The Scare Factor
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Forest of Fright

7295 Duncan Run Road, Philo OH - 43771
http://www.forestoffright.org

Reviewed by: Team Loco on 10/17/2009


The Scare Factor: 8.5
The Forest of Fright is one of those attractions you want to go to every year to see what has changed. Fewer dead spots mean the haunt is expanding, and should keep doing so. Gone this year is the "Ghoul Bus", which has been replaced by an all new parking area with easier access to the attraction, and a shorter wait. Also gone is the Evil Santa, which may have been too much for certain visitors. By our estimation, this years version of the Forest of Fright is about 90 percent new. By visiting this haunt, you will not get the same thing you got last year. It is not a scare fest, but it has it's moments, and some scenes are creepy. The maze is a mind boggling creation that will make you feel like you are walking around in circles, and the Forest of Fright is a haunt which should be visited by any haunt enthusiast.

Cast: 8.5
Cast is one of the many improved areas this time around. They could still use more live actors, which makes for a better overall experience, but this is an area of constant improvement for them. As the haunt grows, the number of actors will grow as well. Several actors are equipped with lungs of steel and some are even ear shattering. They are very interactive, which is one of the best qualities these actors possess.

Costuming: 8.5
You will see no movie characters at this haunt. The costumes are original and creative. This area is going to be one to look out for in the future for this haunt. They understand that going to a haunt to see movie characters is getting old, and change is imminent for future haunts. Forest of Fright is on the right track and we believe they will continue to improve in the next few years.

Customer Service: 8
They could use a bit of improvement in the area of customer service. Once you get to the haunt, the customer service is GREAT. The big problem is getting TO the haunt. With the location of the haunt, many people may not be able to find it. The only signs we saw were the ones guiding you to the new parking area. These don't even appear until you are almost there. We would suggest more signs pointing the way. We are not saying that signs should be placed in the middle of Zanesville, but perhaps along the main road and especially the back roads. The new parking area is much improved, but guests need to be able to find it!

Atmosphere: 8.6
We love the setup here! It's fully equipped with a Forest of Fright hearse for those who can't handle the scares. Also, they have a live fortune teller for those of you who are interested in that sort of thing. The bonfire is also an added touch (could be a bit bigger though), as well as the VIP line. There's plenty of room for those who wish to hang out for a bit before or after. Might we add they have a great choice of music. Our only complaint here is every attraction we have been to which plays music, all play the same kind. Not that that's a bad thing, but some creepy music would really set the mood that much more.

Special Effects: 8.5
The maze really sets the tone for this haunt. The placement in the middle adds to the effect. The feeling of deja vu will leave you feeling like you are walking in circles. Trust us when we say there IS a way out, you just have to find it. Although, there is a man in there who has been trying to find his way out since it opened, and is probably still there.

Fright Effect: 8
This haunt does have its moments, although, no one ran out screaming. There is always room for improvement, and no haunt should ever be satisfied with a particular set up. We noticed that this haunt feels the same way. The scares are much improved this year over last year. We look for this to be another improved area for years to come.

Value: 8.7
At a price of $11 per person, and $18 for a VIP pass, this haunt is very competitive with the more expensive haunts. You are not paying $20 plus for the scare of your life, or to be sent home vomiting from graphic scenes. This is an improving haunt that is worth the money, Also, it is acceptable for a younger audience, as well as those who hop around from haunt to haunt.