Deep in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia, Terror Manor is a haunted house that’s been terrifying visitors for seven years. With its sprawling 59,000 square feet of haunted hallways and rooms, this attraction is a nightmare factory. The cast of over 70 actors is dedicated to creating a truly terrifying experience.
This is our second year visiting Terror Manor. Ya know, when you watch a sequel to your favorite scary movie and it doesn’t hit as hard as the original? That was definitely not the case at Terror Manor in 2025. Holy smokes, folks, we were taken aback by the changes and improvements made to an already top-notch haunt. Again, we began our journey through the outside maze, which served as a prelude to the main attraction. Last year was like an appetizer before the crazies attempted to devour us during the main course, but this year, Terror Manor is one massive buffet of the finest actors and haunts that we’ve ever visited. Once we were inside, we were immersed in a series of worlds that bled into each other seamlessly, and there was no escape. When you visit Terror Manor, you will meet a dedicated group of some of the best actors in the haunt industry.
The 70+ actors at Terror Manor proved once again why they’re considered some of the best in the haunt industry. There was never a dull moment or empty space; every inch of the haunt was crawling with performers who brought fear to life. Their energy and commitment were off the charts, fully embracing their roles to keep us on edge from start to finish. What really stood out this year was how interactive the cast was. They didn’t just pop out for jump scares; they talked, taunted, and played with us the entire way through. One moment, we were being offered to be dismembered, and the next, we were being led in prayer to help us survive. Skindy, the dead skin mask hair stealer, especially stood out for his twisted humor and quick banter that had us laughing and squirming at the same time.
There were so many standout performances that night. Djofulsin, with his Viking Gwar-like look, was relentless, mumbling in his own language and constantly in our faces. Necros showed off his disturbing collection of taxidermy, while Sister Minced tried to feed us body parts of lost souls, promising to turn us into spaghetti. Cyrah nailed the drop panel scares, and Pumpkinna couldn’t stop rambling warnings that we were about to be murdered and hung up on the wall. Bloody Orah nearly had us zipped into a body bag, and Hugz the Clown, who greeted us with smiles, gifts, and hugs, still made sure to remind us we were about to die. Every actor had their own unique flavor of fear, making the experience unpredictable, intense, and absolutely unforgettable. A super BIG bravo to this cast for their outstanding performances!
Terror Manor truly shines when it comes to visuals that match the high intensity of its cast. The attention to detail in the costumes, makeup, and accessories was absolutely phenomenal. Every piece felt unique, carefully crafted, and perfectly suited to the character wearing it. It’s obvious that the team takes immense pride in their artistry, making most of the masks, props, and costume pieces in-house, which really shows in the level of detail. From tattered fabrics and realistic gore to intricately designed masks and accessories, every element was thoughtfully executed. The zombies looked terrifyingly authentic, their rotting flesh and tattered clothing adding a whole new level of immersion, while Djofulsin, the Gwar-like Viking in the maze, was an absolute standout with his elaborate armor, face paint, and menacing presence. Even the smaller details didn’t go unnoticed; props, jewelry, and personal touches made each character feel lived-in and believable. Every character felt perfectly placed within their scene, blending seamlessly into the world around them. Outside the haunt, the atmosphere was just as impressive, with queue actors like a ten-foot-tall Reaper, a Gypsy Witch, and Art the Clown from Terrifier on movie maniac drums, all decked out in stunning, detailed costumes. Add in the skilled fire performers, and it was clear that every inch of Terror Manor, from head to toe, was designed with care and creativity, making the experience visually unforgettable.
The operational side of Terror Manor made the entire visit smooth, easy, and stress-free. Finding the haunt, parking, and navigating the grounds was straightforward, with parking clearly marked and well-lit, an upgrade we definitely noticed from last year. We felt safe the entire time thanks to clear safety protocols, and the staff were consistently professional, helpful, and friendly. Important information was easy to access before our visit through their excellent website. Another thoughtful touch: golf carts are available to transport guests between the parking area and the haunt for anyone who prefers not to walk a short distance. Overall, these improvements show that Terror Manor pays attention to the guest experience, earning a solid 10/10 for operational excellence.
