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Dark, Creepy and Inventive |
Todd - I believe this is my 5th straight year going to Stillwell Manor and the growth and maturity of the haunt that I've seen over that time is immense. I remember the first year, going through thinking "Oh, this is cool....they figure out how to build this haunt in the old movie theaters." I mean, you could still clearly tell you were in a movie theater by well, looking up, or seeing through various props. Today, if it weren't for the exterior of the building, it could very well be hard to distinguish Stillwell's old structure. Not only has the build improved, but Stillwell Manor is a haunt to be reckoned with.
Stillwell Manor is divided into 3 separate haunts, including the revamped "Tanitibus" which is now "Tantibus labs" and "Forsaken". Stillwell Manor, the primary attraction, is still the largest and most engaging, by far.
Tantibus Labs, is better than Tantibus in years past. The theme has generally taken on a medical / research approach, which was most apparent in the first half. Towards the end, the theme lost it's grip and became a little confusing.
Forsaken was a refreshing after Isabell's Beyond in past years. We did not get to see Forsaken last year as its opening was delayed past our visit. This haunt which is unfortunately too short, was a highly interactive experience driven by narrative just as much as the ambiance. There's even a touch option which is highly recommended! We were first guided by what I can only describe as a brash, drunken carny who started our tour showing us various oddities, some of which were carried over from Isabell's Beyond. Throughout the tour, we were told to avoid to avoid the crazed doctor. Our guide switched to another and then back to our inappropriate carny friend after the second was killed. These things happen. I'll keep this spoiler-free but, but the ending was fairly climactic, especially if you opt in for the touching.
Of course the star of the show is Stillwell Manor itself, which continually improves year over year. First off, it looks great. As previously mentioned, there is little room left to show the theater's true interior. The haunt is LONG and offers an incredible variety of experiences from a traditional haunted estate, to various outdoor settings, a hell of an impressive mausoleum and the new funeral home sporting one wrathful, evangelical preacher. Another standout characteristic of Stillwell is that on many, many occasions, you're navigating in close quarters whether it be narrow hallways or rooms filled with a plethora of objects; it is filled to the brim with all sorts of antiques and odd artifacts that really keep your eyes wandering if you take the time to appreciate them.
Every good haunt is equally matched in its actors and yes - the actors are good. They all do a great job of ad libbing if the situation allows it. Often times they are humorous but in the more sinister rooms, they maintain their inner-creep. There aren't and placeholder actors reserved to popping out with a "boo." There are clearer expectations of them and they execute their purpose well. Over the years we have been fortunate enough to meet with some of the actors after the show and they really are a great troupe directed by top notch management.
All in all, Stillwell Manor is a must-see for haunt lovers. It's built with high levels of creativity and although they do have some large props, they by no means carry the weight of the haunt. It is a perfect example of how a lot of hard work and clever application can produce a show that will resonate with you far more than a big-box, crock pot haunt (set it and forget it) that buys everything on the convention floor and throws it into various rooms. It's a haunt that has soul. Stillwell Manor may still be a haunt not on a lot of people's radars but I sincerely hope I'm wrong. Stillwell and its crew have been creeping more and more out of the shadows and into the the the haunters' spotlight. If you have yet to be a moth to their flame, then you're really missing out. Put it on your 2020 list; it'll definitely be on ours.
Stillwell Manor is divided into 3 separate haunts, including the revamped "Tanitibus" which is now "Tantibus labs" and "Forsaken". Stillwell Manor, the primary attraction, is still the largest and most engaging, by far.
Tantibus Labs, is better than Tantibus in years past. The theme has generally taken on a medical / research approach, which was most apparent in the first half. Towards the end, the theme lost it's grip and became a little confusing.
