Haunt Review- Field of Screams

Haunt Review of Field of Screams

 Well, we'd been hearing good things about this Lancaster Area Haunted House for a long time but until this season we hadn't been able to make it out. Happily we were able to arrange enough time and finally got to check out and see if the rumors are true!

Field of Screams was different, in a fun way. We didn't know much of what to expect so when we arrived and saw a Haunted House meets Carnival, it was a pleasant surprise! Plenty of options for food and drink, bathrooms and various shopping. But.. how good are the haunts?!

Haunt: Field of Screams
Location: Mountville, Pennsylvania
Date:October 10th, 2014
Cost: $14-$33
Overall Rating: Good
Opinion: Worth a Visit
Website: Field of Screams

!Disclaimer!

We were invited again this season to visit Field of Screams. This has in no way effected our opinion or the haunts rating, they earned that entirely on their own!

Haunt Review- Hundred Acres Manor

 Haunt Review of Hundred Acres Manor, They Did It Again!

 It's rare that I say I truly love a haunted house, it's even more difficult to get me to admit to this in public. It's only happened maybe five times in the last few years but Hundred Acres Manor has defended their right to be on that list, with some amazingly twisted goodies which make my dark little heart sing with absolute joy. It's rare that a haunt gets everything right, they take that envelope of "Basic Accepted Level" and "Lines Not to Be Crossed" and burn it on a pyre while giggling like lunatics. Hundred Acres Manor is simply deliciously evil in the show they create and present, it's Love at first Scream.

This season Hundred Acres Manor has 6 delightfully twisted houses for your terror and enjoyment, included an all new house called "Torture Tank". Which is something spewed directly from some hellish nightmares of a lunatic, we call him Ethan. Several of the houses have seen new improvements and additions, plus again this season they've changed 'The Maze' completely. Plus this season we've seen the addition of "Zombie Paintball" which is likely the best iteration of this theme I've seen done yet.

...but you can read more about that below, let's get this slaughter moving!

Haunt: Hundred Acres Manor
Location: Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Date: September 19th, 2014
Review Team: Kitsune Hazard and Carrie 
Cost: Between $18 and $35 (Online)
Overall Rating: Excellent
Opinion: Stop Reading. Go. Now.
Website: http://www.hundredacresmanor.com

!Disclaimer!

We where invited again this season to visit Hundred Acres Manor. This has in no way effected our opinion or the haunts rating, they earned that entirely on their own! 

Haunt Review- Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt

Haunt Review of Dorney Park's "Halloween Haunt".

When we got the invite to the Media Event for Halloween Haunt from Dorney Park, we really had no idea what to expect. We were unable to visit Dorney Park for a normal Park Review this year, so it's easily been a good ten years since we've visited. So we really had no clue what to expect, more so since so much has changed since our previous visit, which wasn't for Halloween Haunt.

With our invitation came an offer to participate in the "Mansion Meal" which is a four star dining experience inside one of the parks haunted houses, all while mingling with several actors from the haunted house. Naturally, we loved the idea in general and jumped at the chance to be guests of both Dorney Park and Chef Jan Giejda.

 They completely blew us away. Wow, People.
 Just Wow.

Haunt: Dorney Park
Event: Halloween Haunt
Date: 9/13/14
Review Team: Carrie and Kitsune (Special Guest- Filip)
Cost: $$31-$36 (Online)
Overall Opinion:  GREAT!
Opinion: Shut up. Stop Reading. GO!
Website: Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park 

!Disclaimer!

As stated above, we were invited for the Media Event for Halloween Haunt and for the Mansion Meal. This has in no way altered our opinions of the event, they never do! 

Haunt Review- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

 It's September! Which means Haunt Tour 2014 is ready to begin and following our normal patterns, we opened up the season with the Media Preview of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream. Always a favorite for our Theme Park Reviews, we're always interested in seeing what they've pulled out of the bag for their Halloween Event.

Date: 9/12/14
Event: Howl-O-Scream 
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Williamsburg, Virginia.
Review Team: +Carrie H.C. and +Kitsune Hazard
Price: $75.00
Overall Event Rating: Good  (Please Visit Our Rating Scale for More Info)
Opinion: Visit if Nearby.

