The Slaughter Haunted House
West Dundee, IL
Reviewed on: Friday, October 9, 2015
New to this year’s haunt family is The Slaughter Haunted House located in West Dundee, IL. From the twisted mind behind Realm of Terror, we knew going in that we were in for a real treat. Set up in what used to be an old Target store, we aren’t going to lie, we were quite skeptical walking up this attraction.
As we made our way toward the first attraction, our assumptions were thrown out the window when we came up to the large Drive-In Theatre. Set up with a large movie screen playing all your favorite horror movies including a drink & concession stand! Add in some fun carnival games and you’ve got a great way to start the attraction!
After making it through the drive-in theatre, we came upon a large graveyard, which had a path leading through it up to the elaborate front end of the mansion. With a few pop scares throughout the graveyard, it definitely got our appetite wet for what was to come.
The first attraction we entered was “The Asylum Xperiment”. Based off of a paranormal squad examining the mansion due to the disappearance of its previous owner. It was told that this Dr. was torturing people in his basement, where they still remain to this day, crazy and ready to escape. The opening set up for this attraction is quite beautiful. Not only is it a two story with a large staircase, but the effects that occur within our breathtaking. Trust us when the thunder and lightning start to strike, you better not blink! After the opening scene, you set off to explore the mansion and learn about its secrets within. Filled with numerous classic scares and actors that were spot on with their attacks, it was definitely an exciting walk through the mansion.
As we made our way out of the mansion, we encountered the second attractions which was known as “The Lost Woods”. Here, creatures lurked in the dark, waiting to attack. As you made your way through, unknowing what could be watching you.
The third attraction, “Carnival of Carnage” is based upon a dark circus that lies deep within the woods. Here, you encounter numerous freaks, carnies and clowns that are just waiting to torment its visitors. Weaving in and out through a labyrinth of mazes, the clowns inside attack from all angles. One even is so small she comes THROUGH the cage (we had to look twice, because we thought our eyes were playing tricks on us!) Here, we also encountered some crazy clowns from up above, who enjoyed throwing items at you from above. It definitely made this attraction a lot of fun and sent smiles on our faces all around. We were lucky to be able to get out from there, otherwise, we would’ve had to join the circus…but then again, that could be fun!
What’s nice about each of these attractions is that they flow smoothly together. There is no waiting in line to enter the next attraction, which helps keep the storyline going. With all of the actors within the attraction, it was definitely hard to remember all of them. But some that definitely stood out was that of Dixie the Clown and Trippy the Clown, who by the end of the evening had a new name…but we won’t talk about that at this moment. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
The Bottom Line: For a first year attraction, The Slaughter Haunted House is an overall fun experience. With such a large location, we expect the off season to be filled with a lot of brainstorming and planning for the upcoming season. We look forward to seeing what this attraction holds for 2016, and with the twisted mind behind it, we know we won’t be disappointed.
2015 Scores:
Entertainment: 16 out of 20
Scare Factor & Fright: 7 out of 10
Acting: 7.5 out of 10
Sets & Room Detail: 8 out of 10
Costumes: 5 out of 5
Make Up: 4 out of 5
Sound: 4 out of 5
Lights: 4 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: 84.5 points out of 100 points possible
– Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
