I got to come here close to Halloween with some friends, and didn't know what to expect given none of us had been before. I'm a sucker for Halloween haunts - the scarier, the better. I especially love when organizers put a lot of work into the details. This "park" was located on the bottom floor of a shopping mall, next to the 24-hour fitness. The pros: the actors did a nice job, groups were staggered so that we never ran into another patron (though it wasn't crowded the evening we went), and I appreciated all the special effects, especially the effort the actors put into trying to scare us. (I would give a 4/5 for scares and 5/5 for effort.) The cons: the price was quite steep for what ultimately amounted to only 15 minutes of scares, and as others have said, it was really only one haunted house, not two as advertised. If you come on a weekday evening, you don't need a fast pass (which also upped the price, along with service fees). Even without the pass though, I've paid similar to a fright night at an entire theme park. Worth trying once (without getting the line pass), but likely wouldn't do it again. read more

This scream park is located inside the mall and the entrance is by 24 hour fitness. I go to haunted houses every year and would rate this one 3 stars. I do like they offered fast pass for about $10 more and it's worth it! Saved us at least 45 minutes to get in. The characters are walking around ready to spook you! It was too hot once we got inside the mall while waiting in line. They give you a flashlight before you walk in because it's very dark inside. The flashlight didn't help much I should have brought my own. It advertised there are two haunted houses but it feels more like one because you only enter and exit once. Overall I liked how long it lasted and plenty of people to scare you. read more

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Bought upgrade immediate pass however I didn't realize the print out did not only said fast pass (requested for refund of the difference and awaiting response) Came on 30th before 7pm. No lines upon arrival but there were influxes of crowd intermittently. The entrance attendees were awesome and actors were nice. Set wasn't as elaborate but will keep you wondering and waiting for a scare every corner. I don't think you'll need immediate pass or even fast pass on certain hours but I didn't want to take the risk of wasting time waiting in line. Is it worth $176 for three people for about tops 20 mins of scare time? Not for me. read more

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If you're easily scared because you're a girly female or under the age of 13 then you may get a trill out of this but if you're anything other than that, you'll probably be as bored and disappointed as I was. I yet yesterday 10-17-2025 at about 11:00pm. I purchased the Immediate Entry with the respawn pass, which for two tickets came out to $138 + $7.50 service fee + tax, so this attraction is not cheap. I purchased the immediate entry due to their website showing that tickets for various times were either "very limited" or "sold out", so thinking that their would be very long lines "up to two hours" as stated on their website and on other yelp reviews, I bought the pricier immediate entry tickets and knowing that there were only two mazes, I thought it would be fun to do them twice for a fuller experience. When I got there, there were a total of ZERO people in any line. So either their website showing tickets were "limited" is full of crap or by 11:00pm everyone who wanted to do this attraction on a Friday night already had. So paying for the immediate entry was a waste of money. Honestly my advice if you still want to go, is don't buy tickets ahead and go check out if there is a line and if there is, leave and come back when there isn't. For the attraction itself, it consists of "two" mazes which are only separated by a door and a dude whom tells you, you've made it to the half way point. Both mazes are just your typical, butcher shop, bathroom, bedroom and hallways type of rooms. Nothing special or really creative at all. The rooms are dark and they give you a tiny flashlight, but as for other lights, there aren't any. No black lights, strobe lights, lasers, fog, or anything cool you'd expect in a horror attraction. Just random fake limbs and dirty, old household items made to look spooky. Also like 5 animatronics and a bunch of air canons, which I don't know who told them compressed air is scary. Also no scary sounds or music, aside from the scare actors repeating the same things over and over and banging on the walls. As for scare actors, there were probably about a dozen that would get recycled throughout the two mazes. None were all that scary, imaginative or interested in trying very hard. If this was $25/ticket I wouldn't be writing this review. But at the prices they charge, it's ridiculous. read more

