The WillowsJust Fix It ProductionsHauntOther It is good to come home. 2023 marks the 2nd year I've attended the Willows, and it remains one of my favorite immersive experiences to date. From the moment you ring the doorbell, you are whisked away into a dreamlike world where the night slowly slips into an ominous chaotic thrill. Interaction is highly encouraged, and curiosity is rewarded. The actors put forth strong performances and are willing to part with insightful dialogue to those who are brave enough to ask. Partway in the night, guests are taken along branching paths, making return trips satisfying. During my second visit, I was shown a completely different storyline and participated in activities I did not know existed on my first visit. I do not want to divulge any further - this is one of those "the less you know, the better" scenarios. If you can snag a ticket (which is extremely difficult to come by) and love immersive theater, then make your way to The Willows before it is too late.
Cinema SlasherKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseThe concept and creative kills set this apart as one of the best of the 2023 batch. When it comes to slashers, the kills must be unique, creative, and fun, and this maze does not disappoint. With homages to tropes found in classic slashers, such as the sorority house or the camp grounds, it was fun to see how the killer dispatched their victims in gory, almost artistic ways. Make sure to hit this maze before the night ends.
Mesmer: Sideshow Of The MindKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseGoing on its 3rd year, Mesmer still hits hard as one of the most creative mazes in the park. Delving into the dark corners of the mind in a dilapidated demented carnival, each encounter with the circus' denizens was unique and packed with details. I do miss the theatrical intro it had in its first year. The story can also be difficult to follow, as maze-goers quickly hop from room to room.
The Chilling ChambersKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseTruly a stand-out maze with plenty to offer for both new and old fans. Long-time Knott's fans will get the most out of this one, as it is filled to the brim with references, Easter eggs, and nods to all 50 years of Knott's Scary Farm history. I especially applaud the homage to Larry Vincent, aka Sinister Seymour, who was the first ever celebrity host for the very first Knott's Scary Farm. I gleefully shouted when I saw Elvis from Lost Vegas, as that was one of the first mazes I did during my first visit to Knott's Scary Farm back in 2007. And the trip through the Doll Factory, one my favorite mazes of all time, plucked all the strings for the fan boy inside of me. Nothing but love for this one. For all you fans out there, make sure to make time for this one.
Ghost Town StreetsKnott’s Scary FarmHauntScare zoneThe Ghost Town Streets remain a key mainstay amongst the scare zones. It is a reliable area that sets the tone for the entire night. Braving through one of the densest fog areas is a rite of passage, a tradition one must experience every year. The sliders are excellent and experienced, sometimes stopping mere inches from you for maximum effect. The old West buildings lend to the atmosphere, and the cemetery is always a treat to visit. Scare actors are dedicated in this zone and work hard to bring on the terror. Make sure to go through this scare zone at least once on every visit to Scary Farm and pay homage to the king of scare zones.
Delusion: Nocturnes & Nightmares - [Season 2023]DelusionHauntHaunted houseThis year's Delusion packed strong thrills and was rewarding to both returning and new fans alike. Long-time attendees of the show will find the most fulfillment, as this year featured numerous throwbacks, references, and returning characters from previous shows, spanning over a decade of stories all combined in one ultimate meta plotline. Outside of the main show itself, the grounds contain a handful of activities to partake in. Enjoy entertainment and drinks on the second floor, and make sure to visit the attic before your showtime (wait times can vary, so grab a spot as soon as you arrive). There are also food and beverage offerings in the backyard, but I would stay away from there until after your show, as it is directly in front of the exit, within earshot of potential spoilers. Make sure to plan one final visit to the beautiful Phillips Mansion. This is one not to be missed.
The DepthsKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseThe Depths still goes strong 5 years after its debut. The Lovecraftian tale mixed with jaw-dropping wow moments fully immerse the viewer into its murky waters. Its climactic scene still leaves a deep impact with its gigantic scale. The plot is easy to follow with consistent pacing.
Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America [Season 2023]Halloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseA pleasant surprise, Monstruous was one of Universal's original offerings for the 2023 year. The maze benefitted from strong set design and memorable key moments. I will never forget the image of El Silbon ripping out a victim's spine with his bare hands, a la Mortal Kombat. While the story may or may not make sense (I am biased since I watched John Murdy describe the maze in great detail during Midsummer Scream), I felt that the pacing was nice and primed the viewers with enough info to signal that they would meet a different creature from folklore.
Origins: The Curse Of CalicoKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseAs one of the older mazes, Origins still stands out as one of the best, offering a peek into the past at the source of all the madness happening at Knott's Scary Farm: the hanging of Sarah Marshall aka The Witch. The special effects remain impressive, and the climax at meeting the witch herself still sends a joyful chill down my spine.
Dark Ride: Castle of ChaosKnott’s Scary FarmHauntHaunted houseThe set design stood out as one of the most inspired and imaginative. What amazed me was that they built an entire dark ride, fully complete with animatronics and story beats that harken back to dark rides of the past. The path weaved the audience from the main attraction to behind the scenes in the maintenance corridors, building the story and anticipation until it climaxed into a mad scene of murderous hobo clowns roaming a hellish landscape.
![Delusion: Nocturnes & Nightmares - [Season 2023]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/00d0529f-219f-4325-b2d9-0f79322d7746.png)
![Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America [Season 2023]](https://res.cloudinary.com/mortyapp/image/upload/c_limit,w_260/f_auto/v1/store/s/f8cac4ba-a299-4197-a8c6-1e4f59a31954.jpg)
