Scare Factor
Paul - Black Orchard is still pretty terrifying, though possibly a bit less than prior years. Todd - It's a dynamic mix of creepy, WTF and brutality. There are certainly some scares and surprises inside but there's also a lot of things that will just make you laugh or cringe too. Actors Paul - I enjoyed the interaction with quite a few of the actors. Creepy, convincing, and unsettling. Emily - Very dedicated actors. Very vocal and tell the story of the family well. They have a style and do it well! Todd - The actor engagement was fantastic. Before we even got to the primary building, there were two lengthy conversations with characters. One set the continuation of the story and then other spread mayonnaise all over my hand as she prepared to take a bit (and yes I walked around the whole haunt with mayo hand). Throughout the entire haunt there was interaction with the actors, all lending to their demented human meat business and questionable family lifestyle. Immersion Paul - The longer outdoor setting really brought a different feel to Black Orchard this year, and the haunt has really embraced the back story. You definitely feel like you've ventured somewhere you shouldn't have. That barn though.... There's not much else like it. Emily - They really pull you into the story as they pull you through the barn! Todd - By far the best build I've seen yet at Black Orchard. The outside area is expanded and having actors positioned out there for conversation really adds to the overall length. Inside the barn, there wasn't a single untouched area. It's dirty, cluttered, cramped and full of props, junk and god knows what else. Entertainment Paul - I really enjoyed the interaction with the actors, and the overall experience was worth the trip. Emily - The theme makes way for lots of fun sets and interactions. Todd - I had a blast. Unquestionably the best show so far (though I'll always remember the milk man). It felt faster paced this year, once we got inside and positioned to be more chaotic than creepy. There was no focus on the bird cult this year, which in past years added more of an unsettling backdrop to the outright brutal plot. |
What Makes This Haunt Special
Paul - The creep factor. I can't think of a haunt we visit that has a creepier vibe than this one. You just know you're in a world that you shouldn't be, and it's probably wise to get out.
Emily - The theme that carries throughout is well developed and the actor dialogue is different from other haunts in the area. Todd - This is as close to a full-on Texas Chainsaw Massacre experience as you can get. With the premise of a crazy family abducting people and slaughtering them for meat in a highly rural area (sans John Larroquette narrating) it's a classic American nightmare that's firing on a cylinders right now. |
What Can Be Worked On
Paul - While the creep factor is still very high, some of the intensity of prior years felt like it was missing. It's still a scary place, I just didn't quite feel like I was in as much danger as I did in prior visits.
Emily - The mayo is pretty gross. Lol Todd - Very much enjoyed it this year! It's a lot of fun and the additions to the outside make for a promising future of continued growth. The cast does a fantastic job! |
In Summary
Paul - Black Orchard is still one of the creepiest haunts we visit, and the additions for the 2024 season mean your uncomfortableness lasts even longer. The experience here is completely unsettling, and you're not likely to forget it any time soon.
Emily - Great night at Black Orchard. The new layout and changes definitely improved flow. I look forward to future years.
Todd - Very much enjoyed it this year! It's a lot of fun and the additions to the outside make for a promising future of continued growth. The cast does a fantastic job!
Emily - Great night at Black Orchard. The new layout and changes definitely improved flow. I look forward to future years.
Todd - Very much enjoyed it this year! It's a lot of fun and the additions to the outside make for a promising future of continued growth. The cast does a fantastic job!