Very disappointed with my experience, drove 2 hours to come for a less than 10 min walk thru It was 9 o'clock, so I don't know if the workers were tired by the end of the day only two people jumped up at us. They give you a flashlight and tell you not to point it in no one's face , okay no problem so as we're using the flashlight to look at the decorations on the wall, not pointing it in anyone's face. A guy with pink braces yelled at us threatening to get us all kicked out and kept yelling no flashlights in the face ! Keep the flash light down ! I'll get your whole group kicked out ! Over & over Hella rude. I should've saved my money and gas and then when I spoke to the manager, a tall white guy with dreads all he did was offer for me to go back through by myself, but the experience wasn't fun and he didn't apologize for his rude worker either. Definitely don't recommend read more

This is THE BEST haunted house in the Bay. Hands down. High quality scares, characters, rooms and staff. The maze was accessible, suspenseful, and well managed. I would HIGHLY recommend doing it twice- once with the flashlight and once without. It takes it to a whole new level of fear and adrenaline. read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Teddy. Everyone's friend. Absolutely unhinged. No hands. 10/10 - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

Captain Jack is the most kindness and humorous of them all... But dare if you will and go inside to see some of the scariest faces and screams. Definitely would come back! Only recommendation is that they actually make it two houses vs combined into one. Note: do not recommend for children! They will be scared. read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

Got the "immediate admission" tickets, and it came in handy to skip the lines the Saturday before Halloween (yes, there was already a line when they opened at 5pm). But I think the Fast Pass tickets would have been sufficient and better value (if you're arriving closer to opening time). It was fun. We had a single flashlight which was so cheap and dim that it was almost pointless to use. Besides, it's not exactly pitch black in there, so we could see the themed decor and setup just fine... as well as the monsters that creep up on you inside. I like that they didn't just do the typical jump scares... in fact the quieter creatures and characters were sometimes creepier. The sets were decent, not cheap looking, and the costumes and makeup of the actors were pretty good, for both those inside the haunted attraction and others outside scaring attendees waiting in line. I like the thrill of haunted houses, so in our short-lived, somewhat overpriced, excitement of "two haunts" combined into one continuous walk-through, I made sure there was lots of screaming :D read more

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I don't really understand the negative reviews for this place. We happen to go at a low time so we didn't really have to wait. The actors were very scary and we had a great time. The other staff were very nice and accommodating. Overall I would recommend this experience. We've been going for the past 4 or 5 years, and we've always had a good time. read more

Heard very bad things about this event on TikTok they personally invited creators and asked them to film and show themselves going through and for some reason only the Black creator was grabbed on and repeatedly told she couldn't record and put her phone away while non black creators were allowed to have a full setup with selfie stick and lighting with no interruptions to there experience! I will not be participating!! Wish there was a No Star rating option! read more

Man, this just wasn't it. The line is super long, and we get to the front only to learn there's NO lighting and we have to do the whole thing by flashlight?? One of the best parts of a haunt is the set design. Themed rooms. Props. Strategic lighting. This felt sorely understaffed too. Hardly any actors inside. Hardly any scares. The actors out in the lines were better than anything inside. It cost way too much to be that underproduced. We went to Dead Time Dreams in ESSJ and it was AWESOME and half the price! Hope y'all put more effort into it next year, but we won't be back. read more

Better than the last time, definitely recommend 10/10. We went as a group of 6. Definitely put us in the Halloween sprit.

If this cost $12-15 it might be worth it. Production value is low, you walk through room after room with the same formula.

Well it was very scary my friend Giuly said she had fun and enjoyed it.I really loved this place !!! Coming back soon with family and friends read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - This place was very scary my friend went on to Snapchat and started dancing !! - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

I loved it! The actors were amazing. I was spooked, but enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you for a great night out. read more

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Its absolutely bullshit to the next level, waste of money and time. It should be for kids under the age of 12, its not exciting, NOT SCARY at all. Please dont wase your time. They have more security outside the door then the crew inside. Guys it's not a bank to have 20 security but only a few crew members Inside the maze. Not worthed at all. NOT SCARY. ABSOLUTELY NONSENSE. read more

