Amhurst Asylum Valparaiso, IN Reviewed on: Sunday, October 27, 2013 Located in Valparaiso, IN, Amhurst Asylum has been making their mark on the Chicagoland haunt industry for the past four years. With just a little over an hour commute from Chicago, this attraction is definitely worth the drive. Since their inception, they have routinely had a place on our annual Top 13 list. But, this attraction just keeps getting bigger and better each year and 2013 was definitely no exception. Just entering the property sets the mood for the visit. As we pass the Amhurst entranceway and slowly drive down the long and winding road, the combination of the cars headlights and the dust kicking up create the perfect environment. In the adjacent woods, perfectly-casted shadows keep your eyes moving. We began our night by noticing a big change outside of Amhurst, which was the relocation of the ticket window and a new entrance way to the haunt. With new walls blocking the entrance way from the parking lot, Amhurst kept its secrets well-hidden and even better for discovery. As we made our way into the building entrance, the illusion of walking into a crazed asylum has never been so complete. As we approached the front door, we were greeted by a patient named Scarlett, who definitely made her presence known. Taking a big step out of the normal for a haunted attraction, Scarlett did something we didnt even see coming - she started touching us! Rubbing up against our legs, like a pet does to its owner! It definitely gave the reality that she was an unstable patient at this asylum! But Amhurst didnt stop there. We were loaded into a room, where we were told the rules of the house. But, its so hard to even pay attention to what is being said because numerous patients are just bombarding you from left to right with their crazy and wacky comments. We werent sure exactly who to listen to, as they kept our heads spinning with us trying to keep up! As we entered the asylum, we made our way onto the elevator, with our friend Scarlett, joining us. The newest addition this year to Amhurst, it was definitely a ride we havent experienced before. While Scarlett bantered back and forth with the elevator operator, she crawled and weaved her way between our group. As she grabbed our legs, we didnt have the slightest idea of what else was to come! As it was time to exit the elevator, Scarlett gave us the kiss of death, and we headed on to meet the rest of the crazies within the asylum. We continued our journey and found that the attraction kept a very strict insane asylum theme throughout. Scenes are filled to the rafters with detail, and the story-line engulfs you into the illusion. With a seemingly never-ending tour, we quickly felt as though we may never get out! Something very unique to Amhurst is their house-wide event feature they started last year, and improved this season. As patrons make their way through the attraction, all of the sudden, an air-raid siren goes off throughout the entire attraction. Every single actor immediately stops their performance, covers their ears, hovers in a corner, or some, even go crazier! Even as you make your way through the rooms, every actor engages in this until the siren ends. Another amazing feature that ties the fantasy together. Some of our highlights included the room that was on fire, the locker room, the waiting room, and the courtyard. As our group entered it, we met a woman who was holding her kitty. At first glance, her kitty looked like a well-done skunk puppet. As some members of our group walked by and petted it, we were definitely in for a HUGE surprise, when her kitty, was a real live animal! It definitely took you out of your comfort zone! (As we later found out, the actress in that room has raised it since it was a baby!) Making our way towards the end of the attraction, we made our way through the white curtain maze. Actors here knew exactly when to attack, and technique was spot-on. Another huge commendation goes out to the actor who was manning the claustrophobia portion. He had so much enthusiasm and definitely made your group feel separated at some point. He had some really great one-liners, and his energy was never-ending. This year, Amhurst Asylum blew us out of the water. With detail upon detail, they engulf patrons into their asylum. The acting was among the best we have ever seen, and not one character was out of place for the theme. They employ multiple scaring techniques, including a healthy dose of foreshadowing and mind-games. In addition, the element of letting the patients touch you, definitely added to the overall scare factor this year. With that said, our entire review team left the Asylum with shivers down our spine. Last year, Amhurst showed everyone that they were among the big boys. But this year, they proved that they are ready to achieve elite status. If you havent made it out to Amhurst Asylum, this should the best newest must-see addition to your list. Dont miss out on this opportunity to see all the crazies within their walls. Who knows, you may never want to check out! Highlights we scream about: Scarlett, the acting and foreshadowing, the elevator ride, and the patients touching us! What to expect for 2014? With Amhurst Asylum now holding the title of Top Haunted Attraction for 2013, we expect the creators behind this attraction to only come out with bigger and even better set designs, acting and overall scare factor. We are anxiously counting down the days till we can visit the Asylum again! 2013 Scores: Entertainment: 19.5 out of 20 Scare Factor & Fright: 10 out of 10 Acting: 10 out of 10 Sets & Room Detail: 10 out of 10 Costumes: 5 out of 5 Make Up: 5 out of 5 Sound: 5 out of 5 Lights: 5 out of 5 Props & Special Effects: 9.5 out of 10 Originality & Story Concept: 9 out of 10 Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5 Website: 5 out of 5 Total: 99 points out of 100 points possible - Official 2013 Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:39:19 +0000
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