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The 'Plex is now a fully fleshed out, deep-storied and entirely entertaining haunt! |
Todd - Over the past few years it was evident that building The American Horrorplex from the shadows of the 7th Street Haunt was a daunting task. Both haunts are large, have a lot off content and The American Horrorplex had to grow off a storyline of its own invention. While all of the fundamentals were present from the beginning, in the past it never felt totally complete and had its issues with continuity and carrying that storyline throughout. I’m thrilled to report, however, that this year not only has The American Horrorplex solidified itself, but has gone above and beyond to tell a story in ways that probably outshine any other haunt we’ve seen to date.
This is accomplished in a number of creative ways. First, as you’re waiting in the queue, large information stations have been erected that provide you backstory to the history of the The BrackenHart Home for the Criminally Insane and its nefarious practices that took place. The facts are presented as questions, with the answer or evidence revealed by lifting a small door (it reminded me of something you’d find at a museum). Once admitted past the line, you’re given a verbal history lesson regarding the facility and its founders, Dr. Bracken and Dr. Hart, within a room containing artifacts recovered from the now decrepit facility you are about to enter. This provides you a great narrative lending to what you’re about to experience.
A number of areas in the haunt are more or less the same, generally speaking, but it all seems to be executed with much more refinement. The lighting feels much more dialed in, there’s many more props and odd antiquities that age and dirty the décor and as a result, the spaces feel more confined and not so wide open. We started with meeting Dr. Bracken himself, followed by the aptly named Nurse Bubbles who escorted us to Dr. Hart’s lab. They all do a great job of setting the stage for the haunt and regarding the story, it’s clear and supported through the remainder of the haunt
The actors are great, period. Those with major, interactive roles not only presented themselves well but were excellent responding to questions or comments with pure wit. There are many characters inside that are inhuman or are human (but not quite right in the head) that do not speak at all. I actually found this to work QUITE well because it feels more authentic than screaming “BOO” or asking “WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” which we see far too much. Other characters are totally entertaining in a comedic sense, such as the cafeteria worker offering his sloppy joes along with some milk a-la-teat or the crazy patients running free telling us we smell like venereal disease. One crazed maintenance worker towards the end in the sub-level looking area saw our matching shirts and suspected we were OSHA, there to report him (another great example of the impromptu dialogue).
I always knew The American Horrorplex had great potential and I feel like this group has hit their stride. The haunt knows exactly what it is and doesn’t overshoot to be something darker or scarier than it is. Many scenes are executed with outlandish silliness and that are both gross and hysterical, like a woman giving birth to a trilobite blob-looking baby or a filleted man prancing around in a feather dress. The aim is to get a reaction out of you one way or another - and they succeed. The scares are there, but the dark humor certainly fills in the gaps where it may be absent. The American Horrorplex isn’t the scariest haunt around but it’s a contender for the most entertaining. It was an absolute blast!
Side note: Another great addition to The American Horrorplex this year is its midway area which offered goods for sale from local vendors, an animal rescue petting zoo, a few games to play, small escape rooms and the bug bus – an insect showcase and homage to Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs on wheels. Not only is it served as post-haunt activities but also gives someone not wanting to go through the haunt something to do while waiting.
This is accomplished in a number of creative ways. First, as you’re waiting in the queue, large information stations have been erected that provide you backstory to the history of the The BrackenHart Home for the Criminally Insane and its nefarious practices that took place. The facts are presented as questions, with the answer or evidence revealed by lifting a small door (it reminded me of something you’d find at a museum). Once admitted past the line, you’re given a verbal history lesson regarding the facility and its founders, Dr. Bracken and Dr. Hart, within a room containing artifacts recovered from the now decrepit facility you are about to enter. This provides you a great narrative lending to what you’re about to experience.
A number of areas in the haunt are more or less the same, generally speaking, but it all seems to be executed with much more refinement. The lighting feels much more dialed in, there’s many more props and odd antiquities that age and dirty the décor and as a result, the spaces feel more confined and not so wide open. We started with meeting Dr. Bracken himself, followed by the aptly named Nurse Bubbles who escorted us to Dr. Hart’s lab. They all do a great job of setting the stage for the haunt and regarding the story, it’s clear and supported through the remainder of the haunt
The actors are great, period. Those with major, interactive roles not only presented themselves well but were excellent responding to questions or comments with pure wit. There are many characters inside that are inhuman or are human (but not quite right in the head) that do not speak at all. I actually found this to work QUITE well because it feels more authentic than screaming “BOO” or asking “WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” which we see far too much. Other characters are totally entertaining in a comedic sense, such as the cafeteria worker offering his sloppy joes along with some milk a-la-teat or the crazy patients running free telling us we smell like venereal disease. One crazed maintenance worker towards the end in the sub-level looking area saw our matching shirts and suspected we were OSHA, there to report him (another great example of the impromptu dialogue).