It was a fun experience for the most part to cap off a wonderful birthday night for our eldest. Wait time in line for general admission was a good estimated 15 minutes. I got a good scare and scream throughout the maze for myself and my bunch. However, I found some of the security and actors to be a bit hostile. I get they deal with a lot of people and in some situations things can get a little tense and safely for their actors is a concern. But mind you my group of preteen boys were literally just being kids goofing off in line and playing a game to help pass time as we waited to get in. I observed my group's interaction with the few actors passing and for the most part they responded with typical behavior as if they were startled or scared. But one of the actors & security took offense to some of the kids reaction and security gave them a warning to behave or they'd be asked to leave. I didn't address security but rather as a mom chaperoning 10 teenage boys i just reminded them to stay close to me, be kind and respectful. But honestly I think they were just as confused as i was by the verbal warning. Nonetheless we went about our night and made it through the haunted house, the kids got a kick out of the maze. Although, I do think there should be a little more direction or guidance inside because it's so dark we ended up following the exit signs above and was scolded by an actor for going the wrong way. Lol, it was an honest mistake on my behalf I just couldn't see. Honestly, a lot of the people working there could use a serious break and maybe a few kind words (thank you btw). I know I can't speak on their working conditions but in my opinion it reflects in their demeanor. Nonetheless I would say give it a go I enjoyed it and so did my bunch. The bloody bunny doll with a button for an eye was probably the only one that we saw in line waiting that stayed in character and didn't have a complete attitude. Lastly the preacher character, talking to a bunch of preteen boys about their "private parts" was inappropriate, unprofessional and unprovoked. You're an adult (working at that) DO BETTER please and I do mean that in the most respectful way possible. read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Waiting in line - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

We came with a group of parents and a bunch of 13 y/o teens on a Saturday night before the park opened. The lines weren't very long. There were already several actors outside doing their scare tactics, and getting the visitors excited. We were in line for about 20 minutes. They gave us a tiny flashlight before entering the maze, which hardly helped because it was really dark inside. I like that with only a few steps, we were already inside the maze. No time wasted. I was in the very front with another mom and the kids were behind us. The other parents were at the end of the line. As we opened each door and entered a new room, I got chills down my spine. The teens were clinging to each other and shrieking all kinds of stuff. The experience was thrilling to say the least! They did such an awesome job on the production and audio visual effects; the actors were amazing and remained true to character! Totally worth the standard entrance fee for us. We came out panting and out of breath! Lol! The kids and I talk about it to this day, and we still get goosebumps. read more

I tried to scare myself by falling back into the darkness but it didn't work. Long drive for nothing. No one in our group was scared AT ALL! Waste of money and time! read more

The experience was okay, what upset me was my partner lost an earring during the jump scares and she reached out to be told they had the earring in hand, because someone was honest and gave it to them. She couldn't pick it up that weekend so I went the next weekend. What happened next was one of most frustrating experiences I ever. They had me wait hours at the mall to tell me that the earring was no longer there. They gave me the runaround for weeks, essentially telling me that the ring was either stolen or lost. No responses from Steve the manager and the person who "accidentally thought they took it home" stopped responding as well. I'd be surprised if we were the only people whose lost items who stolen. If it was a phone it'd be easier to get but half of an earring set? It just boggles my mind. Posted the messages because it was really upsetting. I don't think it's worth filing a police report, but please don't expect human decency from the Managment or people running this event. Purely disgusting to steal from people who are paying 40-50 a head for a 5 minute walkthrough through hard corridors. If you were planning to steal it, or lost it, just own up to it next time please. Don't do this to another couple. read more

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This was hands down the best haunted house I've ever been to. The scares start before you even get in the haunted house doors, and once inside I have never screamed so much in my life. After you get out, the non-actor staff are incredibly friendly. I really can't recommend this haunted house enough read more

As some one in the age range 15-20 this is not scary the actors try at least but it is so short the lines aren't spaced out there were people ahead of us and people behind us. That was the scariest part. The ad is fake and i beg you to go spend your money in a better place. Theres nothing to do after. It'll make kids under 10 scared sure, and 30 year old women. More actors outside than inside. Ridiculous cash grab. It might be worth max 15. #1 haunted house in the bay area my ass. Genuinely worth a refund. read more

