The Chambers of Horror 2014 Review

Ratings Legend

(1 skull) – Poor
(2 skulls) – Average
(3 skulls) – Good
(4 skulls) – Excellent
(5 skulls) – Best of the best!

The Chambers of Horror: Middletown, OH

Todd
If you’ve been to Middletown, Ohio, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ve driven past The Chambers of Horror and don’t even know it. What a shame that is. We learned that this year will be the last for this lesser-known haunt if there is not a significant increase in the attendance this year. The unassuming exterior of The Chambers of Horror may not help matters.

Sadly, the largest criticism for this otherwise great haunt is that it refrains from carrying a curb appeal that screams, “STOP HERE NOW! COME ON IN!”. The exterior lighting is dark and the building shares a vast empty parking lot with a derelict retail building. The area almost looks ominous to the point that you think twice before even slowing down. Visually, it is far from inviting, which is unfortunate since what lies within is very welcoming for haunt enthusiasts. Do not let this cover this dissuade you from the book!

What makes the Chambers unique is that the owners take extensive efforts to ensure that your party will experience every intended surprise first-hand; everything from watching the intro video to the surprise sets and maze-like corridors.

After entering, most attendees of your average haunt are left to navigate at their own pace. This means you may walk too fast, not taking in the details of the surroundings, or you may walk too slow, inadvertently letting the next party catch up to you (which results in a convoluted bunny-hop line of ineffective scares and unbalanced actor resets). We’ve all been there – you’re in a long centipede of gawkers and the screams from the head ruin what could have been a great scare that you’ll now unsurprisingly anticipate or perhaps not experience at all.

This is where The Chambers excel. The introduction video(s) are long enough to leave ample time between you and the preceding party. On top of that, the haunt itself has several module-like rooms which keep your pacing at the mercy of the respective actors. Upon entering, you are welcomed by a host within a decrepit waiting area. The time spent in this room can easily be controlled by the actor who will ensure that the next area is clear of visitors before you advance.

There are also two different rooms referred to a “pick a door” where very energetic actors will ask you to pick a door to open (from 6 or so). While making your choice, the actors will appear from behind the various doors at a fast rate, encouraging you to pick their door. Of course when you do, you’ll find it locked or its pathway will lead you right back into the same room. This goes on for a bit in each instance, adding entertainment value while again, ensuring the path ahead has been vacated. Eventually you’ll pick a door (perhaps even one of the one’s you already tried) and find it advances you to the next chamber.

The entire time we were navigating through this haunt, we never once saw the group ahead of us. We experienced everything offered first hand as if we were the only souls there. The Chambers will guarantee such an experience for everyone. The downside is that the line is slow moving because of the great separation between parties. Line entertainment is limited so those with short patience may get frustrated. Drinks and snacks are available from the outside if that helps.

Overall, The Chambers of Horror offers some gritty and original scares that are not found in the larger and more well known haunts. It is evident everything is put together first-hand or refashioned (including the building itself). Although this haunt works with a lower budget, it feels more real than the big budget, polished haunts because much of the set is made up of real tangible things. The actors are highly energetic and certainly present themselves as giving it their all.

What this haunt lacks in refined environments, it certainly makes up for and exceeds in creativity. I wish The Chambers of Horror all the best for the 2014 season and hope for record-setting attendance to ensure its return next year.

Bill
What a great haunt, very creative and the actors really wanted to scare you. It was a warm hug with a dagger in the back. Wish they were all this cool.

Gayle
Ok…so this was my first time at this haunt! The location and the physical building are ok…but what is contained inside rivals any of the larger haunts in the area. This haunt is creative, intense, interactive, creepy…amazing! Each room has it’s own theme, and very well done. The attention to detail was impeccable, and there were several scares and props these chambers have I have yet to see in all my many years of ‘haunting’. The small groups allowed at a time really added to the creepy factor…especially when our group got split up! It felt the entire haunt was yours and yours alone! This doesn’t happen anywhere else! The level of passion in the actors was unprecedented. Each one was creepy and believable in their respective roles! Despite the size of the building…the haunt is actually considerably long as well….but never dull. I was saddened to hear this would be the last year for this haunt, as I felt it deserves to be right up there with the big dogs. My only criticism is waiting for your turn. Because they spend so much well-deserved time with your group while you’re inside, the people outside have to wait a titch longer…but it is SO worth it. If you get the chance…visit it while you can…you will not be disappointed.

Frightmaster
One of the best haunts around and, sadly, this will be the last year for the Chambers. The owner is closing the doors at the end of the season. This haunt is scary, fun, unexpected thrills and Halloween creature chills! Every year it changes and adds new scares. Be sure to check it out before it’s gone! It is a great way to have fun in a haunt without blowing the budget in Middletown.

Overall score: 4.50 Skulls (Excellent)

Visit their web site at www.thechambers.org

One Response to “The Chambers of Horror 2014 Review”

1. Nicole says:

   September 30, 2014 at 12:15 pm

   This was always one my favorite haunts, along with my families. It is very sad to see it go but it makes me happy to know it still putting on a great show! Our family is trying to make it down there one last time, since it was our son’s first haunted house he has been to, but don’t know if we will have the time to. We are planning on going to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point in October and was wondering if the review for them will be up soon so we can plan on what houses and outdoor houses to make sure we can get in to. I love your reviews and it’s always great to read about the houses around the area!

   Reply