We had a great time at Texas Scaregrounds, despite the fact that I had an unfortunate phobia attack when confronted by a horse. Yes, Texas Scaregrounds has several roaming actors, but the headless horseman (complete with a real live horse) commands attention. Although I am afraid of horses, I still enjoyed watching him interact with the crowd (while I stayed far away).
You might miss it if you don't know where you are going, because Texas Scaregrounds lays lower than eye level from the highway. However, they have a great location! Texas Scaregrounds has dedicated space and buildings to provide an awesome show. Wonderful rural settings and warehouse accommodations provide both a good multi ticket option and individual haunt experience. We would like to see more decorative facades and settings outside the haunts, because at first glance, all you see is the plain white paint on the metal warehouse storage buildings. But the outside of the haunt is not as important as what is INSIDE!
Parking at Texas Scaregrounds is on private property with constant security personnel present. It is not paved, but it is orderly and maintained by staff. Parking is $2.00, but we were informed that the parking fee will go up to $5.00 as it gets closer to Halloween.
Side note, some of the Texas Scaregrounds advertisements state 4 haunted attractions are available, but there are only 3. The hayride is not available for the 2009 season.
Chaos has made major improvements to the walk-through path and overall organization for 2009. I specifically looked for any problems in path and flow, because this had been a problem in previous years. Thankfully, almost all of the confusing and misdirected paths were corrected for this season, and this proved to be a huge improvement to the overall haunt experience. Each scene had a smooth transition through brief hallways, and we never had any problems knowing where we were supposed to go. I think maybe ONCE we went the wrong way (or tried to) but the actors in the room diverted us (without breaking character).
Chaos does not have a specific theme or story, and each scene can jump from one thing to the next. But this works for them. Chaos specializes in a classic style spook house full of fun scare tactics and scene-by-scene changes to appeal to various haunt goers' appetites. Every scene has what it needs to provide a mainstream haunt experience, although there is a lack of realism to some of the choice of decorations and prop use. Chaos made several additions this year too, and we were overjoyed to see something new.
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
With a haunt as large as Chaos, it would be next to impossible to pack every scene with highly talented performers. But amazingly, Chaos does have a large staff of great ones throughout, and this is a tall order considering the space they have to fill. We were happy to see many more 'of age' performers this year, too. Although there are still some child actors, they were fewer and further between than in years past. Key actors in Chaos provide even more scares for us, and we appreciated the extra attention.
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Chaos is about 25-30 minutes depending on how fast you walk. For an individual haunt at $18, this is reasonably priced. However, we recommend the combo ticket with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html) ($25 total) so you can see all that Texas Scaregrounds has to offer!
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
We still saw a few halls and scenes that could use more finishing touches, but the vast improvements throughout definitely made Chaos very enjoyable for us. Overall, this is a great haunt that could surely provide frequent thrills for all ages. Since there is not too much gore or realistic intensity, young and old should enjoy the walk through.
Previous Reviews
See the 2008 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=100)
See the 2007 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=73)
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=55)
I absolutely love how Nightmares is plotted. You start "outside" (after a brief intro) through rainy mists and across the bridge. You go inside the homestead, through various rooms, and then through a garage and outdoors again. The path direction is clear, and the added features this year in each scene give a classic example of haunt enthusiasm. There were several great scenes worthy of comment, but I think one of my favorites was a simple one – a caged animal with large claws reaching out as you walked past. But the garage area is also pretty darned cool, too. I really don't want to give away any details and spoil anything, because you should see it for yourself!
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
Nightmares has a great staff of talented and experienced actors that are sure to entertain. There could always be more, because we love high amounts of interaction, but the number of live actors was certainly adequate. There were only a few characters who could have developed their performances better, but these were few and far between. The biggest and best improvement to Nightmares this year is the lack of child actors. I only saw one child actor, but it was a required character for a child's room (and a clown came and stole her away!) Everyone gave us a top notch show, and their energy never failed to entertain. Climbing and jumping from the side and from above, each character presented great timing and classic startles. Great job, Nightmares!
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Nightmares is around 15 minutes long, and is individually priced at $15. However, we recommend the combo ticket, which is $25 with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html) so you can see Chaos and Asylum while you are there.
