Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest Review (2024)

Villa of the Vampire- The cast of vampires and werewolves in this haunt looked the part, with detailed costumes and makeup that fit the theme perfectly. While we found ourselves wishing for more actors to intensify the experience, those present interacted well with our group, delivering memorable moments that added to the eerie atmosphere.

Malice in Wonderland- The cast inside Wonderland may have been small, but they played their roles with conviction. The Queen of Hearts and Alice were standout characters, instantly recognizable and well-portrayed, capturing the essence of their iconic roles. Their performances added a touch of magic and familiarity to the eerie, twisted version of Wonderland we found ourselves in.

Shady Grove- The hospital crew at Shady Grove Memorial Hospital brought their A-game when it came to scares! Each actor fully embraced their role, whether portraying deranged patients, sinister nurses, or the unsettling Dr. Oculus. Their commitment to character enhanced the chilling atmosphere and kept us on edge the entire time.

Dark Shadows- Though the haunt was nearly pitch black, making it hard to see the cast, their presence was undeniably felt throughout the darkened halls. The mostly blacked-out actors blended seamlessly into the shadows, adding to the unsettling atmosphere as they lurked in the darkness, ready to strike when we least expected it.

Voodoo Bayou- The residents of the Bayou were fascinating, from the mysterious Voodoo Kings to the eerie Spider Queens. The cast in this dark, swampy setting was intricate in both their appearance and performance, fully immersing us in their twisted world. Their interactions kept us on edge, making every moment feel as if we were caught in a dangerous web of voodoo magic and swamp-dwelling creatures.

Kennyville Cemetry- The walking dead in the Kennyville Cemetery may not have been overly verbal, but their presence was undeniably eerie. Lurking in the dark shadows, they embodied their roles as the undead with chilling realism, making us constantly feel watched and uneasy. Their silent but menacing behavior added an extra layer of suspense to the atmosphere.

Villa of the Vampire- Inside the Villa, the costumes of the vampires and werewolves fit the theme perfectly. The makeup, though hard to see in the dim light, was skillfully applied—subtle, yet effective. The werewolf costumes, in particular, stood out with their full fur suits.

Malice in Wonderland- If you’re familiar with Alice in Wonderland through the book or its various movie adaptations, you’ll have an idea of how each character should look—and this haunt did a great job bringing them to life. Alice and the Queen of Hearts were standout characters, instantly recognizable and well-executed. When we spotted a rabbit, we weren’t sure if it was the White Rabbit or the March Hare, leaving us wishing for more clarity in the iconic roles. Overall, the makeup on all the actors was fitting for their scenes, and while the characters present were done well, we would have loved to see more of Wonderland’s famous faces and costumes to truly enhance the experience.

Shady Grove- The costumes inside Shady Grove Memorial Hospital were spot-on, with nurses, patients, and doctors all seamlessly fitting into the setting. Every actor’s appearance contributed to the eerie atmosphere, and no one felt out of place. The gory makeup, including unsettling details like missing eyes, aligned perfectly with the storyline, enhancing the overall immersion of the haunt.

Dark Shadows- In a dark haunt, there isn’t much to discuss regarding costumes, as the actors primarily wore blackout gear. A few stood out in dimly lit rooms, but overall, the lack of visibility left little to report about makeup or attire. The focus of the haunt was darkness.

Voodoo Bayou- The attire in the Bayou was spot-on, capturing a haunting atmosphere with skulls and bones throughout. The tribal symbols in the makeup, along with the voodoo doll costumes and face designs, perfectly complemented the eerie setting, immersing us deeper into the world of the supernatural.

Kennyville Cemetery- The undead roaming the grounds were impressively costumed, dressed in tattered, dirt-streaked clothes reminiscent of their former lives. Some even donned ghillie suits, lurking behind trees to heighten the suspense. One actor blended in so perfectly as a statue that we only realized they were alive when we got too close, adding an unexpected jolt to our experience!

Kennywood truly immerses guests in the Halloween spirit during Phantom Fall Fest! The park’s elaborate decorations, vibrant lights, and eerie soundtrack create a haunting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The presence of roving actors adds to the excitement, as they wander throughout the park in various costumes and makeup. This unexpected element keeps everyone on edge, as you never know when a scare might come from behind a corner or during a casual stroll. Whether it’s a creepy clown, a sinister doctor, or a lurking zombie, these performers enhance the spooky ambiance and make the entire visit feel alive with thrills. It’s a great way to keep the energy high and the scares frequent throughout the park!

