RECAP:   “Old Sparky,” a late19th century wooden electric chair rests in the lobby of the former West Virginia State Penitentiary, as inmate “Creeper” explains the rules, just prior to entering into the big house!  A “horrific(us)” surprise soon follows, then the adventure begins with the incarceration of new convicts, when an armed guard storms onto the scene demanding, “ Put your hands on top of your head, and stand up against the wall, now!”  Progressing in a single-file line into the prison’s death row, security personnel separate groups by ushering detainees into the small confines of various holding cells, the doors of which automatically slide shut just as soon as all are inside in compliance with one of the attending guards command to, “ Close 17!”  Once initial inspection concludes, all are led down a hallway and seated in a circular array of authentic-looking electric chairs and strapped in!  Current begins to flow with the flip of a switch, beginning the execution that finds the chairs violently shaking, lights flickering off and back on, and loud popping noises filling the air, along with a merciless exclamation, "It's time to die!"  Coffins await the recently electrocuted souls, where they embark upon a “Casket Ride” in preparation of burial, sliding down to the gates of Hell while encountering multiple “Gravediggers” in a 200 year-old cemetery along the way!   Magnificent tombstones comprise decor, along with an impressive mausoleum that hides a secret body vault escape into a treacherous exam room occupied by a mad, twitching doctor in search of new patients to participate in her diabolical experiments!   Escaping through darkened corridors soon leads to an encounter with a giant, horned monster, and animatronic ghouls just prior to the discovery of a helpless girl found tied up to a wall, and being restrained by a savage creature ignoring her pleas for help, while pondering whether or not he should, “Have mercy on her soul?”  Arriving at his much anticipated conclusion, the madman produces an oversized, homicidal knife, then judgementally pronounces, “It’s time to relieve your pain,” as he proceeds to cut off her head, which he hoists high into the air like a trophy while inquiring, “Anyone else want their pain relieved!” (Really awesome scene!)  Slide down panels provide access to additional startles down a corridor where vicious poundings on adjacent walls create the impression that at any moment they're about to collapse inwardly on passersby!  Navigation across a wooden-plank bridge into a dark cave disturbs the resting place of enormous bats, one of which appears as an apparition of the ghost-like variety!  Toxins flow out of barrels creating an exploding pond of waste, then a mysterious gypsy fortuneteller peers into her crystal ball, laughing wickedly when she foresees our immanent misfortune warning, “They’re all waiting for you!”   Still to come are vibrating barrels, skeleton-lined hallways, blasting air guns, and an intimidating trek through lifeless body bags.  Blue-eyed monsters come to life, just before entering into the “Carousel of Nightmares,” where a crazed girl struggles to decide if we're worthy to be sacrificed to her witch!  “It’s time to burn in the 7th circle of the 7th circle!," she cryptically proclaims!  Spooky synagogue music blares loudly beckoning entrance into the “Church of 666,” where an ungodly, black-eyed nun clutches onto an overwhelmingly large crucifix, then brutally stabs it into an innocent girl leaving her to die right there on the parish floor!   Passage leads to the eerily-lit river “Styx,” where a vessel is boarded that timidly journeys across the green, murky “River of Lost Souls,” where the damned have taken up residence, unleashing relentless attacks from their unseen abode!  Docking and disembarking through a bloody sheet maze accesses a traveling side show featuring human oddities, and the "astonishingly beautiful" Joselyn!  (You don't want to miss her!)   As the curtain falls, so to speak, progression provokes an enormous, growling, discontented monster compromising furtherance into a dark maze that contains a number of loops, dead ends, and uncertain paths before finally leading through an abandoned prison bus, into a spinning vortex, then out back to the courtyard for a chainsaw encouraged finale from The Dungeon of Horrors that cleverly exits into the gift shop!

ANALYSIS:  In a word, OUTSTANDING!  The Dungeon showcases appropriately attired characters conversing with guests via intense, meaningful, practically non-stop dialogue.  Interaction is constant throughout.  Beheading is a most memorable scare.  Other standouts include, Casket Ride, Boat Ride through The River of Lost Souls, "Old Sparky" electric chairs, crucifix murder, 7th Circle, maze, animated monsters, the unexpected appearance of Joselyn, and being sequestered inside one of the prison cells with the door mechanically shutting behind you, etc.  Design and decor are top notch, lighting and soundtrack are fabulous as well, and the building itself is a major contributor to the spooky atmosphere.  Unique, seldom seen, customer participation events like coffin rides and electric chair execution are carried out to perfection, and especially appreciated for accommodating entire groups instead of just one or two selected customers as is the case at other attractions that portray similar scenes.

Bus segment could be improved upon, perhaps with a few occupying convicts on board, and a stronger finish would cap off a really extraordinary haunt with one final, ultimately climactic send-off that could nearly perfect the score!  OVH has reviewed well over a thousand haunted attractions during our 20+ year career, and we can honestly say Dungeon of Horrors at The West Virginia State Penitentiary is one of the best haunted attractions we have ever had the pleasure of visiting - definitely ranking in the top 10 of all time!

An optional, interactive Zombie Paintball shooting gallery is located near the exit of the haunt, and North Walk Tours that explore various areas of the old penitentiary are likewise offered, where a guide will discuss interesting, real-life stories about those once imprisoned within, some of whom lost their lives due to gang-related activity while serving their sentences.

The attraction utilizes timed ticketing, so there's no need to pay more for a "Fast Pass" or VIP admission option.  Special Events are also scheduled including less scary Kids and Family Nights, as well as a Halloween Bash that's sold with a ghost hunting/investigation option taking place after the party!  Visit their website for additional information.

OVH highly recommends paying a visit to The West Virginia State Penitentiary, touring the old prison facility, and enjoying a lengthy, really unique haunt!  This legitimate "Haunt of the Year" contender is well worth the drive!