2019 Event Reviews

When people in Milwaukee ask me what haunted house they should go to, Abandoned is always my number one suggestion. Year after year, I am blown away by this haunt’s professionalism, fear factor, and constantly expanding space and ideas. This year was no exception. We had an amazing time during our visit to Abandoned!

The haunt has grown over the years to include 3 individual houses, one of which is a combination of indoor and outdoor. The space also includes a (new) axe throwing game, a souvenir shop, food, drinks, and a photo site. It is a very well maintained and managed site, with tons of parking, guides, bathrooms, and entertainment while in line. Our group all had quickpasses as well, and while it wasn’t super crowded, we experienced literally no wait at all for our haunts!

STALKER
Stalker is Abandoned’s outdoor(ish) haunt, and we chose to go through it first. We couldn’t have asked for a better night - the cool breeze rustled through the corn and the moon guided our way through. Within the corn, there was the perfect mix of spot lighting, misdirection from props, and just enough areas of “nothing” happening to build that creepy anticipation. The indoor sections were all really amazing and creative as well - we loved a trailer, a chicken coop, and the creepy coffin room. All of the scenes were incredible, and had the perfect amount of actors, who both knew when to scare and when to hold back. I especially LOVED the final scene!

HYSTERIA
This is such a long, detailed haunt - we loved the different levels you could see down into as well as the different floor types. I love how it begins, with an amazing, dramatic, foggy scene, and then uses a ton of different light types to distract and confuse you as you make your way through. There were a lot of rooms with a ton of attention to detail, and we experienced truly move-like qualities with fake snow, humidity, sounds, and smells. The actors were, again, incredible in this haunt - whispering to us through screens, remembering our names, and clicking in our ears. We also loved seeing a real mouse in this haunt (he was really cute and was obviously a beloved pet being held, not being poorly treated in any way)!

AMBUSH
This haunt had a super fun start to it with some sassy nuns! There were also a ton of startling and creepy people within it, including a girl curled up on a table and an actor who reached out to us from a really unusual place. This haunt featured a chainsaw actor as well, and my favorite scene, the subway car, which is always super unnerving. We also thought some of the actors were funny/scary in this haunt too, which I think makes for a really fun night overall. The only “downside” to this haunt was that we did experience issues with spacing, but it was toward the end!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Burial Chamber has long been one of my absolute must-see haunts for the season! Year after year, I’m impressed with the length, creativity, and scare factor of each of the three haunted houses they offer at their location - Adrenaline, Insanity, and Phobia. For those who don’t know, Burial Chamber is also the sibling to Abandoned, another amazing haunt, so patrons of both can utilize ticket combined ticket options. Our group attended their opening night, and purchased the combo Abandoned/Burial Chamber ticket, which is for all 3 haunts at each + quickpass entry for both locations, and we did have a bit of an issue with this particular ticket and Phobia (see more below).

ADRENALINE
We went through this haunt first, as it’s almost always my favorite of the night (and this night was no exception!). This haunt is the most “traditional” in terms of content - scary hospitals, military scenes, and creepy nuns make up just some of the scenes you will encounter upon. We loved so many of the actors in this haunt, experiencing specialized moments like breathing in your ear, singling out specific people in our group (pro-tip: if you’re in the front, whisper your friend’s name in the back to an actor to really creepy them out!), and some really great jump scares. We especially liked a confusing hospital scene that messed with our perception of reality!

INSANITY
This haunt is more focused on clowns, neon lights, and distorted reality. We loved the glowing elements, the strobe light maze, and some of the specifically scary costumes, including a demogorgan-like mask and a Samara-like figure (that I quickly rushed past in fear). This section also includes a spinning vortex, which I personally have an intense love/hate relationship with, and was sprinkled with actors along it, making it even more terrifying. Lastly, this section of the haunt includes the famous “Big Tina”, which is startling even when you’re expecting her!