I always knew The American Horrorplex had great potential and I feel like this group has hit their stride. The haunt knows exactly what it is and doesn’t overshoot to be something darker or scarier than it is. Many scenes are executed with outlandish silliness and that are both gross and hysterical, like a woman giving birth to a trilobite blob-looking baby or a filleted man prancing around in a feather dress. The aim is to get a reaction out of you one way or another - and they succeed. The scares are there, but the dark humor certainly fills in the gaps where it may be absent. The American Horrorplex isn’t the scariest haunt around but it’s a contender for the most entertaining. It was an absolute blast!
Side note: Another great addition to The American Horrorplex this year is its midway area which offered goods for sale from local vendors, an animal rescue petting zoo, a few games to play, small escape rooms and the bug bus – an insect showcase and homage to Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs on wheels. Not only is it served as post-haunt activities but also gives someone not wanting to go through the haunt something to do while waiting.
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Third year's a charm! |
Paul - THIS is what I wanted to see from The American Horrorplex! A rowdy, creepy, dark, and immersive trip through a pretty twisted world; The American Horrorplex finally delivers what I knew they could.
When you arrive at Horrorplex, be prepared for a fairly stringent security check, and don't expect to just drop off your kids and come pick them up later- a parent or chaperone must be present at all times. We keep hearing stories of unruliness at haunts across the country over the last couple of years, and the Horrorplex folks aren't taking chances there. Once inside you'll find the same familiar courtyard area that was there the last couple of years, but with some added entertainment. There's an escape room, various vendors set up selling creepy oddities, a petting zoo, and the bug bus! The midway attractions are there for people who don't go through the haunt to check out as well.
After waiting through the line you'll go inside to meet a character who gives you the storyline of what you're about to enter into. He did a great job of getting you into the theme and really gets you excited to get things started. You meet the Dr, do a quick photo op, then start walking through the brand new graveyard toward the front door of the BrackenHart Institute.
Once inside, you'll voyage through a demented path of lunatics, deformities, and general disgustingness. In the first two years of Horrorplex I never felt completely immersed in the world inside, but this year I was pulled into the insanity from the very beginning and didn't escape it until after I finished a spot of "tea" at the end. The sets are darker and tighter, the actors are excellent, the sets are lit extremely well, and they make enough changes from year to year that it always feels fresh (or rotten, depending on your outlook). You'll witness some surgical procedures that the FDA surely wouldn't appreciate, get to see some food and beverage service that there's no chance the board of health approved, and some people who are super concerned that we were from OSHA and they were going to make sure we didn't get a chance to file a report. The actors were easily my favorite part this year. Every one of them performed their part with enthusiasm, they managed to keep the fright factor high, and threw in the occasional bit of humor to mix things up a bit.
This was by far my favorite visit to The American Horrorplex, and I'm extremely impressed by what they've managed to do here in the short time they've been open. The haunt is fantastic, the complex itself gives plenty of options for spending time outside of the main attraction, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Horrorplex is a great place to spend an evening and you're sure to have a blast!
When you arrive at Horrorplex, be prepared for a fairly stringent security check, and don't expect to just drop off your kids and come pick them up later- a parent or chaperone must be present at all times. We keep hearing stories of unruliness at haunts across the country over the last couple of years, and the Horrorplex folks aren't taking chances there. Once inside you'll find the same familiar courtyard area that was there the last couple of years, but with some added entertainment. There's an escape room, various vendors set up selling creepy oddities, a petting zoo, and the bug bus! The midway attractions are there for people who don't go through the haunt to check out as well.
After waiting through the line you'll go inside to meet a character who gives you the storyline of what you're about to enter into. He did a great job of getting you into the theme and really gets you excited to get things started. You meet the Dr, do a quick photo op, then start walking through the brand new graveyard toward the front door of the BrackenHart Institute.
Once inside, you'll voyage through a demented path of lunatics, deformities, and general disgustingness. In the first two years of Horrorplex I never felt completely immersed in the world inside, but this year I was pulled into the insanity from the very beginning and didn't escape it until after I finished a spot of "tea" at the end. The sets are darker and tighter, the actors are excellent, the sets are lit extremely well, and they make enough changes from year to year that it always feels fresh (or rotten, depending on your outlook). You'll witness some surgical procedures that the FDA surely wouldn't appreciate, get to see some food and beverage service that there's no chance the board of health approved, and some people who are super concerned that we were from OSHA and they were going to make sure we didn't get a chance to file a report. The actors were easily my favorite part this year. Every one of them performed their part with enthusiasm, they managed to keep the fright factor high, and threw in the occasional bit of humor to mix things up a bit.
