288 total reviews. Showing 10 of 15 on this page (5 filtered).
Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by Grey Knight after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 3 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
For $8, the Haunted Barn provides you with a long stroll - indoor and out - through numerous mazes and paths. The tour relies heavily on live actors to deliver the scares, and they do so very well. The real entertainment value is in the actors and not the animatronics, unlike more 'commercial' and 'carnival-like' attractions. The "organic" touch really enhances the experience as each player seems genuinely interested in their role.
*Spoiler Alert* There were even moments where the animatronics came alive to reveal that they were living people the whole time, which really added to the spook factor.
I also appreciated how the players didn't just do their piece and wait fo you to leave the area. Being dogged by a machete-wielding maniac down the entire length of the hallway, around the corner, and into the next room, while he was slashing and slamming it against the wall, was a great "motivator."
The ONLY thing I would have done differently would have been making the final walk back to the concession area a little more event-filled.
Thanks, Haunted Barn and personnel. You gave me a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
I have been a part of or helped out with 4 Haunted Houses in my life, and this one put to shame any of the ones I was involved in.
With a huge staff on hand, lots of role players, ample live interaction, a vast array of props and animatronics, refreshment vendors, and great costumery, The Haunted Barn is not just an attraction, [b]it's an event.[/b]
A tremendous value for your admission money.
View all The Haunted Barn Stoughton (PERMANENTLY CLOSED) reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by HocusPocus (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 4 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
It was a dark and cold night...REALLY cold. Fortunately for me I had a warm car to step out of and to warm back up in. As this haunt is contained within the unheated barns of the fair grounds it appears as if the actors did not enjoy a similar luxury. Perhaps I caught this haunt at a bad time? I checked out The Theater of Lost Souls and Theater of the Absurd...but due to the temps I declined the invitation to partake in the hayride.
The Theater of the Absurd was very entertaining! I kind of got the impression that it's billed to be a side show to the Lost Souls haunt but I really enjoyed the unique concept of an attraction that was completely in 3D. The clown was very energetic and interactive. As we were the only group touring at the time we received quite a bit of attention. Not sure if this is typical as there appeared to be just a few actors in the Absurd attraction but we definitely enjoyed it! (Fun Factor = 4 / Scare Factor = 1)
The Theater of Lost Souls had its moments but appeared to lack the energy and enthusiasm to provide for a good scare or a fun interactive experience with a ghoul by way of a riveting performance. Perhaps the cold temps and sparse crowds of the Friday evening played a role in this? I really enjoyed the voodoo room and the acting performance in this room was absolutely superb! (Loved the accent!) The "Two Dogs" room has a lot of potential. The actor did a good job of heightening your anticipation prior to entering the room but the absence of a surprise once in the room made for an anti-climatic experience. A little bit of darkness combined with a sudden flash of light/sound could do wonders for the scare factor of this room. (Fun Factor = 2 / Scare Factor = 3)
While touring the Theater of Lost Souls someone in our group jokingly asked one of the actors if she was cold. Her reply: "I'm dead...how could be I be cold?" Very funny! :)
View all A Theater Of Lost Souls Presents: Nightmare Factory Haunt reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by HocusPocus (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 3 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
On the scare factor scale, Burial Chamber is totally off the charts!! I've been to 8 haunts this year and this is by far the scariest one...or should I say two? Burial chamber is actually a mega complex of haunted / scary attractions. Due to time constraints I only checked out the two indoor haunts, Adrenalin and Insanity. Both of these attractions were similar but offered a unique experience unlike the other haunts I've been to this year. Rather than parade you through a series of rooms that feature a variety of themes and skits, Burial Chamber's haunts are comprised of a complex maze of dimly lit hall ways and rooms, all with a consistent theme. Acting appeared to be at minimum (especially in Insanity) and was usually limited to a quick entrance from out of nowhere in an attempt to scare you and then a quick disappearance into the shadows....a very effective tactic to scare you regardless of where you might be positioned in your group.
