The Scream Machine – Full Review

The Scream Machine is a Haunted Attraction located in Taylor, MI.

25710 Northline Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
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Haunt Type(s):

1EscapeRoom1HauntedHouse

Links:

The Scream Machine Facebook PageThe Scream Machine WebsiteThe Scream Machine on Instagram

Contact:

Call The Scream MachineEmail The Scream MachineMessage The Scream Machine on Facebook Messenger

Features:

Free Parking, Restrooms/Porta Potties On-Site, Handicap Accessible, Food/Concessions, “Hi-Tech” Attraction, You will NOT be touched, Indoor Waiting Line, All-Indoor Attraction

Team Michigan Macabre Logo

This attraction was reviewed on October 13, 2018 by Team Michigan Macabre.

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Final Score: 8.59

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Summary:

The Scream Machine’s 18th year is one not to miss! Dr. Strach is awaiting your arrival in order to lure out your deepest fears. The Scream Machine will find your fears and make you confront them, all in the name of research! The fears within these walls are sure to keep you disoriented and screaming for a way out. If that doesn’t make you want to visit, Fetters the Clown sure will. Fetters, the unofficial (yet official in our minds) mascot of The Scream Machine will stalk you well into your dreams! If you have not visited this well-established haunt we suggest you do so immediately, tell Fetters we sent you!


Cast: 8.78

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The Scream Machine has 28 actors on average per night. In our opinion that seems low compared to what we experienced! This haunt is packed full of actors at every turn. The security guard at the beginning was extremely engaging and had great dialogue. He used his props well and kept us on edge, especially when we were forced to follow his orders! The cast was obviously a high point of this haunt, going full-throttle all the way through. All of the actors were professional, stayed in character, and nobody stood out in a negative way.

Without giving too much away, there was a character who was an expert at moving around in the dark without us knowing. This ‘being’ was great at positioning himself in scary ways only appearing when the lights would come on for short periods of time. A truly frightening experience!

Another favorite was the clown, who had perfect timing when we entered his scene and his dialogue carried us all the way through. He was a favorite among our group, especially because we share a love for popcorn!

Outside of the handful of actors with involved dialogue, there were many actors conducting pop scares which definitely have their place. Overall, the actor’s engagement was authentic, devoted and well-executed.


Costuming: 9

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The actor’s costumes all appeared to be well-thought out and they had quite a bit of detail. Again, we loved the clowns’ costume from the hat all the way down to the shoes; this was an impressive wardrobe.

One small issue we had with the costumes was with Dr. Strach’s. Even though it was a good costume and fit with his character, the way his face was covered made it very difficult to understand him. We were straining to catch every other word, as his portion was very important to hear leaving us feeling disappointed we could not catch all of the story. Not to mention all the other loud sounds going on at the time.

The makeup was very professional looking and a few masks were spotted. Only one costume seen could have been distressed a little and looked rather ‘clean’ for the area it was used in. Other than that, the makeup and wardrobes were distinctive and one-of-a-kind.


Customer Service: 9.25

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The Scream Machine is located inside a strip mall surrounded by stores. At night, with the other locations closed it is easy to spot with its lighting and green barrels to show you the way. The parking is free and there are plenty of spaces available. The haunt is wheelchair accessible and no safety concerns were noted. The staff was helpful and easy to spot. The Scream Machine’s website is easily accessible with all of their information available.


Atmosphere: 8.1

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Even though The Scream Machine is held back by being located within a strip mall, the lighting, fog, and screams coming from just within the entrance lead you to believe you are at the right place. You cannot miss Fetters the Clown combing the queue lines ringing his bell and creating a welcoming atmosphere. A volunteer from the dead provides a photo opportunity before entering and the skillfully decorated walls and neon paint also leave you with a lasting impression.


Special Effects: 8.86

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The scenes and props within The Scream Machine are of great quality. The artwork on the walls and the detail put into the scenes were impressive. The Scream Machine provides the appearance outside of just another, ‘haunt in a strip mall.’ However, the use of space and floor to ceiling detail leaves you experiencing otherwise. We were quite impressed by the high-quality of special effects used within this haunt, some so good we will not spoil them for you!

