Deep in Powhatan’s fairgrounds, Total Terror Haunted Attraction draws from German folklore and demonic possession to create two disturbing nightmares. Guests are asked to help in a missing-persons, ghost-hunting investigation gone wrong in Exorcysm. Visitors also wander into the cursed fields of Feldgeister, where wendigos are rumored to roam. Together, they create an experience that blends old-world legends with the naiveté of conjuring evil spirits.
The performers in Exorcysm open the story with cries for help from a member of the ghost-hunting team, Exorcyst, who says the rest of the crew has vanished. Every actor, from Father O’Malley to the demon-possessed, played their roles with commitment. The actor playing Sebastian, the unruly altar boy, was the highlight of this attraction, delivering high-octane energy that enhanced the storyline. Their dialogue made us feel as though we were witnessing an unfolding crisis rather than a staged performance. The demons pursued us through the haunt until the twists and turns gave way to the safety of the exit.
In Feldgeister Corn Maze, the cast was minimal but effective, beginning with a farmer dressed in lederhosen warning about the creatures lurking in the shadows. The beings we encountered seemed to slip through the night and emerge from the darkness in unexpected places. A few stretches went unstaffed, but those who appeared delivered startling scares that caught us off guard. Our exit was anything but graceful as we fled from a chainsaw-wielding maniac.
Both attractions displayed theme-accurate costumes. In Exorcysm, the clergy and ghost-hunters wore appropriate clothing; church attire stained with who knows what, and shirts imprinted with the specter-seeking team’s name. Victims and demons looked convincingly tormented without overreliance on gore.
The Feldgeister cast wore traditional German fashion or character-appropriate clothing. Creatures emerged from the corn, draped in garb that blended into the natural textures of Powhatan’s farmland. Subtle costume distressing made the look feel deliberate and complete.
From the moment we arrived, Total Terror paid attention to guests’ needs. Parking was abundant in an open field where customers created their own spaces. The ticket booth was well-lit, and check-in was quick and efficient. The gift shop was adjacent, with plenty of merchandise to choose from, and every staff member was helpful.
On the grounds, there were plenty of activities, ranging from family-style games like cornhole to a band called Surf De Ville playing horror-inspired surf music. Nourishment came from a food trailer named Crow’s Nest Cookies to keep our sugar-filled energy high. Safety measures were visible but unobtrusive.
Online information was thorough, including the backstory of Father O’Malley’s call to a seasoned group of ghost hunters and of a corn maze plagued with monsters from German folklore. Their professionalism and friendliness made the visit smooth and welcoming.
Powhatan’s quiet farmland increases the sense of isolation. The town of Exorcysm felt convincingly abandoned; the musty air and panicked screams built suspense before we entered. The story of the missing investigators and demonic possession was threaded throughout.
Feldgeister is framed by monsters from German folklore and plays out through ominous sounds and movement, not dialogue, leaving us to imagine the rest. The flow between attractions was the only break in immersion; it was lengthy and seemed more logistical than narrative.
In Exorcysm, lighting and sound simulated unseen entities – the thud of doors and sudden flickers of light breaking the darkness. Props such as the red laser swamp and limited animatronics felt controlled yet startling.
Feldgeister relied on environmental factors mixed with carefully placed lights and props to enhance creepiness. A few quiet gaps reduced tension, but overall it felt focused, creative, and on-theme, particularly for an outdoor attraction.
21. How scary was it? (35% of score): 8.75
22. How well did they provide scares to everyone in the group? (15% of score): 8.88
23. How predictable were the scares? (25% of score): 8.95
24. How well did they provide a wide variety (types) of scares? (10% of score): 8.68
25. How strong was the ending / finale? (15% of score): 8.48
The scares came from unpredictability more than brute force. In Exorcysm, the scenes escalated naturally. We never felt truly safe, even in “quiet” rooms.
In Feldgeister, the stalkers of the corn relied on darkness and uncertainty. They targeted each member of our group, maintaining engagement during the walkthrough. The finale left us both alert and satisfied.
With approximately 30 minutes of combined walkthrough time for a $20 ticket, Total Terror offers strong value. The depth of interaction in Exorcysm makes it feel longer than it is, while Feldgeister provides contrast through a twisting maze of corn and forest. Additional entertainment and proper line management kept the night moving smoothly, making the event a fun-packed evening.
4042 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Virginia 23139
