Located in East Point Mall, Bennett’s Curse might surprise those who underestimate its humble surroundings. Year after year, this haunted house continues to push boundaries, using its space to create an all-encompassing experience. This year, Team Uncovering Poe noticed some exciting upgrades—the entrance now greets you with a massive inflatable and an array of new, spooky photo opportunities, setting the stage for the terror to come. Once inside, Bennett’s Curse has fresh scene designs that maintain the same high standards as previous years while continuing to deliver fan favorites that haunt-goers have come to love.
During this visit to Bennett’s Curse, we were a bit disappointed by the lower number of actors compared to our previous experiences. However, we want to emphasize that this visit seemed to be an exception rather than the norm. Despite the reduced cast, the actors present made the most of their roles, showing versatility and creativity. For instance, the lone clown in the Asylum scene—usually accompanied by several others—completely owned the space, providing floor-to-ceiling scares as if they were everywhere at once. Each actor remained fully in character, with believable and interactive performances that made you feel like part of the storyline.
The cast used both dialogue and physical interaction effectively, from a chilling actor guiding us through a pitch-black section with a flickering flashlight to another cleverly steering us back onto the right path while staying fully immersed in his role. Although sparse at times, the variety of characters and their unique approaches—whether delivering jump scares or silently watching from the shadows—still kept the haunt engaging and nerve-wracking.
How complete, unique, detailed were the costumes, accessories? – (35% of score)
Were the masks, makeup creative, detailed, realistic? – (30% of score)
How appropriate were the costumes for the respective scenes, themes? – (20% of score)
How believable-, detailed-looking were the queue actors? (See Note if N/A) – (15% of score)
At Bennett’s Curse, no detail goes unnoticed, and it shows in their costumes. Each one is professionally crafted with extreme thought and care, making them look incredibly realistic. Whether you’re face to face with an actor or just passing by what you think is a prop, it’s hard to tell the difference because of the pure quality and detail poured into every look. The costumes don’t just fit into the scenes; they become part of them, enhancing the storyline rather than competing with it. It feels as if you are entering these characters’ stories instead of just walking through a haunted attraction. From intricate makeup and well-fitted masks to the distressing of outfits, every part of the character’s appearance is fully realized, adding to the immersive experience. Bennett’s Curse also adds its own unique twist to some classic looks, keeping things fresh and engaging.
How easy was it to locate, park at, navigate the premises? – (25% of score)
Safety (Only dock points for TRULY DANGEROUS hazards!) – (30% of score)
How professional, helpful, friendly were the staff members? – (25% of score)
How easy was it to find pertinent information before arrival? – (20% of score)
Bennett’s Curse makes the entire experience incredibly smooth from the moment you arrive. Located at East Point Mall, the haunt is easy to find, with clear signage and a wide, well-lit parking lot. The ticket booth, located just outside the gates, is strategically placed, making it easy to purchase tickets and locate the entrance. It should be noted that the on-site ticket booth is cash only, although they do have an ATM for convenience.
Once inside the gates, the queue lines are easy to find, with friendly staff guiding you to the correct line and handing out 3-D glasses for the attraction. The main indoor queue, glowing with a vibrant neon theme, pulls you into the haunting atmosphere from the start. The enthusiastic staff is easily identifiable in their uniforms and positioned throughout the venue to assist guests, making you feel welcome and cared for. With their user-friendly website providing essential information, including ticket prices and hours, planning your visit is straightforward, ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters, immersing yourself in the thrilling experience!
How well did the pre-haunt areas ("vibe") prepare you for the attraction/s? – (25% of score)
How obvious, creative, believable was the storyline? (See Note if N/A) – (20% of score)
Were you completely, consistently immersed inside the attraction/s? – (40% of score)
How well did the "vibe" flow after, between the attraction/s? – (15% of score)
While there wasn’t a formal storyline introduction, we were able to quickly identify the themes through their detailed-driven scenes. The sets were creative and flowed seamlessly. Each turn felt like we were walking through a story, making us forget we were actually in a mall. The attention to detail kept us engaged, and excited to see what was next. The transitions were well executed, keeping the tension alive and ensuring that we were consistently immersed. The design allowed for a smooth flow between the four attractions without additional waiting, creating the impression of a singular immersive experience. When exiting the attraction, you are placed in the parking lot on the opposite side and walk back to your car.
