For over 20 years, Hangman’s House of Horrors has been an old reliable for those looking for a fun and spooky night out.
Three attractions are resurrected this season: McDagenville, Outbreak, and 3D Wonderland. Hangman’s Haunted House tells the story of Hezekiah Jones as he looks for innocent souls for the taking.
Hangman’s Hillbillies
The McDagen family is more hillbilly freak show than haunted attraction. The quirky actors will openly talk to you- I had quite a few casual conversations- throughout the mini attraction. The McDagens are rectifying wrongs and “delivering justice,” but their performance is humorous.
Zombie-Shack
What happens when failed medical experiments turn into a zombie nightmare? A zombie outbreak. Before you enter the security shack, a short video introduction gives you the backstory about the vile creatures. Artistic and entertaining, the video was the perfect solution for killing time in line.
The zombies lumber around the line and wreak havoc throughout the crowd. The shack is dark and loud. There’s smoke everywhere. The entire attraction is one big maze full of zombies. Once you think you’re out, you just enter another. It’s a short attraction, but it’s definitely worth it.
Down the Rabbit Hole
With the Alice in Wonderland theme, you’ll feel like you took a trip down the rabbit hole. The entire house features blacklights and 3D paints. Each person gets a complimentary pair of 3D glasses and the wacky experience begins.
The 3D Wonderland attraction is a recurring family favorite and I can say that it was one of mine. It’s the least scary of the four attractions, but it’s fun and visually stunning.
I found myself grabbing for things that seemed to appear, but weren’t really there at all. Alice was absolutely adorable and the Queen of Hearts was wildly amusing. They engaged with each person that came through. I was swept off my feet for a short dance and even partook in a tea party.
This was one of my favorite attractions at Hangman’s by far and if you’re not a fan of horror and gore, then the 3D Wonderland is the place for you.
The Government Facility
Welcome to the institution: the first words that are spoken once you walk through the door.
This year’s institution theme takes you through an “old government facility” that was used for black operations, experimental training and research. Tight corners, mazes, cramped hallways, fog, smoke, and light shows, make it more upscale than past houses.
Every experience is different for Hangman’s, but the haunted house gives the daring at least a few good scares. The actors move in and around the facility taunting and teasing the crowd and are relentless if you show fear (I was continually tormented by a character with a chainsaw until I went in). This attraction doesn’t differ from the rest-it’s family friendly.
There’s nothing truly grotesque or horrifying, but the actors are completely engaged and they focus haunt each individual. There are different sections of the haunted house focused on common phobias: spiders, snakes, clowns, and more. The original fixtures from the abandoned facility make the madhouse that more eerie.
It’s worth a time through, because if you scare easily, or if you like a little thrill, you get your money’s worth.
A New Kind of Haunt
If you’re a bit of a scaredy cat, then Hangman’s is the perfect place for you. They dedicate nights so you can experience the haunted house with a flashlight or the lights on.
If you’re a horror aficionado, then this may not be the experience you desire. Its focus is family friendly scares. You won’t be scared out of your wits, but you’ll be startled a time or two.
For those that have never been to Hangman’s, it’s definitely a unique haunt. Hangman’s has never been known for being dark or terrifying. Instead it teeters somewhere on the line of humor and horror.
All of the actors and staff are totally volunteer. However, that means that some actors are regulars and some appear for one night, so you’re never guaranteed the same experience.
The best thing about Hangman’s is that all of the proceeds go to charity. With over 26 years in business, Hangman’s has earned the title of the top charity benefitting haunted house in the world.
Hangman’s has scared over half a million of people and donated over $2 million to charities since it has opened in its new location.
At only $25 for general admission tickets, Hangman’s House of Horrors is definitely worth the visit. Whether you are looking for a thrill or just a fun night out, Hangman’s has plenty to offer. There’s no waiting in long lines. Get your ticket, and instead of waiting in line, enjoy one of the three attractions or explore the 19 acres of festival activities including food trucks, live bands, free photos, and more.