Forsaken was a refreshing after Isabell's Beyond in past years. We did not get to see Forsaken last year as its opening was delayed past our visit. This haunt which is unfortunately too short, was a highly interactive experience driven by narrative just as much as the ambiance. There's even a touch option which is highly recommended! We were first guided by what I can only describe as a brash, drunken carny who started our tour showing us various oddities, some of which were carried over from Isabell's Beyond. Throughout the tour, we were told to avoid to avoid the crazed doctor. Our guide switched to another and then back to our inappropriate carny friend after the second was killed. These things happen. I'll keep this spoiler-free but, but the ending was fairly climactic, especially if you opt in for the touching.
Of course the star of the show is Stillwell Manor itself, which continually improves year over year. First off, it looks great. As previously mentioned, there is little room left to show the theater's true interior. The haunt is LONG and offers an incredible variety of experiences from a traditional haunted estate, to various outdoor settings, a hell of an impressive mausoleum and the new funeral home sporting one wrathful, evangelical preacher. Another standout characteristic of Stillwell is that on many, many occasions, you're navigating in close quarters whether it be narrow hallways or rooms filled with a plethora of objects; it is filled to the brim with all sorts of antiques and odd artifacts that really keep your eyes wandering if you take the time to appreciate them.
Every good haunt is equally matched in its actors and yes - the actors are good. They all do a great job of ad libbing if the situation allows it. Often times they are humorous but in the more sinister rooms, they maintain their inner-creep. There aren't and placeholder actors reserved to popping out with a "boo." There are clearer expectations of them and they execute their purpose well. Over the years we have been fortunate enough to meet with some of the actors after the show and they really are a great troupe directed by top notch management.
All in all, Stillwell Manor is a must-see for haunt lovers. It's built with high levels of creativity and although they do have some large props, they by no means carry the weight of the haunt. It is a perfect example of how a lot of hard work and clever application can produce a show that will resonate with you far more than a big-box, crock pot haunt (set it and forget it) that buys everything on the convention floor and throws it into various rooms. It's a haunt that has soul. Stillwell Manor may still be a haunt not on a lot of people's radars but I sincerely hope I'm wrong. Stillwell and its crew have been creeping more and more out of the shadows and into the the the haunters' spotlight. If you have yet to be a moth to their flame, then you're really missing out. Put it on your 2020 list; it'll definitely be on ours.
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In completely non-surprising news: Stillwell Manor kicks ass yet again! |
Paul - Stillwell Manor is one of my favorite haunts. Year after year I have an absolute blast going through, and year after year they continue to get better and better.
Stillwell is one of the rare haunts that's actually themed to a haunted house. You'll spend quite some time making your way through General Stillwell's house and grounds, all while the inhabitants are making sure you know that you're not supposed to be there. This is one of the creepiest haunts we visit and the combination of the set detail, the well-trained actors, and the flow through the different parts of the house really make for an unforgettable time! There are plenty of haunts that have a couple of memorable scenes, but Stillwell has one right after the other the entire way through.
Another unique thing about Stillwell is the location; it's built in an old movie theater. Several years ago when I first went through I remember being able to clearly see different parts of the theater as we made the trek through the General's home, but every year I notice that less and less. As the crew dials the haunt in further each year they've been able to really make it feel like you're actually in Stillwell Manor, not in a replica of Stillwell that's in an old movie theater. I'd even venture to say that if the front of the building was disguised somehow, most people wouldn't even be able to tell what the building originally was. The immersion into the theme worked better than ever this year.
On top of the Manor itself, you also get 2 more attractions for your admission price!
After you exit the Manor, you'll experience Forsaken. This is an area where you have a guide who will lead you on what's kind of a back-stage tour of a group of freak-show misfits. Forsaken was new last year, but due to a delayed opening we weren't able to experience it until this year. On top of being a new experience, it also gives the option of a free upgrade to an interactive experience where the actors can (and will) make you a part of the show. I highly recommend the upgrade, as I think the actors were really able to open up and have more fun (at our expense). The interactivity in Forsaken is really what makes it, and the big scene near the end will be one you won't forget!
