The nighttime falls, the full moon flares and the sound of screams fill the air. One location, two world-class haunted houses, Fear City and Hades Haunted House opens this weekend in Morton Grove with what is sure to give you thrills and chills.
These two haunted attractions are the perfect way to spend a crisp October night. You’ll pull into the parking lot, walk up towards a dark warehouse and through the doors to a dimly lit waiting room with televisions airing creepy images. You’ll notice there are two entrances into the separate haunted houses. Characters roam the waiting room lines to scare and excite you for your haunting ahead.
My first stop was to Fear City. This haunted house took you on a multi-dimensional adventure that lasts around 25 minutes. Without giving too much away, you’ll encounter state-of-the-art set design, unbelievable lighting effects and scary characters. You’ll visit a strip club with a grimy ghoul, a hospital with gut-wrenching sights and bloody nurses, a house with more medicine in it than a drug store and a bedroom filled with baby dolls hanging from the ceiling.
More untraditional aspects of Fear City was a white room with strobes where alien-like people in white uniforms walked towards you, a laser filled maze and an area where you’re given 3D glasses to wear while you wander through walls that look like they’re popping out at you.
My favorite part of the house was when I entered an L train… or should I say – hell train. You’re greeted by a conductor who opens the doors to the train and then violently shuts it where you’re surrounded by hanging cadavers. The train car begins to move and shakes side to side with lights passing you by and the sounds you hear only on this type of transportation – it is so real, you walk off it still feeling like you’re moving. It’s really discombobulating and it works so well.
Hades Haunted House wasn’t completely finished when I attended media night, but I got a preview of their final act and was blown away. It’s more theatrical than anything. You’re placed in a round room with a stage and characters with black light reflective costumes and masks roam around in a synchronized flair.
Fear City and Hades Haunted House are both located at 8240 N. Austin Avenue in Morton Grove. Tickets can be found HERE and you can choose one haunted house for $25 or have twice the fun for $35. Their website is www.fearcitychicago.com.
Open October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, 2012.
View The Local Tourist Haunted House Guide HERE.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.