It’s finally here! Halloween Horror Nights 30 opened September 3rd, and it is full of spooky goodness including scare zones, shows, and of course – HAUNTED HOUSES! I was lucky enough to get through all 10 of them last night and (after careful consideration and lots of thought) created my house rankings for HHN30! Take a look:
A quick warning: While I won’t be discussing house spoilers, it may be necessary to divulge a few generic details in order to explain a house’s position on the list. Proceed with caution if you have not yet enjoyed the event.
10. Revenge of the Tooth Fairy
Little James has returned from HHNLite to refuse the tooth fairies once again. When the boy declines to give up his lost tooth, the creatures exact their revenge on his entire family – and take James to forever live in their mysterious world.
I want to love this house. I really do. The facade is amazing, and there’s a cohesive story from beginning to end. However, as the parent of a 4 and 6 year old I just cannot suspend my disbelief that any child would refuse to give up their dirty tooth for a shiny coin (or, you know to keep mom and dad from getting hurt). I get that James is supposed to be spoiled, but I know a lot of kids. Even the spoiled ones wouldn’t act like this in the face of one of these gruesome fairies. It’s because of this one reason that I just can’t move Tooth Fairy any higher on the list.
9. Welcome to SCarey: Horror in the Heartland
Hello, anniversary nostalgia (my favorite part of a milestone event)! This house is a compilation of scenes from fan-favorite haunts set in the infamous Carey, Ohio. I won’t discuss exactly what’s inside (as that would be too much of a spoiler), but I will say that there’s a variety of both instantly recognizable and not-so-recognizable titles.
To be upfront, I generally don’t love compilation houses. So, it’s no surprise that SCarey ended up so low on my list. However, as much as I dislike compilations, I LOVE originals. I was really hoping that there would be enough beloved properties on the SCarey itinerary to sway me, but that just wasn’t the case. The first few scenes had such similar feels that I had a hard time identifying them. Moving forward, the properties I was able to identify were over far too quickly. I simply prefer long form stories to short glimpses – but that’s me.
8. Case Files Unearthed: Legendary Truth
Boris Shuster, famed HHN lore personality and talented private eye, investigates various monsters and mysteries – some of which are occurring in familiar locations. This house features a “film noire” style that differentiates it from the other available haunted experiences.
This house is, arguably, pretty darn unique. The atmosphere is completely different than any of the other attractions at the event. Plus, it’s got a ton of special effects and awesome monsters. It’s a good house. However, the repetitive mystery solving felt too much like a compilation for me to get into it. Others will go absolutely crazy for it, and that’s great!
7. The Haunting of Hill House
Enter the cursed Hill House where no one is safe and time is confetti. You’ll encounter some of your favorite ghosts and scenes in this attraction based on the hit Netflix series.
I LOVE this show, and I did enjoy walking through the house and watching these scenes and characters come to life. The only reason this haunt ended up so “low” on the list is because I realize that those unfamiliar with the property will not understand what is going on – at all. But that won’t stop me from enjoying a few more walk-throughs during the event’s run.
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Leatherface has returned to Halloween Horror Nights! Travel through some familiar and unfamiliar locations as you escape this family of cannibals!
Wow! This was a great house, complete with detailed sets, creative sound design, and some unexpected surprises! I did this house twice and noticed different effects and scares during each run. I’ll definitely be spending some more time with the Sawyers this season.
5. The Bride of Frankenstein Lives
Another returnee from HHNLite, this house takes place right after the end of The Bride of Frankenstein movie. With the castle in shambles and the monster seemingly dead, the Bride must do what she can to return him to life!
How often does a haunted house get to tell an actual love story? Not only is this house visually stunning, but it’s filled with compelling show scenes and “girl power” themes. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this house during the HHNLite event, you MUST make a point of walking it now!
4. Beetlejuice
I don’t even like the Beetlejuice film, and this is the most fun I’ve ever had in a haunted house. I don’t think I need to say any more than that.
3. Puppet Theatre: Captive Audience
A puppeteer and ballet troupe have been trapped in this old theatre for years, and they are desperate for an audience!
As a HUGE fan of the stage and former drama kid, I really appreciated the imagery and characters utilized in this house. While I won’t give away specifics, you should expect to travel through virtually every part of this beautifully creepy theater!
2. Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin
As Halloween grows closer, creatures and minions (both natural and supernatural) collect sacrifices and conduct rituals to summon the Pumpkin Lord.
So…..incredibly….beautiful!!! If you enjoy any kind of Halloween imagery or symbolism (pumpkins, skeletons, creepy creatures), you’ll love this gorgeous house! Plus, there are some super unique settings and scenes that can’t be missed.
1. HHN Icons: Captured
Longtime fans and newbies alike can meet the icons in all their gruesome glory! The whole gang’s here – including The Storyteller, The Director, Lady Luck, and of course, the one that started it all – Jack the Clown!
Yes, I realize that I just said I don’t like compilation houses. And yes, I realize that, at its core, this is a compilation house. The simple fact is that I don’t care. I adore the icons, and it’s been FAR too long since they’ve had the the “Chance” to make me scream. So while this house is my number one out of shameless nostalgia, it makes my heart indescribably happy to have them back.
You can visit Halloween Horror Nights (and make your own rankings list!) on select evenings from now until October 31! See you in the fog!