!Disclaimer!

Please note that we were invited to the Media Event for Busch Garden's Williamsburg's "Howl-O-Scream" event. This included the 'Igor's Fight Feast" meal. It was also opening night so not all scares or actors may have been in place. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinions.

Overview and Complete Ratings

Travel Notice- Haunt Tour 2014 Kick-off!

 Travel Notice- Haunt Tour 2014 Begins Friday!

 Hey Folks!
Yes, it's been a bit quiet around here the last few days while we've been finalizing plans for the kick off of this seasons Halloween Haunt Tour!

 So we'll be on the road this weekend, which means that Haunted House and Haunted Event Reviews are coming up! We're kicking off the event with the Media Night for Busch Gardens Williamsburgs "Howl-O-Scream". From there we're heading up to Allentown, Pennsylvania and Dorney Park's "Halloween Haunt". To wrap up the busy weekend of travel, we'll be visiting Hundred Acres Manor here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

 So, keep your eyes on the blog! We'll be getting review up by the middle of the week so you can begin planning your own Halloween Visits! Make sure to check out our "Haunt Reviews" for last year to give you an idea of what you might enjoy this spooky season, Plus all the new reviews we'll be adding in each week!

 Remember, We'll be on the road.. A LOT in coming weeks. So you can follow along for tips, tricks and updates via Twitter, Google+ and Facebook by searching #HT2014.

Status Update- Haunt Season is Coming!

Status Update, Haunt Season is Coming!

 Well Folks, it appears the Amusement Park and Theme Park Announcements are finally completed for the summer. Which means it's getting into one of our favorite times of the year..

Haunt Season! 

Yes, Haunt Season is coming and we've been paying attention! With News and Reports gore-lore to fill up your need for all things spooky and scary. Coming soon you'll get big event coverage as well as our reviews of as many haunted attractions as we can manage.

Remember, we'll be using the hashtag #HT2014 this season. You can tag us or follow along with our crazy adventures through the land of haunted attractions.You can also check out last seasons reviews to help you plan your own Halloween Haunted House schedules- Haunt Reviews.

In the next week or so we should have a rough schedule together of what Haunted Events and Attractions we'll be reviewing this season, so stay turned, decorate your house and rejoice!

Canada's Wonderland- Wonder Mountain's Guardian goes to the Zombies!

Canada's Wonderland gives 'Wonder Mountain's Guardian' over to the Zombies!

 Confirmed today by Canada's Wonderland, the beauty of their new 4D attraction, Wonder Mountian's Guardian, is showing up for Halloween Haunt!

 For the Halloween Season at Canada's Wonderland the popular dark ride, Wonder Mountain's Guardian, will be changing format. Moving the ride into an interactive 4D dark ride featuring everyone's favorite video game past-time, killing zombies!  The park has been bragging that this will likely be a season thing, with the ride changing 'versions' as often as needed to keep it fresh and attractive to guests.

 We're just seeing the opening shot, so to speak!
 You can read more about "Zombies!" by visiting the website- Canada's Wonderland 
 You can also check out all the details and events for Halloween Haunt by checking- Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland

Castle Blood- Kickstarter for New Location!

Castle Blood begins Kickstarter Campaign for New Location!

 Folks, it's rare that I come to you as nothing but a humble haunted house fan. It's even more rare you will ever hear me personally ask you all for help and support.

 That's exactly what I'm doing.

 Castle Blood is one of the most amazing and unique haunted houses I've ever had the joy to visit. Both theatrical and comedic, kooky and fun this haunted attraction has all of it. If you haven't' read the review, you should. (It's right here Haunt Review: Castle Blood). Well Castle Blood has been forced to once again move locations, while the new place will  be amazing it needs some work. Which means the Castle needs our support, in the form of a Kickstarter campaign to updates to electrical and plumbing.

The NEW Castle Blood Location

 Castle Blood isn't just unique, the amount of experience this collective group of people have is simply mind boggling. They've consulted and help build dozens of other haunted attractions across the United States.

