Please note: this review is for the 2009 season rather than the current season.

Mars Haunted House

by HocusPocus (Review Crew) after attending on Friday, October 2, 2009 at about 2 p.m.

Fun Factor: Very High Fear Factor: Very High

Review

Looking to totally immerse yourself into a nightmarishly good time? Look no further than the Mars Haunted House.

It appears the venue has expanded this year and added a few rooms...unfortunately they did such a good job scaring the bajeebus out of me I totally lost count.

Seriously, it didn't matter where I was in my group...front, middle, back...they did a stellar job providing scares for everyone.

If your into evaluating haunts with your senses you might find this helpful:

* Sight: Elaborate sets with great attention to detail. Lighting and special effects were frequently used to surprise me even though I was expecting it.

* Sound: Superb! The sound experience allowed me to become totally immersed in each and every room. Not once was I distracted by sounds coming from other parts of the attraction.

* Smell: Believe it or not I think there were sets that intentionally smelled a little musty (like BO or perfume) to compliment the scene. Interesting thought...if Barn yard Bob is chasing you around with an ax why shouldn't he smell like one?

* Touch: Nothing special on this front...although there are haunts that venture into this realm.

Signage / Visibility / Location


If the hearse parking by the front door and the elaborately dressed ghouls meandering along the sidewalk don't catch your attention you may be dead already...but if you're not you probably wouldn't be the first person to drive past the site.

Wait Area / Line Entertainment


Elaborately dressed ghouls interact with you to heighten your anticipation while you wait to enter. The waiting line is all outdoors...so dressing for the weather may be a good idea if you're attending during peak haunting hours.

Actors' Performance


Brilliant! Some hilariously funny, others ghastly scary. (I'd love to name a few of the characters that were portrayed but I find the element of surprise to be priceless...go and check it out for yourself!)

Sets Scenes / Props / FX


Solid! With the total immersion and interaction with the actors and sound in each room it's very easy to miss some of the attention to detail found in each room....but there are plenty of outstanding effects to keep you visually entertained if the acting isn't grabbing 100% of your attention.

Length


I really wished I would have timed this event....but if you were to measure scares per dollar this one will definitely maximizes your value!

Crowd Control


Waiting line is clearly roped off and patrolled frequently by ghouls.

Most Memorable Moment


Ok...I hope I don't spoil anything for anyone... the 'bubbles' room was totally twisted and disturbingly funny. Complimenting a brilliant acting performance were props that were skillfully leveraged to make this an experience you will not soon forget. This room caught me by complete surprise. I don't think I've EVER experienced a room like this at a haunt. A scary concept that made me laugh so hard my eyes watered...GENIUS!

Summary

An outstanding attraction! If you've been to Mars in prior years I'd strongly recommend checking this venue out again. Unlike prior years, I felt more immersed in this year's haunted experience than in prior years. If you've never checked it out...what are you waiting for? This IS the best haunt in Milwaukee!

View all Mars Haunted House reviews

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