I would first like to start by saying this is a gorgeous place. It is easy to tell the dedication to make this place feel like you are back in the times, the scenery, the sensations, the shops, and the stories, focusing heavily on creating realistic experiences for guests.
It does not matter what pass you bought - General admission, gold bracelet, red bracelet, or blue skull - This experience is unforgettable. I have been to the location twice and have thoroughly enjoyed it. However, there have been some issues with the times I have gone were a bit of overselling.
My most recent visit was Friday, September 8th, 2023, for the Blue Skull event, the first event and the first time sharing this with the public. Despite this, I wanted to try something new and was excited about the alluring event - I arrived close to the start and did not fill out a "waiver" until 9 p.m. We assumed our event would start around 11 p.m., but we waited hours - with no updates, until the beginning at 1:30 a.m., the first group had gone out. My event did not begin until 2:30 a.m. Over 7 hours, I left at 4:00 a.m.
As a Blue Skull pass holder, they instructed some of us that we could not go on regular trails, and considering how much the tickets were, we should have had that opportunity to go on the others. The pass itself was a regular-looking wristband. I would note that you should not expect interaction with the town that the red band receives unless you request it.
Another issue we faced was that because they were trying to get through to everyone, they started making larger groups, around five, but stated online that it would be no more than you and two others. On top of this, my group being the last, there was a debate about which of the three choices, and staff had stated that certain scenes were closed several times, and some did not even get requests met. As for the scenes, it was probably 65 degrees that morning, and the event was constant water. I think I got drenched at least two times, probably three or four. The long wait caused people to be agitated. When the event finally started, people struggled to enjoy the scene, plus the water made it even worse for several.
The biggest issue for me was the lack of communication and organization. I can understand, to a certain degree, a newly introduced event; regardless, this adequacy of instruction left more confusion and discomfort to the guests. To secure the secrecy and mysteriousness, they did not provide information.
There was an overhype with a lack of follow-through. I wish there had been a clearly defined schedule and the expectation that the wait would be that long. This experience had so much potential. Unfortunately, it did not follow through as I hoped. Moving forward, I do not doubt improvements. Implemented change can create a more organized event that pushes the guests and becomes more enjoyable.
All of this said, I do appreciate the effort put into this haunted attraction, I have never seen one quite like it. I look forward to seeing how this place grows and evolves. read more