 The castle is moving into a more fitting home, a former funeral parlor in Monsessen, Pennsylvania. As I said, this has a lot more room and plenty of potential, it needs some love. Master Gravely needs help to update things like plumbing and electrical, fix some loose flooring and other goodies which makes the castle a safe place for all us silly mortals to visit.

 Over the last several months I've gotten to known many of the Denizens of the Castle, which only makes me respect them and their attraction more. They may be local to me but I've never come across a crazier or more devoted group of people. So dig into your pocket or couch and find a little bit to donate!

 They have several donation levels with all kinds of perks. Ranging from Stickers, T-Shirts, Castle Tickets and Monster Makeovers. If you've got some heavy money to drop, the castle is even willing to come in an re-design (monsterize) your personal man-cave!

Castle Blood Kickstarter 

You can also check the Castle Blood Facebook Page for information and updates! 

Haunt Review- Hauntville

Haunt: Hauntville
Location: Elyria, Ohio
When: October 26th, 2013
Price: $16 (Zombie Hunt is an Extra Charge)
Rating: Good
Recommendation: Check it Out if your in the Area!
Website: Hauntville

!DISCLAIMER!

We were invited by Hauntville to review their haunted attraction. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunt we visit.

 

 

 Hauntville was recommended to us by a friend who works for them. We hadn't heard of them before but since we planned to be in Ohio, we though it was worth a shot at contacting them.  We ended up with an invitation to check them out.

 However, I didn't know much about this haunt so I walked in blind. Having no idea of what to expect or what was offered in the attraction. I find when I do this I don't have any expectations and can enjoy what's being offered rather then viewing things with too critical an eye.

 Hauntville offers 4 themed haunted attractions in one location. Located in an old 'big box' store in a strip mall, they've got a lot of area to play with and they use it to good ends. Perhaps it's not the most visually amazing haunted attraction I've ever seen but it's the actors inside that really bring this place to life, making an otherwise unassuming building scary indeed.

(Keep Reading for the Full Review)

Haunt Review- The Fear Experience

Haunt: The Fear Experience
Location: Parma, Ohio
When: October 25th, 2013
Times: Closed for 2013
Price: $22-30
Rating: Good
Recommendation: Visit if Nearby
Website: The Fear Experience

!DISCLAIMER!

We were invited by Fear Experience to review their haunted attraction. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunt we visit.

 

 

  Honestly, I knew nothing of this attraction as it was one Kitsune had picked for a review. Before our visit I hadn't even heard of them before so I had no idea what to expect. 

 Although I admit, I'm rather disappointed they aren't running for the final Halloween weekend. It's a pretty good haunt which could easily attract people for Halloween and the final weekend of Oct/Nov. Sadly though they mad the choice to close early, so you'll have to remember this for the next Halloween season.

Fear Experience offers 4 haunted attractions located in Parma, Ohio. Hidden in once abandoned body of a big-box store, we found a fun and rather long haunted attraction. Each of the three haunts has a unique theme, while it's not amazing it's petty good and worth a visit. 

(Keep Reading for the Full Review)

Haunt Review- Scarehouse

Haunt: The Scarehouse
Where: Etna, PA
When: October 19th, 2013
Times: Thursday and Sunday from 7pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 7pm-12am.
Price: $19.99-$34.99
Rating: Very Good
Recommendation: Need to See!
Website: Scarehouse

!DISCLAIMER!

We were invited by Scarehouse to review their haunted attraction. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunt we visit.

  Oh Scarehouse, You never fail to deliver a great haunted attraction and this year is no different.

 There is a reason Scarehouse is one of the top haunted attractions in the US. Not only does this place have awesome owners but they work their tails off to promote and better the place each season. Each year some new twist or theme pops up, which becomes the focus of a crazy media blitz. This season was no exception!

(Keep Reading for the Full Review!)

Haunt Review- Castle Blood

Haunt: Castle Blood
Where: Monessen, Pennsylvania
When: October 19th, 2013
Times: Friday and Saturday- 7pm-11pm, Sunday and Halloween 7pm-9pm
Price: $15-25
Rating: Very Good
Recommendation: Check it out, This is NOT your normal haunted house!
Website: Castle Blood

!DISCLAIMER!