Yelp's current rating of **2.5 stars** is spot on. Purchasing tickets online is easy. Pricing fluctuates by demand. We arrived at the mall at 6:45 p.m. The website says that Fear Overload opens at 7:00 p.m. However, they did not open the mall doors/Fear Overload until 7:30 p.m. Once you walk through the mall doors you will enter another line to go into the haunted houses. There are three lines - immediate access, fast pass, and the regular line. As we got in line at 6:45 p.m. we probably had approximately 30 people (=8-10 groups/parties) in front of us in the FAST PASS line. Once we entered the inside line, we did not get to go into the haunted houses till 7:55 p.m. So we stood in the FAST PASS line for over 1 hour. Here is why the line, even for FAST PASS, is long. They let one group/party in every 1 minute. So if you are the 10th party in the inside line, that is a minimum of a 10-minute wait, but wait there is more. The immediate access line gets priority over anyone else. Then they let 1 to 3 parties of FAST PASS people in, then 1 regular line party. I would estimate that once you get into the inside line you have a MINIMUM of a 1 hour wait, which explains why some of the reviews said they had to wait 4 hours!!! That is crazy!!! Enough about the ridiculous lines, let's talk about the haunted houses themselves. Remember this isn't HHN (for those who are not familiar with that - Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, basically the best haunted houses you can go to because they have access to props from all the great horror films). It is super dark even with the tiny flashlight which is dimmed, you can barely see the props. All the walls were just wood with some random spray paint. What few props we were able to see were pretty lame, the actors were actually decent, though they lacked the scare "startled" aspect. You can basically see them when you enter the room, they don't really jump out at you to scare you. Remember to go through the doors, not the black curtains, but it is so dark, sometimes you can't see the doors. Overall, it took approximately 10 minutes to go through both haunted houses. Is it worth the wait, probably not, but I wanted to check it out and I did, highly doubt I would go back again. If you are looking for the ultimate haunted houses, go to Universal Studios!! read more

Couldn't go to HHN this year for a proper scare but saw this place on fb ads and decided to check it out. Now normally I don't go to any haunted houses in the Bay Area due to them mostly being pretty disappointing to a lord of horror like myself. Decided to make an exception this year. Entrance to the maze was interesting, which is basically a series of opening six doors in the dark before the maze starts. The maze inside mainly consists of darkness and not so much light effects or synchronized sounds. There was a few times someone snuck up on me like a Naruto ninja that surprised me. Also someone dropped a prop head on my foot and said sorry haha. Do yourself a favor and get a fast or immediate pass to not waste your time. We got the immediate pass and were glad we did because the regular line was out the mall door basically. Whole thing lasted 30-40 mins. Minus one star for price/length of maze. read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Entrance - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

It was wildly disappointing. Eva and I have been to every single Haunt available in the Bayarea, and we had very high expectations based on the advertising and website. Nothing on its website you will see at the Newark location, it's basically a dark poorly decorated labyrinth with boo holes, and zero effects. We waited 2 1/2 hours in line and were promised 2 separate haunts. It was actually just one stopping point in the middle with the same style decor and they just verbally told you this is second haunt. Save your money. If you wish to visit a great professional haunt, visit nightMARE Island in Vallejo, they actually do much bets than pirates of Emerson! It's best of the best! read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - 2 1/2 hour wait for worst haunt in the Bayarea - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

The friendly staff, immersive set design, eerie soundscapes, detailed costumes, impressive special effects, and especially the talented actors made the experience unforgettable! My date and I were completely drawn into the chilling Halloween atmosphere that Scream Park masterfully crafted. read more