This was by far my favorite visit to The American Horrorplex, and I'm extremely impressed by what they've managed to do here in the short time they've been open. The haunt is fantastic, the complex itself gives plenty of options for spending time outside of the main attraction, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Horrorplex is a great place to spend an evening and you're sure to have a blast!
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Don't you find horror, disgust and humor often go hand-in-hand-in-hand? |
Teresa - I started my haunt year off this year with a bang at Haunted Horrorplex in Louisville, KY. This place is really growing into its name! It's only been open 3 years, but it's growing in leaps and bounds. The website tells you all you need to know about the backstory, involving Nazi doctors brought to the US after the war working on creating super-soldiers. The queue area has things to look at related to the backstory to really set the scene, a projector screen showing horror movies, and wandering medical personnel and their escaped mental-patient experiments. Inside, the story is cohesive, the halls are darker and tighter, the jump-scares plentiful, and the effects are unnerving. There were some super-cool props and scenes that just left me in awe, like a demented cross made of dead bodies and some otherworldly Alien-looking scene. I kept seeing this thing with squirming tentacles that looked like something out of John Carpenter's The Thing. So cool!
As always, the acting was fantastic. These actors are quite skilled with accents. They also made us uncomfortable, shining lights in our faces so we couldn't see, and making loud noises to startle us. The best part is they are scary, but often humorous as well, with their jeering and joking (and so spontaneous!). They are quite adept at eliciting laughs with their witty, personalized banter. And then there are the gross-outs. There's nothing quite like squirming in disgust to make your friends laugh. And don't you find horror, disgust and humor often go hand-in-hand-in-hand?
The end is also improved from last year. We came out laughing, which is my favorite way to leave a haunt. I won't give much more detail, as that might spoil the fun! Once you exit, there are snacks and Halloween items for sale, and don't forget to check out your group photo. One of my favorite additions for this year is a midway-like area outside with games, escape rooms, photo ops, vendors selling lots of unique items, a bug bus (just check it out and see what it reminds you of), and a petting zoo with adorable little goats, pigs, bunnies, etc. Who doesn't want to play with a baby Black Philip? This place is so much fun!
As always, the acting was fantastic. These actors are quite skilled with accents. They also made us uncomfortable, shining lights in our faces so we couldn't see, and making loud noises to startle us. The best part is they are scary, but often humorous as well, with their jeering and joking (and so spontaneous!). They are quite adept at eliciting laughs with their witty, personalized banter. And then there are the gross-outs. There's nothing quite like squirming in disgust to make your friends laugh. And don't you find horror, disgust and humor often go hand-in-hand-in-hand?
The end is also improved from last year. We came out laughing, which is my favorite way to leave a haunt. I won't give much more detail, as that might spoil the fun! Once you exit, there are snacks and Halloween items for sale, and don't forget to check out your group photo. One of my favorite additions for this year is a midway-like area outside with games, escape rooms, photo ops, vendors selling lots of unique items, a bug bus (just check it out and see what it reminds you of), and a petting zoo with adorable little goats, pigs, bunnies, etc. Who doesn't want to play with a baby Black Philip? This place is so much fun!
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Nothing wraps up a good time like getting smacked with a sack. |
Emily - As a first timer at The American Horrorplex, my only expectation was to have my sense of security stripped by enthusiastic horror fans dressed up as human experiments gone bloody. Horrorplex did not disappoint. Upon entering the complex, experiencing the haunt, all the way to the ending attractions, there is a sense of uneasiness throughout that sets Horrorplex apart from other haunts.
The storyline takes you back to WWII, when German doctors were trying to create advanced humans. I think this is the most frightening part of Horrorplex for me. Human experimentation is not a fictional concept. Human history has provided many examples of the horrors people inflict on others, especially prisoners of war, so the base of this storyline is believable and terrifying. Now, the human mutants roaming Horrorplex are obviously not part of history (at least not documented), but this is the beauty of haunts. Through horror, we can create a “what if” reality that is chilling to the bone. Which is what this haunt has done.