PHOBIA
We were not able to go through Phobia on the night we visited. This was really unfortunate, because the haunt was closed early due to lack of a line, something we weren’t informed was a possibility when we got our tickets for all 3 haunts. There seemed to be some confusion from the staff as to what was open and what wasn’t, and we were disappointed we didn’t get the chance to go through, as I have always found Phobia to be one of the best outdoor haunts I’ve seen. Had we known there was a chance of it shutting down, we would have done that one first, however we were completely surprised by the info, and not able to come back at another time (we live about 2 hours away). They shut it down about 45 minutes before the ticket booth closed for the night. This was also all on their opening night.

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Tucked away between the fields and farmlands of Wisconsin is the infamous House on the Rock, a one-of-a-kind experience that combines one architect’s creativity for unusual spaces and a passion for collecting strange and unusual objects. It is a must see for Wisconsinites; half-museum, half a weird old antique store, and is one of the rare things that is even more unbelievable in real life than described. On a regular day, the House on the Rock is full of tons of strange and sometimes creepy objects, but every fall the weekends are dedicated to the Dark Side, a special route that focuses especially on the more haunted side of the attraction.

I am a huge fan of the House on the Rock for their normal season (my spouse and I even took our engagement photos there!), and for years now I have been curious about the Dark Side. I came with two others, and we were all very impressed with their dedication to decor and the overall length and size of the haunt. Red lights led you down into the starting area, inside the short museum portion, and then your path continues through portions of the second and third areas of the normal attractions, which is a very different route than one takes on the normal tour. Through these areas, several of the normal (creepy) elements are more heavily featured (namely scary dolls and dollhouses), and additional, more Halloween elements are added (like animatronics and props). All of this is accompanied by some amazing scary sounds that featured classical music and organs.

This haunted house is definitely untraditional, namely in the sense that it doesn’t feature very many actors, and some of the items are real antiques and collectibles. It’s very long, taking about an hour to go through, and certainly has a lot of attention to detail with a ton of decor, lights, and sound. However, I wouldn’t say it’s scary in the jump scare sense - it’s more psychological, and interesting from a historical standpoint. Our group felt they could have benefited from more actors and less props within the haunt, as well as a bit better crowd control, but overall it is a super interesting, fun place to go for the Halloween season. I would especially recommend it as an add-on to your normal day at House on the Rock - I’d love to see it during the daytime normal and then this version at night!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Green Bay Fear has been growing and morphing its scare tactics every year. From the murderous history of Shawano Manor emerges equally terrifying haunts like the disorienting Mr. Jingles’ Funhouse, the Twisted Trail of the disturbed and a Museum of Oddities! The haunts are set up to pick at every fear and exploit them. Mr. Jingles’ Funhouse was disorienting and had us left breathless. The Twisted Trail was dedicated to a terrifying walk in the woods. I could not get over how well the make up, prosthetics and masks were blended together. I stood face to face with one actor and couldn’t believe my eyes! Shawano Manor is a favorite! Their lay out allows you to get into a scene, experience the terror and the actors pile on with their unique characters. It is a full immersion experience. Green Bay Fear has outdone themselves!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Trail of Terror is in an isolated forest in Oconto, WI. When night falls, it is very, very dark! If you fear the dark, being chased or what lurks in the woods … you will find it ALL at the Trail of Terror. They are known for having the longest guided haunted trail in Wisconsin. It took us just over 30 minutes to make it out. The dirt path is dark and unpaved with tree roots and washouts, luckily our guide kept us safe. There are some unique props and sets that will have you crawling on your knees! The recent rainfall in WI was preventing them from opening, but we finally had a short break from the rain and was able attend on their delayed opening night. You can sit around a large bonfire while waiting and enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores. Remember to bring cash … no cards accepted! The Trail of Terror plunges you deeper and deeper into the forest with small torches that barely light the path. The darkness hides all the ghouls lurking and waiting to pounce. There are several “buildings, scenes and props” located throughout, each with a unique gruesome theme. If you are located in Northeast Wisconsin, The Trail of Terror is a unique haunted experience not to be missed!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Are you looking to get scared this October? If your answer is yes, then Revenge has you covered. Even before you arrive at the haunt, driving on dark country roads up to a 116-year-old barn will have you shaking in your boots. The entire atmosphere of this attraction will give you chills. This year was my second time coming to Revenge, and I have to say going forward, it will always be on my shortlist of haunts. The combination of the intricate scenery inside the house and the well-trained actors will leave you screaming until you get back to your car. I am glad Revenge goes back to the basics of what makes a great scare and brings new tricks that I have never seen before! I am already excited to go back next year to stand in line and get my Revenge!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Terror on the Fox is located on the grounds of the National Railroad Museum. It is effortless to find this haunt as they have many signs, lights, and parking attendants. The haunt has been in the Green Bay area for over twenty years, and their experience shows. This year the two attractions have gone through a refresh with stories to back up their theme. To read the backstory behind the haunts, you can visit the official Terror on the Fox website.

