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
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: 8.84
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 9.07
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 9.14
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 9.38
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 8.34
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 9.26
(5% of Final Score) Theme: 7.25
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 8.34
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 8.87
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Summary:
The Scream Machine is always a haunt to visit each season, and this year was no disappointment! 2019 is a year to celebrate The Scream Machine with a complete 180 from years prior. The theme stays the same; Dr. Strach is seeking volunteers to experience their ultimate fears to harvest those emotions from you to complete his research. Be prepared, the fear-inducing scenarios you are subjected to become more terrifying each year!
A visit to The Scream Machine is one you will not soon forget if you are able to escape with your sanity.
Cast: 9.07
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 10
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 9
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 8.8
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 8.4
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9
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The cast of The Scream Machine never falls short. The cast enhances this haunt and brings a one-of-a-kind enthusiasm to the show. The Scream Machine is within the same walls as years prior, but increased their cast by ten this year! Due to this, there is never a dull moment, and there is interaction at every turn.
Peepo the Clown always goes out of his way to make us laugh, and bring us an unexpected shock! New this year is a very striking and irresistible man who provides a titillating show!
The actors were devoted to their roles and never broke character. One or two characters could have done more within their roles, appearing a little apprehensive compared to their cohorts, uttering sayings like, ‘Go!’ ‘Move’ and ‘Get Out!’
One actor with a mask encouraged us to ‘move along’ which from behind the mask and sounding muffled, somewhat took us out of the moment. It must be noted, sometimes our group can be a little curious, so we probably did require the directive action.
Two actors in a medical exam room provided us with a scare that we have never witnessed before leaving us in awe! No spoilers here, but they are professionals when it comes to using their props!
Another actor who performed very well in her role was Nurse Paula. Paula took control of her scene, kept us involved, rolled with the punches, and of course, led us into the belly of The Scream Machine.
Costuming: 9.14
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?: 9.3
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 9.2
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 9.5
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 7.8
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 9.5
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The costumes were appropriate for each character, and none felt rushed or incomplete. There were a few masks observed. One which could have been a boar? This was unique, but a man with a boar mask is more comical than scary. Perhaps he was a staged comic relief?
The costumes were all unique and added scare value to those donning them. We will mention a few favorites; one completely camouflaged an actor so well they produced the most surprising scare of the night. Another costume was so well mimicked by the dead we were unsure who the living, breathing, people were in the room!
Once again, Dr. Strach’s costume was a hit and unique to The Scream Machine. The improvements made from last year were terrific, Dr. Strach’s almost mechanical sound of his voice added to his madness.
A character that struck us as somewhat out of place, not because of who they portrayed but rather, stuck out as not ‘fitting’ for The Scream Machine was a young lady depicting Samara from The Ring. At least, that is how we took her character. It is out of place to us, because all the actors at The Scream Machine are original, not that having a popular movie character included is a negative – but it stood out.
All makeup appeared professionally done, and the queue line girl looking for her pet provided an up-close look at the skills used by The Scream Machine.
Customer Service: 9.38
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?: 8.9
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 9.6
(25% of CS Score) How professional, helpful and friendly were the staff members?: 9.5
(20% of CS Score) How easy was it to find their information before* arrival?: 9.5
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The Scream Machine showcased new LED signage on the building front as well as a sign by the road. The Scream Machine located in a plaza is limited as to what they can do with the outside of their venue, but the haunt is easily found. Parking is not a problem with a large parking lot, and the haunt is wheelchair accessible.
The staff is polite and eager to make your night a memorable one. No safety concerns were observed. Safety is a priority as security is onsite and identified by their outfits. All information is provided on their website, social media, and displayed on their window front.
Atmosphere: 8.34
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?: 7.9
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 9
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The Scream Machine makes a statement with the door front decorations, signs, and line of awaiting victims. There is excitement, screams from within, and of course, you cannot forget Fetters’ ringing bell. When you hear the bell, your stomach lurches, and your body prepares itself for the fear awaiting inside. Fetters provides the queue line entertainment with the help of an additional actor or two building the anticipation and fear within you while you wait. Additionally, sound effects are playing to begin the game of disorientation, transporting you into a realm of fear and dread.
Special Effects: 9.26
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 8.9
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 9.5
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 9.5
(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?: 9.5
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The improvements made to The Scream Machine in regards to the Special Effects category were awe-inspiring. We had to remind ourselves we were in The Scream Machine as the sounds, scenes, props, and all-encompassing details were so drastically different and improved it was hard to believe. The Scream Machine sets up shop only a short six weeks before the doors opening, the hard work and many staff hours devoted is unfathomable. Let’s dig in shall we?
Not wanting to spoil all of the hard work accomplished, I will note a few areas that were superb.
The entrance was a great addition! The use of the video and how it gets incorporated further was a nice segway. One improvement would be to somehow soundproof that area (hey we aren’t the builders here…we simply make the suggestions!!) or make the video even louder. The good and bad of The Scream Machine is, the location is one huge room, so separating the sounds emanating throughout the haunt has to be difficult. This is a perfect example because only the person up close to the video could hear what was being said.
There were no repetitive sounds; every room/scene had its own audio. The props were not items you could find at your local Halloween store. From the stuffed animals in the taxidermy room to the appliances in the kitchen, the file folders in the nurse’s office and the artwork on the walls, it was all well thought out. The Scream Machine does have some higher-end props as well, for instance, the blinding lights and deafening sounds of the car horn you can hear echoing through the venue. The scenes were decorated meticulously from floor to ceiling. The Scream Machine will fully submerge you in the scenes visually and acoustically.
Theme: 7.25
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?: 6.5
(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?: 4
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The Scream Machine’s theme is one we look forward to when visiting them because it is unique and original. We are well-versed in the “foraging fears” theme, but those who have not experienced The Scream Machine may not fully grasp this going in. Again, the newly added video at the beginning is a good way to assist with getting the theme out there as well as the Dr. himself explaining his research.
We would love to see the phobias themselves be announced or detailed throughout the haunt in a more obvious way. Due to the constant barrage of things going on you can easily forget the theme going through and it can quickly become a haunted house of all things scary, more than a well thought out and established theme carrying you through the haunt.
Scare Factor: 8.34
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 8.9
(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?: 8.5
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide a wide variety of scares?: 9.6
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 5
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The Scream Machine always brings a very high scare factor to the public. Now with the details added this year, the scare factor surely has risen to an all-time high! All facets of this haunt induce fear; the props, actors, sounds, and overall atmosphere. Many different scares are utilized, and an expected ending scare encourages you to run screaming.
One use of fog created an atmosphere of disorientation and a genuine fear of being separated from our group members, as well as a fear of being watched by those lurking within the fog.
Here are some quotes from our group as we ventured through:
‘I want to get out so bad!’
‘Hello?? Don’t leave me!’
‘They are coming out of EVERYWHERE!’
I think those suggest a quality scare factor, don’t you?
Entertainment & Value: 8.87
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% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 7.2
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 9.8
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9.5
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It took our team about 20 minutes to make our way through The Scream Machine. The action never slows, and you always feel like you get your money’s worth.
With general admission being $18; that is a minute per dollar score of 1.1.
We felt like it was a long adventure; even though we did run into another group ahead of us at one point. Perhaps, positioning some actors to create a steady pace throughout is needed.
We visited on opening night, and even though no concessions were available that night, they will provide them in the future. Bathrooms are available on-site, and there are also two 5-minute escape rooms. Our team did go through one escape room, and we successfully escaped in time!
General Admission – $18
Skip The Line – $25
Two additional 5 Minute Escape Rooms – $5 each
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!
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