Features:
✓-Free Parking✓-Restrooms/Porta Potties On-Site✓-Food/Concessions✓-Gift Shop/Souvenirs✓-Optional Games/Midway✓-Special Events✓-“Old-School” (Low Tech)✓-“Extreme” Attraction✓-You may be touched✓-Original Characters✓-All-Outdoor 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: 8.42
How Did We Get This Score?
Final Scores:
(15% of Final Score) Cast: 8.25
(15% of Final Score) Costuming: 7.7
(10% of Final Score) Customer Service: 9.5
(10% of Final Score) Atmosphere: 8.6
(15% of Final Score) Special Effects: 8.3
(5% of Final Score) Theme:
(15% of Final Score) Scare Factor: 7.83
(5% of Final Score) Entertainment & Value: 9.13
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Summary:
Celebrating its 34th birthday, Williamsburg Junior Athletic Association Haunted Woods has put on a very entertaining show this season. This No Touch outdoor trail is used as a fundraiser to cover the cost of athletics for the local youth of Williamsburg. Every dollar spent here goes directly into the program. As such, they are completely supported by some outstanding volunteers who donate time, energy, talent, and costuming to the cause.
We began by having the parking crew direct us as to where to park. We were assigned a group to join, and when it was our turn, we waited patiently for our turn on the wagon. While on the hayride, we were reminded that we were going into the woods and to be mindful of our footsteps, as we could encounter tree roots and such. We were treated to a relaxing hayride to the actual site, something to lull us into a false sense of security before they dropped the hammer and put us on one of the longest haunted trails in existence. Our time clocked in at over 50 minutes. With a minute-per-dollar ratio of 2.5 (unheard of!), this well deserving haunt is well worth the $20 general admission ticket. We made it to the wooded trail and were immediately ushered into a full sized school bus where the actors were waiting for their chance to commence punishing us by instructing us to all sit down and watch the chainsaw wielding madman come at us. The night continued with surprise after surprise.
As seasoned haunt enthusiasts, we thought we had seen it all, but Haunted Woods proved us wrong. From figuring out how to walk over strange things on the floor to pole dancing cowboys, we were kept guessing most of the night and asking ourselves, ‘what just happened?’
Cast: 8.25
How Did We Get This Score?
Cast Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of Cast Score) Did it seem like there were enough actors?: 8.5Explanation:
You had plenty of help from a broad age range. We appreciated those dedicated staff who we could tell had some experience with the trail to help build up the younger ones.
(30% of Cast Score) How creative, believable and convincing were the actors?: 8
(20% of Cast Score) How interactive were the actors (verbally and physically)?: 8
(15% of Cast Score) How creatively & appropriately did they use dialogue?: 8
(15% of Cast Score) Was there a good variety of characters?: 9
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This is one of the few places I have heard of that runs strictly on volunteers, and seems to have plenty of actors to keep the entertainment going. There were several clowns and nurses, but there were also some swamp things, Hollywood pop culture icons like Pennywise and Michael Myers, witches, carnival workers, butchers, chainsaw maniacs, and furries (who looked to have seen better days as they were aged and dare I say, a little bloodied). We also saw actors of many ages here. This was a no touch haunt, but that didn’t stop them from testing limits and finding other ways to get at us. Some used props, and some used their unique strange sounds. All in all, we saw a lot of high energy and high intensity acting.
We saw characters who wanted to share their critters with us. We passed a tarantula toting lady, and a dude with a raccoon. No, we don’t want to touch it. Thanks for asking, I suppose.
We thoroughly enjoyed the actor who shall forever be called the Scare Factor Covid Gatekeeper, who used a sprayer (puffed air only) on those unsuspecting patrons who weren’t properly covered with their face masks. Oh, and thanks to the actor referring to our face masks as underwear, I’ll never look at a facemask the same.
Costuming: 7.7
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?: 7.5
(25% of Costuming Score) How creative / detailed were the costumes?: 7.5Explanation:
There were all kinds of characters and costumes. We get this is volunteer and the volunteers are probably doing their own makeup and costuming. Some are really great, some are very simple that don’t necessarily appear as costumes.
(20% of Costuming Score) Was their makeup creative? Detailed? Realistic?: 7.5
(15% of Costuming Score) How effectively did they use masks (if used)?: 8
(25% of Costuming Score) How appropriate were the costumes for their scene/s & theme/s?: 8
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It goes without saying, with the large assortment of characters, there was also a large assortment of costumes. The pole dancing cowboy might have been scantily clad…I wouldn’t know because I was told if I look I had to pay, so…I think he might have had a cowboy hat on…there was a dude…and a pole…and…where was I?
Some actors appeared in basic street clothes. There were actors in full costume, complete with makeup or a mask and props, like a ball bat. The clowns wearing makeup looked like clowns. Tarantula Lady had a lovely dress and appeared ready for a special Halloween evening. Dr. Hannibal Lecter wore the leather facemask and orange prison suit, with his hair combed back for a nice, complete look. We also spied characters with minimal makeup and costuming.
Customer Service: 9.5
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?: 10
(30% of CS Score) How safe was the attraction?: 9Explanation:
Everything was fine. There were railings for places needing to be climbed. We understand this is a trail, and there will be uneven ground. There was a steep step down at one place that required a little extra care to navigate.
(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?: 9Explanation:
Josh shared the website with me which helped immensely.
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Finding information about Haunted Woods wasn’t difficult at all. They have a website, WJAAHauntedWoods.com, as well as a Facebook page, Haunted Woods Presented by WJAA. There, customers can find out ticketing information, learn about Haunted Woods story, dates of operation, directions, and recent reviews.