The final attraction is Tantibus, which has been changed up a bit this year and re-branded as Tantibus Labs. There was a fairly substantial amount of refreshing in here for this year and it definitely added some new life to the attraction. My favorite change was one of the smallest things, but it's the music that's played through the first half! It was cracking me up because of how cheesy it was, but it was also really creepy having it playing throughout the place. I guess I'd describe it as 80s elevator music, but it just completely changed the feel of the area for me. I kind of want it for my phone ringtone. The second half of Tantibus had a few tweaks as well, and it just felt like a much more polished execution than in previous years.
Stillwell Manor makes my personal list of favorite haunts again this year. There just aren't many haunts that manage to impress me with their overall execution like Stillwell does. Every little detail comes together to make one of the best haunted attractions around, and I'll absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a great haunt.
Stillwell is one of the rare haunts that's actually themed to a haunted house. You'll spend quite some time making your way through General Stillwell's house and grounds, all while the inhabitants are making sure you know that you're not supposed to be there. This is one of the creepiest haunts we visit and the combination of the set detail, the well-trained actors, and the flow through the different parts of the house really make for an unforgettable time! There are plenty of haunts that have a couple of memorable scenes, but Stillwell has one right after the other the entire way through.
Another unique thing about Stillwell is the location; it's built in an old movie theater. Several years ago when I first went through I remember being able to clearly see different parts of the theater as we made the trek through the General's home, but every year I notice that less and less. As the crew dials the haunt in further each year they've been able to really make it feel like you're actually in Stillwell Manor, not in a replica of Stillwell that's in an old movie theater. I'd even venture to say that if the front of the building was disguised somehow, most people wouldn't even be able to tell what the building originally was. The immersion into the theme worked better than ever this year.
On top of the Manor itself, you also get 2 more attractions for your admission price!
After you exit the Manor, you'll experience Forsaken. This is an area where you have a guide who will lead you on what's kind of a back-stage tour of a group of freak-show misfits. Forsaken was new last year, but due to a delayed opening we weren't able to experience it until this year. On top of being a new experience, it also gives the option of a free upgrade to an interactive experience where the actors can (and will) make you a part of the show. I highly recommend the upgrade, as I think the actors were really able to open up and have more fun (at our expense). The interactivity in Forsaken is really what makes it, and the big scene near the end will be one you won't forget!
The final attraction is Tantibus, which has been changed up a bit this year and re-branded as Tantibus Labs. There was a fairly substantial amount of refreshing in here for this year and it definitely added some new life to the attraction. My favorite change was one of the smallest things, but it's the music that's played through the first half! It was cracking me up because of how cheesy it was, but it was also really creepy having it playing throughout the place. I guess I'd describe it as 80s elevator music, but it just completely changed the feel of the area for me. I kind of want it for my phone ringtone. The second half of Tantibus had a few tweaks as well, and it just felt like a much more polished execution than in previous years.
Stillwell Manor makes my personal list of favorite haunts again this year. There just aren't many haunts that manage to impress me with their overall execution like Stillwell does. Every little detail comes together to make one of the best haunted attractions around, and I'll absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a great haunt.
