Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror Review (2024)

This haunted hotel thrives on its actor-driven experience, supported by top-notch makeup, masks, impeccable costumes, various props, intricate scene details, and numerous moving parts. While we were thoroughly entertained (and intimidated) throughout, there were a few moments where adding more actors could have enhanced the experience.

The actors remained fully immersed in their roles, delivering convincing performances. Some characters blended seamlessly into the scenery, only to startle us when we least expected it. We were fooled more than once by an actor pretending to be a static prop, only to startle us as soon as we got close enough. Others wielded weapons, yelled, or banged loudly and aggressively. Some chanted and involved us in what felt like ancient rituals, while others asked for bizarre favors (no, I’ll keep my teeth, thanks—and there’s no way I’m joining you for dinner!). We even shared a personal moment with one actor who asked, “Why are you holding your hands up like a baby T-rex?” Trying to seem brave, the best response we could muster was, “Uh, ‘cause I’m cold.” Needless to say, no one believed us.

We did manage to summon the courage to opt for the touch pass, and we were touched—a lot. Long, finger-like extensions grazed our hair and ran down our backs. Scary-looking weapons and hands hovered near our necks. We were backed against walls, marked, and grabbed from all sides. Even when we weren’t being physically touched, our personal space was constantly invaded. At one point, we even temporarily lost a team member, as a robed figure pulled her onto a table, seemingly to “transform” her into something dreadful.

Face Your Fears makes it clear that it takes costuming very seriously the moment its gaping maw of a door opens and a serpentine goddess with silver tipped claws, and deadly looking headdress beckons you inside. The residents here have an eye for detail that is on full display for each look and every costume tells a story. The aforementioned enchantress had beautifully intricate airbrushed scales and piercing eyes, a proper Gorgon in her own right (thankfully, we weren’t turned to stone on the spot). A pale-eyed witch doctor sporting corpse paint and a femur as a weapon/ritual tool was covered with beads, feathers, and bones crowned with a rather stylish high hat. Whether she blessed or cursed a few of us as we made our way through her bayou remains to be seen. But the most imposing figure within the hotel was a twisted, porcine faced behemoth wielding one of the largest cleavers I have ever seen.

Every character matches the carefully crafted scene they reside in beautifully and it’s clear the scare actors have put a lot of thought into their look. Even the lone queue actor that was present for this adventure had an amazingly detailed ensemble, looking quite bloody and… melty? Goopy? Whatever the case, he was quite terrifying and enjoyed stalking amongst the grounds with scythe in hand. The cast took advantage of every trick in the book – masks, airbrushing, colored contacts, layering, fake blood, tattered clothes, intricate makeup, detailed props and more and the payoff was huge.

Navigation to the property was simple. Directions and the physical address were easy to find on the website. Off the main road, we had no problems noticing a well-lit sign with the haunt’s name, dates, and times of operation positioned directly in front of a parked derelict school bus. On the day we arrived, a local baseball team was collecting $3 donations at the parking entrance. We were directed to a parking spot in a grassy field by parking attendants using glow wands and lights. Lights at the haunted property led us directly to the ticket booth and security screening before entering the midway. The main attraction, photo stations, fire pit, projection screen, food, porta-pots, axe throwing, and sheltered picnic tables lined the wide walkway. Roped-off lanes for customers to line up for tickets and to enter the haunt were easy to spot as well.

The field parking area was mostly flat and provided ample parking for the amount of customers we encountered on our night there. There were some poles with some lighting to help guide cars to the far end of the field. The excessive amounts of rain and storms in the area created a parking challenge as cars were then being driven over areas of grass that became muddy.

It had rained a lot before and was still raining the day we visited. We noted the extra secure handrails and course strips secured on each stair at the back of the house. Stairs were also lit well enough for patrons to see them and maneuver safely. Areas inside the house that were off-limits were blocked off with chains across the walkway. Moving through the entire haunt was very simple and the direction we needed to take was easy to follow. All we had to do was stay out of the characters’ way, which wasn’t always easy as some seemed to be waiting on us just to block our way and mess with us in some way.

There seemed to be an ample amount of staff available to help direct the flow of customers and answer any questions. All were helpful and friendly. Security was provided and visible.

The business website includes useful information besides the address and contact information. Tickets can be purchased, and hours of operation are easy to find on the main page. A disclaimer page and FAQ are also easy to access for further information about the haunt. The website even has a google link to provide live directions from any location. On the night they had to close due to storms and loss of electricity, they posted that information on their Facebook page.

You may think you’re familiar with your surroundings, but a visit to Face Your Fears: Hotel of Terror will make you question that certainty. The sheer scale and meticulous attention to detail in the set design transport you so far from Springfield, Ohio, that you’ll completely lose track of where you actually are. Over the past several years, Face Your Fears has mastered the art of creating immersive environments that feel as if they’ve been pulled straight from a movie—and you’re thrown directly into the action.