GPS got us to the place quite easily, just overshooting the entrance a little. Fortunately, there was a large sign out front with the name of the attraction displayed, so we were able to get to where we needed to be with no real problems or issues. Parking attendants were available and had lights to help drivers see where they needed to go to park. Lighting in the ticketing, concession, and parking area was appropriate. Railings were available when there were any steps to navigate. There were strobe lights in use, as well as heavy fog from fog machines. Staff was helpful and on top of issues as they arose. There are steps and mattresses to traverse, so I would be mindful of that if I had any balance or movement difficulties. The fog was also thick in places, for those with shortness of breath.
This haunted attraction had a covid plan including asking customers to remain 6 feet apart and to wear masks at all times. They also posted that they clean sets regularly. We saw a mixture of actors wearing and not wearing masks. Actors closest to us were masked.
Atmosphere: 8.6
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?: 9
(40% of Atmosphere Score) How well did the atmosphere prepare you for what you experienced inside?: 8Explanation:
The lighting was very useful to find our way to the ticketing booth, and entrance to the hayride. We didn’t see any characters at this part of the area among the waiting guests.
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This was a fun haunt for us. Arriving here, there was an atmosphere of friends having a good time. It has a ‘family owned and operated’ feel to it. From our perspective, everything ran smoothly. When an incident would arise, as can happen from time to time, the issue was handled and dealt with immediately. All staff seemed to be well aware of their role and appeared confident.
From the road, we could see a light up bus, a ticket tent, and people standing in front of both. We also spotted a well-lit pumpkin archway. In the distance, we could see the well-lit concession stand serving traditional stadium foods, and, further on, a large campfire. We did not see any actors in this section. The waiting area is located at the sports complex that the attraction is fundraising for, to maintain and update as needed. The actual trail requires a short hayride to a wooded area behind the sports complex.
Special Effects: 8.3
How Did We Get This Score?
Special Effects Scores (15% of Final Score):
(20% of SFX Score) How effective were the sound effects?: 8
(20% of SFX Score) How creative / original were the scenes & props?: 8.5
(20% of SFX Score) How well were the scenes detailed?: 9
(25% of SFX Score) How well did they achieve & maintain the suspension of disbelief?: 8
(15% of SFX Score) How effective were the SFX at providing scares / entertainment?: 8
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During our time on the trail, we could pick up on different points along the way using sound. Sometimes jewelry box music, static from a tv station off the air, excerpts from movies, or chainsaws. We had our balance tested more than once with a leaning room, spinning tunnel, and floors made of mattresses and foam. There were tight corridors that made us feel as if we needed to suck in to pass through. At times we would look above us only to find an actor hanging above us. We were robbed of our senses as we had to walk through blackened mazes or hazy foggy mazes. We had to sit on a bus and watch a chainsaw wielding wildman come at us with the chainsaw on full blast. Their use of disguise was terrific! More than one time were we surprised by someone just appearing from the shadows, or we would be shocked to find an actor shrouded in a fodder shock or moss covered suit.
Theme: N/A
How Did We Get This Score?
Theme Scores (5% of Final Score):
(30% of Theme Score) Could you tell what the theme was?:
(50% of Theme Score) How well was the theme carried throughout the attraction/s?:
(20% of Theme Score) How well does their location authenticate the theme?:
This score is left “N/A” when we believe the haunt is trying to target a random variety of themes or phobias, rather than a single overarching “Theme” or “storyline.”
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There seemed to be no theme here, aside from displaying a variety of some classic elements found in haunted attractions.
Scare Factor: 7.83
How Did We Get This Score?
Scare Factor Scores (15% of Final Score):
(30% of Scare Factor Score) How scary was it?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How well did they provide scares to the entire group?: 8
(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?: 8
(15% of Scare Factor Score) How strong was the ending / finale?: 6Explanation:
Scare Factor likes a strong finale, but we didn’t see evidence of one here.
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We were startled more than once. There were actors hidden in the dark and others who utilized fodder shocks and ghillie suits to camouflage themselves into the set to throw us off guard. Drop down doors, swinging bridges, spinning tunnels, blacked out mazes, thick fog mazes, swamp scenes with actors coming to get us out of nowhere, actors carrying creepy pets, chainsaws, tight spaces, electrocution, spark tools, actors screaming or creating some distinctive noise, and sets featuring blood and gore were all in abundance here to keep the entertainment rolling. At some point in the night, everyone in our group received some special attention. The final set was a carnival set that consisted of guests being asked to throw an elongated balloon at a board.
Entertainment & Value: 9.13
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?: 9.5
(25% of E&V Score) How satisfied were you with the entertainment that’s available with* the ticket price, excluding the main attraction/s?: 8Explanation:
Outside entertainment included the cozy campfire, which was nice. Some music and a character or two to mingle with the crowd (masked of course) could also help to set the tone for a haunt.
(30% of E&V Score) How appropriate is/are the ticket price/s?: 9.5
(15% of E&V Score) Have they effectively used their available space?: 9.5
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There were no dead spots to be found on this trail. All the spaces were filed with action. At times, our group would merge with another group, but we were soon corralled and split back into separate groups. The entertainment value for the general admission ticket price of $20 is phenomenal, especially when on a 50 minute trail with no dead areas to speak of. For those folks who want to get through quicker, there is also an express pass available for $30.
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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Awards:
2020
Best Hometown Charity Haunt