To start your journey, you hop aboard a full-sized, double-decker train that takes you on a haunted ride along the Fox River. The train has monsters scattered about to increase your adrenaline level before reaching the first haunt. After unloading from the train, you will find restrooms, concessions, and a terrifying-looking mausoleum in the background to remind you it's not all fun and games. Entering the first haunt, La Llorona, takes you through a winding trail outside in the woods. While walking through the woods, you come across many small structures and buildings that all have secrets to hide. Are you daring enough to see if you can find the Woman in White?

After exiting the woods, our fast pass tickets helped us gain entry to another private waiting area with food, drinks, restrooms, and a fire! The fire allowed us to warm up after walking through the chilly woods before entering the main house. Walking up to the Rise of the Dead attraction is always jaw-dropping. From the loud adrenaline-inducing music to the monsters singing and dancing, walking up to the main house is exhilarating. The main haunted attraction is a winding house of the dead that has surprises around each corner. Even from last year, the house has different scenes and updated scares that will keep even those who have attended in the past on their toes. Terror on the Fox is a haunt that I try to visit every year, and there's something special about this haunt that makes me want to return.

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Terror on the Fox has always been a go-to for me and my group of haunt enthusiasts—it is a veteran haunt with high budget scenery, make-up and numerous high-tech effects. In recent years, it seems that not too much has changed, and this year, although there were some significant changes, they weren’t all for the better.

Be prepared upon arrival—leave all pocketknives and metal objects secured in your vehicles. New this year, Terror on the Fox has upped security and you can’t even enter the front gate with these items. If you choose to leave them at the front gate, they’re left in an unsecured plastic tote—and your items may or may not be there when you’re finished with the haunt. Luckily, an officer patrolling the haunt took an item for us and held it to the end. Along with increased security at the gate, came increased security on the grounds and on the train. I’ve always looked forward to the actors approaching us on the train and climbing levels (not sure what I mean—you will have to check it out for yourself!) but this is a thing of the past. Be careful while taking pictures with signage and banners on the grounds—we were warned not to touch them in any capacity, even while lightly leaning on a fence.

This is a very popular haunt, and as we have in the past, we chose the VIP ticket option. We were able to skip all the lines and got a second shot at concessions and adult beverages before arriving at the main haunt! There is also a bon fire to sit around to stay warm! Be sure to dress warm and ready for Wisconsin weather—the first haunt is almost entirely outside, and all the waiting is outdoors.

Terror on the Fox offers two haunt experiences for one ticket price—LaLlorona: The Weeping Woman and Rise of the Dead (or what I refer to as the ‘main haunt’).

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

Think old-school haunts with classic make-you-scream scares are a thing of the past? Think again! This young, third year haunt has brought back everything that made me fall in love with haunted houses! Located just north of Green Bay in Chase Stone barn, from arrival to end, they have created an attraction to remember.

