Hadji Haunted House has long been a staple of Pensacola’s spooky season, and each year, they showcase their dedication to evolving this haunt. Their immersion was heightened, with better scene transitions and more décor. While it may not have been the most intense haunt for these hardcore haunt fanatics, it will be an excellent balance for those looking for a mix of horror and fun.
To add to the experience, there were food vendors, a 3D Funhouse, and themed merchandise. And most importantly, Hadji is a community-oriented organization. Each year, they are committed to raising money for Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and the Pensacola Breast Cancer Association. The net profits are split between the two charities at the end of the season. A great way to assist in important causes, and enjoy a festive and spooky environment with friends and family.
The acting at Hadji Haunted House has improved, particularly among the predominantly teenage cast. Their energy and enthusiasm in many scenes, made for a more entertaining and immersive experience than in past years. We were most impressed with Blakely Campbell, who portrayed a banshee in the Gates of Hell area. Intense and disturbing with her numerous and passionate pleas of “I don’t wanna die!” while following our group through to the next scene. She had the most robust commitment to her role.
However, Blakely aside, there were still a few moments when the younger cast members broke entirely out of character. We observed this on two occasions when some of the actors encountered friends and classmates. This pulled us and other guests out of the otherwise spooky atmosphere. To Hadji’s credit, this year saw the addition of more adult actors, and their presence helped balance things out. The adults brought professionalism and intensity. They were setting an excellent example for the younger cast to follow. With continued adult guidance, the younger cast is reaching a new level of consistency in their performances, and we are confident this will continue in future performances.
How complete, unique, detailed were the costumes, accessories? – (35% of score)
Were the masks, makeup creative, detailed, realistic? – (30% of score)
How appropriate were the costumes for the respective scenes, themes? – (20% of score)
How believable-, detailed-looking were the queue actors? (See Note if N/A) – (15% of score)
Costuming has seen a considerable improvement since our 2022 review. Even though a few costumes seemed reused from previous years, the overall visual appeal has been elevated, and we could tell a lot of effort went into making each character feel distinct and frightening. The costumes for the queue actors were particularly notable with the use of a spectacular silicone clown mask on one of them.
How easy was it to locate, park at, navigate the premises? – (25% of score)
Safety (Only dock points for TRULY DANGEROUS hazards!) – (30% of score)
How professional, helpful, friendly were the staff members? – (25% of score)
How easy was it to find pertinent information before arrival? – (20% of score)
Hadji’s website has everything we need before arrival. The FAQs section covered it all and then some. Once onsite, we had no problem finding a parking spot with their traffic control staff directing the way. The queue line was well-managed, and staff regularly engaged with us, and all of their visitors. The haunt may try to scare people, but this team’s positive attitude created an inviting atmosphere for everyone!
How well did the pre-haunt areas ("vibe") prepare you for the attraction/s? – (25% of score)
How obvious, creative, believable was the storyline? (See Note if N/A) – (20% of score)
Were you completely, consistently immersed inside the attraction/s? – (40% of score)
How well did the "vibe" flow after, between the attraction/s? – (15% of score)
The immersive quality of Hadji Haunted House has improved this year, with the most notable being smoother transitions between scenes, incorporating a storyline along with paying homage to horror classics, as well as increased décor and effects in the pre-haunt area. This year, transitions are much more fluid, with each scene flowing from one to the other. We were always on alert, whether it was a hallway with a truck’s spotlights chasing us, an electric fence sparking, or a creepy figure guiding us forward.
Another improvement that contributes to immersion is the decor in the pre-haunt areas. Before even entering the main attraction, guests were greeted with much more elaborate and encompassing decorations this year. Giant skeletons, creepy lighting, and sound effects engulfed the room, which added to the anticipation and fear from the beginning. This attention to detail makes the wait in line part of the overall experience rather than just a time filler.
How effective were the sound effects? – (20% of score)
How realistic were the scene designs, details? – (30% of score)
How effective, realistic were the props, animatronics? – (30% of score)
How well did they use creative, special, sensory effects? – (20% of score)
Hadji has steadily improved its use of special effects. Animatronics seemed more varied and strategically placed, eerie lighting effects highlighted the new and improved sets, and ambient sounds added to the overall spooky mood. With that combination, Hadji had us running! At one point, we had to dodge a hillbilly truck trying to run us down!
While we hope to see this haunt continue to add to their special effects, it’s clear that the owners are committed to enhancing them each year.
How scary was it? – (35% of score)
How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? – (15% of score)
How predictable were the scares? – (25% of score)
How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? – (10% of score)
How strong was the ending / finale? – (15% of score)
While it has its share of jump scares and creepy moments, the overall atmosphere leans more toward eerie and unsettling, verses terrifying. It is an excellent option for those who don’t want an overly intense experience.
The scares are well-timed but not overwhelming. We must also mention the “Jason Hockey Mask” room in this year’s review, as we did in our review in 2022. While simple and without significant special effects, the scare factor of this scene is very impactful! It is one of the most memorable and favorite parts of this haunt!
How satisfied with the entertainment provided by the MAIN attraction/s? – (50% of score)
How satisfied with OTHER entertainment INCLUDED with the ticket price? – (25% of score)
How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s? – (25% of score)
With over 40 rooms, Hadji Haunted House offered excellent entertainment value for the price of admission. Ticket prices were $25 for general admission, and it took us 18 minutes to get through. That puts the minutes per dollar at .75 per minute. They also offer one “kid-friendly” night on October 27th for $10 per person this year.
They also enhanced the entertainment experience this year with their additions. One of the most exciting new features is the 3D Funhouse, which provides an, immersive and interactive experience that is family friendly. Entry tickets are separate from the main haunt and are $15 per person.
Another great addition was the food and beverage vendors outside the entrance door. It made it easy for us to grab snacks on our way in. There were upgraded photo and video opportunities near the queue area, with themed props and spooky sets for an additional cost. And for us hard-core haunt-goer junkies, they have added a merchandise table where we could purchase memorabilia!
My favorite addition this year was the in-haunt scare photo. It captures guests’ reactions perfectly, making for a great keepsake! I had poor timing with the scare photo, personally. Like a sighting of Bigfoot, my quest for an awkward, ill-faced, scary photo, of myself, will continue!
800 West 9 Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida 32534
