Origins: The Curse Of CalicoKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMaze2023 was my first year at Scary Farm, so I don’t have the nostalgia that many long-time attendees have. I understand that this is a classic, but to me, it’s by far the most forgettable. Half of Knott’s is already themed like the old west, so you’re not getting any unique atmosphere by going inside. This had the longest wait, and was the only maze we didn’t do twice. To be honest, I don’t think we would have done it a second time even if there was no line. It’s not terrible, but there are so many better haunts at this event. Don’t waste your time here.
The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare [Season 2022]Halloween Horror NightsHauntMazeThis was my first haunt ever, and I still remember it better than any other I’ve done since. And not just because it was my first. This is so unique and original. It feels like it shouldn’t work, but it does so well! Halloween Horror Nights houses are well known for long, thin corridors, but this one had many large rooms with scare actors all around you! I really hope Universal does more houses like these in the future!
Mary - The Haunting of Worth HomeKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeVery scary, and felt like it went on forever! I was definitely eager to get out of this one because I was so unnerved!
The ZooKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeThe flashlight gimmick is so cool! It was terrifying to have to manually discover everything that’s in the room with me. I loved pointing up my flashlight and finding a creature right in my face! Keep innovating, Knotts!
Killer Klowns From Outer Space [Season 2022]Halloween Horror NightsHauntMazeI adore this house! Not at all scary, but so charming and memorable! Every time they include it at Horror Nights, it’s the stand-out haunt! Great smells, cool effects, silly characters, everything is just perfect! This is where you go when you need a break from being terrified. If you don’t go in expecting to be scared, you’re going to have a blast!
Eight Fingers Nine: The BoogeymanKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeWhy was six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine! Why was seven afraid of eight? Because… Eight Fingers Nine is one of the more confusing houses this year. There is certainly stellar atmosphere and it really feels like you’re stepping through a fairy tale, I just wish I understood what was happening a little better. It’s nowhere near as confusing as Grimoire though. The Boogeyman himself is one of the scariest Knott’s monsters I’ve seen. Overall, definitely not the worst house this year, but also not the best.
Universal Monsters: Legends Collide [Season 2022]Halloween Horror NightsHauntMazeThis was much scarier than I expected a house based on classic monsters to be. It had a ton of charm and a sense of humor.
La Llorona: The Weeping Woman [Season 2022]Halloween Horror NightsHauntMazeThis house is fantastic! Terrifying, dark, bleak, and disturbing! A classic!
LullabyThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeThis is the essential Dark Harbor haunt. It feels the most distinctly “Queen Mary”, especially because we’re able to see into the pool room for a second. There’s one scare on a bridge multiple stories above a maintenance area that is absolutely cruel and might be the best scare I’ve ever seen in a haunt!
Breakout and On The RunThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeThis haunt was LONG with some very memorable scenes. I loved the insane Spirit Halloween-esque animatronics that were all over the place!