Ever wonder what it would be like to be in a horror film or wish to relive that one crazy concert? Fear Columbus in Ohio, is set up to help you do just that. With the aggressive sound system, intense light show, and stab-and-go jump scares, visitors who venture through these doors should prepare themselves for a sensory overload.
As we made our way through both attractions, we can say both had actors seemingly everywhere! During our trek throughout, we were met with actors waiting for us head-on, and also from behind doors, hidden corners, dropdowns, and hidey holes. Just when we thought we might just walk through a hallway with possibly a reach from an actor from a hole in the wall here and there, we would be met with someone in the hallway with us! Needless to say, we were met with someone at nearly all times inside both attractions inside the haunt.
Physically speaking, we experienced a lot of grabs towards us and lunges from many of the actors. We heard some growls here and there and some other “afflicted” groans. Some actors would jerk their bodies in a type of convulsion as though they were infected with something dreadful. Some actors had metal finger appliances to create a clicking effect. Being the last night of the Halloween season, the actors seemed to have an elevated amount of energy and were very enthusiastic about getting us! Not only did they pop out from hidden places, but they also jumped on top of their props to startle us from above. A cheerleader even leaned back into a backbend and crawled toward us on inverted hands and feet down a narrow hallway, which creeped us out. There was no dialogue with actors inside the haunt, as the lighting and sounds were on overdrive, thus overpowering any attempts at that kind of interaction here.
This haunt is a fast-paced haunt, so many characters popped out and retreated for a second before popping back out again to hit the people further back in our line. We did make a note of the chainsaw madman in the white outfit and also wearing white shoes to match the clothes. While white shoes sound like a haunt no-no, in this case, they worked well. In both attractions, characters were in full costumes that were well-detailed. The actors holding props used them appropriately, and those props fit the costume and character being portrayed. The masks were creepy and all seemed to fit well. The masks all looked well made and many were very detailed, down to wrinkles and whisps of hair. We saw evidence of some airbrush techniques and some added prosthetics on the actors’ sporting makeup. We noticed the skeletal airbrushing on the cheerleaders making them appear even more afflicted and dangerous as well as the prosthetics on the cultists that made their faces seem more harsh and scary.
Fear Columbus is located in a plaza, so finding it is very easy. They have a massive lighted sign erected on the building and there is a huge paved parking lot at the haunt. The moving colored lighting and pulsating music are also a dead giveaway that we arrived at our destination.
Customers must buy tickets in advance online. Tickets are also timed, so crowds are manageable. Partitions and signs direct customers to their correct place to get through security and then in the appropriate queue.
We did not notice any safety concerns. Staff working security were wearing bright orange hoodies and several were stationed throughout. Parking was well-lit and spacious. The haunt itself was also constructed well and safely.
The staff were all professional and friendly.
The website for Fear is well constructed and contains any and all information a customer would need to know about the haunt.
The overall vibe of the haunt, as soon as we exited our parked cars, was one that told us something big was going on. We followed the sounds of fast-tempo party music and moving lights to the entrance. We were entertained with various characters: the “mistress of the manor” in her gothic attire, wacking at us with her folding fan and hissing at us; a creepy mask-wearing cheerleader, dancing with the crowd; a gym teacher (Coach Peters) cracking jokes; and another monster wearing a “gooey” looking mask. Exiting the haunt, we spilled into the souvenir shop, then on to the midway for selfie opportunities and snacks. The midway also had smoke bubbles and fog taking turns to fill the warm November night. Coming to this haunt is like witnessing a theatrical event.
There are two attractions here. Neither formally introduced the storyline to us, but we could figure out the overarching theme of both while walking through. The first attraction, called The Summoning, depicts exactly what the name implies. We walked through a home that is under siege by evil entities brought forth by cultist activity throughout. Common aspects we noticed were the cultist symbols found on many walls and the floors of different areas, as well as some matching cult masks and robes as we were attacked along our way through. We even witnessed cultist activities.They even thought of very effective sounds like chanting and atmospheric ambiance music to heighten the cult theme. The second attraction is called Devil’s Night and centers around a high school and town under siege by an unknown evil. We made our way through various parts of a high school before witnessing the destruction of the different parts of a small town as well. We saw different actors portraying afflicted students, some cheerleaders, and various townspeople in different professions.