Went tonight to the fear overload with my boyfriend we dressed up in our costumes I was a deer and all the actors wanted to eat me LOL... we walked in and BAM straight followed by one of the scare actors I loved it! I screamed so loud. sadly was too scared to go in but they handed me a light necklace to warn the actors not too scare me, but still got scared (in a good way) all these horrible reviews made me mad. Yall don't know how to have fun and it shows. This place was great. Makeup and costumes were outstanding. There is 2 haunts and everything is so detailed definitely worth the price. I also had a favorite scare actor (teddy) they were the chillest and sweetest monster out there, but still absolutely terrifying. Will miss that little monster !! I recommend! read more

Definitely not worth the price. I went on a Monday night so maybe the best actors weren't on shift but it was not scary at all compared to other haunted themes parks I've been to. The actors need to scare the people more (yell at their faces, be more loud, follow people). I was disappointed and it was short. Would not go again. read more

I paid more for the express line and walked in and they told me and my friend to walk out and get out of the line. We thought they were jealous. We asked which way we should should go and they were out if character and told us tp go out and said they believe the actors over us and said they're family and they'll believe them Over customers even tho I had picture proof. Don't go here unless you wanna go for nothing. read more

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I'm scary but I love going to haunted houses. This was the first time at this location. I'm glad I didn't upgrade my ticket because there wasn't a line. There are 2 haunted houses. They really did a good job with decorating. You couldnt tell what was going to jump at you or not. They also give you a flash light. read more

We had a great time!! These guys really know how to make you scream Definitely a new tradition for us. read more

Fear overload never disappoints My husband took our kids. He said they changed it up so it wasn't the same layout as last year. But just like last year, our kids were running out of the mall screaming with terror. Thank you to all the great scare characters for doing a great scary job! read more

Wow, don't waste your time or money. Waited in line for 3 hours 20 minutes and the 2 haunted houses only took 10 minutes total. When we came out it was exactly 3.5 hrs from when we got in line. Line was out the doors down the block just for security (which I get and very much appreciate that there was a security check). Covid practices for the event state mandatory masks. People were most definitely not wearing masks in line in this crowded mess and never saw a single staff ask anyone to put one on. They also state that this event is contactless as possible but concessions are cash only. Doesn't make sense. Someone takes pictures of your group before going in but even she must've got tired of the slow lines and left before we even made it to that point. The props were never wiped down and touch by countless people. It also states no smoking, drugs, or alcohol and there was definitely plenty. Even inside the mall people were smoking around us. And after all of that both haunted houses were not great and didn't have a scare. It's so crowded inside as well that you hear anyone's scream before or after you and know what's to come or actors are only scaring every other group because of this. Only thing to be thankful for was free parking after spending a waste of time here. read more

Lines are WAAAAAAY too long. My party has been in line over an hour, moving about an inch every five minutes. We even paid extra to get in here early and it's doing nothing to help. I'm sure once you get inside it's fun, but the line is so long most people will die of thirst before getting in. It's really unorganized too. When we walked into the mall, there was a sea of people standing around. We had no idea where to go or what to do. There needs to be roped off lines and employees helping people figure out what to do. We even asked an employee what the extra $5 we paid gets us, and he had no idea. The music and art is weird too. They're playing rock/metal music at what's supposed to be a horror themed event, not a a rock concert. The art on the wall looks like something you'd see on a hipster IPA can at BevMo. Nothing about the environment says "scary". Get better management and do a better job moving the line along. I didn't pay to stand in line all night. read more

Went with friend on Friday night of Halloween weekend, line was about 10 minutes (no fast pass). The scare level was pretty good - actors were in character, but they are not allowed to touch you. So it gets your heart racing, without making you feel like your life is in danger There are 2 (connected) rooms, took 10ish mins to go through. Exit signs are very visible in case anyone feels overwhelmed. If you get lost, the actors will also point you the way in character, which is nice They let one group in at a time, which helped us get an immersive experience, but we do feel bad for the group behind us. My friend and I were a bit slow due to being lost in the beginning, so the next group ended up not too far behind us and saw us get scared in front of them, probably broke their immersion a bit. Maybe some more flow control can help avoid this? Overall 4/5, docked one star because the ticket was a bit pricey for the experience (which was great, but $30 pre tax seems a bit much for it). Overall would still recommend, especially if going on a day with cheaper ticket prices (P.S. It looks like the reviews from the past years were overwhelmingly bad, but this year's was generally good? Probably because the line is a lot shorter this time?) read more

