Our Third haunt of the year took us up to The Oconto Jaycees' Trail of Terror. This was my second time at this event, the first being a couple years ago. I was excited to get out there again as the first time was a lot of fun. Let me tell you, it was well worth the drive! A ten dollar ticket buys you a half hour, guided trail through the woods (depending how long it takes you to navigate the unguided maze....). The waiting area uses a number system instead of a line, and while it is not covered, there is a big bonfire and music playing whil you wait. Watch out for the snake pit on your way to the fire!!! My fiancee and I were put into a goup with four 17-18 year olds and another couple. All fears I had that it would be an obnoxious group trying to act cool were put to rest as the guys backed away from the haybale maze entrance and tried pushing the girls through ahead of them. The actors in this maze were great at scaring and misdirecting, and one actor in particular did the best job of staying in character no matter what happened. I don't want to give anything away, but you'll know who I mean when you see him! We and the other couple made it through and enjoyed a few laughs while we listened to the teenagers in our group scream as they took another 5 minutes to escape. I've never heard 18 year old guys scream and whine or seen people hide behind me like they did in this section. As I mentioned earlier, this is a guided walk through the woods, but don't let that fool you. It is better this way, as the trail isn't clearly marked at some points (such as the clown graveyard). Plus, the group we were with would have taken off running if they hadn't had to stay behind the guide. As this is a low budget haunt, the sets are not elaborate, they instead rely on their actors and the darkness only a woods can provide. The sets they do have are average in design, great in acting. My favorite by far is the scene where swine flu has obviously hit really hard, with symptoms we have not yet seen outside the woods. Also, the graveyard and the hunting camp are great. The actor's come at you from every angle, and I mean every angle. Also, they are allowed to touch you, so if you think something grabbed at your leg, it probably did. THe actor's did great, and the Jaycee's once again put on a great fundraiser. Props to them and their actor's, by far one of the best nonprofit haunts in the area.
Signage / Visibility / Location
This haunt, as a trail should be, is out in the middle of nowhere. It is easy to find, as it is one turn off of Hwy 41. There is a Sign where to turn, and flashing lights at the haunt itself tell you you are getting closer.
Wait Area / Line Entertainment
If you have to wait, they use a number system so you can walk around and not be tied to one spot. There is a bonfire with metal music and horror theme songs playing as well. Also, whatch for the snake handlers, somethingI have never seen before.
Actors' Performance
The actor's were great, they were dedicated and most didn't break character even if they knew people in our group. You never know who's going to come out from where.
Sets Scenes / Props / FX
Again, the scenes and sets are not elaborate, but they do not have to be. This haunt relies on your basic fears, the things in the woods that are going to get you. THe limited scenes they do have add to the fears, but again, it's the actors that make the scenes what they are.
Length
It took us 37 minutes to get through, and there is not a minute of boredom in that time. It is guided, so the guide determines how long it's going to take.
Crowd Control
We did not see any other groups ahead or behind us, but there were people waiting before and after we went through. I would say they space the groups out real well.
Most Memorable Moment
Has to be the teenagers in the haybail maze.
For ten dollars this is a great value. On their profile they say their scare factor is medium. I would say as in the past they do no give themselves credit. While not superscared myself, I cannot deny the scares there were after watching how the rest of the group reacted. I would say it is good for 12 and up, but a brave 10 year old should be fine if the parents want to deal with the nightmares. LAstly, remember it is an outdoor event, so if the weather looks questionable call them and makr sure they are open.
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