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
Nightmares has a great design and acting staff, and we greatly enjoyed the walkthrough. This haunt is best in smaller groups, preferably less than six people, so we hope the staff keeps the groups limited throughout the season (even if they get busy). If you visit with a large group of friends, you should separate into smaller groups for the best experience.
Previous Reviews
See the 2008 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2098)
See the 2007 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2081)
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2065)
I consider Asylum to be more of a side attraction than a standalone haunt. It does have some interesting scenes and characters, but it does not quite rank up to par with Chaos and Nightmares for details and design. Asylum does offer a very cleverly designed sheet maze, a chain link fenced path full of chainsaws, a great padded hallway, a very cool "troll bridge", and some classic haunt fun. There were a few awkward areas where 'behind the scenes' actor areas were clearly visible, and the walk through path was not organized well enough to show a defined direction, so there is room for improvement on the layout of the map.
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
We loved our greeter and his comical banter, and we enjoyed the young lady's performance at the entrance. There were a few other characters who showed some solid enthusiasm (like the various screamers). But Asylum could definitely use some more live bodies, preferably some older (more experienced) actors, and possibly some scripted performances to create a more themed story line to match the name of the haunt.
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Asylum is fairly short (less than 10 minutes long), and is individually priced at $12. Since this is more of a side attraction, we highly recommend the combo ticket, which is $25 with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html).
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
Asylum is OKAY. It is a nice additional side haunt to experience while you are already there to see Chaos and/or Nightmares. The idea behind the theme is good, but Asylum still has some room to grow and improve on their show. By all means, go see them while you are there, but I would not necessarily visit this haunt by itself – Combo ticket is the way to go.
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Would you like to share your opinion?
Feel free to post your experiences and reviews, (or see what other members have said about Texas Scaregrounds) in the DFWHH Member Reviews Forum (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30)
http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/banners/texasscaregrounds_logo.jpg
Kennedale, TX
Review Date: Saturday, September 26th 2009
Time: 8:00pm
General Overview
We had a great time at Texas Scaregrounds, despite the fact that I had an unfortunate phobia attack when confronted by a horse. Yes, Texas Scaregrounds has several roaming actors, but the headless horseman (complete with a real live horse) commands attention. Although I am afraid of horses, I still enjoyed watching him interact with the crowd (while I stayed far away).
You might miss it if you don't know where you are going, because Texas Scaregrounds lays lower than eye level from the highway. However, they have a great location! Texas Scaregrounds has dedicated space and buildings to provide an awesome show. Wonderful rural settings and warehouse accommodations provide both a good multi ticket option and individual haunt experience. We would like to see more decorative facades and settings outside the haunts, because at first glance, all you see is the plain white paint on the metal warehouse storage buildings. But the outside of the haunt is not as important as what is INSIDE!
Parking at Texas Scaregrounds is on private property with constant security personnel present. It is not paved, but it is orderly and maintained by staff. Parking is $2.00, but we were informed that the parking fee will go up to $5.00 as it gets closer to Halloween.
Side note, some of the Texas Scaregrounds advertisements state 4 haunted attractions are available, but there are only 3. The hayride is not available for the 2009 season.
_____________________________________
Chaos Haunted House
http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/banners/Chaos_Logo_FINAL.gif (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=134)
Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan
Chaos has made major improvements to the walk-through path and overall organization for 2009. I specifically looked for any problems in path and flow, because this had been a problem in previous years. Thankfully, almost all of the confusing and misdirected paths were corrected for this season, and this proved to be a huge improvement to the overall haunt experience. Each scene had a smooth transition through brief hallways, and we never had any problems knowing where we were supposed to go. I think maybe ONCE we went the wrong way (or tried to) but the actors in the room diverted us (without breaking character).
Chaos does not have a specific theme or story, and each scene can jump from one thing to the next. But this works for them. Chaos specializes in a classic style spook house full of fun scare tactics and scene-by-scene changes to appeal to various haunt goers' appetites. Every scene has what it needs to provide a mainstream haunt experience, although there is a lack of realism to some of the choice of decorations and prop use. Chaos made several additions this year too, and we were overjoyed to see something new.
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
With a haunt as large as Chaos, it would be next to impossible to pack every scene with highly talented performers. But amazingly, Chaos does have a large staff of great ones throughout, and this is a tall order considering the space they have to fill. We were happy to see many more 'of age' performers this year, too. Although there are still some child actors, they were fewer and further between than in years past. Key actors in Chaos provide even more scares for us, and we appreciated the extra attention.
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Chaos is about 25-30 minutes depending on how fast you walk. For an individual haunt at $18, this is reasonably priced. However, we recommend the combo ticket with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html) ($25 total) so you can see all that Texas Scaregrounds has to offer!
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
We still saw a few halls and scenes that could use more finishing touches, but the vast improvements throughout definitely made Chaos very enjoyable for us. Overall, this is a great haunt that could surely provide frequent thrills for all ages. Since there is not too much gore or realistic intensity, young and old should enjoy the walk through.
Previous Reviews
See the 2008 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=100)
See the 2007 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=73)
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=55)
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Nightmares Haunted House
http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/banners/NIGHTMARES1.gif (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=141)
Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan
I absolutely love how Nightmares is plotted. You start "outside" (after a brief intro) through rainy mists and across the bridge. You go inside the homestead, through various rooms, and then through a garage and outdoors again. The path direction is clear, and the added features this year in each scene give a classic example of haunt enthusiasm. There were several great scenes worthy of comment, but I think one of my favorites was a simple one – a caged animal with large claws reaching out as you walked past. But the garage area is also pretty darned cool, too. I really don't want to give away any details and spoil anything, because you should see it for yourself!
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
Nightmares has a great staff of talented and experienced actors that are sure to entertain. There could always be more, because we love high amounts of interaction, but the number of live actors was certainly adequate. There were only a few characters who could have developed their performances better, but these were few and far between. The biggest and best improvement to Nightmares this year is the lack of child actors. I only saw one child actor, but it was a required character for a child's room (and a clown came and stole her away!) Everyone gave us a top notch show, and their energy never failed to entertain. Climbing and jumping from the side and from above, each character presented great timing and classic startles. Great job, Nightmares!
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Nightmares is around 15 minutes long, and is individually priced at $15. However, we recommend the combo ticket, which is $25 with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html) so you can see Chaos and Asylum while you are there.
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
Nightmares has a great design and acting staff, and we greatly enjoyed the walkthrough. This haunt is best in smaller groups, preferably less than six people, so we hope the staff keeps the groups limited throughout the season (even if they get busy). If you visit with a large group of friends, you should separate into smaller groups for the best experience.
Previous Reviews
See the 2008 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2098)
See the 2007 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2081)
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%2065)
_____________________________________
Asylum
http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/banners/asylum_logo.jpg (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=%20133)
Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan
I consider Asylum to be more of a side attraction than a standalone haunt. It does have some interesting scenes and characters, but it does not quite rank up to par with Chaos and Nightmares for details and design. Asylum does offer a very cleverly designed sheet maze, a chain link fenced path full of chainsaws, a great padded hallway, a very cool "troll bridge", and some classic haunt fun. There were a few awkward areas where 'behind the scenes' actor areas were clearly visible, and the walk through path was not organized well enough to show a defined direction, so there is room for improvement on the layout of the map.
Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
We loved our greeter and his comical banter, and we enjoyed the young lady's performance at the entrance. There were a few other characters who showed some solid enthusiasm (like the various screamers). But Asylum could definitely use some more live bodies, preferably some older (more experienced) actors, and possibly some scripted performances to create a more themed story line to match the name of the haunt.
Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
Asylum is fairly short (less than 10 minutes long), and is individually priced at $12. Since this is more of a side attraction, we highly recommend the combo ticket, which is $25 with our online coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/images/coupons/09/coupon_txscaregrounds09.html).
Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
Asylum is OKAY. It is a nice additional side haunt to experience while you are already there to see Chaos and/or Nightmares. The idea behind the theme is good, but Asylum still has some room to grow and improve on their show. By all means, go see them while you are there, but I would not necessarily visit this haunt by itself – Combo ticket is the way to go.
_____________________________________
Would you like to share your opinion?
Feel free to post your experiences and reviews, (or see what other members have said about Texas Scaregrounds) in the DFWHH Member Reviews Forum (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30)
_____________________________________