RECAPS: A lighthouse beacon brightens the way to the Voyage of Fear! An undead zombie and a 12’ tall skeletal pirate terrorize those waiting to board along the outdoor queue line as it winds its way past a frightening cemetery and approaches the entrance to the annual Haunted Hall. Inside, warnings announce that the ship is sinking and the only place to run is onto the Hellevator, where a bearded attendant wearing a dress chastises, “Don’t you know you should never ride an elevator when there’s an emergency?” The elevator vibrates and shakes as it drops down to the bottom of the ship, and as the doors slide open, blood flows from a running faucet where a gory crewman cuts people up like fish! Crossing flaming hot coals beneath an iron, grated walkway accesses an untidy galley staffed by a vile ghoul selling human eyes, intestines, spider-infested mac and cheese, and other unappetizing delicacies for, “Only $25 a plate!” A chandelier noisily crashes down onto a table from above as the course transfers into Dracula’s Lair, where the thirsty, stowaway Count springs out of hiding inviting visitors to, “Stay and have a BITE with him!”
Outside, a piercing alarm signals a severed head to come popping up out of an adjacent crate as the route makes its way onto Killigan’s Island inhabited by hungry skeleton monsters ready to devour stranded castaways prior to a swashbuckling encounter with a looting pirate armed with a cutlass protecting his chest full of treasure and jewels. Shackled, fleshless human remains deliver a bone crashing surprise as the journey continues through an octopus-guarded coral reef and waiting ambushes courtesy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the attraction’s very own trademark character, Bug Boy!
Spookers Lounge appears to have served one too many to an inebriated zombie, who staggers out from “The Loveless Boat” bar in search of a snack to go along with the bottle he’s recently emptied, while his undead, drooling cohort provides an unexpected jump scare, then joins the pursuit. Walking the plank leads to a spinning vortex, the exit from which is guarded by an irate Siren of the Sea, who’s upset that she’s, “Been living with the fish too long! Do you think I’m pretty?” she inquisitively demands, and “Don’t you want to look like me?” she shouts, and before you know it, you find yourself stuck in the belly of a whale along with the rotting remains of Jonah! Working your way through its enormous ribs and out its tooth-lined mouth crosses a tilting bridge onto a Viking ship that’s docked beside a wooded area that soon incites a double chainsaw attack and chase into the OVH award winning, dark maze climax of The Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall!
ANALYSIS: As previously mentioned, this year’s theme is “Voyage of Fear” which sets the stage for a number of clever seafaring adventures like “Killigan’s Island” and “The Loveless Boat” just to name a few. There’s also a Viking ship, walking the plank, and various maritime creatures as well including a pirate, Siren, Creature from the Black Lagoon, etc. And whoever could’ve imagined being trapped inside the belly of a whale?
The event can annually be counted on to deliver a great deal of Halloween fun thanks to their unique scares, most of which they make themselves! Hellevator is always appreciated, and the actors all did their best to deliver outstanding startles.
Siren stands out for the intensity of her delivery, dialogue-rich interaction, and persistence. Chainsaw assailant was relentlessly outraged – even providing a second, elevated assault within the woods. Drunk and drooling zombies are memorably outstanding, and Drac remains a much-anticipated, yearly favorite that’s seldom seen elsewhere these days. Pirate is appropriately armed with the perfect weapon, and stilted queue line character does a great job working the crowd and chasing them around. Trademark spinning floor is missed this season. Overall duration depends on how long it takes to navigate the maze and eventually find your way out.
Now celebrating their 32nd season, Mt. Healthy always makes the most out of what they have to work with, and can always be counted on for a most enjoyable haunted house experience that’s entertaining and NEVER disappoints! Price of admission is only $12, which is reduced to $10 with a canned good donation and only $6 on Sundays with two cans of soup! What a real TREAT that is by today’s standards! OVH wouldn’t miss The Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall! Won’t you join us? This is the way it’s supposed to be!
Note: This year’s non-scary, lights up Trick-or-Treat night for kids is Sunday, October 23rd from 6 – 6:45 PM, and costs just $5 per child. Accompanying adults are admitted free.
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