✓-Free Parking✓-Restrooms/Porta Potties On-Site✓-You will NOT be touched✓-Original Characters✓-Uncovered Outdoor Waiting Line✓-All-Indoor Attraction
This attraction was reviewed on October 16, 2021 by Team Hauntarama.
How Do We Get These Scores?
Our Rating System
UPDATE FOR 2022: Our former “Atmosphere” and “Theme” categories have now been combined and renamed “Immersion.” Our intent with this is to give more appropriate credit to attractions that have shown a clear focus on achieving and maintaining better customer experiences (both inside and outside the attractions) and developing creative storylines.
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!
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Final Score: 8.69
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 9.06
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 8.58
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 9.41
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 8
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 8.75
(5% of Final Score) Theme: 9.16
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.88
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.31
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Summary:
After taking a brief hiatus over the 2020 season, the Empty Grave is back this year and better than ever! Once again taking root in Longmont, the Empty Grave found a great location right off of 3rd and Main, sharing space with Wibby Brewing. The new location is a great space for the haunt, near the center of town and overflowing with potential for the future! Not to mention, the old factory provides the perfect space for the haunt’s theme. Get ready for your spine-chilling first day on the job in a factory!
Cast: 9.06
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 8.5
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 9.25
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 9.25
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 9.25
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9
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This year’s cast at the Empty Grave is fairly small but they pack quite the punch! From the moment we passed through the door, steeling ourselves much as one does before entering a new workplace on the first day, we were greeted by scares, jumps, and entertainment. Our factory training was a delightful tour through well-played characters, unique from any of the others and fitting in seamlessly with the theme, decor, and scares. Although there weren’t many actors, not many were needed, as the design of the haunt and the hard-working cast didn’t leave us with any dead zones save the few seconds we would get to catch our breath between scenes, all of which were adorned with lots of eye-catching props.
We truly can’t say enough good about the cast. Talent abounds with dialogue, whether it is well-timed blood-curdling screams and purposeful engagement in some really fun dialogue distracting us enough for another actor to get in position. Our plunger-friendly coworker and the HR lady, in particular, were among some of the most entertaining, interactive actors we’ve encountered at a haunt, improvising with sharp wits and cutting jokes!
Costuming: 8.58
How Did We Get This Score?
Costuming Scores (15% of Final Score):
(15% of Costuming Score) How complete / finished did the costumes appear to be?: 8
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 8.75
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 9
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 9.25
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 8
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The costumes at the Empty Grave are well done, but they take a back seat to the amazing masks and makeup throughout the haunt! That being said, the costumes worked well with their simplicity, which was fitting for the haunt’s theme. Most of the cast were either wearing somewhat regular clothing, including the sorts of clothes one would wear while working in a factory or an office setting, but there were also a few creeps with less usual attire, generally appropriate to fade into the background of their scenes. The masks and makeup, on the other hand, were amazing, which is one of the perks of working with a custom prop maker. The owner and operator of Kimbark Cemetery Productions, Josh Randall, is one of the Empty Grave’s partners and cast members, and a longtime haunter who lends his creative talents, intensity, and imposing frame to the haunt. For those folks wanting to take a piece of the haunt home with them, the Empty Grave even sells some of Josh’s custom creations!
Customer Service: 9.41
How Did We Get This Score?
Customer Service Scores (10% of Final Score):
(25% of CS Score) How easy was it to locate the attraction, park, and navigate the premises?: 9.25
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 9
(25% of CS Score) How professional, helpful and friendly were the staff members?: 10
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 9.5
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The staff at the Empty Grave is tremendous! Haunt owners, Mike and Ramona, operate the haunt themselves, with Mike masterminding the haunt and Ramona keeping the ship afloat, and employing family and friends to help. Given this close-knit group and their obvious passion for making people scream, it comes as no surprise that everyone you encounter will either have a huge smile and be among the friendliest folks you could meet, or they’ll do their best to make you leave a puddle!
The Empty Grave’s website is full of all the information one would want when visiting, including a full FAQ answering most questions one could want, but also providing the haunt’s contact information should you need information that’s not there.
Atmosphere: 8
How Did We Get This Score?
Atmosphere Scores (10% of Final Score):
(60% of Atmosphere Score) How obvious was it that you were at a haunted house before entering?: 8
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 8
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The exterior of the haunt would definitely benefit from additional scenery, but there is a large ‘Haunted House’ sign and a few lights to draw attention, along with a large shipping crate that houses the ticket office. There is a lot of open space outside of the haunt to fill, however, as it is a large patio area complete with a small theater and stage on one side which likely added to the sparse appearance outside of the haunt because as you approached, the feel of the decor and creepy lighting improved greatly. The tame exterior of the haunt didn’t prepare us for the explosive energy that waited just on the other side of the door. The real beauty of the exterior of the haunt, though, is in its potential. If the Empty Grave remains in that same spot and is permitted to work their magic in that patio space, the atmosphere outside will undoubtedly match the intensity inside!
