Haunted Attraction Reviewed: Circle of Screams
Location of Attraction: Dickson City PA
Date of Review: 10/2/2016
Total Number of Attractions Available: 3
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating (scale of 1-10): 4
Entertainment and Food Rating (scale of 1-10): 7
Makeup and Costume Rating (scale of 1-10): 5
Props Rating (scale of 1-10): 4
Overall Scare Factor Rating (scale of 1-10): 3
Overall Feedback: Circle of Screams was definitely a road trip for our review group, as most of our members had at least a 2.5hr drive. We were all very excited going into this haunted attraction but unfortunately we were left in disappointment at the completion of the evening. Circle of Screams is by no means an upscale haunted attraction, which made it tough for us to review as they were on a much smaller and completely different scale compared to other haunts we’ve attended this season. The actors throughout the haunt definitely have the potential to help make Circle of Screams a more upscale haunted attraction. But across the board Circle of Screams just seemed to lack the props and animatronics to make the scenes standout and ultimately much more eye catching. Circle of Screams does feature a family friendly atmosphere that is definitely catered towards families and younger haunt enthusiasts. Individuals who enjoy more of the in your face blood and gore haunt may not enjoy what Circle of Screams has to offer. Another downfall across the board was the lack of time you spent in each of the attractions. All three attractions were advertised to take approximately 30 minutes but both the Asylum Vortex and Carnival of Fear were over within 15 minutes. The hayride was 30 minutes as advertised but the scenes were all drug out way too long which ruined the atmosphere for the attraction. What is unique about Circle of Screams is there outdoor movie screen! While enjoying refreshments from the food bar you can kick back and watch a movie on their drive-in movie screen. Overall, Circle of Screams isn’t the scariest haunted attraction or the most highly attended haunt but they do feature a family friendly atmosphere which is sometimes hard to find as many haunts are leaning towards the high scare factor route. Feel free to check out Circle of Screams website ( www.circleofscreams.com ) to find out more about what they have to offer.
Individual Attraction Review:
Attraction Name: Hayride of Torture
Overall Attraction Rating (scale of 1-10): 4
Attraction Scare Factor Rating (scale of 1-10): 3
Actor Rating (scale of 1-10): 5
Likes: Once on board the Hayride of Torture you go on a couple minute ride up towards the woods, this definitely gets you in the mood for a good hayride. Most of the scenes were featured from many of the famous horror movies (The Ring, Friday the 13th, Children of the Corn, etc.). The actors gave their all and a few of the scenes were acted out well.
Dislikes: There was not much scare factor to this attraction. Many of the scenes were acted out well but the intention to scare people was not seen at all. Some of the scenes were drug out way too long and eventually became what seemed liked actors trying to extend the length of the attraction which totally ruined the atmosphere for the hayride. You won’t find any eye popping props or animatronics on this hayride which for some, is a disappointment. Circle of Screams definitely has the space and the actors to make this attraction an enjoyable one for all haunt enthusiasts but for right now, we were left in disappointment after this attraction.
Attraction Name: Carnival of Fear 3D
Overall Attraction Rating (scale of 1-10): 5
Attraction Scare Factor Rating (scale of 1-10): 4
Actor Rating (scale of 1-10): 6
Likes: Carnival of Fear 3D was definitely a mood changer after the disappointment the hayride left us in. Nothing better than a bunch of mischievous clowns trying to send customers the wrong direction throughout the haunt. The clowns in this attraction interacted with the customers which definitely made for an enjoyable experience. Again, there aren’t any eye popping props in this attraction but the simplicity of the haunt made it fun and somewhat frightening for all.
Dislikes: This haunt seemed to utilize the same five or six clowns throughout the haunt. We would love to see Circle of Screams fill this haunt with twice or even triple as many clowns to help fill out the attraction.
Attraction Name: Asylum Vortex
Overall Attraction Rating (scale of 1-10): 6
Attraction Scare Factor Rating (scale of 1-10): 4
Actor Rating (scale of 1-10): 7
Likes: Asylum Vortex was definitely the best haunted attraction offered at Circle of Screams. The actors were fantastic and truly interacted with each and every customer. There were some unique scenes utilized that were simple but yet effective. There were a few brief moments where pop scares were utilized and they also incorporated an eerie feel to this haunt.
Dislikes: Nothing negative stood out in this attraction. However, the addition of more actors to fill out each scene would most definitely lead to a more enjoyable experience.