Field of Screams PA — 2025 Review!

🎃 Field of Screams PA Review (2025)

Date: 9/13/2025

Location: Mountville, PA

Website: www.fieldofscreams.com

Overall Rating: 8/10

Field of Screams continues to prove why it’s one of the most well-known haunts in the country. Massive sets, a bustling midway, and world-class production value set the stage for an unforgettable night. While the visual presentation impressed as always, this visit lacked the actor energy we’ve come to expect, leaving the night feeling a little flat compared to prior years.

Entertainment Value: 9/10

Few haunts can match the sheer scale of Field of Screams’ midway. Guests can enjoy mini escape rooms, axe throwing, carnival-style games, a wide variety of food trucks, an extensive gift shop, photo-ops galore, and even the 21+ Chainsaw Bar (w/ spooky themed alcoholic beverages). A projection-mapped light show with pyrotechnics and live entertainment truly elevates the midway into its own attraction. Unfortunately, roaming spooks seemed to be absent the evening we attended — something that typically helps bring the midway to life and adds that extra spark of interaction.

Costume & Makeup: 10/10

As always, the detail in costume and makeup was flawless. Characters looked grimy, bloody, and believable, with intricate detailing that elevated their appearances to match the high-budget sets they inhabited. The visual polish of the actors has always been a strength at FOS, and this season was no exception. 

Cast & Crew: 7/10

This year’s cast felt noticeably lighter in numbers and, for the most part, less seasoned than in years past. Many performers seemed newer and still finding their footing when it came to timing, dialogue, and the kind of witty improv that elevates a scene from spooky to unforgettable. The result was fewer scares and less engagement than we’ve come to expect from Field of Screams’ usually powerhouse cast.

That said, a handful of performers did rise above and delivered undeniable energy. The crazed patients in the Asylum basement threw themselves fully into their roles with frantic and borderline deranged intensity. In Den of Darkness, the girl in the Masquerade scene stood out with sharp presence—jumping from a piano to deliver an unsuspecting startle, and the doctor surrounded by dismembered bodies commanded attention with disturbing charisma. These flashes of high-energy acting reminded us of the FOS standard and showed how much impact a fully committed performance can have.

Set Design & Special Effects: 9.5/10

Field of Screams continues to deliver some of the most breathtaking sets and effects in the haunt industry. The new hillbilly town/gas station scene on the Haunted Hayride impressed with fiery pyrotechnics and lively detail, while the library in Den of Darkness instantly immersed guests in an eerie, artifact-filled study. Nocturnal Wasteland remains a beast of an attraction — featuring a crashed airplane, towering catwalks, and the stunning Tree of Life centerpiece. From massive builds to precise metalworking, the craftsmanship here is second to none.

Fright & Thrill Factor: 7/10

While the sets are jaw-dropping, the scares this year fell short. Fewer actors meant less engagement and reduced intensity across all four attractions. With many animatronics and effects unable to compensate for shortage of performers, scares often felt predictable. For first-time visitors, the visuals alone may be enough to impress, but for seasoned haunt fans, the diminished fright factor was hard to overlook.

Sharpening the Scare:

Field of Screams has a long-standing tradition of updating and enhancing their attractions each year, and 2025 brought some strong additions — most notably the new town/gas station scene on the hayride and the immersive library in Den of Darkness. These updates were well-executed and a reminder of how important it is to keep things fresh for repeat visitors. We encourage the team to continue this momentum, as consistent scene updates help ensure every season offers something new to be excited about.

The biggest shortcoming of our visit was the lack of actor presence and energy. More bodies throughout the attractions would help fill empty spaces, but beyond numbers, the performances themselves would benefit from more crazed energy, creativity, and dialogue to truly engage guests. We do recognize this was only the second night of the season, so some timing and delivery is still finding its rhythm — but FOS has historically set such a high standard with their cast that we couldn’t help but notice the drop-off.

A few specific scenes could also be elevated with better audio support. In Shade Cryogenic Facility, mic’ing up the doctor would allow their skits and commands to reach the entire wagon, creating a more immersive and intimidating moment. Likewise, the Guillotine hayride scene — already infamous for its shock factor — could be even more electrifying if the actor leading it were mic’d up to rally the crowd and heighten anticipation before the execution.

Overall Notes:

Field of Screams remains a world-class haunt with unparalleled sets, intense special effects, and limitless midway offerings. The new hayride town and Den library room were excellent additions that show the team’s craftsmanship is still top-tier. The midway continues to shine with escape rooms, games, axe throwing, live music, pyrotechnics, and plenty of food and drink options.

But the magic of FOS has always come from the marriage of jaw-dropping sets and high-energy actors. On this visit, the sets delivered — but the scare factor didn’t. With thin casting, low energy, and missing roaming spooks, the night felt more subdued than the norm. Still, even on an off night, Field of Screams proved why they’re among the best of the best that the east coast has to offer! 

Fright Night MVP: The Den Greeter

One actor who did rise above the rest was the Den Greeter at the entrance of Den of Darkness. His presence was witty, eerie, and effectively unsettling — perfectly blending humor and menace. From the moment our crew stepped inside, he set the tone with sharp delivery and chilling engagement that immediately immersed us into the Den of Darkness. This performer proved how one strong character can elevate an attraction and leave a lasting impression.