Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride - 2025 Review

Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride - 2025 Review

Date: 9/19/2025

Location: Glen Mills, PA

Website: www.thebatesmotel.com

Overall Rating: 8.75/10

Bates delivered one of their best shows we’ve seen in years! From the explosive hayride opener to the sinister scares of the Motel and the nonstop energy of the Trail, this haunt proves why it’s a staple Halloween tradition & a must-see haunted attraction. Packed with over 100 actors, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, massive sets, and a lively midway, Bates once again raised the bar for fall thrills.

Entertainment Value: 8.5/10

Bates gives you more than just attractions — it gives you a night out. The midway is buzzing with food (donuts were a must-try), games, photo ops (The Motel itself makes for a stellar backdrop!), mini escape rooms, axe throwing, and roaming characters that keep the vibe alive even outside the attractions. Attendance on our night wasn’t overwhelming, which allowed for even better interactions with midway spooks.

The hayride opener always sets the stage in warm-yet-shocking fashion, instantly letting you know you’re in for something massive. From there, the ride unloads chaos at every corner with collapsing sets, bursts of fire, and swarms of actors. The Motel and Trail only add to the variety, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Costume & Makeup: 9/10

Bates excels at bringing characters to life with high-quality FX makeup and detailed, scene-appropriate costuming. From grotesque wounds and unsettling masks to swampy ghillie suits and sinister clown designs, every character looked authentic to their environment. The work felt original and creative — not just off-the-shelf masks — and every detail helped immerse us deeper into the world of the Motel, Trail, and Hayride.

Cast & Crew: 9/10

This was a cast-heavy night, and the energy showed. Actors were everywhere — darting through cornfields, dropping in from above, and delivering engaging dialogue. Some characters still relied on repetitive phrases, but the majority made their interactions unique, funny, or downright disturbing. 

Actor Standouts: An asylum patient soaring above the wagon, full of manic laughter and life set the tone for what was an exhilarating scene. The Miner, furious about trespassers, driving guests deeper into the decrepit mine. Every clown in the Haunted Trail, animated and witty, creating an unrelenting gauntlet of chaos. The redneck crew by the bait shop, hilariously roasting guests — especially the gal who mocked our matching shirts. A ghillie creature in the greenhouse of the Motel, masterfully hidden for the scare of the night. The skin-room villain, whose sinister presence left a lasting impression.

Set Design & Special Effects: 9.25/10

The Bates hayride continues to wow with massive, multi-story scenes that feel cinematic. Pyrotechnics, animatronics, and collapsing structures keep guests on edge. The Western Town is still a standout centerpiece, brimming with absolute chaos. These scenes are elegantly crafted with no shortage of detail. 

Inside the Trail, new 2025 sections eliminated any sense of dead space — the scarecrows were relentless, the schoolhouse was eerie, and the swamp was as immersive as ever. The Motel showcased refreshed spaces like the foggy swamp and greenhouse, blending atmospheric creep with sudden shocks. Across the board, Bates proves why it’s hailed for its scale and attention to detail.

Fright/Thrill Factor: 8/10

The hayride thrives on spectacle — fire, explosions, collapsing barns, and an endless onslaught of actors keep adrenaline pumping. The Motel balances claustrophobic tension with grotesque visuals, while the Trail is all-out chaos, especially with its army of scarecrows charging through the corn. A touch more suspense-building in certain scenes could elevate the scares even higher, but Bates already delivers plenty of heart-pounding moments.

Sharpening the Scare: 

• Refresh or reface some older animatronics and sets on the hayride to keep things sharp for loyal return visitors. We’d love to see a new hayride scene each year, giving repeat visitors something to look forward to year after year. Adding a theatrical “pause-and-play” sequence to bring variety and suspense into the ride might be a refreshing twist that differs from the Bates norm! 

• Strengthening the audio along the hayride would really heighten the experience. Having speakers & subwoofers sprinkled throughout the sets would give the audio a bit more of a “surround sound” style effect, elevating the level of immersion! 

• Rethink the entry flow so guests can access the midway before attractions — snacks and drinks in-hand would make waiting for the hayride more enjoyable.

• Offer fresh merchandise designs each season — iconic imagery like the Motel façade or the Horseman would excite repeat fans. We appreciate the maroon colored hoodies this year—we enjoy adding different colors to our wardrobe besides grey & black. 

• Replace bright caution tape with themed barriers or scenic fencing for line control, keeping the atmosphere intact from the start.

Fright Night MVP: 

The Headless Horseman — this legendary character closes the hayride in spectacular fashion. The pounding hooves and sudden appearance from the darkness remain one of the most iconic finales in the industry.

Overall Notes:

Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride continues to prove why it’s one of the most iconic haunts in the region. With a massive cast, jaw-dropping hayride spectacles, and detailed sets inside the Motel and Trail, it delivers an action-packed night from start to finish. If you’re looking for explosive effects, high-energy scares, and a night that offers way more than just a walkthrough, Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride is absolutely worth the trip. Whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition, this haunt knows how to keep the thrills coming.