Knott's Scary Farm Halloween Haunt 2011 Report
Sept. 29, 2011
Dia De Los Muertos: I am quite happy to report that this maze, never a favorite of mine, is much improved. The bright, overly colorful sections from prior incarnations are gone. This is now darker, creepier, and definitely scarier than it's ever been. We did go through the "rainforest" switchbacks with nary a Scareactor present, a buzzkiller, and it's still not living up to what I feel is its fullest potential. But it sure is heading in the right direction. And as Doug pointed out, it's leaps and bounds better than "Lost Vegas" ever was. Amen to that.
And it's still in "3D" so if that floats your boat, get the glasses and enjoy.
Endgames: This maze is new for 2011 and I totally love the "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" vibe they went for here. (I guess we can't we get beyond Thunderdome.) More great sets and neato props. Again, we passed by some areas where there were clearly supposed to be creeps hiding, like an empty cage in a long hallway. Missing creeps make me sad. But I can imagine that this would be awesome when fully staffed. Also, one of the greatest scares from the now-retired Club Blood maze is in this one, and it still kicks your ass hard.
The Doll Factory: The bloom is off this rose. I am still so impressed with the concept and much of the visualization (I mean, look at that exterior - so great). But like last year, it was just too crowded to be any fun. Also, what happened to the babes with the feathers? Sexy and scary and very much missed. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that is the last go-round for the Doll Factory (and yet, it seems to remain very popular, so maybe not.)
I will say, though, that a very spunky "living doll" chased me all the way out. That was a highlight of the evening.
The Slaughterhouse: Perhaps if we'd gone through the Slaughterhouse earlier in the night, we'd have had a better time. But it was really late (well after 1:00 AM), we were really tired, and this gory celebration of shredded human flesh was underwhelming. If I recall correctly, part of the problem is WindSeeker: Its beautiful light show, visible for miles in the night sky, intruded on many of the scenes. Knotts needs to roof off more of the mazes now that WindSeeker is in town. Roof or no roof, though, Slaughterhouse may also need to be put down in the near future.
Terror of London: A favorite from prior years is still a favorite this year. Maybe not as slam-bang as it was in 2010, but we had a ball in this maze (despite a couple of empty rooms - WHERE MY CREEPS AT?!) Terrific theme, terrific execution. You can't go wrong with foggy backstreets and cemeteries haunted by Jack The Ripper and his victims. Also, Robb was a monster in this one and he sold it 100%.
Uncle Bobo's Big Top of the Bizarre: For reasons I can't fully articulate, I really liked this maze this year. (Have not in the past.) The manic energy, the goofball clown monsters, the Amazing Thingy, it came together. I jumped, I laughed, I yelled. There did not appear to be anything remarkably different from prior "Big Tops;" I was just in the right mood for it, I guess. Elephant poopy!!!!!
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