The total commitment to the environment and atmosphere at Terror Manor is second to none. Between the music, roaming ghouls, and the fire show in the pre-haunt midway area, the vibe immediately had us ready to get our scare on. The midway is packed with photo opportunities, queue actors, and even Art the Clown putting on a show on the drums to Ice Nine Kills’ “A Work of Art,” perfectly setting the tone for the chaos to come. Inside the haunt, there isn’t a single overarching narrative other than living out your worst nightmares, but the experience is designed to keep you completely trapped in the moment. There’s no safe space to stop and collect yourself.
Once you step inside, there is no escape. Actors are in every scene, and even when you’re moving between areas, there’s always something happening to keep you on edge. The walls and ceilings are often close, giving you that “you’re not getting out anytime soon” feeling, which makes the scares unpredictable and intense. After the haunt, the energy flows naturally into the gift shop area, which is packed with photo opportunities and roaming ghouls. It would be amazing if there were a few games or interactive elements in this space to give people another reason to linger and soak up the atmosphere even longer, but even as-is, it’s a fun, immersive way to end the night.
The meticulous scene design and props at Terror Manor truly sell the illusion of terror. Sound effects are perfectly matched to each scene, from unsettling whispers to chaotic noises that make your skin crawl. The attention to detail is evident from the very first step inside, with immersive sets throughout, including the intricately decorated Mummy scene, the classroom, and the swamps, as well as Sister Minced’s Lunch Lady kitchen, each offering its own unique and terrifying atmosphere. Terror Manor makes wonderful use of animatronics and lifelike props, most of which are created in-house, including larger-than-life pieces designed to startle you and add an extra layer of intensity. On top of that, creative, special, and sensory effects are used expertly to overwhelm the senses and keep you on edge. Fog drifts eerily through the corridors, lasers slice through the darkness, strobe lights disorient, and water sprays catch you off guard, making even the bravest souls jump. Every element, props, effects, sounds, and scene design work together to fully immerse you in Terror Manor’s terrifying world, leaving you constantly on edge and unsure of what will happen next.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 9
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 10
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): 9.25
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 8
The actors at Terror Manor are a veteran group dedicated to delivering high-quality, unpredictable scares to everyone in the group. As the rules state, if you’re 16 or under, you had better bring your parents. This team works tirelessly to make sure they get a reaction from every single person, even those who don’t scare easily. They kept us on edge from start to finish, making every moment feel fresh and intense. It was obvious this was a group of actors who truly care about their performance; their commitment to their roles is exactly what makes a haunt feel real, and here the acting is hands-down the strongest element. The scares themselves were incredibly varied, ranging from playful bantering and perfectly timed jump scares to nurses threatening to dissect us and actors joking about eating our “spaghetti intestines.” Every interaction felt unique, and even when you thought you might have seen it all, the actors found ways to surprise and shock us again. The ending was good, but we’re hoping that in the future, all haunts aim for a huge, climactic finale where guests become part of the action and must actively escape.
The entertainment provided by the main attractions was nothing short of extreme, leaving us feeling completely satisfied. The other entertainment included with the ticket price, such as the fire performers, queue actors, photo ops, and the engaging gift shop area, kept us highly entertained, making the entire experience feel excellent value. The ticket prices are very appropriate for the quality and duration of the event. With General Admission at $30.00 and an estimated walk-through time of 26 minutes through the massive 59,000 square foot facility, the Minutes Per Dollar comes out to a very strong 0.87, meaning you get nearly a full minute of nonstop scares and entertainment for every dollar spent. For guests planning their visit, the ticketing options are: General Admission: $30, Line Jump (Fast Pass): $40, and Terror Manor Unlimited: $50.
805 Norfolk Avenue SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
