The Thirteenth Hour Review (2026)

Information about the haunt was readily accessible on its website, including operating dates, hours, directions, and the attraction’s storyline. Parking was available both on-site and at a nearby lot, where shuttles transported guests directly to the front gate. Although traffic flow within the parking lot felt a bit tight, there was ample parking available. Staff members were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, readily answering questions and directing guests where they needed to go.

Tickets could be purchased on-site, with large signs clearly directing guests to the ticketing area. Since we had purchased our tickets online, we were able to bypass that step and head straight to the queue. After following the path to the entrance, we found ourselves waiting beneath a large, covered canopy, where upbeat music played from the attraction’s clock-like facade, helping set the tone for the experience ahead.

Upon arriving on the premises, guests are greeted by a large cast-iron gate that guards the entrance to a dark, wooded area. Once through the gate, you’ll make your way beneath towering trees illuminated by torchlight. Scattered throughout the woods are deteriorating buildings and ghoulish figures lurking in the shadows, setting an ominous tone before you even reach the main attraction. After a brief walk, you’ll encounter an imposing structure crowned by a large clock tower, illuminated by an array of mysterious lighting effects. From there, guests enter a well-lit, covered queue area to await their journey.

The facade of Cartocker Expeditions has received a noticeable upgrade this year. The clock tower is now much larger and features an enhanced lighting package that makes it even more impressive. EDM music echoes throughout the area, occasionally accompanied by bursts of fog that add another layer of atmosphere. The soundtrack had many guests dancing in line, while a roaming queue of actors interacted with patrons to keep the entertainment going as they waited.

Once inside the attraction, we were immediately immersed in the terrifying world the team created. Transitions between scenes continue to feel seamless, and despite the multiple themes and storylines woven throughout the experience, everything connects naturally. You never feel lost or disconnected from the overarching narrative. The attraction also frequently shifts between indoor and outdoor environments, yet these transitions are executed so smoothly that you may not even realize you’ve crossed from one setting to another unless you’re paying close attention. At no point did we feel that the immersion had been broken. The Thirteenth Hour continues to set a high standard for immersive storytelling, demonstrating an exceptional ability to weave multiple elements into one cohesive and engaging experience.

From larger-than-life sets and powerful audio to an abundance of sensory effects, The Thirteenth Hour is a prime example of how Hollywood-quality set design can bring a cohesive story to life and transport guests into a dark, immersive world of storytelling. Powerful strobes and strategically placed trigger scares are scattered throughout the haunt, amplifying encounters with some of its sinister residents. Heart-pounding audio fills the air as guests navigate pitch-black hallways, while props and animatronics help maintain the atmosphere and fill the gaps when cast members are not present.

When it comes to set design, we have very little, if there is any constructive feedback to offer that could make this haunt more visually impressive. The team consistently stays two steps ahead when it comes to improvements, and when they make changes, they go big, and we mean that literally! The new cemetery is extraordinary, and the accompanying facade is nothing short of immaculate.

We also encountered several creative additions this season, thanks in part to some clever rearranging within the attraction. One of our favorite new rooms was the music room, where a maestro conducts an eerie melody as sheets of music fly, creating a wonderfully unsettling scene. However, our favorite addition this year must be the bell tower. It is a relatively simple concept, but an excellent example of how an existing prop can be repurposed to create something fresh and memorable. What was once an underutilized element has been transformed into an effective new feature that adds even more character to an already visually impressive attraction.

The team at The Thirteenth Hour consistently delivers outstanding performances, but this year, we noticed that the haunt felt even more populated than we remembered from previous seasons. The cast brought an extra level of energy and intensity to our visit, making an already impressive experience feel even more engaging. Costumes were elaborate and form-fitting, complemented by exceptional makeup and masks that perfectly matched each character’s respective theme.

Beyond their impressive appearances, the cast also demonstrated a noticeable improvement in their dialogue and character interactions. Even during shorter encounters, many actors delivered purposeful lines that added personality and depth to their performances. We’ve come to expect theatrical excellence from standout characters such as Heinrich Chapel, Ester Sharpe, and Lady Cartocker, just to name a few. However, this season, that level of scripted dialogue seemed to extend well beyond the attraction’s most prominent personalities, giving even more characters an opportunity to shine.

There were a handful of interactions, and we mean a very small handful, where the dialogue fell a little short or an actor relied on a scream rather than a more engaging line. However, these moments were few and far between and did little to diminish the overall quality of the cast.

A huge shoutout to the entire team for bringing their characters to life and delivering such an entertaining, theatrical experience! With so many memorable performances throughout the attraction, narrowing down our choices for the most impactful characters this season is going to be a difficult task.

As mentioned previously, the team has truly raised the bar this season. Not only were the monsters more aggressive, but they also made excellent use of their surroundings to deliver multiple scares throughout our journey. The undead emerged from walls, crawled out of concealed passageways, and, in several instances, attacked from above. To make matters even more intense, the cast and strategically placed props delivered plenty of well-timed double taps, keeping us on edge and making it difficult to anticipate where the next scare would come from.

The Gothic Cathedral and the Sharpe Family Orphanage remain standout sections when it comes to intensity, thanks in large part to their unmatched atmospheres. Both environments create a sense of dread that amplifies the effectiveness of every encounter. The finale of the orphanage, which leads into Purgatory, is particularly impressive and leaves a lasting impression as the culmination of an already exceptional collection of scenes.

In fact, we found ourselves preferring this sequence over the attraction’s true finale following the Rift. That said, both endings are extremely effective in their own ways, delivering memorable conclusions to an experience packed with intensity, creativity, and expertly executed scares.

Tickets on the night of our visit were $35. With a runtime of 36 minutes, this brought our MPD (minutes per dollar spent) to 1.03, which falls right in line with what we like to see from a haunt. Ticket prices vary depending on the day of your visit, and since we arrived on the busiest night of the week, you may get more bang for your buck by visiting on a slower Friday or Sunday. Fast passes and instant access tickets are also available for an upcharge and will significantly reduce your waiting times.

Included with your ticket is access to Purgatory, a midway area located approximately halfway through the haunt. This space provides a welcome opportunity to catch your breath before venturing into the latter portions of the attraction. Purgatory also features multiple photo opportunities and a concession stand offering food, beverages, and even alcoholic drinks. Keep in mind that the area is cash-only, although an ATM is available on-site for a small fee.