How effective were the sound effects? – (20% of score)
How realistic were the scene designs, details? – (30% of score)
How effective, realistic were the props, animatronics? – (30% of score)
How well did they use creative, special, sensory effects? – (20% of score)
The sound effects at Bennett’s Curse are remarkably effective, intensifying the experience and immersing you in the unfolding storyline. With high-quality audio that enhances rather than distracts from the ambiance, they have the right balance to evoke suspense. One of our favorite aspects of Bennett’s Curse is the incredible attention to detail in the scene designs. Each set showcases the significant time and effort that went into creating realistic and believable scenes. The originality shines through in their choice and placement of props, as they steer clear of generic items and instead feature unique decorations that enhance the overall experience. The use of creative sensory effects elevates the experience further. The lighting design is particularly noteworthy, with distinct choices for different areas, such as the dim, candle-lit atmosphere of the crypt. All of these elements come together to create a haunting experience that leaves a lasting impression, boasting the creativity and effort put into every detail at Bennett’s Curse.
How scary was it? – (35% of score)
How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? – (15% of score)
How predictable were the scares? – (25% of score)
How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? – (10% of score)
How strong was the ending / finale? – (15% of score)
The scare factor is impressive, delivering a mix of frights that keeps you on your toes. Although our group tends to be tough to scare, we couldn’t help but notice the two women who joined us screaming their hearts out from the very start! They were so frightened that they sought us out before entering, asking if it was okay to join our group. Right as we were about to enter, we heard a “Wait! We are too scared to go through alone, is it okay if we go through with you?” and two women running out from the attraction entrance. Of course, we let them join.
Inside the haunted attraction, the scares were genuinely effective. The actors executed unexpected frights with skill, offering a variety that kept us engaged throughout the experience. We were definitely entertained by the reactions of our new friends. The actors did an excellent job of ensuring everyone in our group was scared equally; they didn’t single anyone out or focus on the easy targets. Instead, they created a well-rounded experience that included scares for all. Timing was on point, scares were not overly predictable, keeping us guessing about when and where they might strike. The clever use of distractions, such as the strobing lights in the asylum, made it even harder to anticipate the frights, contributing to the overall experience. Bennett’s Curse offers a wide variety of scares, from silent stalkers and sudden jump scares to chilling stares from the darkness. The actors approached us with skill and from all different directions creating a chaotic yet thrilling environment. You never knew where they were going to come from. The ending was strong, sending our new friends darting for the parking lot, but what truly stood out was the consistent quality of the entire attraction. Each segment delivered impactful scares, creating an immersive experience that kept us engaged from start to finish. The finale seamlessly built upon the intensity we felt throughout, leaving a lasting impression that highlights the overall effectiveness of the haunt.
How satisfied with the entertainment provided by the MAIN attraction/s? – (50% of score)
How satisfied with OTHER entertainment INCLUDED with the ticket price? – (25% of score)
How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s? – (25% of score)
The entertainment provided at the attraction was absolutely worth the $35.00 ticket price, offering about 25 minutes of walk-through time. Their team does an excellent job maximizing their space, and making it feel as if you are walking forever. We enjoyed the photo opportunities at the beginning, which added a fun touch.
For those familiar, the Demon Baby Scavenger Hunt is on October 20th. If you find the demon baby in the haunt, you have the opportunity to win prizes. Also, Black Out Night is November 2nd. You go through the haunt in the pitch dark with only a dimly lit LED finger light to get through.
Additional events:
Krampus Haunted Christmas – December 13-14, 2024
Valentine Fear Experience – February 14-15, 2025
The Curse of St. Patrick – March 15, 2025
Halfway to Halloween – May 3, 2025
7875A Eastpoint Mall, Baltimore, Maryland 21224