As much as I loved the scare factor of Burial chamber I must admit the mandatory group size disappointed me. Groups were sized as close to 10 as possible. Given the extremely long lines I can totally understand why groups are sized so large. While the maze of hallways provided great scares for everyone in our group, and could certainly entertain the large group size, many of the rooms struggled to accommodate the size of our entire group. To make matters worse at the end of Insanity the group behind us caught us which resulted in a group size of nearly 20. Due to confusion in traversing a circular maze at this point and the unfortunate actor who had no way of knowing where one group ended and the next started a third group actually caught us....quite the mess.
IF you don't like standing in long lines while being exposed to the weather elements I would strongly recommend the VIP pass. The VIP admission allows you to skip everyone who hasn't purchased it. It does not, however, limit your group size or guarantee that you'll be able to enter immediately.
View all Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by dirkadirka (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 4:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
View all House of Bathory (CLOSED) reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by x0char0x (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 2 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
House of Bathory is definitely an old school kind of haunt. Unlike most haunts, they don't use animated creatures to scare you. Their actors do an amazing job at scaring you and just leave you wondering what is waiting for you around the next corner. In every scene there is something that will surprise you. Being a smaller haunt, they definitely use their space very well. Every inch is covered in creepy and erie scares. They also touch you in this haunt which I love. Walking through a dark hallway and all of a sudden you feel someone touch your shoulder just sends chills throughout your entire body because you know you aren't alone and who knows what will get you.
View all House of Bathory (CLOSED) reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by dirkadirka (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 3:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
View all Dominion of Terror reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by btweezy414 after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 3:30 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Last Saturday myself and a group of friends decided to travel to Neenah, WI for the Burial chamber complex and let me tell you it lives up to the hype. Before I get into detail about the houses and haunt overall, I would highly recommend the timed VIP tickets that can be purchased via their website before hand. We purchased the 8:30pm timed VIP tickets and it will save you hours of waiting. We arrived and they had people directing you to the proper parking lot, which was done smoothly. When they where able to walk right up to the VIP ticket window (the line for regular tickets had to be at least 1 hour long) . Got our tickets for the haunt and jumped in Adrenaline’s VIP line. Within 10 minutes we where paired with a group of 6 others (we already had 4 so, I thought 10 was sorta big group) and entered the house. I would also like to note that the line to enter this haunt with regular tickets was well over 1 hour long. The haunt did a good job of mixing actors and pressured air jets to scare the guest walking thru. The set designs where very well done. Even one room that an almost sponge like flooring! It took us about 20 to 25 minutes to get thru this haunt. After that we where on to Insanity! Another very well thought out house where it makes you believe you are going in circles at times, losing your way, or even being sprayed with blood. This haunt was also well planned and though out. It also took us about 20 to 25 minutes to pass thru. Up next we headed to the haunted woods known as Phobia. The wait in the VIP line was about 20 minutes for this haunt , but that was because they put you in smaller groups. My group of 4 was allowed to go by our self. The walk thru was only about 10 minutes long, but it is pitch black in the woods and the actors did a great job again. After that for $4.00 more we did the Burial Chamber simulators. They where fun but didn’t live up to the hype.
Overall this was a very done haunt, the set designs are top notch along with the actors. I would highly recommend this haunt and will be attending in the future.
View all Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by kamfab4 after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 2 p.m.
Submitted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
At first glance, the props in the front yard are amusing. Having "outgrown" the front yard (according to the website), I expected to see a larger assortment of "spooky" memorabilia and decoration while walking down the path to the ticket booth. I was very disappointed. The first actor to greet us wasn't very spooky, save the costume, and smoking a cigarette with customers approaching probably isn't a good idea ...
Now, keep in mind, I am by no means an expert in evaluating the effectiveness of spooky themed venues. I also had two kids, (8 and 6) with me at the time. If you ask them, they'd say the place was awesome and very scary. My son (the 6 year-old) actually cried. Didn't see that coming because his "fear factor" is normally very low ... I expected my daughter (the 8 year old) to be the one screaming and what-not ...