Anyway, getting into specifics, Horrorplex provides free parking (my favorite) and it is located in an industrial complex. If it weren’t for the cool hearse, giant skeleton, and gargoyles hanging about, I probably would have missed it. I did like the location though, it added to the creepy atmosphere, because there is literally nothing around. While the location adds to the fun haunted uneasiness, true security is important these days. Upon entering, a security team thoroughly checked each guest for weapons. I felt more secure and able to fully enjoy the haunt’s terror, without being on edge about other guests.
The ticket line, queue to enter the haunt, and ending activities are all outdoors. As you wait in line, there are interactive signs that help build the story. There is also a screen showing old horror clips and serial killer trivia! There may have been other things playing, but I was too distracted by the roaming actors measuring our legs to catch it all. These guys make you very uncomfortable and I was happy to be away from them as we entered the haunt. How foolish of me.
Once inside, you are greeted by a nice man, who gives you the rundown on what you are about to witness. Look around as you listen. The room is full of creepy (and cool) WWII era equipment and knickknacks. This attention to detail is carried throughout the haunt. They then take a quick photo, and you are off to explore the horror that is the Bracken-Hart Institute. You will see blood, guts, and live human electrocutions. The place is scattered with all the medical equipment you can possibly think of, mangled bodies, and apparently a real cremation furnace and human remains. Yikes! Don’t stress though, there is a petting zoo when you exit, so (for $5) you can be comforted by the cutest baby goats and piglets. If you make it out that is.
At the end, there is a sizable gift shop that also offers drinks and snacks. There are popup shops with handmade crafts. I loved the booth that sells bones and dead things. Staff at the haunt are very friendly and helpful. Safety is a concern to everyone, which I appreciate. Even in the haunt, the actors mentioned to watch our step when necessary.
The actors at Horrorplex are fun and engaging. They really go all out to make sure you have a great experience. Without going into too much detail, I have several memorable moments; the girl covered in runes, Bubbles, the elevator, the mechanical bat thing, and the very last set. Nothing wraps up a good time like getting smacked with a sack. I will leave you with that. Interpret it how you will.
The storyline takes you back to WWII, when German doctors were trying to create advanced humans. I think this is the most frightening part of Horrorplex for me. Human experimentation is not a fictional concept. Human history has provided many examples of the horrors people inflict on others, especially prisoners of war, so the base of this storyline is believable and terrifying. Now, the human mutants roaming Horrorplex are obviously not part of history (at least not documented), but this is the beauty of haunts. Through horror, we can create a “what if” reality that is chilling to the bone. Which is what this haunt has done.
Anyway, getting into specifics, Horrorplex provides free parking (my favorite) and it is located in an industrial complex. If it weren’t for the cool hearse, giant skeleton, and gargoyles hanging about, I probably would have missed it. I did like the location though, it added to the creepy atmosphere, because there is literally nothing around. While the location adds to the fun haunted uneasiness, true security is important these days. Upon entering, a security team thoroughly checked each guest for weapons. I felt more secure and able to fully enjoy the haunt’s terror, without being on edge about other guests.
The ticket line, queue to enter the haunt, and ending activities are all outdoors. As you wait in line, there are interactive signs that help build the story. There is also a screen showing old horror clips and serial killer trivia! There may have been other things playing, but I was too distracted by the roaming actors measuring our legs to catch it all. These guys make you very uncomfortable and I was happy to be away from them as we entered the haunt. How foolish of me.
Once inside, you are greeted by a nice man, who gives you the rundown on what you are about to witness. Look around as you listen. The room is full of creepy (and cool) WWII era equipment and knickknacks. This attention to detail is carried throughout the haunt. They then take a quick photo, and you are off to explore the horror that is the Bracken-Hart Institute. You will see blood, guts, and live human electrocutions. The place is scattered with all the medical equipment you can possibly think of, mangled bodies, and apparently a real cremation furnace and human remains. Yikes! Don’t stress though, there is a petting zoo when you exit, so (for $5) you can be comforted by the cutest baby goats and piglets. If you make it out that is.
At the end, there is a sizable gift shop that also offers drinks and snacks. There are popup shops with handmade crafts. I loved the booth that sells bones and dead things. Staff at the haunt are very friendly and helpful. Safety is a concern to everyone, which I appreciate. Even in the haunt, the actors mentioned to watch our step when necessary.
The actors at Horrorplex are fun and engaging. They really go all out to make sure you have a great experience. Without going into too much detail, I have several memorable moments; the girl covered in runes, Bubbles, the elevator, the mechanical bat thing, and the very last set. Nothing wraps up a good time like getting smacked with a sack. I will leave you with that. Interpret it how you will.
Questions? Have a story to share? Leave it in the comments!