8/27/25 Hillside House of Hell (Lights Out) – written by Dallas Paris with Team Midwest Macabre
Hillside House of Hell truly took the concept of a lights-out event to the next level – quite literally! Our team was excited but apprehensive, as none of us had ever experienced an event like this before.
We arrived at Hillside one hour ahead of time to meet with the cast and crew and learn about the typical night at Hillside. They did give us a parking spot in the staff parking up by the building for our equipment, which was a nice touch considering how chaotic parking can be at popular events.
This event didn’t feature the bands or wrestling that were part of the Fourth of July celebration, but it did include a craft vendor and a fire pit that was lit later in the night, providing a cozy gathering spot for guests before venturing into the haunting experience. We were among the first groups to arrive, so the wait time was short, allowing us to soak in the atmosphere. However, as the evening went on, the lines for fast pass and general admission grew significantly, with wait times reaching about an hour or more, which is a nod to how popular this event has become. Once 8 PM arrived, the queue actors came out in full force, enthusiastically greeting the patrons waiting in line, adding to the eerie ambiance and heightening our anticipation.
The concession stand was open all night for some decently priced food and drinks. It was a good opportunity to grab a quick bite before diving into the scares. Having experienced this haunt professionally once before, at their 4th of July event, I found that not much had changed. The patriotic theme was absent, but the layout remained largely the same, just with less lighting. A few animatronics were broken or just down; however, actors were added in those spots, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. The rooms weren’t completely dark, as they featured some accent lights and strobes in spots that needed to be lit up for safety, ensuring we didn’t trip over anything in our path. In fact, we were more than capable of seeing without the flashlight they had provided.
The new hotel still stands as my favorite part of this attraction by far. Hold on tight while ascending in the elevator! I don’t know if there was music in the elevator or not due to the actor inside being very interactive, but some old, slightly annoying elevator tunes from that time period would really elevate the experience and add an extra layer of nostalgia.
Don’t let the similar layout diminish the experience; we still had an amazing time! The costumes varied widely, from hospital patients to dark circus mimes and beyond, showcasing the incredible creativity of the team. Once again, the makeup department did an outstanding job! Everyone’s creativity is utilized at Hillside. If someone wants their character portrayed a certain way, they make it work, and oh, we’ve seen some truly interesting creatures this year. It’s fascinating how the interpretation of horror evolves with each event.
When you exit Hillside’s haunted attraction, you’ll find yourself in the gift shop, where a wide variety of horror-related items are for sale. It’s the perfect spot for picking up unique keepsakes to remember the night. There’s also an impressive monster museum featuring many signed props from films they were used in, which fans of horror cinema would definitely appreciate. Just before you exit into the courtyard, be sure to check out the selfie area, which showcases props from every room in the haunt. It’s an excellent opportunity for some fun photos, and you can capture those wonderfully spooky memories to share with friends.
Observing behind the scenes really highlights how hectic a night of haunting can be, but Hillside was impressively organized and functioned like a well-oiled machine behind the scenes. Lockers were provided to actors for personal belongings to minimize them being in the haunt. During our walkthrough, we noticed that every actor’s room was neat and clean, which was refreshing given the chaotic nature of haunted attractions. They made sure to keep water bottles and bags hidden away, creating a more immersive experience for guests.
The staff is and always has been friendly and welcoming. You could genuinely feel their enthusiasm for the event and dedication to providing an unforgettable night. Security is still strict regarding what you can and can’t bring in, so be prepared and have your bags open and ready! Parking can be a little tricky since it’s on the street, but it’s manageable as long as you pay attention to traffic regulations. Just remember not to block the tunnels or driveways!
Overall, the cast and crew did a fantastic job this year for their lights-out event. It was truly a night to remember, filled with thrilling scares and performances. I can’t wait to visit again in October, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what new horrors and surprises they have in store for us! With movie guest announcements on their Facebook page, the anticipation for the next visit is already building, and I know that Hillside House of Hell will continue to impress and terrify all who dare to enter.