After previously running as a non-profit event for the James Lavelle Catholic Church, Portals of Fear is launching its first year as a professional haunt. Upon learning that 2023 would be their last year at the church, Chuck, Stephanie, and their team began searching for a new home. In 2024, they dismantled almost every scene and ultimately bought their current building in West Mifflin, PA. So then the rebuilding process wouldn’t be easy, but it would be fun since they could do a lot more with the building now, since it’s theirs.
As soon as we arrived, we noticed how much their midway had changed. We were told that the inside was completely different, too, and that was absolutely true. The amount of effort put into their attraction was mesmerizing – it’s amazing how much they achieved in such a short time. Every detail, from start to finish, was beautifully arranged and thoughtfully put together.
We always enjoy seeing what new haunts create, and we must say, this one stands out. The attention to detail makes Portals Of Fear seem as though it has been established for years, despite being a new attraction.
We met over 35 cast members throughout this attraction, each portraying a different role and bringing their own unique vibe to their character. We were thoroughly impressed by the cast’s interactivity and convincing performances. Their personalized interactions made every scene feel authentic. We appreciated the diverse approaches each cast member took while engaging with us. Some of the characters we encountered included zombies, a doctor, a priestess, and a demon, among many others.
In the beginning of the attraction we were met with a member of the DIU (Demon Investigation Unit) and he was giving us a background of the attraction and was telling all of us the rules of the attraction.One memorable moment was meeting a cast member in a bag in the freezer, yelling, “Let me out of here!”, which made the encounter truly unique. Two of our favorite moments were meeting a doctor urging us to “take our medicine” and a witch who warned that “the curse will be held on you.” These two stood out as highlights among our interactions with the cast members.
The attraction featured impressively realistic and well-crafted costumes, makeup, masks, and accessories. At the entrance, we met several queue actors, including two convincing bandits in detailed masks and outfits – one with a creative back piece designed to mimic exposed flesh.
Inside, additional cast members appeared in distressed clothing and authentic makeup, enhancing the scenes with well-chosen wardrobes and impressive attention to detail. The standout was the Demon’s costume: an original, homemade, full-body creation that underscored the character’s significance. We valued the meticulous detail, especially since the Demon is central to their show.
Each cast member embodied a unique persona, with no out-of-place elements – their clothing was logo-free and contributed to a professional appearance. A highlight was when one cast member pulled out a realistic mannequin heart, enhancing her costume and adding to the distinctive experience.
Every costume in this attraction was distinct from the others, which made the experience truly unique. We enjoyed observing each individual costume and seeing how well it matched the character’s role.
Customer service is clearly a priority here. Upon arrival, a parking attendant directed us to several parking signs. We followed them but had difficulty finding the entrance since it wasn’t lit. We accidentally passed it and only noticed because a sign pointed us back the way we came. After we mentioned the issue, staff assured us they would add lights in the future.
Once parked, a shuttle quickly transported us to the haunted attraction, minimizing walking. Security at the top used metal wand detectors to thoroughly screen guests, which made us feel safe. The area outside the attraction was well-marked and easy to navigate, especially in the midway section. Inside the haunted house, cameras monitored both guests and actors to keep everyone safe. We saw no tripping hazards, and the well-lit stairs ensured nobody would fall.
The staff across the entire facility were exceptionally friendly and helpful, ensuring the night ran smoothly. Their professionalism and warmth were evident with every guest who walked through the doors. Additionally, the Portals of Fear website is easy to navigate and user-friendly, making it stress-free to purchase tickets online and looking up information for this attraction.
As we neared Portals of Fear, bright red lights illuminated the building’s exterior. Before we even walked inside, the haunted atmosphere was undeniable: costumed actors prowled the line, chilling music filled the air, and screams echoed from within.
Portals of Fear features an impressive storyline. Rather than creating a single portal, the demon opens multiple portals, each leading you to confront your most extreme nightmares. This is where the idea of “portals,” not just one portal, comes from. The game begins with a DIU agent tasking you with hunting down the demon himself.
