SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL delivers two well-themed haunted trails nearly a mile in total length. Also home to OMINOUS DESCENT (see separate review) for 2017, SIR HENRY’S packs great scares and theming into both trails. With both being built primarily by a team of two, this massive amount of work pays off with two very successful haunted attractions. Utilizing a strong cast and traditional effects, these trails provide a fun atmosphere and good scares for those looking for a laid back atmosphere, yet an exciting and thrilling haunted experience this season.
Team Giraffic Shark says ‘Do not miss what Sir Henry has to offer for 2017! We recommend the 3-attraction combo pass, including OMINOUS DESCENT for the best overall value!’
The cast of SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL is primarily made of young actors dedicated to storytelling and scaring guests. While this doesn’t provide a wide range of character types, the cast does a great job of portraying those different characters, despite a small range in age.
Both trails could benefit from more actors to “plus up” the scares and storytelling; however, the cast does well working the space to make more of an impact instead of staying in one location. Sir Henry’s performance in RESURRECTION is notable, as he is around every corner providing a dynamic presence, ringing true to the story of the attraction.
The cast roaming the general scare grounds do a great job of setting the scene, including Sir Henry himself interacting with guests and a witch like character who really does a fantastic job talking with guests as they travel in between the different attractions.
Costumes are well done and complete, while not being overly detailed. They fit the characters and theme and deliver solid storytelling. Makeup is similarly well done, adding to the overall aesthetic of the haunt. Sir Henry has a great mask and costume for his character, providing a solid, iconic character that matches the statue at the center of the grounds. Other notable character looks are those from the cemetery scene in CURSE OF HOLLOW OAK, as well as the Frankenstein-like character in RESURRECTION.
Every cast and crew memeber encountered had great customer service, from the parking attendants and vendors to our host for the evening, Zach Glaros. We felt welcomed, comfortable and at home at SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL. The queue attendants had a clumsy setup for tickets and wristbands, but they seemed to get more comfortable as the night went on. They did a great job reviewing the rules and guidelines for the attractions, as well as casual chat as we waited for our turn. For being very dark trails in the woods, there were not any safety concerns or dangers (including tripping hazards) while traversing the trails.
SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL shares their scare grounds this year with OMINOUS DESCENT (a haunt they are hosting for the year after they lost their building due to Hurricane Irma) and they are set up in a large field on the edge of woods containing the trails. The large area past the ticket booth is dark with some themed lights, spotted with general fun Halloween decorations and photo ops. There are a few small vendors selling freshly-made snacks (popcorn, boiled peanuts, etc.) and prepackaged homemade desserts (marshmallow treats, etc.). Fire pits help to set the ambiance, along with plenty of seating around the area. Characters roam the area, including Sir Henry himself and a few other interactive, themed characters chatting with guests.
SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL relies mostly on traditional haunted house effects to create the story and deliver the scares. However, the special effects they do use are well-placed and spaced-out to deliver maximum effectiveness and story telling. Not relying on large-scale animatronics and extreme effects to deliver scares forces them to explore creative options to deliver quality theming, scares and storytelling. Some of the best effects were the lighting and scenery of the smoldering cabin, the setup of the laser swamp section and the electrical/lab section with strong lighting and sound effects.
Lighting is well done throughout the trails utilizing pin spot lighting and colorful wash lighting as well to create a dark, yet vibrant atmosphere. Fog effects enhance the lighting and create a stronger atmosphere.
For a team of primarily two designers and builders, this haunt is seriously impressive due to its large scale spanning multiple acres and two completely-themed and -detailed trails of their length.
Enough Sound FX? (35% of score): 8.88
Sound FX Effective? (15% of score): 9.25
Sounds Appropriate? (25% of score): 9
Creative, Original FX? (10% of score): 7.63
Special FX Effective? (15% of score): 8.38
SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAILS both have strong back-stories, which are developed and told effectively throughout the attractions. While they both are connected through the icon character, Sir Henry, they stand alone and provide unique and original stories by themselves. CURSE OF HOLLOW OAK has a more unique and creative concept, dating back centuries to tell its story… a time period not often seen in haunted attractions, making for a fun and unique atmosphere for this story.
SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL packs some great, unexpected scares throughout the trails, causing everyone to jump in fright. Scares are spaced out for impacting the entire group and might be somewhat different each time you go through the haunts because you never know where Sir Henry and his minions may be hiding. Distractions are well utilized to enhance jump scares for the cast.
Effects greatly enhance scares through lighting, including lasers and strobes, as well as triggered sound effects. One notable scare in CURSE OF HOLLOW OAK greatly caught us off guard, as it was completely unexpected in a trail and haunt of this style. Some camouflaged actors deliver strong scares as well while blending into the landscape along the dark trail.
While this haunt is great for adults, of course, and has great scares, I would recommend it as a good haunt for teens and older children as well. The haunts are not terrifyingly scary, as the scares are well paced through the attractions so as to not overwhelm new haunt enthusiasts.
2837 South Frontage Road, Plant City, Florida 33566