Henderson Haunts Review (2024)

Patient H wasn’t the only patient causing torment to brave or ignorant visitors who dared walk through the gates of Hell. We faced experiments of all sizes and were satisfied with the performance of most of the experiments in the building.

Alongside the other experiments, we encountered vengeful doctors, sinister nurses, unpredictable mental patients, voracious cooks, and desperate victims tied up and begging to be set free.
The variety of cast matched the theme perfectly, and despite the small space, there were plenty of actors. We were being handed food, brains, or hearts from many different types of actors, which would have been better left to the cooks, leaving more space for various scares for other roles. The patients screamed in terror often, yet their faces seemed joyous, giving off potential out-of-character moments. It was part of the experiment, but it distracted us from other important details the haunt had to offer, taking us out of the present moment and leaving us craving more fear.
We remained unsure of who we would encounter next. The actors interacted with us consistently, keeping us on our toes and almost falling to our knees. We weren’t left alone long enough to predict what would happen next.

The costumes in this story of torment were on par with the theme. From scrubs to doctor coats, nurse uniforms, straight jackets, and many different masks, the costumes helped immerse us in this asylum of various experiments.

Most of the costumes fit well with each character. Some of the smaller characters had masks that weren’t so small. Even that could be part of the experiments. Still, if the masks were tucked into the costume or more attached to the skin with some makeup coverage, it would help the masks create a more realistic character in the story, making a more significant impact.

The Mortician, Patient H, the nurse, and even some of the patients and experiments were put together really well. Only one actor in the house seemed to not have a mask, but because of the room they were in, we could hardly tell.

The effort placed in the makeup and creation of the costumes was noticed, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for the realism that Henderson Haunts might bring in future seasons.

Located in a little shopping center, Henderson Haunts is relatively easy to identify. Right off of H.W.Y. 41 N, this haunt is directly off of what locals call “the strip.” G.P.S. took us to the shopping center, and the gigantic pumpkin led us to the destination. The parking lot is a little eerie, and Henderson Haunts is in the back, in the last space on the right.

The staff giving tickets were friendly enough and directed us straight to the beginning. The night we went, the line was bare, so there was no wait time. The information about the haunt was super easy to find; their social media is evident and consistent, and their website is easy to navigate for someone who knows how to look for it. As a first-year haunt, the word has yet to make it to many people, but once it does, it wouldn’t surprise us if the line is out the door.

The haunt felt completely safe inside and out. There were no apparent hazards besides the potential scar left on our brains. Only one part of the haunt left us discombobulated to the point where we didn’t feel secure. It did satisfy our need for adrenaline, though.

At the end of the haunt, we could talk to multiple staff members. Every person we spoke to was knowledgeable and pointed us in the right direction if there was something they needed help answering. Everyone seemed happy to be there and excited for all to come.

We felt the excitement and eagerness in the air. The hospitable and friendly personalities were noticed.

Fog rolling out from under the door gave us our sign that it was go time. Not knowing what we were about to walk into, we opened the door and were met with blacklight lasers and more fog. The prices and information were lit up on T.V. screens, and the ticket booth was direct. The walls had a grungy and ghastly appearance. Props lying around gave us a boost of excitement and adrenaline for what’s next.

Walking in, we were met face-to-face with a doctor, and we immediately felt the asylum vibe. The walkthrough consistently kept to the storyline, but the only way we knew what the storyline was was by checking out the socials. They have the story of the Killiecrankie family and patient H on multiple platforms. To begin with, We read about it and could see the story play out nearly perfectly throughout. Some people do not do their research; therefore, we suggest an intro area where the storyline is set.

We flowed nicely during the haunt, not noticing any bare areas or obstacles blocking the way forward. We were grateful for that because, by the end of the haunt, we were ready to get out of there before some significant damage was done. We were offered spaghetti brains and heart juice for dinner, so when we spotted a human drink and what looked like an everyday snack lying in a corner, it took our focus off the story. A few actors stopped our progress, but no new guests caught up to us, leaving our experience individualized even more.

As we walked through the final door, we left craving more. The storyline has incredible potential to be unforgettable as long as it is clearly understood from the start.

Immediately after passing through the gates, we walked along a wooden bridge with fog underneath it and more green lasers to point us in the right direction. Half a bloody arm hanging above distracted us in the best of ways. This led to the first handmade animatronic, which made a loud boom and forced us to want to turn back around.

Mainly green and blue lights covered in fog were placed throughout the haunt itself, not allowing us to check out the walls. They appeared mostly bare with dirt and grunge, but some walls were crafted with what looked like blood, sweat, and tears. Holes in the walls were placed in perfect places for jump scares. Our personal favorite was the mirror. (You will have to see that one for yourself.)

As we walked along the path, we heard sounds of crying, screaming, and banging. There was also some silence, which we honestly didn’t mind. It made the next scare have a more significant impact. The props and animatronics used were on point for the theme, although the realism of such can potentially leave more significant impacts.

The final room was dizzying, and we experienced the most notable effects there, more than in any other room in the haunt. Henderson Haunts gave a fantastic vision of light effects throughout, but that last room was blinding, to say the least.

The haunt took us through what looked and felt like a hospital. The first room we walked into had a reception desk with grotesque props and messed-up paperwork, leading into what looked like a room where blood pressure was taken. A doctor walking in and butchering the patient seen on the table with our very eyes was precisely the beginning that we needed to get our blood pumping.

As we walked through, each room began to get dimmer and dimmer. We were met with sounds of violence, screams, and banging. Experiments and patients begged us to set them free. We walked in to find the mortician threatening us that it was our turn in the mortuary freezer, asking for our help in what turned out to be a slippery experience.

We were experimented on in many aspects. All five of our senses were tested: smell, sight, taste, touch, sound, and the true sixth sense, fear.

Patient H sought his vengeance. He sat us in the electric chair, and we could feel the heat radiating. Every move made activated our flight, fright, and freeze responses. Every team member chose a different response, but it didn’t matter. It was too late for us. We left as experiments. Now, we all have this urge to return, like someone is calling us to come home!

Henderson Haunts had two separate options for us to choose from: $20 for General Admission and $35 for the R.I.P. experience. The R.I.P. option offers a Fast Pass, Extended Storyline, and Midway Freebie. Our team fought through the various experiments for 8 minutes and 33 seconds. That leaves the minutes of entertainment received per dollar spent (M.P.D.) at 0.42. Although this is well below the average we like to see of 1 MPD, it is essential to note that this is a first-year commercial haunt. We foresee that going up quite a bit in future seasons.

A midway area is located at the end of the haunt, where more entertainment is found. From edible blood bags and teeth, shirts, and other merch to lots of spots for photo ops, there is also fun outside the haunt. Our team had a dance party in fog and lights with some of the haunt characters, and we also watched some neat fire-throwing.

Henderson Haunts is growing and hopes to keep expanding in the future. They are releasing a book that explains the storyline better and provides more detail about Dr. Killikcrankie and his experiments.

Patient H7-423 will not cease until his Reckoning is complete.