Zombie Farms Review (2019)

Zombie Farms had a wide variety of characters paying homage to SCP creatures and themes. Each of those characters crawled, jumped, ran, and creeped on our group as we made our way through the trail. One of the highest energy characters we met in our exploits was Giggles, who was there to help handle snitches by giving them stitches. Several characters came straight from the SCP universe, but even those who did not recognize the references appreciated how they’d been brought to life deeply and creepily. Many had unique dialogue, lending each a clear and specific personality. Many characters would continue speaking amongst themselves once the group had moved on, just loud enough for us to hear but without infringing on the next scene.

Zombie Farms was very easy to find. Our GPS took us straight to them. Their signage is well lit and was easily seen from the road.

Upon entering, we came upon the first of many SCP Foundation characters, who was happy to both begin building the theme and help us find our way. Once inside, we were the very last group of the bitterly cold night. However, all the employees were still all friendly, welcoming, and energetic helping us with anything we needed.

Information on Zombie Farms and their theme can easily be found on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Upon entering Zombie Farms it was so obvious that it was not only a haunt, but also that it was SCP themed. Foundation guards were present even before we parked. Audio and visual announcements were playing in the midway, all of which helped build the theme and prepare you for your adventure joining the Foundation as Class D personnel. Even the tickets were ID badges with unique numbers for each person. The queue line had actors and plaques explaining this year’s story, as well as the history of the haunt that explained the events that lead up to it. At the end of the line was Dave, who briefed us on the details of what was to come and continued building the story before sending us on buses to be taken to the actual start of the haunt. Several times we said ‘Ah, now we’re really getting started,’ only to be shown that we hadn’t yet begun our adventure.

Zombie Farms had a wide array of special effects, which set the story in each scene and built tension in transitions. Sounds were the most prevalent, with ambiance and Foundation announcements in almost every set. As the story progressed, they went from instructional to warnings to containment updates. Going through the dark science lab, sound was the only thing we had to go by. And they were nasty, disturbing sounds. Lighting was also used to great effect. Characters and props were lit from different and unusual angles and colors, further adding to the paranormal or otherworldly appearances of the Anomalies.

The sets were intricately executed, creating a journey that felt far more than just tromping through the woods. In three-quarters of a mile, we felt like we’d traveled through woods and graveyards and swamps and laboratories, each feeling like a very different location while maintaining a cohesive progression. Sets were often four or five times as large as the area we were even allowed to be in, making our adventure seem much larger than what we actually had to walk.

Zombie Farms really commits to a theme. This year’s theme is of the SCP Foundation, but it builds upon the many previous years of story. It was a unique experience that we’re excited to return to and see continued. Every part of the property down to the parking attendant and tickets being ID badges builds on the theme. You joined the story the moment you arrived, creating a seldom-seen level of immersion. The storyline is set at the location, so the land itself is the theme. Even for those not familiar with the SCP Foundation, the theme was very clear. Some staff members admitted to being unfamiliar with the Foundation, but even that made sense as the Foundation is an organization with a history of secrecy and memory erasure. Half our group only knew of the SCP project in passing, and even they felt immersed in the lore offered by this haunt.

Zombie Farms did a really good job making their scares come from all angles. They attacked us through visible and audible scares, but also with physical ones. While this is a no-touch haunt, there were things we were obliged to touch that had grotesque or disturbing textures. At one point, being forced to duck under a fence gave us a creepy perspective on the next scene.

They had a wide variety of scares, including classic jump scares and creepy beckoning. Disturbing psychological scares like working your way through bloody hanging sheets, and being observed by humming drones. Scares referencing SCP lore made those familiar with it even more creeped out. And the best scare was the conclusion, which built up with a short scene wrapping up the story and resulted in our party being split up and pinned in by chainsaw-wielding maniacs.

Zombie Farms was an overall excellent haunt. It has a rich story, an immersive theme, and was fun and spooky even without that. At an even pace, our journey down the trail was about thirty minutes long. With general admission being $25 dollars, that gives this haunt a 1.2 minutes per dollar ratio. This is just above average, making it a good time value.

Included in the ticket price is the bus ride, the midway entertainment with movies, a fire pit, and the engrossing story. With all of this wrapped up in an SCP bow, this haunt was well worth the price and travel. We greatly enjoyed this haunt, and are excited to see it again next year!