned we smelled good and they wanted to taste an ear or our blood. Despite some of my friends' attempts to "break" them from character, they never did.

Appropriate For

14+

Summary

I have to say, my favorite room was the nursery. The actress in this room was the closest I've seen to really making me creeped out. Couple of things they could improve, the trafficing to the haunt itself and it seemed obvious they were out for compliments - we were pummeled with "which was your favorite room" when we left - a good thing that they are seeking feedback, but at the same time, made me wonder why they were so thirsty for compliments. Also, the cross-referencing of some horribly bad haunts in Milwaukee (the downtown one) gave me pause to wonder.

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March 29th, 2024 2:45 a.m. CDT 24.01