[Haunt Review] The Fear Experience - 3.5 Times the Fear

This was the second stop of our Cleveland area leg of Haunt Tour 2013 and one that we really didn't know much about. However, for the past five years, The Fear Experience has been bringing chaos to those brave enough to enter into their doors. It may not look like much from the outside, just an abandoned big box store, but once you get inside...toss out all the rules.

Sure, when you look at some of the other Haunted Attractions in the area this one may seem like a new kid on the block. However, some of the older haunts could definitely learn a thing or two from what they have going on in these unassuming walls.

That said, we really did question this one quite a bit until we actually got inside as we had no way to know what to expect from this one. However, trust me when I say that we were completely surprised at what we found within this former shrine to consumerism. Once you enter these doors there's no store greater or registers, only a huge dimly lit expanse filled with blaring music and some really insane creatures roaming about. No, I don't think they take returns here...or do they?

For this one, we weren't really alone either. Carrie and I decided to meet up with a couple of friends that we know from conventions dubbed "The Internet" and "Altavista" (long story, don't ask). It's always fun to take folks with us at times and this time was no exception, neither had been to a haunted house for nearly a decade at that (I know, it's a crime).

• Date Visited: 10/25/13
• Review Team: +Carrie H.C. and +Kitsune Hazard along with The Internet and Altavista
• Rating: Very Good
• Recommendation: You gotta check this one out, they've got a ton of things going for them.
• Likes: Insanely awesome detail to the sets, great in character scares, great line working and one really awesome take on the whole "clown" theme...
• Dislikes: I can't find much I really didn't like other than maybe a bit more from the actors in the Braxton Estate, it was late but could've used some more there from them..and just more of them. The nearly dead District 13 dragged the rating down a bit too.
• Pro-Tip: The express pass only costs $8 and if you don't want to wait in line (you can't see it until you get in) it may be a good option here...though, you could miss out on some of the fun the actors have in line with folks if ya do that too.

Disclaimer: Carrie and I were invited out to check out The Fear Experience and were given complimentary entry. That in no way has had any bearing on our views or opinions on the attraction as a whole. 

Now then, on with the review!

Look, Carrie has a new friend!

We arrived pretty late for this one, but such is the way of it at times. That said, the line was still pretty healthy and being a little budget conscious we all decided to keep to the general admission ticket option. Good thing we did because the people watching was some of the best we've experienced so far this year.

The line scares were a constant source of amusement for us as waited, which in all honesty wasn't that long despite the pulsing that they were doing. Line pulsing is never a bad thing folks! Sure, it could mean a slightly longer wait time but the show you get is all that more enjoyable.

After a ticket check and a quick little run down of the rules, we were let inside of this twisted wonderland of fear. Our first stop? The Braxton Estate.

We really didn't know what to expect as we entered, but imagine the look of surprise and shock when we saw set design that likely should belong at Universal...these guys really went all out with things. Detail after terrifying detail was everywhere around us. When the scares started to come, they were inventive and completely in character as well, just adding to this already gorgeous looking haunt.

We slowly made our way through the halls of this formerly grand estate. Through outside areas with downed trees, family plots and inside areas like kitchens, living rooms and everything else you can think of. The entire time, dogged by the nightmarish residents who call this hell house home.

The only thing that we all seemed to think, was that the actors did seem a bit flat in a couple of rooms here. It was towards the end of the night, but a few didn't even seem to try much. The other issue we saw was that there just wasn't enough of them here for our liking. Other than that, we loved it and as we were chased out by the sounds of chainsaws we came face to face with the next insanity. Literally, the Centralia Mental Facility.

I've been to Centralia, but I don't quite remember this one being there. No matter, once you've entered into this madness, that little fact really doesn't amount to much. This thing is a wonderland of crazed patients and staff members. All of them wanting to get in some quality time with you as you make your way through this tortured facility. 

Again, the scenery here was amazingly well done here as well. You'll travel through waiting rooms, treatment areas and even a couple of padded rooms too. The idea that you're in a big empty space is completely covered up and that's no small feat at all to accomplish. 

And what of the actors? Oh they were having a blast with it all. Every single one of them was entirely in character and having fun with everything. A couple of them really got interactive with us too. They were playing games, asking questions and all the while remaining in character. These folks really nailed it in here!

This one nearly made us forget about the couple of acting problems with the first area completely, it was really that good and we loved every moment of our twisted journey through the hospital's halls. It was only after this that we fully realized the next area that we were going into and it brought up all the reservations we have with these themes...a carnival. Oh dear...

However, once we entered, we were again delighted by some amazingly intricate scenes. Really, the detail was incredible but before we got too lost in it all the carnival barker was right in our faces, seeing if we wanted to play a game. One that I'm sure would've ended badly if we stuck around much longer...

This place has definitely seen better days and was only going from bad to worse as we made our way through. Downed trees, sparking transformers, circus tents, a freak show and delightfully demented crew of carnies running the place that is out for blood, not a single one of them wanting you to leave alive.

Notice I said "carnies" there. Yep, there were only a few folks actually dressed up like clowns and the ones that were really nailed it. They weren't annoying with horns, shakers or screaming, these folks were totally into things and having a bloody good time. Another really cool thing was the use of strobes, there are a couple places you could find tricky, but most of the time...it's not bad. They've gone with multicolored ones here in quite a few places and not only does that fit the theme better than just white, but it makes it easier on the eyes too. Oh yeah and no 3D! Thank the gods...

The next and final stop our nightmarish journey was District 13. After passing through the rubber flap door into the warehouse section of the building, we were met with blaring music, strobe lights and jumble of chain link fence. This twisted maze was promising some big things, but there was a massive issue with this area. For a place that's seemingly meant to be a big blowout ending, there was only one actor in the whole place. He was doing an amazing job, but the fact that there was just one, left the ending extremely flat since we came across him early and then nothing else. Which, considering how good the rest was? It was really confusing to us.

Overall though, this haunt has a great future and hopefully they keep bringing not only the amazing set, costume and make up design to the table but also the actors. The whole crew was great and having a real blast. The scares came from everywhere and once more a haunt realizes that letting actors have a bit of fun is the way to go.

Again, the only problems that we really could find was the lack of actors and scares in some of the Braxton Estate area along with the same problem in District 13. Could've just been an off night, but still a bit concerning.

The rest really was just really very good and surprisingly well executed at that. Again, it may not look like much from the outside but you'll definitely want to step inside and experience this wonderland of fear. Despite the couple of little problems we saw, this one is definitely a must visit!

For more information like hours, dates (only a few left in 2013!), ticket prices and more, head on over to the official Fear Experience website!

Happy scaring out there and as always, keep it here or follow along with us on Twitter @KitsuneHazard and on Google+ for all the latest updates, news and more from haunts all over the US!