After dropping $40 for wristbands, we were led to a greenhouse arbor which was the main entrance to the corn maze. Inside is was decorated a little better than the front yard or the path leading up to it. We waited approximately 15 minutes before actually beginning out tour 9even though there were no other customers present). As we were waiting, a group of teenagers showed up. One girl tried running away while in line because she basically "freaked out" when an actor carrying a dismembered head prop walked through the main entrance. Now, THAT was funny!
So, we begin our tour and the "head carrying" actor tries to hype it up a bit. He interacted well with the kids and they seemed genuinely "spooked" at this point and we were still outside the maze!
That said, I didn't think it was dark enough to walk the maze. In hindsight, that's a good thing because even though we could see most of the actors before they had a chance to scare us, the ambient light made it easier for my son to handle the "ghouls." Simultaneously, I was disappointed, but I can't blame them for the lighting ...
All told, we walked through in about 45 minutes. There were some cool effects, like the vortex and the "barns" but the actors scare tactice were very predictable because of the lighting thus reducing the overall "scary" effect.
The actors were however, very diligent recognizing the "fear factor" of the kids though. They actually stopped to talk to the kids to reassure them that they were normal people and didn't try to scare the kids unless they knew the kids could handle it. Thanks for that.
Kudos to the "swamp thing" (SPOILER ALERT)outside barn 3 for scaring me. (The one time I totally didn't expect it!)
Well, our first family foray into the "spooky" stuff didn't exactly go as planned, but we still had some wonderful fun. The staff were friendly, engaging, and the actors were awesome with the kids. I'd consider this venue a family friendly one for sure and will return when my kids can handle the dark a little bit better.
Reasonably priced,
Make sure it's dark outside,
could've used a concession area (hot chocolate & coffee go a long way ...),
and had some fun!
View all Spooky Stalks Haunted Cornfield reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by Loafstain after attending on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at about 3:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I try to get out to Terror on the Fox every year, but unfortunatly I missed it last year. I was really looking forward to it, considering...
I got there around 8:30 and there were basically no lines, which was awesome! I went with the combo ticket because I had heard from a friend that the new Void thing was a lot of fun.
Ok frist up, the train ride: A little dissapointing. There were some strobe lights and only one or two ghouls that came though making random noises and getting in peoples faces. It was cool to take the train ride, but it wasnt really scary at all.
When we got off the train, all of us with combo tickets were sent to these big white tents. First up was Torment. The hospital feel was really cool, and I love how the farther you went, the weirder it got! The acting here was a little less than acting and a little more like beating the crap out of yourself, but the effect was bas ass!
From Torment, we went straight into the void. Can you say dark? Because I can! This maze in the haze was something else. I'll be honest, it wasn't scary, but it was pretty fun. There was crap haning in your face and countless wrong turns. It took my group quite a while to find our way out, no thanks to the actors wandering around in the dark.
After the void, we went straight into 3rd Dimension... no lines in between the events, I thought that was really cool. This event was something I had never seen before. the 3d aspect wasn't new, but the ideas were. I guess they had based every room on different holidays. I especially liked the amazingly corny Halloween room at the end. 3rd Dimension gave me a good laugh.
After the 3d event, we did have to wait in line for a little bit before we got into the big main house. Once we got close enough tot the front of the line, the show going on out front of the house was really cool. All the lights and the rocking music really set the tone for what was to come.
Our group walked into the first room and there was this huge guy in a top hat and cape. I was suprised, because I wasn't scared, but I laughed my ass off when he grabbed an empty water bottle that the lady in front of my was holding. He cackled something about how he would add it to his collection and then ran off through a secret door. After that, the house got a lot scarier. The acting here seemed a little more interactive than it had been in the other events and I really liked that. A lot of the rooms were kinda the same as I remember them from years past, but I always see something new, whether it was a new little detail like the fake wall that some chick jumped out of, or the new hidden compartment in a couch. The two things that stick out the most for me was getting the crap scared out of me by some little dude in the dark cave parts and then seeing that big dude with the top hat again at the end of the house. He was stading right outside the last door laughing he ass off. He gave the lady in front of me her water bottle back and told her that if he ever saw her again, he'd take a lot more than just some crappy bottle.