It’s nearly impossible not to be invested in the experience here. The special effects alone (sound system, lighting, animatronics, and props) are a direct assault on the senses! Mix in top-notch detailed sets, well-designed costuming, and intense actors, and you have yourself a recipe for an amazing experience.
Inside the haunt, we were followed by some of the queue actors who mingled outside and inside the haunt as well. In the queue area between the two attractions, we were greeted by two staff members who spoke with us until time to start the second attraction. We also got a quick jab and snarl (not actually touched) from a costumed character who retreated just as quickly as they appeared. This second queue area had an orange glow to it, with screens placed up high to indicate we were headed to a new attraction. Music was playing to keep the high energy going.
Special effects are the bread and butter of Fear Columbus. All sound effects were of quality sound and they are loud. Music, ambient sounds, and theatrical soundtracks were played throughout the entire haunt and were appropriate for each scene. Sounds heard included growls, ambient sounds, screams, clackers, whistles, creepy laughs, distressing cries, devilish laughs, school bells, and many more. There was no area of dead silence anywhere in this haunt, which was quite effective in keeping us on our toes!
The scenes had spot-on details that fit each individual scene. The props were of great quality and very realistic. Some props were actually the real deal, which helps keep the realistic vibe of where they wanted us in each scene. For example, real cars are used in the outdoor scene. There was no doubt of where they intended us to be in each scene. It was obvious that a lot of time and effort was put into both attractions, and it sure did pay off! Well done!
There were numerous animatronics that would jump at us, catching us off guard. All animatronics jumped out on point and got every person in the group, not just the ones in the front. There were four amazing gigantic animatronics that got so close that, for a second, we thought we might get eaten alive. Although we were supposed to keep walking along, we couldn’t help but stop and admire them for a minute!
A chasing light laser tunnel, toxic barrel maze, and bridge were quite different and very effective in throwing our senses off.
Lighting included various colored lighting, flickering, dim, bright, and blinding strobe lights… Well, any light you can think of.
We did detect a fresh laundry smell and exhaust smell during the haunt. We’re not sure where the source came from, but we also detected the unmistakable pumpkin spice smell in the air outside.
How scary was it? (35% of score): 8.75
How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 9
How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 8.88
How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 8.5
How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 8.25
As previously stated, this haunt is a jarring haunt with its use of sound and lighting. They weave in animatronics and hyper actors to keep customers on their toes inside the building. We did fall victim to various distractions and pop scares as the main fear technique. We also saw some props, scenes, and costumes that play on people’s fears, like moving insects and spiders, massive oversized snakes and other reptiles, butchered animals and humans, and other signs of gore, chainsaws, constricting and narrow passages, and cultist activity. Projections were displayed, and we witnessed a really great Stranger Things homage to poor Chrissy, making us check our joints before moving on. Massive puppets came out to make us feel small!
We were highly satisfied with Fear Columbus. Once again, this venue did not disappoint. From the time we arrived to the time we departed, we were entertained. The queue actors not only came for us at the gate, but also in the queue before the haunt, in the queue between attractions, and even exiting the property. The souvenir shop, photo ops, and snack tent were also enjoyable. The high energy feel in the midway was contagious. In the midway, queue actors had more freedom to interact verbally with us and did a fabulous job ad-libbing with us. We also noticed actors were mingling among various groups. We also enjoyed the lighting, music, fog, and smoke bubbles.
Fear Columbus also blew the lighting and sound out of the water. We felt we were stars in a horror concert or video.
Three ticketing options are available but the prices for them can vary as the season progresses. Earlier in the season, general admission starts out at 19.99, 29.99 for fast pass, and 39.99 for immediate access and they may increase over time. For current pricing, be sure to visit their website. They also run a lot of specials that we like to take advantage of, so be sure to sign up for their email promotions! Fear Columbus also offers limited tickets and is a timed-ticket event. It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance and online to reserve your spot!
2605 Northland Plaza Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