We were invited by Castle Blood to review their haunted attraction at their new location. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunt we visit.

  Castle Blood was a surprise. We knew they weren't your normal haunted house, but we really had no idea what we were walking into. 

 Let me tell you right now- Castle Blood is NOT your average "scream machine" haunt where people chase you with chainsaws into a gift shop. It's more like an interactive game of 'Clue'- Spooky Halloween Edition. It's a theatrical haunted attraction- in plain terms. To go there and expect the typical it will leave you disappointed. However, if you go looking for a fun time and the idea you will be interacting with people.. plus some scares- you'll have a blast.

(Keep Reading for Full Review!)

Haunt Review- Haunted Hillside

Haunt: Haunted Hillside
Where: Mount Pleasant, PA
When: October 18th, 2013
Price: $17
Dates/Times: Friday-Saturday 7pm-12am Sunday 7pm-10pm
Rating: Good (For a First Year Haunt)
Recommendation: Check it out if your in the area!
Website: Haunted Hillside 2013

 !Disclaimer!

We were invited by Haunted Hillside to review their first year haunted attraction. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunt we visit.

 One thing you must know about Haunted Hillside is the fact they are new. Brand new. They just opened in 2013 with only six weeks total to put together their haunted walking trail.  For such a short timeline they've gone a great job but it does need some work (again, brand new any haunt needs work their very first season). This haunt is local and freshly home-grown which really lends it a properly spooky air.

 Honestly we didn't know exactly what we were walking into with this attraction simply because we didn't even notice it opened up in our own backyard until Kitsune found a flyer lurking in a local store. We both were surprised and pleased to see a new haunt show up! After speaking to their owners, we learned just how new they are. 

 Overall what they've done in such a short time period is amazing. We were very pleased to find this long, well thought out attraction, even if it was rather cold and wet by the time we arrived. I can't tell you anyone who could pull off something better with only six weeks of notice. For their first season I have to say, this haunt has a LOT of promise! I won't tell you it was amazing but it is good, you won't see some of their scares coming and they couldn't ask for a better setting.

Plus a good portion of their admission cost is being donated to chairty, haunting for a good cause!

Keep Reading for a Full Review!

Haunt Review- Haunted Hills Estate

Haunt: Haunted Hills Estate
Where: Uniontown, Pennsylvania
When: October 18th, 2013
Price: $14-$25
Dates/Times: Through November 2nd. Thursday-Sunday
*Please Check Website for your day of Visit*
Rating: Very Good
Recommendation:  Worth it, Get Going but be aware this is a different style of haunt.
Website Link: Haunted Hills Estate

!DISCLAIMER!

We where invited to visit Haunted Hills Estate as Media. This has in no way swayed or altered our opinion of this or any haunted attraction.

Haunted Hills Estate is a home-grown haunt that's still in touch with it's family roots. It feels down to earth and alive but it's the amazing actors which really bring this haunt to life. It's been several years since we last visited Haunted Hills Estates and they've improved!

 It really was a pleasure to visit this place and while it may be hard to find, it's worth your time to get out there. This is an interactive, story driven haunted attraction which is something often missing these days in the world of commercial haunts.  The actors expect answers when they ask a question, they will be in your face and in full character. It's the actors that make this haunt as great as it is and everyone should experience this kind of attraction, so get yourselves down there!

They offer three separate attractions and you can chose your ticket, visit one or all three, it's your choice. The offerings this season are- Legends, The Dead Chambers and The Challenge Trail. Although for $25 your get all three and they can take some time to get through, so plan to spend some time at this place.

(Keep Reading for the Full Review)

[Haunt Review] Freddy's Haunts...Biggest Mistake EVER!

  This is probably going to be my only Haunt Review for the season, if not for as long as I can manage it.  I'm stating right up front that I am not a fan of being scared and it usually leads to someone getting injured but trust me when I say that my dislike of houses does not color my review. (The horridness of the haunt did that on it's own)

Disclaimer: I was not invited to this event and the fact that I wasn't invited didn't sway my opinions either.
 
