Outbreak Dread the Undead SC Review (2016)

The costumes for Outbreak made sense overall and, in general, were authentic. There is a story element involving eye-color and identification of the undead. However, this element was not played out with the physical actor. There could be many reasons for this, but it was something of a let down.

This haunt was completely handicapped accessible ‘ something of a rarity for haunts in the region. The staff was very friendly and enthusiastic ‘ from the young woman who sold us our tickets, to the photographer who took a picture of us being carried off by King Kong. Unlike a traditional haunt, there was no line or queue entertainment. However, as previously stated, the entire site houses several attractions if visitors need more things to do and see.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much in the way of atmosphere on-site building up to the haunt. Again, this is understandable given the nature of the attraction ‘ being a haunt isn’t their main focus, but merely one aspect of their multifaceted business. That being said, there is the aforementioned monster section of the wax museum and the basement location of the haunt is played up in the introductory video as being an ‘underground laboratory.’

Where Outbreak ‘ Dread the Undead starts to really shine is in its props and special effects. The majority of the haunt consisted of detailed sets built around animatronics. Instead of pressure pads, all of these seem to be triggered by proximity and laser triggers. Hands reaching from behind walls, falling cages, rattling doors, and lots and lots of trapped but moaning and thrashing zombies are the center points of detailed set design, allowing visitors to move through and be the focal point in the scenes.

The theme of this haunt is, of course, a zombie outbreak from an isolated laboratory. It’s a plotline used in multiple movies, books, and even other haunts. So, while it isn’t an original theme, per se, it is at least carried throughout the haunt from the lab-coat wearing ticket taker to the final explosive ending.

There were some very well done (and cunningly hidden) spots where the actor could pop out for scares that caused even our most jaded reviewer to jump in surprise. However, due to the mechanical nature of the majority of the props and effects, typically only the first few people in a group are getting the full effect of the scares. Be sure to keep close together while you go through as it takes a bit for some (but not all) of the effects to reset.

We were able to move through Outbreak in 10 minutes; though it would be possible to move through slower, we stayed moving at a steady unhurried pace. Single tickets for adults for Outbreak are $15, which comes out to $.66 per minute of zombie-lurching fun.

The all-access pass which gives visitors entrance to the wax museum, mirror maze, and Outbreak are only $28 for adults. Given the time you can spend wandering through these other attractions that are on site, we recommend stopping to see them as well and spending an hour or more experiencing everything the site has to offer.