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: 8.57
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 9
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 8.33
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 9.7
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 9
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 8.48
(5% of Final Score) Theme: 8.95
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 7.85
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8
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Summary:
On this farm, many years ago, horrific crimes were committed. Crimes involving torture and murder. According to some, the bodies of several victims have even been discovered here. This land is now home to the haunted attraction Fallsburg Fearplex.
In operation for 34 years, Fallsburg has had plenty of time to add and grow into the exciting complex we see today. They advertise four attractions: Fallsburg Haunted House, Crazy Creek, Freak Fair, and Appalachian Nightmare 3D.
While waiting to begin, give one of their games a try in the game tent, eat a concession snack, or hang out with some fire twirlers. They have a huge field to park the car, and a lot of property to walk on. The main attractions are indoors, but customers will need to walk outdoors between them and walk through an open field parking lot, so dress accordingly. Their recommended age is 12 and older. Prepare yourself for a gentle touch from an actor as one might just touch an arm, leg, or back. Fog and strobe lights are used here, and the 3D experience will offer 3D glasses.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, for a general admission price of $22 or a speed pass for $40. Parking is $3.
Cast: 9
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 9Explanation:
We saw tons of actors nearly everywhere, except in the privacy fence area.
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 9
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 9
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 9
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9
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We first met Darlin, the queue actor, before getting to any of the attractions. Her name fits her persona, but I bet she can get nasty if she feels the need. She is a clown freak, which is something she will tell you all about if you ask.
All in all, we felt there were enough actors inside the main attractions. We received tons of pop scares, or jump scares. We were rarely alone. There was a path outside with goings-on that could have used a little more actors, especially within the fencing area where we were repeatedly warned about the clowns getting us, to find one waiting on us behind a couple of barrels. The clown did come at us, but we were 3 on 1, so we weren’t overwhelmed.
All the characters were believable. The victim in the kitchen of the Crazy Creek house truly sold us on the fact that she was terrified and desperate for help, and her captor easily convinced us that he had nothing but purely evil intentions with his yelling at her and us at the same time all the while banging props loudly.
The many pop scare actors had great timing, waiting for different members of the group to get just close enough to instantly get one of us. We were also impressed with the actor who seemed to escape his execution area and jump on top of a railing just to get to us. In the freakshow ticketing booth, we were slightly detained by the ticket booth operator who was trying to convince us that we had to trade our soul for admittance to the rest of the attraction. He somehow could see through all of my lies!
Costuming: 8.33
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?: 8.5
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 8Explanation:
We appreciated all of the varieties of characters and costumes we saw during our visit.
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 8
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 8
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 9
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All the costumes fit in nicely with their stories and scenes. All looked complete and believable. We did not spot one pop-up character ahead of time, since they were darkened and hidden so well. Even the ‘normal’ clothes in the Appalachian Nightmare 3D received special treatment, through bright reflective paint/coloring or a little dirtied or tattered. We knew who everyone was and what they were about with the costuming, masks, and make-up. Costumes and masks looked custom and well made. Make-up varied from a simple white and gray color palette to layered colors and applications to show injuries. Of course, we saw blood (and lots of it.)
Customer Service: 9.7
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?: 10
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 9Explanation:
Touching customer’s surgical facemasks should not happen, even in a touch haunt. While the review team was unaffected by this, the average customer may not be so forgiving.
(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?: 10
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GPS got us to the haunt with no issues. With the abundance of lighting, we easily parked the car and found the porta pots and midway. All staff was accommodating and friendly. They answered any questions we had in a helpful and professional manner. If needed, there was plenty of support staff available at each attraction, in addition to being available at the midway.
They have a Facebook account, and also a website that provides all the helpful information you would need to know including dates of operation and tickets, address and directions, contact information, and a FAQ section.
We noted that they keep all queue lines separated and socially distant from each other for each attraction. We spotted no glaring safety issues with regards to the building or props.
Atmosphere: 9
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
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 9
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We rolled in with the low fog that shrouded the complex a little. From the looks of circus tents and bright lights, we were sure we were at the right place. The music playing was loud and appropriate for the setting.
Getting out and making our way to the ticket booth, we couldn’t help but catch some feel-good excitement all haunt goers know and love so well. There were a lot of customers around, no doubt a result of 25 years of good scares and establishing a reputation as a place to be for some Halloween fun!
Before going into the haunted attractions, we had other options available to us including a kettle corn stand, a concessions stand, and a tent dedicated to games. Once we made our way closer to the haunt section, we were introduced to the world of fire-play and watched several entertainers risk burns to play with fire with a variety of appliances.
Special Effects: 8.48
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?: 8
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 8
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 8.5
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We were very pleased with the abundance of sounds and music to enhance our experience. Even in places where sounds were lacking, they lulled us into a sense of calm before hitting us with hidden sirens and horns.
Here is where we have to talk about the bathroom and kitchen scenes. Right off the bat, we were revolted to discover the toilet overflowing with human waste that appeared to wiggle, only to turn our faces to see a blackened sink covered in crawling roaches. Going into the bloodied kitchen, we found a partially exposed victim above the refrigerator clawing her way out.
We also appreciated the ticket booth. Just when I thought I was finished with the ticketing staff, he rolled his way over to me again for more soul snatching. We saw a few sparks flying about from a handheld apparatus here and there. We watched a man in an electric chair jerking and sending sparks everywhere, and a woman levitating in her bed as though she just might be possessed.
We got an oversized surprise with some oversized props from the XXL snack shack and claw machine. Here inside the oversized claw machine I got an offer for a hug but settled for a high five. We saw drop-down doors and experienced several air cannons throughout. We had our senses heightened in the 3D area, and also walked through a dizzying spinning tunnel, spinning laser vortex, and sliding floor tiles. Oh, we were also accosted with a chainsaw two different times.
Theme: 8.95
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?: 8.5
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?: 9
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?: 9.5
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Their website provides the story of the murder farm, which is the inspiration for the attraction today.
Without reading the background story and just walking around the scenes, the theme seems to be about an unhinged traveling circus/freak show coming to town and the demented residents of the area. Each attraction did fit the theme, and each played its part, being distinct from each other and yet still were cohesive enough to tell the overall story.
Scare Factor: 7.85
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 8
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 7Explanation:
The finales could be bigger, making the visit even more memorable.
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We received a lot of interaction at all of the attractions. We were followed, threatened, entertained, and received sudden startles while traversing through. We had characters who got a little close, while another pointed a gun at us and fired it! We each received slight touches as we were walking away, or offered a handshake. Interactions were divided among all members of our group.
Entertainment & Value: 8
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?: 8
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 8
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 8
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 8
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We took 32 minutes to complete all 3 attractions, for a minute per dollar ratio of 1.45 which is right about average. Finishing everything left us kind of sad and asking for more, but in a good way because we didn’t want it to end! The quality of the attractions, queue entertainment, and acting made for a very enjoyable night and we felt the price point was fair for what it bought.
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!
