Realm of Terror Haunted House 2023

Realm of Terror Haunted House
421 W Rollins Road
Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
Visited on: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Vital Signs:
Year opened: 2003
Number of attractions: 1
Size: 16,000 square feet
Number of actors: 50
Parking: Free, on-site and off-site (Bus Transportation)
Setting: Mostly indoor, with some outdoor
Fun Fact: Owners Steve and Stevie Kristof have BOTH been featured on TV shows!

We have had the honor of visiting the Realm of Terror Haunted House ever since their very first year. To be able to go through each year’s attraction, is the opportunity to deep-dive into a dark corner of the maniacal minds that the creators have. They don’t just want to design and operate a high-quality haunted attraction, but they also take personal joy and happiness in making sure patrons are having the times of their lives while experiencing their sinister creations.

The Realm of Terror, or “ROT,” is located behind the Kristof’s Family Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach, IL. During the day, night, and non-scary times, the facility features arcade games, bowling, mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, and a full kitchen and bar. OH – and LOTS of pinball. We love pinball. BUT, in October, the darkness looms over the backside of Kristof’s as the creatures come out at night!

While Realm of Terror has vibrant exterior sets, a virtual queue, fire, and lots of roaming entertainment, they also are one of the very few to have a full bar. Whether you are looking for a good time, or just trying to calm your nerves, ROT always wants to make sure you are fully prepared.

Speaking of being fully prepared AND entertained, ROT has had a history of legendary wait entertainment, and this year was no exception. While we had the chance to interact with past HHC Jim Warfield Acting Award winner, Stevie Kristof, we couldn’t take our minds off of the character known as the “Trash Goblin.” As with every character here, the actress had full commitment and went anywhere and ate anything. While none of the ROT characters have ever broken, Trash Goblin was easily the focus of everyone’s attention, and kept us laughing, slightly uncomfortable, and on our guard!

As we stepped up to enter the attraction, we were met by a wonderful actor who served as the gatekeeper. From that point on, the team here blends fun and innovative sets and scenes with very playful and interactive actors and actresses. (A perfect match!) Hallways are twisting and tight, and force patrons to shift their bodies, duck, and continually move around obstacles. While you try to find your “safe space,” the creatures of the dark attack from almost 360-degrees!

Just when we thought we had a moment to breathe, we exited the main portion of the house only to be fully immersed into one of the best-constructed mazes we have ever experienced! A combo light and dark maze, your eyes are rendered useless as you are forced to feel your way around to try and escape. Though you may not be able to see a thing, monsters lurk throughout wandering and calling your name with zero hesitation! While we were a little better performing in this year’s maze, we have been inside previous versions of this maze for 20+ minutes! (Maybe the mice are learning…)

Monsters of Note: Bibbles the Trash Goblin, the Carver, the Bunny, and the Maid

The Bottom Line: Realm of Terror keeps us on our toes at all times. Just when you think you know what to expect, the creative geniuses will flip the script! As we prepare each year for our experience, we typically spend the ride to the attraction discussing our expectations. BUT, we typically spend the ride home talking about all the things we didn’t see coming! What you can expect? A show that will exceed your anticipations, keep you having fun, and possible land you rocking in the fetal position in the corner!

Don’t just take our word for it, check out this exclusive media from our visit:

Highlight Video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyNCdogMexl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Highlight Video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/636483865312545
Instagram Gallery: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyNGqZUMHhS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==