As we near the end of the Haunt season this year the question goes out …. what theme park or haunt scares you the most????  Now there is a lot of factors involved in this one that really makes it difficult to choose a winner. I will be reviewing in order based upon the scariest haunt that is offered There are other factors (such as rides) that may make one park a better experience overall, but I am judging based solely upon the scares. Here goes ……… 

WINNER!!!!!

SCREAM-A-GEDDON 

For a scare park that is outside of Dade City, and only houses 4 haunted houses, 1 outdoor trail, and a haunted hayride. Screamageddon, which is in it’s third year, continues to capture and improve on the science of scaring people. It also helps that 2 of the houses are hands on and enhances the senses of someone trying to scare you in the dark. That is what does it for me and I know it would increase if tenfold for those that get scared easily. I also enjoy the hayride and haunted trail through Deadwoods. When I first went there in its inaugural year I did not expect much  walking into the area and walked out a believer. I still am in it’s third year and believe it is a must go to any scare seeker. It is also one of the more affordable ones in getting the best experience for your money.

RUNNER UP

CHAMBER OF TERROR

The Chamber of is a scare haunt in Tampa for many years in different locations. For the second year it was being held at The American Victory, a mariner museum on on a fully operational WWII ship. Adding the dimension of the darkness of the ship and the tight areas really does wonders in bringing out the scares. you also get a full tour of the museum in darkness. I have been on this ship in the daytime and was amazed at the transformation into a haunt. The organizers are also very good about making sure groups go in intermittently to get the best out of the scare actors each and every time. I feel the admission is slightly on the high end, but if seeking a good scare, the Chamber of Terror fits the bill.

THIRD

HOWLOSCREAM TAMPA

Howloscream went away from the traditional them evil and presented the tag Nowhere To Hide, meaning even the rides were not safe!!!!  Howloscream has 7 houses and 2 shows to bring the best of the scares and entertainment to those who visit. The houses has the scares that will definitely make the person jump around the corners, and the new house Demented Dimensions was masterfully created in replacing a fan favorite from last year. The immense crowd in line waits and going through the houses does take away from the scare factor a little in predictability at times, but with the roller coaster, houses, and entertainment (also the only place in my list you can eat a grasshopper taco), it is definitely up there as a must visit in the Tampa Bay area. Be sure to get your tickets in advance to make it a good value for your buck.

FOURTH

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS ORLANDO

Halloween Horror Nights is one of the parks that started it all in scare parks. The great things about horror nights is that is being part of Universal Studios, they get some of the best set design in the houses you will ever see. The downfall of this park it is immensely crowded and not common to see a 3 hour wait in a house on a Friday or Saturday. Unless you are wanting to invest in a very expensive express pass it will take multiple visits to see every house. I was very impressed walking through the houses and seeing the themed houses from American Horror Story and The Shining. They do not hold up lines at all so it is a continuous scripted walk through and not very scary for the normal person (with the exception of the Scarecrow house, masterfully done). The added benefit to Horror Nights is that Diagon Alley is open and you are able to escape to the world of Harry Potter. Also many of the rides are open with very short waits that you may not see in normal operating hours. Horror Nights is very expensive and takes multiple visits to see it all, but it is fun.

FIFTH

VAULT OF SOULS

The Vault of Souls came into the Tampa scene 2 years ago and is a unique experience in a haunt. The previous 2 years it was taking place in an old bank vault and played more on the senses versus outright scares (which is why low on my list, not because of content, but actual scares). It was an experience that was like no other and very pricey for the Elegant Evening. This year The Vault of Fear changed things up a little by adding an endgame (kind of like an escape room style scenario). It kept all the original feel of the previous experience, but allowed you to release a soul. This is a unique experience that cannot be compared with any other haunt and you really need to do it to sense it for yourself. This is one of the highly recommended haunts to visit, but it is not a hump in your face scare you type haunt. The cost has come down and you can add other “Release rooms” to your evening at a discounted price.

LAST

MURDER HOUSE (Closed for 2018)

Murder House has been around for many years in Tampa and was always taking place in a residential area. I have always heard good things about it and chose to finally visit last year when it was moved to Ybor City under the Cuban Club. It was a horrible experience for me and I really felt I wasted my money going through it. Murder House was closed for the 2017 season for lack of finding a proper building that was able to withstand the scrutiny of the Fire Marshall Safety Code. They say they will be back in a residential area for 2018 and if that is true, I will give them a second chance. I have heard great things about it and hope to see it’s glory returned that I can see for myself

2017 brought me some great memories and already has me looking forward to the 2018 haunt season. I want to thank those huge theme parks for starting this craze and the smaller establishments for offering a different spin on these haunts to bring the best of the scares to us.  THANK YOU!!!!

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak @TampaAmazeMe

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on instagram or twitter for live updates or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.