I loved Terror on the Fox this year, and I feel bad that I missed out on last year.
Overall, I'd say Terror on the Fox delivers a lot of fun, but, at least for me, it could be a little more scary. I loved seeing the interaction with the actors. Guys like the cook and the big dude in the top hat really stuck out in my mind on the ride home. I'd recommend Terror on the Fox to friends this year, and if I can get enough friends together on one night, I might even go back for another run!
View all Terror on the Fox reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by Dr Caligari (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 3:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
In the small town of Hubertus, there is something unsettling finding it's way into an old abandoned house in the middle of town. You are given a ride to this house and you are given the chance to tour it.
Undoubtably one of the older haunted houses in this area, this house again gives a stellar performance. Those who lurk within it are veteran ghouls and goblins (also don't forget the clowns....did I just hear laughter behind me?!). The attraction that they put together could be one of the best that I have seen them have.
One of the neatest things about the experiance is the building itself. It is a genuine old house. It adds a touch of authenticity that you can't build into a set. It a particularly notable example of this, one of the members of my group got all freaked out when he noticed that the spider webs on the stairs going down to the basement were real and not fake.
Once in the basement, you get all the authentic smell of damp earth and mustiness that really does exist. This makes the scares in this area particularly poignant.
One thing of note: This year they have one of the best 3D areas I have ever seen in a haunted house. The basic reason for this is that they actually do a lot with it. I have been in a number of haunted houses where a 3D area is just a little walk through their little 3D world. In this haunted house, there are actually some good solid scares that are hidden in the area. The 3D actually augments it and is not just a distraction.
The only problem with the scene is that it left many in our group wondering when we were supposed to take the glasses off. If you go, don't worry about this, they will collect the glasses when you are done. Just enjoy.
View all Hubertus House of Horror reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by CrazyKathy after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 2 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I went through the house on Saturday night and was extremely impressed at the creativity and ingenuity. Each room was more dramatic then the prior. The lighting and sound effects were spectacular and added to the frightfulness. Such attention to detail I had not expected or experienced before. At one point the floor dropped right out from under me! The drama in the room with the organ was fun. The rotating tunnel was fantastic and a favorite for everyone in our group.
I highly recommend a visit to this location. I learned later that due to a fire at a building next door and a concern for safety, the fire dept shut the electricity off to the neighborhood. The staff carried out the evacuation plan perfectly. Patrons were offered a voucher to return or their money refunded.The real losers here were the charities that benefit from the proceeds of this terrific project. Volunteers donate countless hours and hard work all year to prepare for the limited weekends in October. Already taking a hit due to the economy, the fire was responsible for losses in the thousands, which could have been given to the local charities. If you were one of those that had to be turned away,I recommend and encourage you to return in the next 2 weekends. You will experience a memorable "scare" and the charities and scholarship funds will be appreciative of your support.
View all Terror on Rural Street reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by BBWolf after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 4 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
AWESOME!! - Great scares and excellent effects. We were lost in the maze for what seemed like a half hour! The chainsaw guy was the best - he chased us all the way to our car! Good times
View all Haunted Trail at Scenic Ridge Campground reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by badgerman06 after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 5 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My fiance and I went to the Haunted Barn last Saturday night. It was really easy to find, and it is by far the best haunted house I've seen in the Madison area. We got there just before 10pm and had to wait about an hour to actually get in, which the ticket clerk told us was a much longer line than they were used to. Obviously they're getting the word out. It was really cold, and it looked like their hot chocolate and coffee sales were doing well. They also had a few actors warming up the crowd. Beetlejuice was especially good, sounded just like Michael Keaton. Once we got in, a kindly witch explained the rules to us, and she also mentioned that a lot of the actors had either taken breaks because of the cold or gone home. I would have to say that that trend held true through the entire tour. There were some creepy little kids taunting "You're not gonna make it", and of course prominent appearances by slasher favorites Jason, Michael Myers, and Leatherface. Beetlejuice also made his way inside, and this guy knows his stuff. Make some obscure reference to the movie and he'll probably get it. The rooms were laid out in a way that allowed the same actors to come around and get you again just after you thought you got away. The new building "Bloodshed" was not very impressive at all, except that they made good use of pounding on the walls and this was where we met Michael Myers. Props and decorating were good, especially the plastic hose maze section. There was not enough use of sound. Most of the actors did not even talk or scream. After going through both buildings, you follow a trail into the woods, which could have been truly terrifying, but was decidedly not. They did selectively place a few bright lights to keep you from ever really developing proper night vision, but there were a total of 3 actors in the woods. 3! I must say though that the woods did contain the biggest real scare moment of the tour. Be a good sport and check in the cabin. From there, just follow the trail back to the farm, completely unbothered. They tried to keep groups small and pace them well, although we managed to catch up to the group in front of us. Overall, a pretty good value for only $8, but they need more actors and need to make better use of sound and complete darkness.
