Parking:
Ample free parking is located on the private property of Reindeer Manor, just a hay ride away from the grounds.
Atmosphere/Wait Entertainment: 9.5
Just driving up to the parking area begins the awe that is Reindeer Manor. The gargoyles overlook your entrance onto a narrow dirt and gravel road, and all you can see is the dust and brief bursts of flame in the distance. After parking, you get a calm hayride up to the midway area and ticket booth. As you step inside, there are all kinds of games to play and roaming actors to entertain and keep you on your toes. Plenty of sights to see, things to do, and even some small skits to watch in the grave yard and on the rooftops.
Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan: 9
Reindeer Manor has a permanent floor plan, so many of the changes have to be in the actual actor performances provided with the rooms. Although the main rooms have not changed much, there have been new theatrical scenes used and a lot of new additions put on to the trail and new scenes AFTER the trail. We did notice an area of stepping stones that appears to be a work in progress, and I am really looking forward to see what this room becomes next year.
Live Actors Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes: 9
Reindeer Manor is a theatrical performance, and this unique twist is what sets the Manor apart from all the rest. Since this is a show that you stand aside and (quietly) watch/enjoy, the actors and costumes are expected to be pristine. While performances are very entertaining and fun, a couple of the cast members did not seem to be a good “fit” for their characters. For instance, the very young vampire at the beginning is a great performer, but his youth alone seemed to hurt the full range of the character. It feels like this scene should be played by an adult gentleman. Then exiting the rocking pirate ship, the live actors outside left us feeling like there should have been a full scene (like the other rooms).
Crowd Control : 8
It gets busy fast at the Manor, AND at the Morgue, and the lines can get very very long. Get there early, and get in line as soon as possible. The wait can seem longer too because the groups are sent in intervals since each group must get two rooms into the performance before the next group can be sent in… otherwise the actors do not have a chance to reset, and groups could run into one another. When the actors take breaks, there are rooftop shows, hangings, and graveside entertainment while you wait, but it is easy to notice that the line hasn’t moved in a while.
Additional Attractions : 10
The Manor property is also home to the 13th Street Morgue, which is also a great haunt to see, so be sure to get that combo ticket. There is also Uncle Stinky's Playouse, home of one of the greatest clown costumes I’ve seen all year, and then of course there is a huge midway area complete with concessions, games, souvenirs, and more!
Admission Price vs. Length Entertainment Value: 10
For over 35 minutes of entertainment, this is an excellent deal. Plus if you print out this Internet Coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/coupons/reindeercoupon.gif), you get $5.00 off the combo ticket, and that is just an even more amazing deal! If your printer doesn’t work, or if you are just plain forget your coupon, donate a canned food item and still get $5.00 off!
Overall Experience/Summary:
Reindeer Manor has always been one of our favorites. The entire experience is nothing like anything else in the DFW area. As stated previously, you stand aside and QUIETLY watch and enjoy the theatrical show produced around you… So if you are the type that likes to comment on everything, please keep in mind that doing this is considered JUST AS RUDE as talking loudly on your cell phone in the middle of a movie at the theater. So for all you wise crackers and cell phone users, please be considerate of the other people in your group – BE QUIET, and turn your cell phones OFF! If everyone minds their manners, this will prove to be a highly entertaining event for all.
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=66)
See the 2005 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=45)
See the 2004 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=28)
Feel free to post your experiences and reviews in the Main Forum (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2)
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Red Oak, TX
OVERALL SCORE : 9
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Date: Saturday, October 6th
Time: 11:00pm
Visibility/Location:
Parking:
Ample free parking is located on the private property of Reindeer Manor, just a hay ride away from the grounds.
Atmosphere/Wait Entertainment: 9.5
Just driving up to the parking area begins the awe that is Reindeer Manor. The gargoyles overlook your entrance onto a narrow dirt and gravel road, and all you can see is the dust and brief bursts of flame in the distance. After parking, you get a calm hayride up to the midway area and ticket booth. As you step inside, there are all kinds of games to play and roaming actors to entertain and keep you on your toes. Plenty of sights to see, things to do, and even some small skits to watch in the grave yard and on the rooftops.
Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan: 9
Reindeer Manor has a permanent floor plan, so many of the changes have to be in the actual actor performances provided with the rooms. Although the main rooms have not changed much, there have been new theatrical scenes used and a lot of new additions put on to the trail and new scenes AFTER the trail. We did notice an area of stepping stones that appears to be a work in progress, and I am really looking forward to see what this room becomes next year.
Live Actors Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes: 9
Reindeer Manor is a theatrical performance, and this unique twist is what sets the Manor apart from all the rest. Since this is a show that you stand aside and (quietly) watch/enjoy, the actors and costumes are expected to be pristine. While performances are very entertaining and fun, a couple of the cast members did not seem to be a good “fit” for their characters. For instance, the very young vampire at the beginning is a great performer, but his youth alone seemed to hurt the full range of the character. It feels like this scene should be played by an adult gentleman. Then exiting the rocking pirate ship, the live actors outside left us feeling like there should have been a full scene (like the other rooms).
Crowd Control : 8
It gets busy fast at the Manor, AND at the Morgue, and the lines can get very very long. Get there early, and get in line as soon as possible. The wait can seem longer too because the groups are sent in intervals since each group must get two rooms into the performance before the next group can be sent in… otherwise the actors do not have a chance to reset, and groups could run into one another. When the actors take breaks, there are rooftop shows, hangings, and graveside entertainment while you wait, but it is easy to notice that the line hasn’t moved in a while.
Additional Attractions : 10
The Manor property is also home to the 13th Street Morgue, which is also a great haunt to see, so be sure to get that combo ticket. There is also Uncle Stinky's Playouse, home of one of the greatest clown costumes I’ve seen all year, and then of course there is a huge midway area complete with concessions, games, souvenirs, and more!
Admission Price vs. Length Entertainment Value: 10
For over 35 minutes of entertainment, this is an excellent deal. Plus if you print out this Internet Coupon (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/coupons/reindeercoupon.gif), you get $5.00 off the combo ticket, and that is just an even more amazing deal! If your printer doesn’t work, or if you are just plain forget your coupon, donate a canned food item and still get $5.00 off!
Overall Experience/Summary:
Reindeer Manor has always been one of our favorites. The entire experience is nothing like anything else in the DFW area. As stated previously, you stand aside and QUIETLY watch and enjoy the theatrical show produced around you… So if you are the type that likes to comment on everything, please keep in mind that doing this is considered JUST AS RUDE as talking loudly on your cell phone in the middle of a movie at the theater. So for all you wise crackers and cell phone users, please be considerate of the other people in your group – BE QUIET, and turn your cell phones OFF! If everyone minds their manners, this will prove to be a highly entertaining event for all.
See the 2006 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=66)
See the 2005 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=45)
See the 2004 Review (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=28)
Feel free to post your experiences and reviews in the Main Forum (http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2)