First, some tips on when you attend. I went on a Saturday at 08:30pm 100% get the fast pass tickets. When you arrive it is not clear on the lines and where to go. You will more than likely see a long line going out the door. With the fast pass, walk pass the line to the front where there is ticket/merch booth. I asked the security guard about fast pass showed my ticket and kept going to the entrance, which is quite a ways. Only waited 10 min if that. Minus two stars for being overpriced and the theatrics were okay. It was a decent haunted maze, it is in a mall. Not worth the wait in line for general admission, both mazes total maybe 15 min. And probably not worth the price but if you just want to be kinda scared and in a Halloween mood then get the fast pass. Cheers read more

Super unorganized (like other reviews have said). Got here at 7:45pm and waited 3 hours and still haven't gotten in. A person walking out of the park even told us that it wasn't worth it. We were getting close to the front but not close enough as the line barely moved so we just left. It's almost 11pm and theres a whole line outside the mall now (they are supposed to close at 12am) so not sure how that is going to go. The fast pass line is as also backed up as well, seems like the only line moving was the immediate entry line. So I would suggest buying an immediate entry ticket if you don't want to wait in a line they went out past the door outside (so did the fast pass line.) read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

I'm really disappointed in this attraction. I've been waiting for three hours and still haven't made it inside. First, it took us a while to find it because the signs are small white yard signs in the bushes. Then once we made it inside the mall we were told that you can't use the mall restrooms. You have to go back outside, use the porter potty and then go to the back of the line. It's a mess, and when I asked about the restroom situation, the staff members told me that they got yelled at for allowing someone with a medical condition cut the line to get them help. I don't know how that was supposed to help me. I know they're trying, but they really need to visit haunted houses in Texas to see how coordinated they are. My ticket was purchased for 6:30pm and I'm still in line with about two more hours of waiting. The fast line is also pretty backed up. I was told that I could come back another day, but I don't trust them, since the site says the opposite thing. I also drove an hour to get here, and would rather wait than to have to drive back to Newark another evening. **Update** It took us almost four hours to get inside. The haunted house in the video IS NOT the haunted house we went through. The haunted house is really dark and it does not have any black lights smoke/fog. The house is really dark with a bunch of doors and most of the rooms are empty. Customers were leaving annoyed because they paid and waited for the haunted house they saw in the video. This was the first time that I had ever taken my twelve year old to a haunted house and he thought it was scary. This place might be good for children but definitely not for adults. I just felt really disappointed that someone would advertise a haunted house with those characters and set when in fact it looks nothing like it. read more

Fear Overload Scream Park - Waited three hours so far, I'm hoping to get in by 11pm. - Haunted Houses Near Me - Newark, California

If I can give this zero star I will. Been waiting for three hours and the attraction is so trash. The advertisement made it look very interesting. And they said three attractions online. We went to one. Never again I hope a lot of people sees the review before purchasing this crap event read more

We went here on a Friday night with a group of 6, and it sucked a LOT. There were almost no actors inside; we came across about 5 people in the whole place, and they looked really bored themselves. Nothing like the trailer was present: no black lights, no music, NO ACTORS. Since me and my husband had already paid $69 for online tickets, we didn't want to spend extra for a Fast Pass, but then the wait was so long that after 3 hours, l went and asked the person in charge if we'd make it in before they closed, and she said probably not. Our whole group ended up having to buy Fast Passes at $45 per couple, since that was the only choice we had. Even after that, it still took an incredibly long time to get in, and it was NOT WORTH IT. l reached out to their company email to give them a chance to make it right, but they never responded. I guess that since they already got the $342 off of our group, they don't care. And l guess from now on, we'll stick with Pirates of Emerson instead. On our way out, l also told everyone still waiting that there was nobody inside, that we had to provide our own scares, and that the elementary school's haunted house was scarier. read more