  So this all started because my sister and brother-in-law asked me to join them for dinner and a haunted house and I figured "What the hell, maybe one house can't hurt."

Below is my review of Freddy's Haunts:

• Date Visited: 10/5/2013
• Review Team: Just me
• Support People: My older sister Amy and her husband, John
• Time: 9pm
• The house is located inside an aircraft hanger so it runs rain or shine

 (Click to continue on to the full review!)

Haunt Review- Howl-O-Scream 13 at Busch Gardens Tampa

Haunt: Howl-O-Scream 13
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa- Tampa, Florida.
When: September 27th, 2013
Price: Ranges from $30 to $80
Dates/Times: Thursday-Saturday (Visit Website for Details)
Rating: Very Good
Recommendation:  Worth the Price, Go if your in Florida.
Website Link:  Howl-O-Scream 13- Evil Comes Out to Play

!Disclaimer!

We where invited to Howl-O-Scream's Media Event, as part of this we where given a few perks in return such as front of the line passes and two free drinks. As such we where able to visit every house and scarezone to give you the best review possible.

Busch Gardens also asks that we remind you, this is not an event for small children. 

 Upon entering the park you get no break, no time to make your plans because your very first encounter with the "13 Evils" begins the moment your inside.  13 Doorways for 13 Evils, the scarezone is just as you enter the gates and the actors who portray each are absolutely excellent at their parts. They are high energy, in your face and just as fully twisted as their characters.  It's truly an excellent opening and sets the tone for a great event. 

At A Glance:  

 Howl-O-Scream 13 is a great event and the new theme for this year "13 Evils" works excellent for the park. The new theme and the re-design of some of the older houses just works, it's bumped the event up highly in my opinion from the last time we saw it 3 years ago.

 However, I have a few minor issue with the event which seems to be a problem with both Howl-O-Scream events in general.  While the houses in Tampa where all well done and excellently themed, the clowns just need to go. Nothing about that haunt is scary and most of it falls into the realm of just plain annoying. If your looking for a house to skip, make it the clowns because it's not worth waiting more then 15 minutes maxium for.

 My second issue was the scarezones, which desperately need more actors in them.  Now, I can't tell you if this was "first night" problem or not but these areas are well themed and they should be staffed by far more people. If that happens, I'd rate them as excellent and bump the park's rating up to Excellent. However, as I saw it.. their grossly understaffed.

 Below I'm breaking out the event into two categories: The Houses and The Scarezones.  

 This is to not only keep things straight in my own mind but to allow the reader an easier time.  Each "House" will be giving a rating and description along with letting you know which of the "13 Evils" can be found there. In an effort to keep the scares a secret for your future enjoyment, I will be rather vague but shall attempt to explain as much as possible.

Read on for a FULL breakdown!

Info Post: Halloween Horror Nights 23 at Universal Studios Orlando

 Halloween Horror Nights is easily one of the most popular and largest Haunted Events to take place at a theme park. In the past HHN has been known for being crazy with their theme's, pushing the boundary of what's acceptable and going one step beyond that line. While this season Halloween Horror Nights doesn't exactly have a set theme or icon, they've gone just as crazy as they have in the past. It seems this season has gone with a television/movie theme with most of the haunted houses and scare-zones.

T

 To begin, let's take a look at the map for HHN23. The set up is very similar to years past with a line of haunted houses along the main drag of the park, the rest are located around the lagoon loop. Although this year we see less of the parks 'normal' attractions open then in previous seasons.

 This season the only attractions open are the roller coaster Rip, Ride and Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black, Simpsons the Ride, Kang and Kodos Twirl and Hurl, Despicable Me and Transformers.


Now, Onto the Haunted Houses!

Haunt Review- Hundred Acres Manor

Haunt: Hundred Acres Manor
Where: Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
When: September 15th, 2013
Price: $18
Rating: Excellent
Recommendation: Go, Right Now.
Website Link: Hundred Acres Manor

!Disclaimer!

We where invited up to Hundred Acres Manor to review their haunt by their staff. 

