11901 S. Cicero Avenue, Alsip, IL
years: 2013
House of Nightmares was yet another surprise for the Tourers this season. Last year (when the haunt was known as Sweet Dreams) we had a bad experience that followed a couple previous mediocre experiences. Briefly, the haunt was very short, mostly empty, and too expensive. This put this haunt in the "don't do it again" category.
However, for 2013, the haunt had a new name, and a new, lower price. Thus, since we were in the Alsip area, we figured we'd give it another shot as long as the line wasn't too long. Fortunately, the line was short, and we were able to go in. We must say that while the haunt is not significantly longer than it was last year, the quality has significantly improved. As such, House of Nightmares turned out to be a fun experience for us, and rates and one of our most improved haunts of the entire season. The haunt begins in what looks like an old rundown shack, and visitors are read the rules, then taken for an "elevator" ride into the haunt itself. We must say that the outside of the haunt looks very good, and has now had a lighted sign added to the top of it. Inside things got better as well, with several detailed scenes including a cannibal kitchen where visitors had to find the hidden exit, a creepy clown room with large, glowing, painted walls (and a couple of excellent clown actors), and a strange plexiglass enclosed area behind which an odd female actor stood, simply looking out at us and contorting her body into odd positions. It was eerily effective. A favorite scene in side the house was a voodoo temple scene, complete with live actor as voodoo priest, a hanging body, and a chandelier made of body parts. Following the house portion, visitors move into the outside area, with the first scene being a large cemetery setup with tombstones, coffins, and a few live actors. This was very well done, even though we couldn't see too much because of some fog effects that worked a bit too well! |
Commentary
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After this, we found ourselves in a mirrored area, through which a very creepy live actor stalked. We won't spoil the surprise, but he was clever and effective. Whereas this portion of the haunt was almost entirely empty last year, this year it had many actors in it, and all of them seemed enthusiastic about being there. There were several twists and turns in this area and a few clever hiding spots, all culminating in a long corridor like area at the end - we will leave it to your imagination as to what happens there!
Overall, House of Nightmares was much improved over the former Sweet Dreams haunt. While many of the rooms are the same, there are several new ones, and there were quite a few actors inside. As we said, the haunt really isn't much longer than last year, but it is much better in terms of set design, actor enthusiasm, and overall quality. We are definitely glad we made the trip, and if you're in the Alsip area, you should make the trip as well. House of Nightmares is located inside a family fun center, so you can occupy yourself with an arcade and batting cages before or after visiting the haunt.
We congratulate the operators on the improvements over last year, and we can officially say that House of Nightmares is back on our select list of haunts to visit and has successfully moved out of the "don't go there again" category!
Overall, House of Nightmares was much improved over the former Sweet Dreams haunt. While many of the rooms are the same, there are several new ones, and there were quite a few actors inside. As we said, the haunt really isn't much longer than last year, but it is much better in terms of set design, actor enthusiasm, and overall quality. We are definitely glad we made the trip, and if you're in the Alsip area, you should make the trip as well. House of Nightmares is located inside a family fun center, so you can occupy yourself with an arcade and batting cages before or after visiting the haunt.
We congratulate the operators on the improvements over last year, and we can officially say that House of Nightmares is back on our select list of haunts to visit and has successfully moved out of the "don't go there again" category!