Realm of Terror Horror Experience
Round Lake Beach, IL
Reviewed on: Friday, October 23, 2015
Celebrating its 13th year of fear, Realm of Terror is located on the grounds of Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach, IL. This past Haunted Attraction of the Year Award-winner continues to evolve and pack some pretty big punches year after year to its patrons. We always expect greatness from them and 2015 didn’t divert from that.
There are few attractions in this industry that begin the show from the moment you leave your car to the moment you get back in. Realm of Terror is one of those few. Not only can you hear the music playing, but the sounds of screams from within can be heard throughout the parking lot.
As we approached the entrance, we were greeted by a number of roaming characters including Face Off Francis, who slid her way over to us and entertained us with her adult humor jokes and witty comments. Here, was also met Uncle Dad, who to say the least was one gross individual. Covered head to toe in a slimy bloody substance, be warned in that you may get it smeared on you at some point of the night.
Now, for those of you that have never experienced Realm of Terror, let us inform you now, it is designed for an adult audience. There are adult themes, adult language and so much gore. While this may not be an appropriate show for children, it’s perfect for anyone who is willing to take a walk on that line and maybe even cross it.
After hanging out and having some laughs, as well as some beauty tips (trust us, you’ll see what we mean) from the wait entertainment, we made our way inside. Not many attractions include a bar inside their wait line, but Realm of Terror has for years. Not only is it an addition to the adult theme, but it also helps patrons calm their nerves before entering the attraction.
Our journey began as we were led to a service elevator. Once inside, we watched the video monitors that instructed us and gave us all the details about the medical research facility, Quixotic Labs, that we were about to enter.
Our tour through the facility included a variety of patients and experiments gone wrong. Maneuvering through the tight hallways ranging from the dentist, through the kitchen and all the way to the operating room! Every single room was filled with so much detail that you didn’t even know where to look first! Weaving in and out from room to room and ducking from everything and anything hanging from the ceiling, whether its materials or even actors, definitely put you out of your comfort level.
This year, the actors were absolutely on top of their game and attacked with every ounce they had to offer. From the moment you entered the room all the way till you were two rooms past, they never stopped. Swinging, twitching and crawling throughout the rooms, bringing their experimental oddities to life.
After making your way through, just when you think you are done, you begin a journey through the dark hallways into their dark maze. Set up with small scenes along the way, the total darkness puts you into a whole different level of fright.
One added bonus that we got to experience, walking through as the last group of the night was the exit from the facility. As we made our exit, there in front of us stood every single actor from within the house. As soon as we took a few steps every single actor ran toward us, attacking from all angles and just overall blowing all our senses. It was definitely a nice added little bonus that we got to experience!
The Bottom Line: The demented mind behind Realm of Terror is always coming up with ideas of how to grow and evolve this attraction. From its creation, we can truly attest to how much this show has changed over the years. This is definitely an attraction you don’t want to miss, so make sure that you add it to your “must-see” list.
2015 Scores:
Entertainment: 19.5 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 9 out of 10
Acting: 9.5 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 9 out of 10
Costumes: 5 out of 5
Make Up: 5 out of 5
Sound: 5 out of 5
Lights: 5 out of 5
Props & Special Effects: 9 out of 10
Originality & Story Concept: 10 out of 10
Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5
Website: 5 out of 5
Total: 96 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
