Haunted Attraction Reviewed: Terror Behind the Walls - REMIX: LIGHTS OUT
Website: www.easternstate.org/halloween
Location of Attraction: Philadelphia PA
Date of Review: Saturday November 10th 2018
Total Number of Attractions Available: SIX
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating: 9/10
Entertainment and Food Rating: 9/10
Atmosphere Rating: 10/10
Overall Costume and Make Up Rating: 9/10
Overall Cast and Crew Rating: 9/10
Overall Props, Animatronics and Set Design Rating: 9/10
Overall Scare/Thrill Factor Rating: 8.5/10
Overall Feedback: With much sadness we are writing our final review of the 2018 review season. Our last and final review of the year ended with a frightastic trip to Terror Behind the Walls. On their final night of the 2018 haunt season, Terror Behind the Walls was hosting their REMIX NIGHT: LIGHTS OUT! The majority of our squad has experienced Terror Behind the Walls at least once with the lights on. So we elected to give their lights out version a whirl. On by far the coldest night of the season we set off for the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia PA. Parking for this haunt is not located onsite. Guests will park at the brand new Philadelphia Zoo parking garage and then ride the GHOST BUS to the haunt itself. Be prepared as parking does cost $20 onsite or $13 online; either way that’s a rather steep price for parking but fortunately it goes to a good cause. Freezing but eager to begin our final review of the season we boarded the ghost bus. Just a short shuttle ride away is the eerie Eastern State Penitentiary, the home of Terror Behind the Walls. As the ghost bus pulls up alongside the Penitentiary an immediate buzz filled the ghost bus. We overheard guests rapidly become fearful of what lies ahead while others were practically jumping out the bus windows before the bus came to a stop. As we unloaded from the ghost bus we were in awe by the eeriness and true uniqueness of the Penitentiary. Within seconds of walking on the sidewalk outside of the Penitentiary walls you can’t help but instantly feel pumped for the journey ahead. A few roaming actors strolled up and down the sidewalk, scaring the souls out of guests and getting your heart racing. We purchased our tickets and were fortunate to receive quick passes so we could bypass the wait times. We jumped right in line and were eager to begin our experience. Once on the Penitentiary grounds we couldn’t help but take a few moments to take in our surroundings and the utter spookiness of the property. The property alone is scary enough and at times gave us goosebumps. We breezed through security, had a group photo taken and then hopped right into line. A few moments later we were called forward and entered the introductory scene. A security guard with a bloodied face enthusiastically welcomed us to Terror Behind the Walls and explained what REMIX NIGHT is and the two ways to experience it. For the brave souls who want a more hands on and spookier experience you can choose to wear a glow necklace. This signifies that you don’t mind being separated from your group, touched and sent down hidden passageways. Those whom do not wish to wear a glow necklace will remain unscathed and simply watch the action. Of course our members were all in for the enhanced experience. We proudly snagged our glow necklaces and received a bloody scratch from fake blood on our cheek. At this point we were amped up and ready for action. Terror Behind the Walls is SIX attractions which makes up one long walk through (around 45 minutes) with minimal wait time in between attractions. The six attractions will be experienced in the following order: Lock Down, Machine Shop, Infirmary, Blood Yard, Quarantine 4D and Breakout! Terror Behind the Walls does a perfect job ensuring guests are aware that there entering a new attraction, as we’ve experienced some haunts with this format and they failed to notify guests of attraction changes. Right before entering Lock Down our group of five was given a single glow stick, which was to be utilized to light the way. We were eager to see Terror Behind the Walls version of a blackout event as we’ve experienced very mixed blackout events in the past. Some have been far to light while others have been a perfect pitch black. We personally felt this experience fell in the too light category as we don’t recall encountering any sections of pitch black. The glow stick for the most part was not needed to lead the way during the six attractions. But on that note, the scenes were much too dark to take in the set design, props and animatronics. From what we could see the set design was beautifully crafted, with lifelike props, incredible animatronics and pure creepiness. Despite the lack of lighting we could easily note the amount of time, energy and passion put into the crafting of each and every scene. The different areas of the Penitentiary are downright scary enough… then factor in scare actors and animatronics and you have yourself a horrifying experience. Among our group the Infirmary and Quarantine 4D were by far our favorite attractions. The set design in these areas was over the top and both experiences were extremely interactive. And yes, those of us who elected the hands on experience got exactly what we asked for. Each of us were separated from our group at least 2-3 times. We were often sent down hidden passageways which varied from pitch black hallways, to claustrophobia walls, to slides and ball pits. Some of our members were even locked up in cells and shacks. The scare actors were all passionate and did a frightastic job. Some of these actors encountered were downright freaky and made us question if they were sane or not. The scare actors for the most part stuck with the short pop scare tactic with skits few and far between. But on a busy night the short and sweet scares are needed in order to keep the flow of guests moving. Costuming and makeup was near movie quality, very lifelike and truly believable. As guests exit the final attraction, Breakout, you spew out into the midway/entertainment area. This area possesses a food/drink stand, gift shop, music and live entertainment. We can’t forget to mention that after experiencing Terror Behind the Walls, you can extend your visit at The Speakeasy at Al Capone's Cell. Live entertainment includes a lounge singer, contortionist, and table games. You can also enjoy a complimentary Yards beer, glass of wine, or Coca-Cola soft drink. The Speakeasy is an extra fee but from what we heard is a extremely fun experience. By the time we finished our munchies and discussed our experience amongst our group we were frozen and ready to head for the ghost bus. On the way towards the exit of Terror Behind the Walls the Eastern State Penitentiary museum and gift shop is open for guests enjoy. Feel free to take a look around and learn about the Penitentiary and the history behind it. Terror Behind the Walls is by far one of the most unique and downright eerie haunted attractions we’ve experienced. Our squad would absolutely love to come back during the daytime to learn more about the history of the Penitentiary. We certainly had a spooktacular experience and ended our review season on a thrilling note. For those of you who have yet to experience Terror Behind the Walls we urge you to put them on your schedule for the 2019 haunt season. We have no doubt that you’ll have a spooktastic experience!