1945 Cornell Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
Dream Reapers featured over 14000 SqFt. of space, over 22 rooms, 40+ animatronics, over 40 actors and actresses and even scents based upon the theme of the room! Dream Reapers was the very first haunt that the original Horror Tourers, Paul and Bryan, went to back in 2002. Back then, the network of elaborate yard displays and home haunts was not what it is today, so people looking for good scares had to rely on the professional pay haunts for their entertainment. As they could be pricey, and often had long wait times, people had to be selective as they might only be able to get in one or possibly two haunts in a night. Dream Reapers set itself apart from the rest in terms of both quality and realism, featuring realistic sets with multiple actors per scene.
Dream reapers was first opened in 2000, and was originally located in a strip mall. After a few years, the haunt moved to a more permanent location which allowed the haunt to be worked on and updated during the year, which ensured new and interesting sets and themes each year. Over the years, Dream Reapers remained consistently good, and the Tourers often made it a point to go to Dream Reapers, even if they didn't do any other haunting in a particular year (which, hard as it might be to believe, did happen at least once). Unfortunately, in 2011, Dream Reapers suffered a large financial loss when over $150,000 of their takings was stolen. Although Dream Reapers did open again in 2012, it was to be their last year. Their lease was up at the end of November, and the owners decided to call it quits, so Dream Reapers closed down after 13 seasons.
Nevertheless, it is still fondly remembered, and will certainly go down in Chicago Haunt history as one of the most memorable haunt experiences.
Dream Reapers did not allow photography of video within their haunt, but photos were allowed in the waiting room as well as outside. Below are a few of the photos that the Tourers took during their visits.
Dream reapers was first opened in 2000, and was originally located in a strip mall. After a few years, the haunt moved to a more permanent location which allowed the haunt to be worked on and updated during the year, which ensured new and interesting sets and themes each year. Over the years, Dream Reapers remained consistently good, and the Tourers often made it a point to go to Dream Reapers, even if they didn't do any other haunting in a particular year (which, hard as it might be to believe, did happen at least once). Unfortunately, in 2011, Dream Reapers suffered a large financial loss when over $150,000 of their takings was stolen. Although Dream Reapers did open again in 2012, it was to be their last year. Their lease was up at the end of November, and the owners decided to call it quits, so Dream Reapers closed down after 13 seasons.
Nevertheless, it is still fondly remembered, and will certainly go down in Chicago Haunt history as one of the most memorable haunt experiences.
Dream Reapers did not allow photography of video within their haunt, but photos were allowed in the waiting room as well as outside. Below are a few of the photos that the Tourers took during their visits.
year: 2009
One of the things that really separated Dream Reapers from the rest was the quality of their wait entertainment. Multiple actors could be seen walking around amongst the people waiting in line, both inside and outside of the building. As you can see from the photo at right, the makeup and effects were always top notch. Even more impressive was the fact that they always remained in character, even when walking by themselves when no one else was around. Actors could be seen talking or mumbling to themselves, remaining true to their characterizations at all times. This particular year featured a an undead addict as part of the wait entertainment.
Additionally, this year featured the opportunity to be "buried" alive. Visitors could lie in a coffin and experience the feelings, sounds and smells of being transported to the cemetery and buried. Paul negotiated a 2 for 1 deal where both of us got to try for $5. Inside the coffin you were treated to the movement of the coffin as it was lowered into the ground, the sounds of dirt being shoveled on top, and the smell of grass and decaying soil. An interesting experience to say the least! |
photos
year: 2011
2011 was a special year for Dream Reapers. At the end of the Halloween season, Dream Reapers was robbed, with over $150,000 being taken. As a result, in an attempt to raise enough money to keep operating and make up for the loss, Dream Reapers held a special Christmas themed haunt for two weekends in December. The haunt featured all of the sets and live entertainment Dream Reapers is known for, only with a holiday slant. Inside were zombie carolers, a haunted Christmas forest, scary elves like the one pictured, and even a photo opportunity with Satana Claus.
Given its unique nature, it was a memorable experiences. I also was Paul's favorite haunt of all time, and also one of his scariest experiences (see the third photo at right). The success of the haunt allowed Dream Reapers to come back once more for a final time in 2012. |
year: 2012
2012 marked the final year for Dream Reapers. After 13 seasons, the owners decided to close down, so it was with a bit of regret that the Tourers went to visit. However, the haunt still proved to be an excellent source of entertainment. The wait entertainment was great as usual, with several new characters, including one actor dressed like a wolf sitting in the corner by the ticket booth. He sat so still and his mask was constructed in such a way that it was difficult to tell if he was a live actor or not. He caught many waiting visitors unawares, to everyone's enjoyment.
The haunt itself featured a slaughterhouse with real bacon smell, a haunted forest, complete with pine scent, and a number of other custom rooms and smells. Dream Reapers is one of the few haunts to use so many different scents, and they all add to the experience. As it was the last season, Paul made sure to console some of the creatures on his way out. |