How Do We Get These Scores?
Our Rating System
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: 8.7
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 9.49
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 9.2
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 9.18
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 6.4
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 9
(5% of Final Score) Theme:
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.8
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.13
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Summary:
Exit 13 has a well-known reputation in Michigan as being an intense, hands-on, extreme thrill ride. After experiencing Exit 13, we can safely say that is accurate! The actors are in your face, the blood is extra bloody, and the scares are nerve-racking. The amount of time, passion, and energy put into this haunt are evident once inside.
The owners begin working on the haunt as soon as the thaw hits every year (because the vast 13,000 sq. ft. venue is not heated over winter), and they continue until opening day. All of the detail within the scenes, the secret doors and hidden rooms, and the devotion of the actors create a truly haunting experience.
The actors can, and will, touch you here unless you opt out of that portion by purchasing some ‘monster repellant’ ahead of time. You may be separated from your group, you may get picked up and taken away by a clown, and you may, have an amazingly scary time. So what are you waiting for?!
Cast: 9.49
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 9.5
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 9.5
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 9.8
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 9
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9.5
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The cast was appropriately used and placed throughout the haunt. The actors made you feel wholly encompassed in the scenes they were directing. Not one actor comes to mind that performed anything but compellingly and engagingly.
The engagement of the actors with our group was evenly distributed. The actors had singled out every member of our team at one point or another. They forced us to be utterly alone in the haunt without the comfort of our other team members, which was extremely memorable. Of course, you could always rely on the comfort of the three clowns chasing you down the hallway. All actors were original and all authentic to Exit 13. There was a good mix of those who screamed in your face, forcing you to engage, and those that silently stared, blocking your way, and then horrifyingly caressing your face for good measure. Can I get some tips on that death stare for my husband?
The actors utilized each other, their scenes, and props to make a genuinely connected experience. Most memorable would have to be the doctor seeking a liver, while thrusting his gurney full of dead carcass and blood. Somehow, the carcass’ blood ended up on our team member’s face; things got crazy!
There were too many amazing actors to mention them all here, but we must give props to a couple; the doll with her unexpected appearance and actions, and the pig man complete with snorts and wiggles of his snout were quite entertaining.
Costuming: 9.2
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?: 9
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 9
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 9
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 9.5
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 9.5
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Costumes were intricate and looked handmade in some instances. You will not find these at your local store. Wigs, movie quality masks, eye contacts and details going down to shoes and gloves made these actors complete. The most memorable mask was in an empty hallway with a large man silhouetted at the end with his own soundtrack playing. His mask was one from nightmares; we will not detail it here, but we will let you seek him out for yourselves! Even the costumes had a second level of weirdness, including their own individual smells; this gave their presence that much more substance. Each actor had the ideal costume while in their respective scenes and this added to the suspension of disbelief.
Customer Service: 9.18
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?: 8
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 10
(25% of CS Score) How professional, helpful and friendly were the staff members?: 9.5
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 9
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Exit 13 has to be one of the easiest haunts to locate as it is just off, yes, Exit 13 of Freeway 475. The building is huge and, with the outside corn stalks and large skull, you cannot miss it.
Actually, the first thing we noticed was the concession stand with everybody’s favorite, funnel cakes! Yum. Drinks and other snacks were also available. At the end of the haunt is a gift shop with photo opportunities.
Parking was a breeze. Small signs direct you inside, and we initially walked the wrong way until we saw a Do Not Enter sign next to the concession stand and we turned around. A little confusing, but no harm though because the staff was just inside to welcome us. The haunt is wheelchair accessible per their website. Staff was professional, efficient, and interested in providing us with a good time. Rebecca, one of the owners, was a gracious hostess and after speaking with her, you could tell she oozes passion for her haunt.
Atmosphere: 6.4
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?: 8
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 4
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The fake house facade with cornstalks and a giant skull greet you when you arrive. The night we went was when a local radio station was present broadcasting, so the radio music was in full swing. The queue line is indoors, and aside from the radio music, spooky soundtracks were playing which probably is what is heard on a typical night.
Our group went into the VIP entrance and did not experience the main entrance and queue line, but the VIP hallway was lit with red mood lights and eerie music. It set a solemn mood but not so much for an entrance to a haunted house. There was nothing to build our anticipation or prep us for what was to come. Once we were let in, we were briefed with the rules and left to fend for ourselves. Upon exiting you enter the gift shop area which is decorated nicely with props and a giant demon monster for an opportunity for a photo. This is where the ‘Buried Alive’ portion is if you would like to simulate being in a coffin.
Special Effects: 9
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 9
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 9
(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?: 9
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 9
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Sounds within the haunt varied and were never overbearing or too quiet. As I mentioned before, one actor had his own soundtrack which was very impressive to hear. The scenes are unique and creative from floor to ceiling in some cases and very detailed. The forest area with snakes and foliage was impressive, not to mention the forest monster you come across! The funeral home and hotel room were involved, and an actor slowly shows you around to parts you would not have been able to maneuver without his help. Of course, there is a spinning tunnel or two and a disorienting laser, but the detailed scenes completely drown you in their originality. You will get placed into their dark world, with no foreseeable way out.
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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There is not one overarching theme in Exit 13; but rather, the haunt pays homage to all the significant fears one may have to hope to strike a horror chord in everyone who is brave enough to go through.
Scare Factor: 8.8
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 9
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 9.5
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 8.5
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 9
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 8
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How scary was Exit 13 you ask? Extremely. They have a range of frights from startling scares, to quiet areas building anticipation, to in-your-face actors touching, grabbing, and pulling you right out of your comfort zone. Impressive were the unpredictability of the scares and the collaborative work more than one actor did to successfully distract and frighten you. When they accomplished this, it easily provides multiple opportunities to surprise scare you without being able to prepare. Losing count of the clowns at the end proved to be a mistake on our part as they successfully played out their game with us as victims.
Entertainment & Value: 8.13
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?: 9.5
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 4
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 9.5
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9.5
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It took our team about 25 minutes to run screaming from Exit 13, and it was worth every penny! With general admission being $20; that is a minutes-per-dollar score of 1.25, which is close to average for most haunts in the region. However, we were told the time through varies for each group; some people run and try to escape as quickly as possible, and then there are people like us who want to take in all of the great scenes, details, and actors’ abilities. It felt as though they utilize all areas of the haunt well and very intricately in some instances, needing to crawl or shimmy your way through.
General Admission – $20
VIP Fast Pass – $30
Combo Exit 13 and ‘Buried Alive’ coffin simulator – $30
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!
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