Overall Score – 2.7/5 (all ratings scored out of 5)   Blackout Curb Appeal – 1.3/5 Scare Factor – 2.7/5 Actor Enthusiasm – 1.7/5 Creativity – 2.3/5 Overall – 2/5 Donna –  Blackout was just your typical dark maze with only a couple of actors inside that did not actually interact with people but were more or less just there to direct traffic. This haunt could be a lot  better with additional actors to up the scare factor. I really wish they would bring back the old club blood at least that was fun and more interactive. If you have to skip a haunt at Kings Island this would probably be one to  skip. Teresa – I think this one has potential. I liked that it exploits our fear of the dark. It was hard to see throughout, although they make it easier by having everyone in the group hold onto a rope. I’m glad the whole thing wasn’t just pitch black too. They did a good job of using lighting (strobes, or a brief flash) to suddenly illuminate a monster you didn’t know was 2 ft in front of you. This could have been really scary. Most of the time it was just a prop though. The few actors that were there were wearing night vision goggles, and you’d think they could really scare you, since you can’t see them. I don’t remember anyone in our group even jumping though. Good concept, needs to up the scare factor. Todd – Those with a fear of the dark may find this one genuinely scary. Improved from last year, some sections with slow flashing lights have been added giving you a quick gimps of a prop that you didn’t know was there. I hated this one last year. They were dumping people in there with no pacing strategy so you wound up getting...

(all ratings scored out of 5) The Dent Schoolhouse Curb Appeal – 4.9/5 Scare Factor – 4.6/5 Actor Enthusiasm – 5/5 Creativity – 4.9/5 Overall – 4.8/5 Bill – What an amazing haunt… it has everything! Waiting in line in the “corn field” with scarecrows attacking you, a pumpkin threatening to cut your throat and a “beautiful” witch eating a mouse and wondering what a cell phone is all about. From there the props, scares and actors were amazing. I never knew what was around the corner. One of the best things was the fact that they kept the schoolhouse theme throughout. It was also a very long haunt, where you never had time to get bored as the scares were around every corner. I can’t wait to see what changes next year. Teresa – The attention to detail in this place is mind-boggling. There are so many things to look at in every room and hall. There are some seriously creepy props. The school theme is strong throughout, from the lockers, lunch room, theater, study hall, library, and showers, to the creepy basement right out of a child’s nightmare. And there are tons of actors, with some great costumes (bug man!) all of whom are pretty fantastic. I always get a little rush when I finally find Charlie, the janitor. You just know he’s going to pop out somewhere. They’ve added some great new rooms. I love this place so much, I always leave wanting to go through again. And I want some of these props for myself! Creepy larger-than-life dolls…check. People with faces carved like jack-o-lanterns…check. Humongous mutant toys…check. Some of my favorite characters are outside though, while you wait in line. And this is one line I actually like to wait in. The scenery is great and there are plenty of wandering characters to surprise and entertain you. I’m always...

Attraction Overall Score – 3.8/5 (all ratings scored out of 5) This review has been updated to add the Haunted Trail and Zombie Sniper Patrol, which were closed on our initial visit.   Middletown Haunted Trail Curb Appeal – 3.7/5 Scare Factor – 4/5 Actor Enthusiasm – 4.3/5 Creativity – 4/5 Overall – 4/5 Paul – I thought the trail was easily the best part of Land of Illusion. It has grown substantially since the last time I went through. The actors did a really good job even though you tend to get bunched up with other people toward the end of it. They were able to reset pretty quickly and since there are so many twists and turns, they could do it in a manner that didn’t give them away to an entire line of people still coming. A huge amount of it is now indoors, there are way more places for the actors to hide, and everything looked great. I can’t wait to see what gets added for next year. Teresa – This is always one of my favorites every year. I love long haunted trails. This one is almost a half hour and takes you through so many scenes, with fog, crazy actors, great sound effects, and impressive animatronics, including some really big ones. I enjoyed seeing some old favorites and I’m glad they made some new additions for this year. I thought the tunnel near the beginning was really cool. Especially memorable are the dozens of hillbilly-cannibals who threatened us throughout. And the insect-man was great. Area 49 is always awe-inspiring, and I love the buses and headless horseman. The school section was also fun, with a creepy lunch lady. My favorite part of this whole thing, was being behind these 2 guys who were not with our group. The actors were great at startling them and...