UPDATE FOR 2022: Our former “Atmosphere” and “Theme” categories have now been combined and renamed “Immersion.” Our intent with this is to give more appropriate credit to attractions that have shown a clear focus on achieving and maintaining better customer experiences (both inside and outside the attractions) and developing creative storylines.
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!
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Final Score: 8.66
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 8.62
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 8.35
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 8.96
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 8.58
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 9.11
(5% of Final Score) Theme:
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.42
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.6
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Summary:
Situated in the countryside outside of Rockwell, NC, Boogerwoods is wrapping up its 42nd year with a storied history of entertainment and excitement. A charity supporting Cystic Fibrosis research, this haunt is a prime example of what a dedicated group of passionate people can achieve. Though there are scares aplenty spread across the attraction, there is also a great deal of laughter and excitement that make an annual visit to Boogerwoods a treat to look forward to.
Boogerwoods is predominately a theatrical haunt with more than a dozen entertaining scenes that guests often not only witness, but also participate in. Because of that, only a limited number of tickets (including fast pass tickets) are sold each night. In fact, tickets are frequently sold out even before the attraction opens for the evening. But, this is one experience that is completely worth every penny.
Cast: 8.62
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 8.9
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 7.7
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 9.5
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 9.2
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 8.3
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Visitors to Boogerwoods are led along the winding and twisted trail by a pair of guides ‘ one of which leads, one of which follows. These guides not only take you to each scene, but they are often the stars of the show. Though they do have some scripted dialogue that often introduces each of the scenes as you approach, they are also witty enough to engage with and entertain their guests as they travel. While we have occasionally had the same guides during different trips to Boogerwoods, we have never experienced the same journey twice. This year, we made our journey with the Colonel and his companion, the Chicken-man. They were a delightful pair that we had not yet experienced. While the Chicken-man wasn’t particularly talkative, he made up for it in energy and the occasional cluck.
Each time the cast, usually the guides, deliver up a unique evening of entertainment based on how the group of guests react to things. Our advice: get into the spirit of things and throw yourself completely into what is going around you at Boogerwoods. If you’re asked to carry a rubber chicken or a gold coin or even to just ‘get down’ ‘ then you know what you have to do!
Costuming: 8.35
How Did We Get This Score?
Costuming Scores (15% of Final Score):
(15% of Costuming Score) How complete / finished did the costumes appear to be?: 8.7
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 8.3
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 7.6
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 8.3
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 8.8
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We witnessed a wide variety of costuming at Boogerwoods ‘ from decked out pirates to asylum patients to traditional movie villains like Jason and Michael Myers. All of these folks were unique and readily identifiable. Even if we weren’t quite sure what we were seeing at times (the manager at Club Booger! What was that?!), the various boogers and spirits and characters of the haunt were all decked out in a variety of appropriate attire, makeup, prosthetics, and masks.
Even the individual clowns in Uncle Jim Booger’s Clown School were each personalized and distinct – from the young woman at the door to the members within.
Customer Service: 8.96
How Did We Get This Score?
Customer Service Scores (10% of Final Score):
(25% of CS Score) How easy was it to locate the attraction, park, and navigate the premises?: 9.4
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 7.7Explanation:
A few trip hazards (to be expected), tight squeezes
(25% of CS Score) How professional, helpful and friendly were the staff members?: 10
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 9Explanation:
Cash only
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Boogerwoods is easy to locate, both in person and online. The attraction is cash only ‘ so be sure to plan ahead for not only your tickets, but also for snacks and merchandise. Every year, Boogerwoods has a slightly different selection of t-shirts, for example, so if you see one that you really like, it’s best to grab one (or more) while you can since there’s no guarantee that one will be there next year.
The attraction is, essentially, a walking trail. We not only walked from scene to scene throughout, but there were also stairs to climb, slides to descend, and narrow passages to squeeze through. Much of the walking is across wooded trails complete with dips, rises, and the occasional tree root. However, as stated above, every group going through has two guides with them ‘ one in the front, and one in the rear – either of which is immediately on-hand to help with the terrain. It’s recommended that if you’ve got an issue with stairs or motion sickness or the like, to inform your two guides early on in your journey. Not only are the guides there to keep guests safe while walking through the woods or stepping into various scenes, but they can also make sure that a visitor’s experience isn’t ruined by the extreme nature of some of the scenes.
