Please note: this review is for the 2018 season rather than the current season.

The Hill Has Eyes

by BrittanyAnnBula (Junior Review Crew Member) after attending on Monday, October 1, 2018 at about 7 p.m.

Fun Factor: Very High Fear Factor: Very High

Review

Upon arrival you will immediately notice changes this year and BIG changes for sure. This caused great excitement right away. I was thinking to myself this is going to better than last year was great!!

We purchased fast pass tickets since rain was in the forecast and we drove a couple hours to attend. The fast pass tickets are nice for a few reasons: 1. You may enter the haunts at your leisure. 2. There are bonfires going and if you would like to take a break in between haunts you can; without the worry you will be waiting in longer lines. Score for fast passes!! In the ticket area there is a bar and a DJ playing. That’s a nice touch especially if it is a busy night. Also, upon purchasing your tickets you must sign a waiver. I can’t believe more haunts don’t make you do this.

Haunt 1 – Top Secret Containment
This short haunt had very limited actors, but those that they had were great. They put the effort in and keep role extremely well. This haunt started the night a bit disappointed. I was hoping that the Hill has Eyes would pick it up a little bit upon exiting the first haunt only within a few minutes of starting it.

Haunt 2 – Failed Escape
The passion these actors have to make you feel like you are some where you aren’t supposed to be is exactly how you feel while you make your way through. This dark passage was full of actors and kept you on your toes. When the use of all senses gets used it makes for a great experience. The shocks, the sense of smell (maybe it was just me and the muskiness in the props because of rain) the unknown and the known makes for an exciting haunt. Not much has changed since last year overall, but the fun, excitement and dedication from the actors makes for a great time.

Haunt 3 – Hunger Hollow
As you enter the meat locker you never know what to expect. Crazy murdering husband, disturbed butcher, a crazy campground and a satanic church. I would have to say this part of my favorite haunt of them all. This haunt is the longest and the best in my opinion. It’s very dark, you walk along a dimly lit path and you go through several well put together scenes. The details that go into planning each scene is top notch. The props they have along the path make you anticipate something that isn’t there, but then boom; out of nowhere when you least expect it!

Haunt 4 – Scare Lift
To get to the last haunt you must take the ski lift to get you to the top of the hill. No scares, just your everyday ride to the top.

Haunt 5 – CarniVore
This was full of twists, turns and running into walls and dead ends. As you make your way through the carnival maze you never really know which way to go. Go left, go right, nope go straight ahead. You enter these small rooms never knowing what is right behind the curtain, be on your toes and ready for anything. The suspense that someone will be in the room as you enter is the worse. The clowns will come out of nowhere…so beware these aren’t your everyday clowns!! The music and the actors really make you feel like you are lost in the big tent! This haunt is relatively short but, packs a huge punch. This makes the night complete and a great way to finish.

Plan to spend about an hour here once you get going through the haunts on a decent night; on a busy night I wouldn’t be surprised if the lines are a couple hours long. This is an AWESOME haunt for a GREAT price.

Overall if you have been here within the last couple years I would give it a few more years before coming back. The haunts are very similar to the years past. The actors really make this haunt what it is. They keep you on your toes and really stay in roll very well. They are dedicated to making your experience great. If you never been here it’s worth the drive for sure and if you are local you need to make a visit.

If you plan of visiting this year mud boots or great shoes is highly recommended. With the large amounts of rain there was a ton of mud and slippery paths. They did a great job by putting straw down to help the path, but there are still some pretty slick spots. Kinda adds a great touch to the whole experience that wasn’t planned or hoped for.

Signage / Visibility / Location


Using a GPS will take you right to the place. Upon leaving your vehicle you may feel lost. Fortunately, there are people directing you to the tent where you can purchase your tickets.

Wait Area / Line Entertainment


There is a DJ, fire pits and a bar. There aren't any characters, but the fire pit and the DJ are a great touch. The bar is an added bonus to those would would like to enjoy a drink or 2.

Actors' Performance


Top notch; they are great, stay in their roles well and put a ton of effort into their performance.

Sets Scenes / Props / FX


The scenes are great and the details are amazing. The lights and the sounds fit perfectly to the scenes. I love the decorations and the small touches they add to some scenes to put it over the top!

Length


Once you start the haunt plan for around an hour.

Crowd Control


They have plenty of people directing and over looking the crowds.

Most Memorable Moment


The sinking ground where we almost biffed it, the vortex tunnel when we were trapped or the shocking experience of the narrow hallway!

Summary

Overall always a great haunt, but not much has changed from last year. The price for this length of a haunt is great. Rumors have it a new haunt is coming so we shall wait and see. They are also talking about big changes since people are getting tired of stale haunts year after year. That is a great sign that they are listening to their customers!!

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April 23rd, 2024 7:42 p.m. CDT 24.05