7759 S. Harlem Ave, Burbank, IL
Frightmare is a pay haunt located in Burbank, Illinois. Operating since 1992, Frightmare is a seasonal event at the Haunted Trails family fun center. From the outside, Frightmare doesn't look like much. In fact, it looks like one of those cheesy 70's prefabricated haunted houses that one might see in carnivals or state fairs. Although not confirmed, the Tourers believe that this is exactly what it is, although in a modified form.
However, this is where the similarities end. What Frightmare lacks on the outside it makes up for on the inside, with excellent use of space and some really well done sets, not to mention great actors. For the past several years, the theme for Frightmare has been cinematic movie monsters, and inside the haunt visitors can find scenes depicting the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Ring, Friday the 13th, and others. Each years is always a bit different, so although visitors might see the same monsters, they won't see the same layout.
Although the haunt might look small from the outside, it is actually much larger than it appears. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a movie theater lobby, complete with concessions. A guide tells you what to expect, then you are sent on your way. During the journey, visitors exit the haunt and climb stairs, walking along a catwalk on the outside, then reentering the haunt from the lower level. Additionally, the haunt features some excellent, very large actors who play Jason and Leatherface. Make no mistake, these are not little teenagers, and having them appear right in front of you in a dark, foggy room is quite the surprise!
All in all, Frightmare is more than worth it. Over the years it has become one of favorite Tourer haunts, and one that everyone should visit. The haunt is moderately priced at $10, and a $2 discount can usually be found online for Sun-Thurs visits. Also, visitors receive coupons good for a buy one get one round of miniature golf and other fun things, so it's got some great added value. Check it out!
However, this is where the similarities end. What Frightmare lacks on the outside it makes up for on the inside, with excellent use of space and some really well done sets, not to mention great actors. For the past several years, the theme for Frightmare has been cinematic movie monsters, and inside the haunt visitors can find scenes depicting the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Ring, Friday the 13th, and others. Each years is always a bit different, so although visitors might see the same monsters, they won't see the same layout.
Although the haunt might look small from the outside, it is actually much larger than it appears. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a movie theater lobby, complete with concessions. A guide tells you what to expect, then you are sent on your way. During the journey, visitors exit the haunt and climb stairs, walking along a catwalk on the outside, then reentering the haunt from the lower level. Additionally, the haunt features some excellent, very large actors who play Jason and Leatherface. Make no mistake, these are not little teenagers, and having them appear right in front of you in a dark, foggy room is quite the surprise!
All in all, Frightmare is more than worth it. Over the years it has become one of favorite Tourer haunts, and one that everyone should visit. The haunt is moderately priced at $10, and a $2 discount can usually be found online for Sun-Thurs visits. Also, visitors receive coupons good for a buy one get one round of miniature golf and other fun things, so it's got some great added value. Check it out!
year: 2011
2011 continued Frightmare's cinematic movie monster theme. This year's scares well particularly well done. For example, in the Halloween setup, visitors were greeted with an empty bedroom with the Halloween theme music playing, then suddenly Mike Myers ducked into and out of the room. Thus, visitors were left wondering where he went, knowing that he was probably just around the corner. Upon leaving the room, visitors entered a mirrored corridor, with Mike Myers standing at the end - a quite effective and creepy setup.
Additionally, the haunt featured an effective Ring setup, with Samara climbing from the well as visitors entered a small, narrow outside area. leaving them little room to maneuver. At first, Samara appeared to be a prop, but then she came alive, resulting in an effective surprise. The highlight of this year's haunt had to be the Camp Crystal Lake setup. Located in the second to last room of the haunt, the setup included an eerie, fog laden room with a series of cabins. As the doors to the room closed behind visitors, they were effectively transported to the scene of Jason's killings. Jason didn't appear until visitors were close to the exit, effectively blocking their escape. And blocking is the correct word, as this Jason was large and menacing, looming from the fog towards unsuspecting visitors. Knowing what was coming made the scene even better. Overall, a great setup, and one that the Tourers would make sure to visit in 2012. |
year: 2012
2012 continued the theme of cinematic movie monsters, but with some changes from the previous year. The tourers liked this haunt so much in 2012 that they went back for a second visit!
This year, the animatronic dog was augments with a live actor in a wolf costume, the Halloween display shifted from the mirrored corridor to a creepy bedroom display with dresser and mirror. As visitor explored the room, Mike Myers could be seen reflected in the mirror, only to disappear and reappear in the next room -a very effective twist and a good way to keep the scene interesting. Outside, visitors were treated to a visit from Scream's Ghost Face, who asked everyone what their favorite scary movie was. Ghost Face's appearance was quite well, done, and it gave all of the Tourers a bit of a scare. Ghost Face followed everyone to the next area, which featured the well from The Ring. As fog enveloped visitors, Samara dragged herself out of the well and lurched towards everyone. The last half of the haunt was populated by creepy clowns and crazy hillbillies, one of whom couldn't wait to have Leatherface tear visitors up. The final scene for 2012 was Camp Crystal Lake. As a terrified victim screamed for help, Jason appeared out of the fog to menace visitors. As always, Frightmare was well worth a visit. This is one haunt that should operate year round, as it is always good for a few scares. |
walkthrough
on the spot review
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