Again, we feel its necessary to point out that Boogerwoods frequently sells out of spots both for general admission and for fast pass. If you are planning a visit to this highly entertaining haunted attraction, plan ahead and arrive early. The wait in the general admission line can stretch into hours, but it is a show that we highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 8.58
How Did We Get This Score?
Atmosphere Scores (10% of Final Score):
(60% of Atmosphere Score) How obvious was it that you were at a haunted house before entering?: 9.3
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 7.5
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The exterior of Boogerwoods is well-lit and the waiting line for general admission boasts a large projection screen as well as passage past a few little static scenes. Screams and roaring chainsaws can be heard past the high wooden walls ‘ a highly anticipated sound that we have come to associate with an evening of fun at a Southern haunt.
Boogerwoods also has a number of decorated vehicles sitting in its parking lot. These are outfitted with art and props that advertise one of the interior scenes from the haunt itself and provide a great opportunity for photos before you reach the line.
Special Effects: 9.11
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 8.6
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 10Explanation:
Boogerasic Park, Saw scene rotation
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 9
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 8.9
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 9.1
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While Boogerwoods has some staples of what guests might expect to find at a typical haunted attraction ‘ there are clowns and asylum patients, for example ‘ there are also a number of spectacles that are exclusive to this unique haunt. Typically, this is because the crew at Boogerwoods have created these various props, effects, and scenes themselves, pouring creative energy and talent into delivering a show like no other. Not only that, but some of the effects are surprisingly human-powered ‘ a fact you would never realize while you are inside the scene itself. When there are props or effects that are mass-produced, they are still utilized to great effect, either as part of the scenery or altered to fit their surroundings. In many of the scenes, sounds as well as music are utilized to great effect, heralding what is to come or surrounding the guests and immersing them into the action.
Theme: N/A
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?:
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?:
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?:
This score is left “N/A” when we believe the haunt is trying to target a random variety of themes or phobias, rather than a single overarching “Theme” or “storyline.”
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The various scenes spread across the Boogerwoods attraction do not hold a common theme across their displays. Though the term ‘booger,’ here meaning a monster, a ghost, or a phantom, reoccurs across a variety of the scene names, there is little else to tie the scenes together except the entertaining journey that the guides lead visitors along. Despite this, the trip is an enjoyable one filled with one diversion after another as each scene builds to the need for a sudden exit from the denizens within.
Scare Factor: 8.42
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 8.5
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 8.6
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 8.1
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 7.4
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 9.6
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Boogerwoods, to us, was focused primarily on entertainment first and scares second. That doesn’t mean that it won’t present some frightening moments ‘ almost every scene has a sudden ending with a need to flee, be it from angry spirits, enraged psychos, or the ubiquitous chainsaw-wielding horror. Occasionally, there are other kinds of scares to break-up the routine ‘ be it spine-tingling comments or sensory-blinding darkness. But in the same vein, there are also great moments of fun ‘ from impromptu dance parties to relaxing upon a bench in a tropical jungle. Some of these moments are just for the enjoyment and some are geared to get guests to lower their guard. You’ll never quite know which is coming next at Boogerwoods.
Entertainment & Value: 8.6
How Did We Get This Score?
Entertainment & Value Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment received during the main attraction/s?: 9Explanation:
47 minutes
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 7.4Explanation:
A long wait for general admission
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 9
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9
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Once released from the Holding Tank (where we received the rules and met our guides), the journey through Boogerwoods took us about 47 minutes. Given that the price of a general admission ticket is only $20, that means that guests get an amazing return of 2.35 minutes per dollar spent. Given the fun and excitement inside, it’s not hard to see why Boogerwoods has garnered such a following over the past four decades. ‘Still scaring because we keep caring,’ is one of Boogerwoods’ mottos, and it was obvious to us that the cast and crew here care very much. Boogerwoods deserves a spot in every haunt-lover’s traditional visits during the season.
We must mention again that Boogerwoods is a charity haunt. The actors and staff are all volunteers and money from the haunt goes to support Cystic Fibrosis. The crew and creative forces behind Boogerwoods are personally invested in this charity and the haunt is both a labor of love and a tribute to those lost.
How Did We Get These Scores
Our Rating System
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!