Midnight Terror Haunted House 2019

Midnight Terror Haunted House
Oak Lawn, IL
Reviewed on: Saturday, October 5, 2019

We love to call Midnight Terror a “hometown haunt.” Now, that’s not to say that many of the attractions in our area aren’t “hometown haunts” as well. But for us, Midnight Terror identifies as this. But, make no mistake about this classification remark, as it has nothing to do with the quality of this attraction. It’s simply that the owner of this attraction is very tied and proud of his community. He not only served in our armed forces, but donates and gives back to his community continually. For all of this, we applaud him and his crew!

But, let’s get back to that quality aspect we just mentioned. Midnight Terror is a professional, commercial haunted attraction that has been a staple on our Top 13 list since 2016. The incredibly talented team here comes together from all different walks of life to assemble the perfect “Franken-monster” of crews. Overflowing with skill, they have created amazing, fully detailed, no-stone-unturned, top-notch quality sets. There is no aspect too small, as they have found ways to create ceilings and coverings to complete the 360-experience, incorporate low and high spaces to take you out of your comfort zone, and even include natural aspects like running water. There are even several points where they have fog/smoke coming from pipes and vents, just to add additional realism and even further engulf you in the experience.

But what makes this beautiful place come alive? The cast of characters that call Midnight Terror home. While these halls are lined with legends such as, Daisy, our 2017 Jim Warfield Acting Award winner, there are also a host of new and up-and-comers. While we don’t know everyone’s name, we can absolutely recognize Helena Devaine, Quake, The “Purple Guy”, Skraps, and Willow. But, what really sent us over the top and screaming for more was Buzz the Barber!

Halfway through the attraction, we were introduced to Buzz and invited into his fully-functional barber shop. Playing the typical “haunted” barber character, he started by attempting to interest us in his services. But, the tension thickened as he moved from pretending to actually applying shaving cream to our faces! After taking the straight razor, he then cleaned the cream right off! Breaking this “traditional” barrier was very unexpected and had the hair on the backs of our necks standing! (AND another credit to Buzz for being extra-observant!)

So, we certainly have an amazing setting and cast. But what’s left? A truly captivating story. Midnight Terror is fantastic at developing a plot, and then not waiting too long to move it along and let it progress. This season, we experienced some of the aggressive advancement they had hoped for. As part of the story exposes, the Black Oak Grove Gear Factory is shut down, and only remnants are left. Some of the spaces perfectly reflect this change, as they are desolate, quiet, and cold. We truly enjoyed this commitment to the story!

Other highlights include the Town, the girls that reside inside the trees, and the actor who might have a problem with his bowel movements. Disgusting, but superbly performed!

The bottom line: Midnight Terror showed again why it is one of the best haunted attractions in the area. For a crew that never sleeps or stops building and designing, they are certainly a must-see each season, especially to find out how the plot develops. Will Willow get her revenge? Will the factory resurrect? What will happen with Malum? We will certainly be counting the days until 2020! Don’t miss this chapter of Midnight Terror Haunted House!

But, don’t just take our word for it, check out these images from our visit: