An unforgiving take on a familiar attraction theme, “The Darkside of the Hayden Household,” is a scary, lost in the darkness attraction where you feel completely alone and at the mercy of the “Hayden” family. “The Darkside of the Hayden Household” is almost designed to trap guests, and the actors, unless necessary, do not give hints or give away a position which is vital to escape (actors will flash bright lights with horns from time to time to keep pacing). Unlike so many of these similarly styled attractions, isolation is the key to fear. Pure isolation and tormenting actors that appear out of thin air create an atmosphere of tension. Actors can see guests whom each have a glow-bead neckless, but it is impossible almost to see what is in front or back of you except for the occasional animatronic prop or actor with a light/loud noise (startle scare). Unlike so many of these mazes were simply following the “wall” will lead you to escape, 13 th Hour prevents this “easy” way out, leaving guests in wide-open spaces in complete darkness with little to no hope at times at escaping. What 13 th Hour does well is not going overboard with the sensory assault aspect of such a maze and allows for the maze itself to generate a sense of panic and fear. Countless haunted attractions have adopted “pitch black, or blackout” style mazes that generate effective scares and use different sensory techniques to create reactions. “The Darkside of the Hayden Household” is perhaps the most effective “dark maze” of any haunted attraction visited this season or last. As a package, both attractions complement each other while maintaining a “storyline” associated with the “Hayden Family” and their sadistic acts of horror.

Combined, both attractions create a house of horrors that challenges its guests to even finish and has become a far more sinister attraction, focusing more on the “horror” and targeting a wide array of phobias cultivating genuine fear. Brand new scenes of Satanic Sacrifice/Worship (featuring Satan’s Goats) and an animatronic/interactive “exorcism” left us absolutely in shock as they are unlike anything we have witnessed at ANY haunted attraction, both large or small. Scenes such as an encounter with infected monkeys/animals, a hallucinogenic sideshow circus, and one of the most disturbing “human” doll scenes we have ever witnessed are housed within the confines of the “Hayden” family “Attic.” “The Attic” is designed to create nightmares and highlights the darker, more diabolical overtones infused throughout the attraction this season. The second floor, “The Attic,” is by far the most terrifying attraction featured at 13 th Hour this season and has received extensive upgrades over the past several seasons. Outside of the attraction is an expanded “midway” with merchandise, food, and photo opportunity options rounding out an entire “scream-park” experience within the confines of a warehouse complex. The three core interconnected attractions are the “Hayden House of Nightmares,” “The Attic,” and “The Darkside of the Hayden House.” Despite its industrial location, the entire attraction is entirely immersive, with massive scenes, large-scale animatronics, and props and special effects that help guests forget they are within the confines of a larger industrial building. It is easy to become lost and a potential victim of the infamous “Hayden Family” that resides on each floor! Attractionsġ3 th Hour Haunted House features three core haunted attractions and various “escape rooms,” off-season, and special events. No expense is spared in turning each room and corridor into an interactive, immersive experience. A mature haunted attraction, guests encounter displays of human slaughter, depravity, chilling imagery, twisted human doll makers, infected monkeys, and insane monsters (including werewolves), and pure insanity intertwined with a new demonic overture. From a twisted “cross-dressing” “superstar” to human butchers and operators of a “flesh-filled” carousel, the performances, as well as the gritty yet modern nature of each attraction, create a hellacious experience. However, while not as frequent, the performances themselves of each “actor/actress” were strong and as disturbing as ever. Furthermore, in the previous season’s the performances of each actor were always extremely “hands-on,” and due to restrictions and operational safety, these once “up close” interactions were eliminated. While the always impressive “opening” scene, which was a representation of a “time machine,” was removed in favor of an extended waiting line, the overall show was not negatively impacted.

Faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic, 13 th Hour made numerous modifications focused on separating groups, reducing the interaction between guests/actors, and enhancing cleanliness and sanitation.

13th hour haunted house photos