Containment Haunted House Review (2016)

Containment is built out of, around, and through a series of large cargo containers. Because of this, there are several small ramps that lead into and out of some scenes. We felt that some of these ramps could have been better lit or labeled as they caused a few small stumbles during our visit.

While the signage for the Haunt itself is noticeable, the location can be a bit hard to find ‘ it’s in the lot adjacent to a paintball arena. Because of this, parking was a little confusing… but manageable. Be alert and aware while driving into the site.

Queue entertainment was provided by Choo-choo the Clown; basically your usual creepy clown, Choo-choo was good with eerie stares and witty banter. He was entertaining, but didn’t entirely fit the feel for the haunt.

The waiting area for the line added to a claustrophobic feel; on a busy night, it would be a rough wait.

Staff is friendly and responsive, even answering phones on a night such as the one we visited, unlike many other haunts.

Some of the sounds effects and music in Containment were louder than they needed to be, but all of them were realistic and appropriate. Detailing was well done and we appreciated the inclusion of scents and temperature control into the repertoire of effects.

Like the sounds, the lighting was inconsistent. Placement of lights could have been done better; moving a strobe behind the path visitors walk on instead of shining directly into their faces, for example.

There were a number of props that were good, and some effects that we have not seen before that were very well done ‘ a fridge full of body parts and an articulated mannequin in particular stood out as highlights.

Containment featured a lot of personal interaction which, of course, means that actors are best able to play upon the fears and unease of specific visitors ‘ this is a skill and draw that cannot be ignored. There were also a lot of static props and scares that triggered at different points giving everyone in the group an opportunity to experience a variety of things. Scares were fairly predictable across the haunt. We went through in a small group of four, but we think that groups as large as six went through before us. Given the size and lay-out of some of the ‘rooms’ in the haunt, we’re not certain that larger groups are going to be as scared given the space available to accommodate both visitors and actors.