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Stillwell has some great old-school props, some fantastic scenes, engaging actors, and it's a really long indoor haunt. Plus, there's a really big slide! |
Teresa - Stillwell Manor is a haunted attraction in Anderson, Indiana (about 50 minutes northeast of Indianapolis). It is located in an old movie theater, and it's pretty easy to find via GPS and you can always follow the giant spotlight right to it. Parking is free and easy in the giant lot in front of the building. The building has decorations like a hearse, a giant reaper with a cool skeleton lantern, and lights in front, and a red and white striped tent to provide cover for the queue, which on the night we went was an awesome benefit! There were queue actors playing with the guests while we waited outside. One clown had all kinds of different props he kept changing to keep things interesting. Once you get inside, the waiting area has grown more and more detailed over the years, and is full of fantastic scenery, complete with Castle-like walls, statues, and an old gate. This area has so much to see! Information about Stillwell can best be found on their Facebook page, where it seems they are pretty active and available for questions, etc. Standard pricing is $25 and VIP is $10 more. These prices may vary depending on when you go. Early in the season or on a slow night, they will often discount the ticket prices. On the other hand, it is nice to have the option to skip the line for people in a hurry and don't mind paying a little extra. However, you're not going to get out of Stillwell quickly. This is a pretty long haunt, particularly for an indoor type. There are three sections included, with the first being General Stillwell's Manor, the second is Forsaken (which is interactive and can include a touch option if you so choose), and the last is Tantibus Labs, more on these in a bit. The first two empty you out into a concession stand waiting area, so if you want to buy refreshments or souvenirs, or need a restroom, it is right there. By the way, I was a bit amused on entering the women's room and seeing they had a basket of adult diapers with a cute little note, encouraging you to take one if you tend to "tinkle" when you're scared! The concession waiting area has lines for Forsaken and Tantibus Labs and it can be a little confusing, so don't be afraid to ask where you should go next. It makes for a nice breather between haunts, though.
So, you will enter General Stillwell's manor first. A door-keeper lady will greet you, tell you what to expect, and then you will be given the rules by a talking bust (very cool effect). You will walk onto a front porch, and then enter the manor. There's a parlor, a library (shhhhh!), a maze-like area, a crazy-cat lady room, you will meet Sarah and her doll collection, which is quite extensive. You'll go through a laundry room, a hallway, a bedroom where you'll enter the closet, and then you'll find yourself outside. There's a swamp with some good scares, and my favorite part was crawling through a coffin. There's an enormous cemetery, a crypt, a room where we got stuck and had to be shown a secret door. And that's still not all, there were also spiders and a lady butchering human bodies and a handy-dandy freezer, and a creepy funeral director. I've glossed over a lot here, but just listing things really doesn't get the point across. The sets in this part of the haunt are very detailed and impressive. The actors have intimidating roles and creepy costumes. The sound effects really make you feel like you're in a creaky old manor building. There are some really creaky doors in this place! You'll totally forget you're in an old theater, except for those sloping floors that you will feel from time to time. They really give you this vibe that things just aren't right. I always love the manor and enjoy seeing what they've added from year to year. They're always changing things, and sometimes I think it makes a big difference in just which actors are in which areas on a given night. I always feel like I want to go through a few times during the season, just to see what else I didn't notice or experience the first time.
Next, you go through Forsaken. This one is shorter, but much more interactive. And they're offering a touch option, where you wear a glow necklace. It has a freak show feel to the actors and sets, which is really a fun kind of "anything goes" place. We started with a guide, an evil-looking clown, and he was showing us various rooms, like where the freaks sleep. He introduced us to a few, including the fortune teller. She examined each of us, and they were discussing "the doctor" and it was clear there was some scheming going on. She marked me on the forehead, although I didn't realize that immediately. We went through a maze of tunnels, at one point losing our guide, but gaining another, who I must say I had approximately zero confidence in. I won't go into many specifics, because that might spoil the surprise. This was one crazy ride. Guides disappearing, getting killed, and then we ran into the aforementioned doctor and his crazy gas. We ended by being attacked by a freakish goat man and squeezed our way through an air tunnel to escape. I really hope this part gets longer for next year! It's really fun!
The last part is Tantibus Labs. This is a lab doing drug testing to help treat people with phobias. When we went in, a nurse startled us, flipping the light on suddenly and gave us a little backstory. This weirdly happy elevator music was playing throughout the first part. It felt really weird to be walking down dark hallways of experiments gone wrong, and through gross bathrooms, etc, with this way-too-pleasant music playing. You just peer into these exam rooms and hope nothing jumps out. Then we reached a guy who had us, one-by-one, go down a giant slide. At the bottom, we found ourselves encountering phobia after phobia. Jumps scares - check, maze - check, some clowns chasing us - check, some freaky props, enclosed spaces, snakes, strobes, blood, and insane people - check, check, check. I don't think the anti-phobia drug was working! When you exit Tantibus, you will find yourself outside. Now, you've finally escaped!