Villa of the Vampire- Inside the Villa, the atmosphere was undeniably steeped in vampire and werewolf lore. We navigated through a castle-like lair that felt authentically eerie, complete with bedrooms and coffins that whispered secrets of the night. Every detail reinforced the theme, immersing us fully in the experience without any jarring interruptions. The seamless transition from one area to the next kept the suspense alive, and as we exited, we found ourselves back on the bustling midway of the park, blending the thrill of the haunt with the vibrant energy of the festivities outside.

Malice in Wonderland- From the moment we entered, it was clear we had fallen down the rabbit hole. The scenes unfolded beautifully, capturing the whimsical yet unsettling essence of the beloved story. Each area flowed seamlessly into the next, drawing us deeper into Wonderland’s twisted charm. As we reached the end, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves right back at the entrance, feeling as though we had truly experienced a journey through the fantastical and eerie realms of Alice’s adventures.

Shady Grove- As we navigated through the hospital, a palpable tension filled the air, making us acutely aware of every shadow lurking in the corners. The chilling thought of our eyeballs being removed left us on edge, immersed in the unsettling atmosphere. We couldn’t shake the feeling that we might be next on the doctor’s patient list. After making our daring escape, we emerged back into the lively chaos of the park, adrenaline pumping, eager to seek out our next scare.

Dark Shadows- While the haunt succeeded in creating an immersive experience through its darkness, we couldn’t help but wish for an even deeper level of shadow to enhance the suspense. Nevertheless, the captivating atmosphere kept us engaged throughout most of the journey. Once we exited, we found ourselves back in the bustling crowd, the contrast between the eerie silence we had just experienced and the lively park atmosphere heightening the thrill of our adventure.

Voodoo Bayou- The Voodoo haunt at Kennywood offers a unique twist, set in the drained Raging Rapids water ride. This clever use of the space enhances the immersion, as guests walk through the water troughs, truly feeling as if they’ve been transported to a haunted bayou reminiscent of old New Orleans. The setting, combined with the intricate details and atmospheric elements, makes for a captivating experience that fully envelops visitors in the eerie, supernatural world of Voodoo. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose existing park features while adding depth to the haunt!

Kennyville Cemetery- The entrance to the cemetery at Kennywood is impressive, with a grand cemetery gate that immediately establishes an eerie atmosphere. As you walk through the grounds, you encounter various undead characters, enhancing the immersive experience. The layout is well-designed, allowing for a smooth flow through the open-air haunt, making it easy to navigate while still feeling enveloped in the spooky ambiance. This thoughtful design keeps guests engaged as they explore the hauntingly atmospheric cemetery.

Villa of the Vampire- The sounds in the Villa significantly contributed to the haunting atmosphere, with eerie wolf howls and unsettling music setting the tone for the experience. As we journeyed through, the castle-like walls, coffins, and dark hallways immersed us in a gothic ambiance. The presence of an old piano and suits of knight’s armor enhanced the feeling of stepping into an ancient, cursed castle. Although some animatronics appeared to be non-functional during our visit, the overall design and soundscape still created an engaging environment.

Malice in Wonderland- The sound design in Wonderland was a captivating blend of various effects, from eerie cat sounds and rhythmic heartbeats to the ticking of clocks and distorted music reminiscent of a warped record. These auditory elements perfectly complemented the whimsical yet unsettling theme of the haunt. Visually, the designs throughout the attraction were well-executed, featuring iconic scenes like the Mad Hatter’s tea party and an array of clocks, all intricately tied to the classic story. Together, the sounds and visuals created an immersive experience that transported visitors into the heart of a surreal and slightly twisted version of Wonderland.

Shady Grove- In Shady Grove Memorial Hospital, the atmosphere was thick with tension, enhanced by the unsettling sounds of medical machines beeping and the eerie strains of old-fashioned waiting room music. These audio cues were perfectly complemented by the chilling screams of victims, immersing us in a nightmarish hospital experience. The set design was meticulously crafted, featuring authentic details like hospital beds, curtains, and even a vending machine typical of a waiting room. Every element worked together to create a hauntingly believable environment, making us feel as though they had stepped into a terrifying medical nightmare.