We were completely immersed throughout the entire attraction and didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. Each scene transitioned seamlessly to the next, with minimal to no dead space. We were especially impressed by how much the attraction accomplished overall. Cast members hid their personal items well, and the attraction itself cleverly concealed all wires, fog machines, and speakers.
When you exit the attraction, you will wind up in the back of the midway. We think this is a smart strategy because it encourages you to check out everything the midway offers. With a variety of things to see and do in this area, you’re likely to stay longer.
The soundtrack and effects were very effective. Our only complaint is that some tracks could be louder to enhance intensity. It’s an easy fix and the only change we’d suggest for the attraction.
Throughout this attraction, each scene stood out for its spectacular and impressive detail, from the DUI office to the demon’s den. The convenience store set, in particular, felt especially authentic, with a pretzel stand, a cooler of Pepsi, and shelves stocked with snacks and merchandise, making it resemble a real shop. This was the only convenience store setting we’ve encountered at such attractions, and it even featured blood splattered across the floor. Another highlight was the street scene, where authentic graffiti and effective lighting combined to convincingly place you in a city alley.
The props used throughout the attraction were logical and highly effective. We enjoyed experiencing the various themes as we walked through. The props in each room instantly revealed its theme. Each section had unique panels, but our favorites were the rock panels in the catacombs room with the skeletons.
The lighting in this attraction was impressive. There are three portals, and each time you enter a new one, you pass through a section illuminated by red LED lights. This is the only area in the entire attraction with red lighting, giving it a distinctive touch.
Unique sensory effects greeted us right from the start of the attraction. Our experience began with a “disinfection” process, supposedly shielding us from the demon. A machine ahead blared alarms and flashed rapid lights, culminating in a burst of fog that symbolized disinfection—an opening that set high expectations. Later, an actress dramatically tore out a mannequin’s heart and sprayed water from inside it, effectively imitating blood. Finally, we entered a cleverly set-up cemetery, where thick fog heightened the atmosphere and made the scene especially immersive.
At the end, there’s another impressive sensory effect. However, we won’t spoil the details here; you’ll have to witness it for yourself.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 9.19
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 8.31
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 9
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 9.19
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 9.38
Throughout the entire attraction, we experienced lots of scares and surprises. The actors effectively used their designated areas to maximize each scare. The doctor, who wielded a syringe and urged us to take the medicine in an aggressive manner, was particularly frightening. We were also startled in the convenience store by a crawling, growling actor seemingly eager to bite our ankles.
One of the night’s most effective scares came when a cast member shocked everyone by emerging from beneath a car during the street scene. All through the experience, cast members popped out from every direction, including the front, behind, and all around – making it almost impossible not to be startled. Another highlight was when a cast member, hidden behind a casket, suddenly jumped on top of it and screamed loudly, delivering another highly effective scare. They targeted nearly everyone in our group and did so successfully.
The ending here is truly awesome and stands out as one of the best ways to conclude a show. From the cast members to the sensory effects, we don’t think it could have been done better. We won’t go into details and will just leave it at that.
Although we spent just 23 minutes inside the attraction, it felt much longer due to the intense, multi-level scares. Admission is $30, with a fast pass available for an additional $10. Guests can also opt for the $85-per-person VIP experience, which accommodates up to six and includes a private lounge with a bathroom, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, a swag bag, and more for an entire hour. Our Minutes Per Dollar (MPD) was 0.76, which is slightly below average. However, the attraction’s heart pounding journey through the portals and abundance of scares justifies the price, which is on par with other Pittsburgh-area haunts.
Entertainment in the midway consists mainly of queue actors who interact with guests. You’ll also find several tents featuring merchandise and products from other companies, which is a great addition. For refreshments, there’s a hotdog stand and a brewery with a selection of beers. Portals of Fear admits only about six guests per group, ensuring a memorable experience.
If you’re considering a visit and haven’t gone yet, GET HERE NOW! Pittsburgh’s newest haunt is already fantastic and promises to become even better. This was our second visit, and we were genuinely impressed by the improvements made. We’re excited to see what’s next for this attraction and hope Portals of Fear will continue to grow each year with new and unforgettable scares. We helped the investigation unit close their case, can you do it too?
25 Majka Street, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania 15122