Revenge has combined the classic, with modern themes that will make you squirm. Close your eyes and picture everything you love about a haunt—dark winding halls, incredible scenes, some lighting tricks, engaging well masked and make-upped monsters—Revenge has them all!

Revenge is easy to find and is located not to far north of Green Bay, and offers and indoor waiting area, indoor restrooms and line entertainment.

If you’re a haunt veteran and you’re looking for a fresh, yet classic haunt to bring back memories and make you scream again, look no further than Revenge.

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment

While the early bird may get the worm the early haunt goer definitely gets the best scares at Abandoned! For the first time in my 30+ years of touring haunted houses I was able to score the pole position for Abandoned's Hysteria and Ambush adventures. (Surprisingly the Friday evening traffic through the I-94 construction between Milwaukee and Abandonded wasn't nearly as bad as it was a few months ago.) As a result of my good travel fortunes I was able to score a prime viewing spot for "The Rising" in addition to be the first ones to tour Hysteria and Ambush. If you're considering arriving early (prior to 6:45pm) to abandoned...DO IT! The parade of monsters and theatrics you'll witness will absolutely blow your mind!

Okay, for starters, let's just cut to the chase. If you're reading this review you fall into one of three categories. (1) Never been to a haunted house before; (2) Been to a haunted house but not Abandoned; (3) you've toured Abandoned in that past.

For those of you in Category (1)...if you or someone in your group is under the age of 10 you may want to think twice before touring Hysteria and Ambush. This haunt should not be taken lightly as you won't find a scarier haunt in Wisconsin! "The Rising" and Stalker are a little less intense and may be a better option to start with for those looking to test their courage.

For those of you in Categories (1) and (2), if you're capable of being scared (i.e. you're not 100% fearless) this haunt WILL scare you. If this haunt doesn't scare you, or at least make you jump on several occasions, it's very unlikely any haunt in Wisconsin will do that for you either. If you're a gore goer, appreciate a keen attention to elaborate detail or techno-scare junky like me Abandoned will NOT disappoint you.

For those of you in Category (3), Abandoned’s scare tactics have not changed in 2019. (i.e. walk-through style in your face scares with brief encounters with ghouls) You'll be pleasantly surprised with how many NEW techno-scares await in Hysteria as well as a few new twists in Ambush. (I'm still buzzing with excitement over the new Castle Room...it's SENSATIONAL!) 2019 was my 4th consecutive year visiting Abandoned and my most favorite edition yet!

Miscellaneous thoughts you might find helpful:

* Ever wondered how many ghouls await you at a haunt or what they all look like? If so, Abandoned gives you this chance every night at 6:45pm with "The Rising". Simply put "The Rising" will AMAZE you with how many elaborately made up monsters are onsite to scare you silly. Not to mention the spectacle of the parade is definitely worth the price of admission for it! (side note: viewing the parade is free and is certainly worth checking out!)

* You may have read that Abandoned is comprised of 3 haunts (...named Hysteria, Ambush and Stalker) In my opinion, there are actually only 2 haunts here. The best way to describe Hysteria and Ambush is one haunt with an intermission in the middle. You can't pay for each of these haunts separately like you can Abandoned's Big Brother Haunt Burial Chamber. NOR, are you forced to get back in a long line after you complete Hysteria. While you may notice a slightly different theme between the two sections of the haunt the scare style remains the same.

* While the terrifying tours through Hysteria and Ambush are all inside the waiting area is not. Stalker's horrifying haunt includes both an outdoor creepy corn maze and demented dwellings. Definitely DO come dressed for the elements

* This haunt does NOT offer numbered tickets. To enter the haunts, non-FASTPASS haunt goers must wait in a very slow moving line that's exposed to the elements. (The wait line entertainment is the best I've experienced though!) If you'd rather have your toe nails slowly ripped off than stand in a slow moving line I definitely recommend purchasing the FASTPASS!

Signage / Visibility / Location

Wait Area / Line Entertainment

Actors' Performance

Sets Scenes / Props / FX

Length

Crowd Control

Most Memorable Moment