 It had been several years since we last saw Hundred Acres Manor, I believe it was 2010. 

 Back then, the show was good but what we saw on Sunday night was a shock to the system. Let me tell you, this haunt has considerably upped their game and it's visible from the moment you look at the haunt.

 We arrived about 8:30pm on a Sunday night, it wasn't very busy at the time. Later we learned they had massive numbers over the weekend due to being one of the only haunts in the Pittsburgh area that opened early.  From the moment you get close to the door you just know something amazing is going to happen, it tingles down your spine. 

Haunt Review: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Event: Howl-O-Scream
Where: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
When: September 13th, 2013
Price: $72.00 (Fall Fun Card with Unlimited Admission to the Park and Event)
Rating: Decent-Very Pretty and Well Themed but not Scary.
Recommendation: Go if your nearby.
Event Link: Howl-O-Scream  

!Disclaimer!

We where invited by Busch Gardens Williamsburg for the Media Event regarding Howl-O-Scream. In this included a second day admission, it was also opening weekend so all the scares may not yet have been in place or fully operational.

Our night began at 6:13pm with some pirate style shenanigans in theme with the newest haunted house that's come to Howl-O-Scream, Cut Throat Cove.  Our hosts we're the lovely 'Stephine' and his first mate, who entertained us while the Busch Gardens staff was getting ready for their presentation to the media members assembled.  The park was nice enough to throw in a few goodies also, we got free tickets to the newest themed eatery for the event called "Blood Banquet" as well as a voucher for free face-painting (because seriously, who doesn't like face-pant?!). 

Also included was a free 'Howl-O-Scream' drink cup and a draw-string bag which advertised the new show for 2014, London Rocks. 

After a bit of time we finally go to hear from Kevin, the director of public relations for the park who gave us a nice run-down of the new TERRORitories and some more information about the newest themed area.  Next we heard from Scott, who gave us a run down of the entertainment as well as some incite to producing the event.  At this point it was about 6:45pm and all of us were getting twitchy, we wanted to explore the haunts. Finally we were released and dozens of media folks spilled into the park, cameras at the ready. 

Haunt Tour 2013- Starts Today

Happy Friday the 13th!

 That means the Halloween Season has officially begun and it's one of my favorite times of the year! Starting today our project with our sister site Kitsuneverse is kicking off our massive 2013 Halloween Haunted House Tour!

 What does this mean?

 InSanity lurks Inside and Kitsuneverse work hard to bring you the best reviews of haunted houses and halloween events across the east coast. We provide reviews and ratings for those who travel or just enjoy a good scare. We also do our best not to give away the scares while point out what to look for.

 The 2013 Haunt Tour begins with Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream event tonight for their media event. Our reviews of a haunt generally go live to the public within 24 hours of our visit. So expect Howl-O-Scream in Williamsburg to be live Sunday Morning. On Sunday we will be visiting Pittsburgh's own 100 Acres Manor for their review!

Who are we to be rating these Haunted Houses?

InSanity lurks Inside and Kitsuneverse have been working in the haunt industry for a combined 35 years experience of both working in haunted houses as well as visiting and review them. We're impossible to scare but we still love haunts and you'll often hear us comment about how much we miss scaring the pants of people. There is nothing like the sounds of chainsaws and screams in the night to make an old haunter twitchy to play! 

 While it's damn near impossible to scare us, we offer the challenge each season to the Haunt's out there. Scare us if you can! Do you want to scare us? Do you think you can? Is there a Haunted House you want us to review? Leave a comment here or contact us InsanitylurksInside@gmail.com or KitsuneHazard@gmail.com 

Are you looking for a Haunted House that's open early?

 Well Kitsuneverse has the information you need to start getting to scream on early! He's got a nice list of many haunts that open up today! Check out "Looking for an early scare? Here's the haunted houses opening Friday the 13th!"

Want to follow along?
It's easy! We'll be posting little updates and photos to our various social media networks including GooglePlus, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare! We'll also being using the hashtag #HT2013 and hashtag #HauntTour2013 so you can keep track of us that way!