Special Effects: 8.75
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 8.5
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 9.25
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 8
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 9
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 9
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One of Mike’s strong suits is setting up the lighting and effects at the Empty Grave so you’re always somewhat disoriented (as many people are on their first days at a new job can identify with). It’s amazing how much can be done with a light strobing in your face or casting dark shadows along your path. The decor at the Empty Grave is also well detailed and just plain cool, and care was taken to incorporate elements of the building, such as large industrial equipment that was creeped out, which really brought the theme to fruition. The sound effects were a bit overpowering in a few areas, somewhat distorting the audio, but otherwise, we truly enjoyed the special effects throughout the Empty Grave!
Theme: 9.16
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?: 9
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?: 9
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?: 9.8
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As we’ve alluded to a few times, the theme of the Empty Grave is a terrifying factory where you are starting your first day at work. That theme continues through most of the haunt, starting with your meeting of the boss and HR lady then being passed off for training in the factory. Although this is the same theme that the Empty Grave has utilized in the past, it truly shone through in their current location, as it authenticates the theme superbly well!
Scare Factor: 8.88
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 9
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 9
(25% of Scare Factor Score) How predictable were the scares?: 9.25
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 8.8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 8
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Given the passionate cast, great scenery, and the special effects distracting us to set up scares, the Empty Grave was a frightening affair. The lighting and effects combined with their use of space (or creating a lack of) really did a tremendous job of keeping us on our toes so much that we were practically sitting ducks for the cast, with scares coming from unexpected places throughout the haunt. The killing room, in particular, offered a unique experience that’s not often found in haunts, one we’ll let you experience for yourself! One area that would benefit from improvement is the finale, as the haunt sort of simply ended. A stronger finale would have both increased the score for this section but, more importantly, would leave the guests with a great ending to remember!
Entertainment & Value: 8.31
How Did We Get This Score?
Entertainment & Value Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment received during the main attraction/s?: 9.25
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 7
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 7
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9.25
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With a total walkthrough time of about 10 minutes, the Empty Grave makes for a great stop on a night out, and their location makes that a breeze, as Wibby Brewing is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amazing and local restaurants and breweries in the Longmont downtown area. Although the dollar-per-minute is a bit higher at the Empty Grave than some other haunts, the Empty Grave offers guests a great photo op alongside their custom hearse at no extra cost.
All said, the Empty Grave provides an undeniably good time at a good price, and free from the crushing crowds and conga lines found at larger haunts. Make plans to visit today, and don’t forget your hairnet!
How Did We Get These Scores
Our Rating System
Each of the category scores in this review are calculated using a weighted average of several questions that we rate on a scale of 1 to 10.
The following breakdown explains what these scores typically mean. All of our Teams use this as a reference for providing accurate ratings:
10: “Peak Performance”This score is treated as if it has a chastity belt on it. “10’s” are reserved for the best of the best; those that we feel could not possibly improve on what they’re doing.
9: “Innovative and Groundbreaking”It rocked! Nearly everything seemed to go as planned and it was one of the best we’ve ever seen! These guys are leaders in the industry, and attractions like this are truly hard to come by.
8: “Solid”A high score on our scale. They had a good handle on it and, overall, they knew how to use it well. Most attractions can learn from what these guys are doing.
6 to 7: “Good”We could tell that a good effort was made. However, we’ve seen this done much better at other places, or can detect areas where significant improvements can be made. This is about the top end of what we’d call “Family Friendly.”
5: “Average / Fair”Compared to the competition, they weren’t the best, but definitely not the worst. Scares and Special Effects in this range are usually considered “Family Friendly.”
3 to 4: “Below Average”We could see that a clear attempt was made, but most other professional attractions are doing a much better job at this.
1 to 2: “Poor”It appeared that very little time, thought or effort was contributed to this aspect.
0 (Zero): “Non-Existent”No apparent effort was made to make this a significant contributor to the attraction.
Afterword:This rating system is standardized across all of The Scare Factor’s official haunt review teams. However, keep in mind there will always be minor differences between Teams, as we all have varying levels of experience. Regardless, we do our best to remain true to our core values, which is to promote all haunted attractions!Perhaps the biggest thing to remember is: sometimes the score – in and of itself – doesn’t tell the whole story about an attraction’s merits. This is why we provide detailed explanations for each category… to help you better understand how and why we chose the score/s that we did.We do our best to not let feelings or emotions rule our judgement, while also viewing the attraction through the lens of the typical haunt-goer. But, because all reviews with ratings are inherently subjective, this is nearly impossible to completely prevent. Though, when in doubt, we tend to give slightly lower scores than our original “gut feelings” to account for this, and also give the attraction more room to improve over time.We also do our best to be fair and consistent across all of the haunts that we review. We know that you’ll be looking at these scores and comparing them to other attractions, so we hope this review helps you out in that aspect.Do you have some feedback about our review system? Contact Us Here to let us know what you think!
