Jason UniverseHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThere were a few less scares than I wanted, but a couple jumps really got me, and the bow and arrow scene was worth the price of admission alone!
TerrifierHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThis was my favorite house this year, which really surprised me because I’m not a massive fan of Terrifier. It was less scary than I thought it would be, but a lot more fun! Each scene was super distinct and memorable, and the attention to detail was immaculate! I always love some good gross-out horror when it’s done with a slightly comedic tone. All of the Arts also really sold their performances.
Mary - The Haunting of Worth HomeKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeVery scary, and felt like it went on forever! I was definitely eager to get out of this one because I was so unnerved!
Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin AmericaHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThe scariest haunt at the event, but that’s not really a surprise. I was a bit disappointed that all of the La Llorona scenes were completely reused from 2022. I think it’s time we move on from Monstruos.
The ZooKnott’s Scary FarmHauntMazeThe flashlight gimmick is so cool! It was terrifying to have to manually discover everything that’s in the room with me. I loved pointing up my flashlight and finding a creature right in my face! Keep innovating, Knotts!
ScarecrowHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseScarecrow was my favorite maze in 2022. I wish they’d changed it up at least a little, but I was still happy to see it again. The crows didn’t shit on me in that one room this year like they did last time. Either the water wasn’t working, or they got rid of the effect. I hope it’s not the latter because it was one of the most entertaining rooms in the house.
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse - CLOSEDHalloween Horror NightsHauntHayrideThe Terror Tram is always fun, but I don’t love that they did Blumhouse two years in a row. Please don’t have this be a new trend. Give us something new.
Five Nights at Freddy'sHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseNot scary in the slightest, but great attention to detail. I was laughing the whole way through, and I’m typically easily startled.
The Horrors of the Wyatt SicksHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseI had no clue what was going on, but I still really enjoyed it. The swampy aesthetic was really cool, and there were a lot of great scares. It always the best when one of these haunts can still be enjoyed without knowing anything about the source material.
PoltergeistHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseI’m probably biased because I’m a huge fan of the film, but I thought they did a great job capturing all the iconic moments. This haunt stood out this year for being a little more wholesome and a lot less gross than the rest.
FalloutHalloween Horror NightsHauntHaunted houseThis haunt was a bit disappointing to me. It was kind of forgettable and each scene didn’t really feel like it fit together. I didn’t feel a real sense of progression of the story.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du GrotesqueKnott’s Scary FarmHauntOther Genuinely the scariest thing at Knotts. The carnival stunts stressed me out to no end!
Conjurers - CLOSEDKnott’s Scary FarmHauntOther As usual, Knotts impresses with every event at Scary Farm. Definitely a unique and must-see show!
Big Top Terror: Carnival of ChaosThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeAnytime scary clown girls are involved, I’m in! I love the inclusion of legitimate classic funhouse elements, like the mirror maze and the ball pit!
Lullaby: Teddy's RevengeThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeThis is the essential Dark Harbor haunt. It feels the most distinctly “Queen Mary”, especially because we’re able to see into the pool room for a second. There’s one scare on a bridge multiple stories above a maintenance area that is absolutely cruel and might be the best scare I’ve ever seen in a haunt!
Breakout Maximum SecurityThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeThis haunt was LONG with some very memorable scenes. I loved the insane Spirit Halloween-esque animatronics that were all over the place!
Feast - CLOSEDThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntMazeDecent, but the least memorable haunt at Dark Harbor this year, sans the part where you crawl on all fours through an oven. Still, anything on the actual Queen Mary is gonna feel off as hell.
The ShipyardThe Queen Mary's Dark HarborHauntOther Well themed area, but a little confusing to maneuver. It gives the illusion of being much larger than it is though, which is pretty cool!
Nightmare on Beechtree - Closing Oct 4Nightmare on BeechtreeHauntYard displayCute house that goes all out! That’s about it.
Haunted HouseIrvine Park RailroadHauntHaunted houseTiny but free. Don’t go out of your way to see it, but if you’re spending a day at the pumpkin patch or in Irvine Regional Park, it’s worth stopping by.