Best haunted house so far in the Madison area. Good value at $8, easy to find. Need more actors, especially in the woods. Pretty fun, not so scary.
View all The Haunted Barn Stoughton (PERMANENTLY CLOSED) reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by CC2 (Newbie Review Crew Member) after attending on Friday, October 16, 2009 at about 2 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
This reviewer had never attended this event before, however, had heard good things about it and the producers of this project did not disappoint.
If attending all three attractions, the order of progression of what you will see is Morgan Manor, Morgana's Torment and Unstable.
Morgan Manor is a fairly elaborate house featuring a walk through a library, wine cellar and various other rooms full of actors waiting to meet you. Conditions are dim and hazy, but one can make out the dimentions of the rooms and see most of the actors approaching.
Morgana's Torment is essentially a series of darkened mazes to negotiate that involve passing through several inflated air bag enclosures and a hallway with a lazer light effect. You will hear from actors, but they tend not to appear.
Unstable is a walk through various stables, tool sheds, slaughterhouse/smokehouse where you will come upon actors working at their various crafts who become annoyed at your presence and make that known to you.
While you wait, expect to be visited by actors who will enter your pen through the gate or climb over the walls to greet you. Their presence and interaction help to pass the time time as you wait to be called to the houses.
Closed circuit TV shows tape delay footage of people going through the attraction prior to when you are led to the horse pens.
If you find yourself disoriented while negotiating the exhibits in Morgan Manor or Unstable, follow the actors who will subtly direct you to the exit of the various rooms, etc.
During my visit, I was well impressed with the investment the actors took in trying to startle and engage the visitors. Comparivitely, this was a strength of this haunt.
Look out for actors approaching you on foot, on all fours and even occasionally from above.
Morgana's Torment is reliant on maze strategies and is lightly staffed. The maze effects of Morgana are a diversification from typical haunts, however.
Unstable is also well stocked with table top and hanging props that the actors are using to enhance their performances.
Morgana's Torment was completed in about 10 minutes and would be somewhat disorienting to those unfamiliar with how to address inflatable bag tunnels. It is lightly staffed and reliant upon dark maze negotiations and sensory deprivation.
Unstable took about 15 minutes to complete and is a fairly open air concept attraction in a barn, thus is easier to follow if one looks up for perspective when confused/disoriented.
There are staff in-between each of the three attractions to route and organize guests and there are also portable toilet facilites available along the way, which is a well thought out convenience.
View all Wisconsin Feargrounds reviews
Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.
by Jane Sanders after attending on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at about 2:30 p.m.
Submitted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The day I went was quite busy. I thought I would be bored by the wait, but they have videos playing on a big movie screen and a DJ in a tent which made the time fly by. Also there were dancers that put on a awesome show with a Michael Jackson tribute. The haunted house had me jumping, flinching, and screaming. I think Ill go again just to see all of the creepy, scary stuff I missed the first time
View all Hauntfest - CLOSED - reviews
Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002
April 19th, 2024 5:20 p.m. CDT 24.01
Comments: (0)
Was this review helpful? Yes (12) | No (7) |