In particular, the scene with spiders was a very creepy experience and not one we have seen before! Especially for one of our team members with the Arachnophobia fear! Also, the use of the bedroom and all accompanying scenes transported you into a real home with a great use of those props. The scenes are quite original which is expected as the theme within the haunt is one-of-a-kind as well.

One scene that seemed to be a little lacking was the asylum/jail type scene with the insane asylum/jailer actor. There was not much going on in that room and it could be explored a little more especially due to the space available.

The use of music, sounds, and those areas without added sounds were appropriate throughout. The Dr’s lab was especially memorable.

Overall the sounds, sights, and feelings of The Scream Machine were top notch!


Theme: 6.95

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We loved the theme of The Scream Machine which is very unique and interesting. Dr. Strach was a brain surgeon who wanted to cure people’s fears. He created The Scream Machine and had patients attend in order to make them experience their fear so he could then use it to cure them.

This theme, however, could be easily lost within the haunt. Dr. Strach talks about it when you meet him, but again, because we could not easily understand him due to the loud noises and his bandage-covered face, we were not able to connect those dots. Luckily, the haunt owners informed us about the theme after and looking back, it did all make sense. The theme is a great one and we enjoyed hearing about it, but perhaps some signage before entering could elaborate on the theme a little more. The haunt does explore all of the many fears Dr. Strach encountered and these were carried throughout the haunt well.


Scare Factor: 7.89

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Due to the intense, non-stop action within this haunt, the Scare Factor is pretty high! There are few times where you get to catch your breath and take a break from being assaulted with loud noises, actors, or innovative props. It has been one of the highest, action-packed haunts we have been to! The actors timing caught us off guard and the mix of all different types of scares were spot on.

One place for improvement could be the finale as nothing screamed out at us,
“Hey this is it! The last scare!”

The Scream Machine successfully placed us in the fears Dr. Strach was seeking; Claustrophobia, Nyctophobia, and Coulrophobia among others.


Entertainment & Value: 8.82

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It took our team about 17 minutes to make our way through The Scream Machine. The haunt definitely felt like it was long enough, with all the action packed into those walls it seemed like it took us much longer to venture through. With general admission only being $18; that is a minutes per dollar score of .94, which equals money well spent in our eyes.

However, we were told the time it takes to go through varies for each group, but the haunt owners have tried to implement ways to slow down the groups going through to make the time inside even longer. Apparently, people get so scared they simply run through as quickly as possible. The Scream Machine uses their space well even with the constraints of being inside of a strip mall.

Also available were snacks, drinks, bathrooms, and two 5-minute escape rooms. Our team did go through one escape room and we successfully escaped in time!

General Admission – $18
VIP Fast Pass – $25
Two additional 5 Minute Escape Rooms – $5


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Guest Reviews
Guest Average: 9.33 out of 10

Savannah – 10/10October 28, 2021
This place was amazing! Definitely needs more recognition for sure! This was my 5th haunt this …show more month.. Erebus was my #1 until I went here! I don’t scare easily at all and this place scared the crap out of me! Staff did an amazing job!! Short wait time to! Definitely will be back next year!

Isaac Currier – 10/10September 13, 2019
I absolutely love this place, it was my 2nd round this tear but this time i went by myself! If you …show more dont know Fetters The Clown, he is a great guy! He is the operations manager here and he will maje your visit very fun, especially like how he did for mine! I recommend this place for brave people and people think they can make it out alive 😉

Ben Zeestraten – 8/10October 6, 2023
Haven’t been to one in 14-15 years. Took my daughters to their first one (11 & 13 yr). They …show more were brave going in by the 3rd or 4th scare they were begging to get out. I loved it. GREAT For taking someone younger to. Especially for their first haunt.

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Past Awards


2019 Awards

Best Intro Scene (Given by: Team Michigan Macabre)


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