REVIEW: Pure Terror Scream Park is hauntingly scary
Photo: There are numerous photo ops at the end of one’s visit to Pure Terror Scream Park. Photo by John Soltes.
MONROE, N.Y. — ‘Tis the season for haunted houses. Pure Terror Scream Park, a Guinness World Record holder for Longest Horror Attraction in the World, is one of the best haunts this reviewer has ever experienced. The many houses and experiences are terrifying, and the level of detail and decoration is scarily good. For enthusiasts who seek out a good Halloween fright, Pure Terror Scream Park should be on one’s schedule, and it’s located only one hour from New York City.
There are two parking lots for Pure Terror Scream Park when visitors to pull up to the attraction. One is right near the entrance of the haunt and will be available on slower nights, while a secondary lot is located down the road. Haunt-goers who park at this secondary lot head through a patch of trees, along a lighted pathway, to find the ticket booths.
Almost immediately, the ambiance of the haunted attraction can be felt. It’s as if visitors step away from this world of safety and happiness into a world of dread and danger. On the night this reviewer enjoyed Pure Terror, an RIP Pass was purchased, which granted access to a fast lane. There is a security check that very clearly states no actors will touch visitors, and no visitors should touch actors (“reactionary” touching or hitting is specifically called out).
Then, after the ticket booths, it’s on to the holding cell, which feels like a lineup of cattle waiting for slaughter, which seems entirely appropriate. As one walks through the maze-like entrance line, it becomes obvious that on busy nights, like the Saturdays of October, Pure Terror Scream Park knows how to pack them in. That means an RIP Pass, priced up to $94.98, might be worth the investment, versus general admission, which is priced up to $59.98.
There are 10 separate attractions at Pure Terror Scream Park. As visitors exit one house, they take a few steps in an outside environment and then head to the next house. It’s all pretty seamless. This year’s offerings have wonderfully devilish names like The Crypt, Resurrection Cemetery, Bedlam State Asylum, Psycho Circus, Panic Attack Extreme and Desecration. The entire experience finishes with some pumpkin-carving art in Pumpkin Alley, and food trucks and photo ops in Monster Midway.
Some of the best houses at Pure Terror are The Crypt and Bedlam State Asylum. There are numerous actors in both attractions, and the décor on the inside is stunningly detailed and intricately displayed. There are many times when visitors jump out of their skin.
Psycho Circus is great fun because the hallways change shape, and the floor is uneven (watch those steps!). And who doesn’t get terrified when encountering killer clowns.
The most intense experience occurs in Panic Attack Extreme, which tests the strength and stamina of anyone who ventures inside. Without giving away too much, visitors should expect to see nothing in this haunt and yet hear EVERYTHING — at a very loud decibel. This one feels like state-sponsored torture and will surely be memorable for those willing to take the risk.
There’s a sense of improvement and sustained excellence at the attraction, with only one major change noted from last year: There are memories of actually venturing into the school bus that’s part of Scapegrace High, but now visitors walk alongside the vehicle.
Pure Terror Scream Park checks all the boxes for a solid haunted house experience. The price isn’t cheap, but the thrills are off the charts. There are many actors, and they are perfectly timed to elicit maximum screams. The decorations are top-notch, with almost every inch of the inside environments dressed with macabre and mayhem. On the night this reviewer enjoyed some frights, groups were evenly separated, and most of the attraction was enjoyed alone, without the scares being ruined by nearby groups.
Pure and simple, Pure Terror Scream Park is one of the best haunts in the United States. Period.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Pure Terror Scream Park continues through Sunday, Nov. 2. Click here for more information and tickets.