Stillwell has some great old-school props, some fantastic scenes, engaging actors, and it's a really long indoor haunt. Plus, there's a really big slide! You're definitely going to have fun, so be sure to check it out if you find yourself anywhere near Anderson or Indianapolis! Also, they are having a Christmas Krampus event in December this year, so don't miss that! It is bound to be loads of fun! I hope I can see it!
So, you will enter General Stillwell's manor first. A door-keeper lady will greet you, tell you what to expect, and then you will be given the rules by a talking bust (very cool effect). You will walk onto a front porch, and then enter the manor. There's a parlor, a library (shhhhh!), a maze-like area, a crazy-cat lady room, you will meet Sarah and her doll collection, which is quite extensive. You'll go through a laundry room, a hallway, a bedroom where you'll enter the closet, and then you'll find yourself outside. There's a swamp with some good scares, and my favorite part was crawling through a coffin. There's an enormous cemetery, a crypt, a room where we got stuck and had to be shown a secret door. And that's still not all, there were also spiders and a lady butchering human bodies and a handy-dandy freezer, and a creepy funeral director. I've glossed over a lot here, but just listing things really doesn't get the point across. The sets in this part of the haunt are very detailed and impressive. The actors have intimidating roles and creepy costumes. The sound effects really make you feel like you're in a creaky old manor building. There are some really creaky doors in this place! You'll totally forget you're in an old theater, except for those sloping floors that you will feel from time to time. They really give you this vibe that things just aren't right. I always love the manor and enjoy seeing what they've added from year to year. They're always changing things, and sometimes I think it makes a big difference in just which actors are in which areas on a given night. I always feel like I want to go through a few times during the season, just to see what else I didn't notice or experience the first time.
Next, you go through Forsaken. This one is shorter, but much more interactive. And they're offering a touch option, where you wear a glow necklace. It has a freak show feel to the actors and sets, which is really a fun kind of "anything goes" place. We started with a guide, an evil-looking clown, and he was showing us various rooms, like where the freaks sleep. He introduced us to a few, including the fortune teller. She examined each of us, and they were discussing "the doctor" and it was clear there was some scheming going on. She marked me on the forehead, although I didn't realize that immediately. We went through a maze of tunnels, at one point losing our guide, but gaining another, who I must say I had approximately zero confidence in. I won't go into many specifics, because that might spoil the surprise. This was one crazy ride. Guides disappearing, getting killed, and then we ran into the aforementioned doctor and his crazy gas. We ended by being attacked by a freakish goat man and squeezed our way through an air tunnel to escape. I really hope this part gets longer for next year! It's really fun!
The last part is Tantibus Labs. This is a lab doing drug testing to help treat people with phobias. When we went in, a nurse startled us, flipping the light on suddenly and gave us a little backstory. This weirdly happy elevator music was playing throughout the first part. It felt really weird to be walking down dark hallways of experiments gone wrong, and through gross bathrooms, etc, with this way-too-pleasant music playing. You just peer into these exam rooms and hope nothing jumps out. Then we reached a guy who had us, one-by-one, go down a giant slide. At the bottom, we found ourselves encountering phobia after phobia. Jumps scares - check, maze - check, some clowns chasing us - check, some freaky props, enclosed spaces, snakes, strobes, blood, and insane people - check, check, check. I don't think the anti-phobia drug was working! When you exit Tantibus, you will find yourself outside. Now, you've finally escaped!
Stillwell has some great old-school props, some fantastic scenes, engaging actors, and it's a really long indoor haunt. Plus, there's a really big slide! You're definitely going to have fun, so be sure to check it out if you find yourself anywhere near Anderson or Indianapolis! Also, they are having a Christmas Krampus event in December this year, so don't miss that! It is bound to be loads of fun! I hope I can see it!