Dark Shadows- The special effects in this dark haunt were impressive and effectively heightened the eerie atmosphere. The familiar music played throughout, mixing with unsettling breathing sounds that kept us on edge. In the rooms that weren’t completely blacked out, we encountered a fantastic laser swap effect, which was a standout moment for us. Another memorable room featured black lights and polka dots that created a disorienting visual experience, making it difficult to discern where the walls ended and the space began. These creative effects contributed to an immersive and thrilling experience, leaving us captivated and a little disoriented as we navigated through the haunt.

Voodoo Bayou- The sound design in this haunt was truly immersive, featuring what we can only describe as tribal war music that set an intense tone as we navigated through various sections. In tighter spaces, the ambiance shifted dramatically, with the eerie sounds of dripping water and alligator growls adding an unsettling layer to our experience. The scenes were meticulously crafted, with standout moments like a king on his throne that added a menacing element, alongside an intricately designed spider cave that heightened the creep factor. The combination of these sounds and visuals created a mind-bending atmosphere that kept us engaged and on edge throughout the entire haunt.

Kennyville Cemetery- As we navigated through the cemetery, eerie, soft music set an unsettling tone, enhancing the spooky atmosphere. The landscape was dotted with moss-covered tombstones and scattered mausoleums, adding to the haunting vibe. A notable feature was the presence of a lake within the cemetery, where we anticipated encountering the glowing figure of the “Lady of the Lake,” known for her ghostly appearances, however, she was not there this evening.. This blend of chilling sounds and intriguing visual elements created an immersive experience that made us feel as though we were wandering through a forgotten, haunted realm.

Villa of the Vampire- Although the haunt successfully delivered some effective scares throughout our experience, many of them felt predictable and lacked variety. The final scene, in particular, left us feeling underwhelmed, as it didn’t provide a memorable conclusion. Instead of a climactic scare, we simply found ourselves stepping back into the bustling midway of the park, which diminished the overall impact of the experience. A more engaging finale would have certainly enhanced the haunting journey and left a lasting impression.

Malice in Wonderland- Once again, the scares in this haunt fell flat. While our group did experience some moments intended to be frightening, they lacked intensity and variety. The final scare was particularly disappointing, leaving us questioning whether that was truly the climax of the experience. A stronger, more impactful ending would have greatly enhanced our overall impression of the haunt.

Shady Grove- This haunt kept us on our toes! While some scares were predictable, they still managed to deliver effectively. The finale scene built on the tension from the very beginning, where we were warned about the doctor looking for our eyes, and we finally came face-to-face with him. Just when we thought we were done, there was one last jump scare that left us with a thrilling spook as we exited! It was a satisfying conclusion that added to the overall excitement of the experience.

Dark Shadows- This haunt kept us on alert! The darkness created an eerie atmosphere that’s hard to ignore. The final scene connected back to the swamp scene, which is always a favorite of ours. While we hoped for a bigger scare at the end, it still delivered better than some of the other haunts in the park. The anticipation added to the thrill, making it a memorable experience overall!

Voodo Bayou- The haunt excelled in delivering scares throughout, especially with that gripping finale! Just when you think it’s all over, there’s that unexpected twist that keeps you on edge. The uncertainty about whether the last scare is truly the last adds an extra layer of excitement, making the whole experience even more thrilling. It’s those surprise moments that stick with you long after the haunt is over!

Kennyville Cemetery- In an outdoor haunt, crafting scares can indeed be challenging due to the open environment, but the crew did a commendable job. Even if some scares were predictable, the ability to still deliver an effective final scare showed their skill. Sometimes, simplicity can be surprisingly effective, leaving us with that last jolt of adrenaline as we excited. It’s a great reminder that the execution of a scare can often outweigh the complexity of its design!

Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest offers an exciting blend of haunt experiences and thrilling rides! While the ticket price of $74.99 may initially seem high for the time spent in the six haunted houses, just 32 minutes total, it’s important to note that the park frequently runs promotions and sales on tickets throughout the season, making it more accessible for visitors.

In addition to the haunted houses, there are four scare zones—Fear Fest with its creepy clowns, Hellbilly Hollow featuring backwoods cannibals, The Deadlight District with modern-day zombies, and The Welcoming/Departing area at the entrance—ensuring guests can enjoy scares without having to wait in line.

With about 20 rides open during the event, guests can easily balance the frightful experiences with thrilling roller coasters, like the Phantom’s Revenge, especially in the dark! For those looking for a family-friendly experience, the daytime hours allow guests to enjoy the park’s attractions before the spooky festivities begin. Overall, Kennywood provides an excellent mix of thrills and chills for everyone!