Their success lies in the perfect combination of painstaking effort and dedicated actors, working together to build a level of realism that feels authentic in every detail. From the moment you step into the fog-covered cornfield parking lot, with screams and the roar of chainsaws in the distance, you’re enveloped in the eerie atmosphere. As you approach the house, you’re greeted (and stalked) by Maid Mara and Skinkrawl, two of the hotel’s roaming characters, whose outfits are impressively crafted.

Inside, the house is brought to life with cinematic lighting, booming sound effects, smoke, and tight corners, all expertly designed to conceal lurking surprises. Once you make it outside, the atmosphere shifts, and the real fun begins. The transitions between indoor and outdoor segments are seamless, with barely any indication that the environment has changed. This was especially impressive given that we visited on a night with heavy downpours, yet we could hardly tell when we were outside!

The city of the dead and boggy bayou swamp are standout examples of the hotel’s ability to immerse you in the story, with layers of intricate decor, sound, and lighting. The actors in each scene manage the crowd well, maintaining a smooth flow and preventing groups from colliding. After you exit the haunt, you’re welcomed by booths offering unique decorations, one-of-a-kind paintings, and delicious concessions, all complemented by a large dining tent. These elements provide a comfortable space to relax and extend your time on the grounds.

While we’d love to see even more activities added to the midway, Face Your Fears has shown impressive growth and promising progress, and we’re excited to see what direction they take next.

Face Your Fears: Hotel of Terror boasts an outstanding cast, and there’s no shortage of visual appeal to compliment them. While the haunt doesn’t rely on over-the-top animatronics or massive props, it makes excellent use of the ones it does have. Rather than overshadowing the scenes, the props serve to enhance them, often redirecting your attention to set up well-timed attacks from the aggressive residents.

The strategic use of music and lighting intensifies the latter portions of the journey. However, there are a few areas within the house where the sound either drops off entirely or is so low that it’s barely noticeable. Dialing up the audio in a few places could significantly heighten the overall tension.

Classic elements such as a vortex tunnel, drop panels, animated pictures, and various lunging props make appearances throughout the haunt. But rather than filling empty spaces, these effects are cleverly placed to set up additional scares, with the relentless monsters attacking when you least expect it.

Notable highlights include the eerie bayou, where guests cross a suspension bridge over a Louisiana swamp, a New Orleans-style cemetery where you’ll come face-to-face with the undead, and a black magic room where a Voodoo Priestess performs sacrificial rituals. All of these scenes are enhanced by a simulated thunderstorm, adding to the atmosphere.

Overall, we were thoroughly impressed by the new additions this year. Not only did they replace elements that previously felt out of place, but they also added a layer of realism and cohesion. Every section felt like it belonged, and we’re excited to see how future updates will continue to elevate the show.

Prepare yourself for an experience unlike any other at the Face Your Fears: Hotel of Terror—because no amount of planning could truly brace you for what lies ahead. As you race through the halls in search of an escape, with your heart pounding and sweat dripping, the unsettling realization that you may have made a terrible mistake begins to sink in.

The hotel’s permanent residents are a terrifying assortment of menacing, violent psychopaths, each more sinister than the last. They live for the thrill of terrorizing visitors, hungry for fear and thirsty for blood. If you dare to take on the “touch pass,” brace yourself for more than just a scare—you’ll be inviting these deranged beings to unleash their full fury upon you.

You’ll be grabbed, pushed, lifted into the air, thrown onto furniture, and have your limbs nearly severed by various pieces of power equipment. The chainsaw hallways are a true standout—saws will be dragged across your body from every angle, attacking from above, below, and both sides. No one escapes this scene unscathed.

This nightmarish journey plunges you into an escalating world of horror, where each new scene is more intense than the one before. Don’t be deceived by the beginning; the further you descend into this house of hell, the more relentless the assaults. In this hotel, you’re no longer in control—you’re in their world now. The staff masterfully isolate individuals, ensuring every visitor experiences their share of psychological and physical torment. Don’t be surprised if they try to separate you from your group or even lead you back to an earlier point in the hotel.

The hotel’s numerous animatronics serve as the perfect distraction, setting up even more terrifying encounters with the human “heavy hitters.” Each actor brings a unique intensity to their role, with some opting for a slow, stalking approach while others violently lunge at you. The attacks are unpredictable, keeping you on edge and unable to anticipate what comes next.

The finale is intense, but it primarily focuses on a single individual, leaving the rest of the group to watch in horror. We believe an additional scene involving the entire group would heighten the experience.

Our journey through this hotel from hell took 22 and a half minutes to complete. With general admission priced at just $20, that gives us a minutes-per-dollar (MPD) score of 1.13—significantly cheaper than similar haunts of the same size and quality in the area. You can add a touch pass to your ticket for just $2, while the VIP combo (including touch) is available for $40.

This year, a few new features have been added to the midway, including a covered picnic area and a mobile axe-throwing trailer. However, we’d love to see more activities added in the future, as large crowds might run out of things to do while waiting for their turn in the haunt.

Please note that parking is in a large field, which can be difficult to navigate after heavy rain. Parking is free, but cash donations are accepted to support local non-profit organizations.