Midway Wicked Woods *Official* Reviews 2011

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Date Attended: October 1, 2011
Submitted By: Sissyhaunt

Scare Factor 5/5 – This was my first time at this haunt. I was very surprised at how great it was. When it started by giving us a ride behind a tractor, with a lot of other people, I thought this was going to be a tame experience. I was very wrong. Chainsaws attacked us while on it and then when we got off and started walking up a trail out of nowhere there were several extremely scary clowns that attacked us. Some had chainsaws and some didn’t. They managed to separate me from everyone which is a major fear of mine. When I finally caught up with the group I thought things would calm down, but as usual I was wrong. They chased me in the line while I tried to use total strangers as shields. There were two teenage boys in the line that became terrified watching them come after me.

Actors 5/5 – These actors are relentless. There was a particular clown that no matter which way I turned managed to get in my face. One minute he was in the line with us the next he was on a roof and then he would be in a tree. You never knew where he was going to pop up next. Every actor seemed to feed off the screams and become even more energized. Their make-up was very believable and scary. They really did an awesome job.

Set Design/Props/FX 4/5 – Their sets were very detailed and impressive. There was one room toward the beginning that they had us go into that didn’t seem to have an escape. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that my friend jumped about 10 feet in here and I ran into a wall. Their maze is one of the best I have been in. It is so dark that no matter how hard we tried we couldn’t see anything. It is very claustrophobic and you have to feel your way through. By this point we had been separated from our group and it was just me and my friend. We were trying to be very quiet so no one would hear us, but the floor creaked. At one point we stopped to see if we could hear anyone coming and ended up laughing hysterically from fear.

Length 5/5 – This is a long haunt. When you come out of a haunt tired you know it was a good length. There weren’t any sections that were neglected so your adrenaline was pumping the whole time.

Overall 4/5 – This one really surprised me and I am very glad we went. The actors were super; the sets very detailed and the experience was so much fun. I would love to go back again. I do have one warning, there are two sections where the floor is mushy and makes walking hard. I twisted my knee in one so just be cautious. I was really impressed and I will definitely be going back to this one.

[krb187]

Haha I told you I'm a ninja clown, I'm everywhere . I'm glad you guys had such a good time deffinately come back and see us again!

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Date Attended: October 1, 2011
Submitted by: Bethyboo

Scare Factor- 5/5-This was my first experience at Midway Wicked Woods and I was shocked at how scary it was! When we first got there, we rode on this tractor pulled wagon with a lot of other people. I thought we would be safe, (as you know there is safety in numbers) but it didn’t work out that way. We are riding down this road with the tractor headlights cut off. I started to worry that some monsters may show up, and they did in a big way. No sooner had we come to the entrance to the woods than at least 3 chainsaw wielding clowns attacked our wagon. They yelled at us to get off the wagon, and when we did they chased us all around the queue line area and had me dodging and ducking trying to get away from them. Because of this, I became paranoid before we ever entered the wicked woods and kept looking over my shoulder. When we did enter the woods, the people in line were separated into small groups and I was terrified. This set the tone for the rest of the attraction.

Actors- 5/5-These actors were very in your face and intense! I didn’t really expect such enthusiasm from them and they really seemed to enjoy traumatizing everybody. I thought the clowns were especially scary and couldn’t wait to get away from them.

Set Design/Props/FX 4/5- The sets were well designed and there were many props to startle you as you walk through this attraction. I really liked the dark maze at the end. It was so dark you couldn’t see anything. I didn’t know if we were going to be able to get out of there, and was were worried what else was in there with us. The maze is very narrow and makes you feel like the walls are closing in on you.

Length-5/5- I thought the length was perfect. We were in the woods for at least an hour or longer.

Overall-4.5/5- I had a great time in the wicked woods. I was pleasantly surprised with everything about this attraction. I wouldn’t recommend this attraction for young children because a couple were in the wagon with us and started crying before they ever went through. For everyone else it is great fun and I will definitely be going back again!

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Submitted by: Julie
Date attended: 10/6/11

Scare Factor - 4/5  I got spooked several times going through this haunt; by actors, by props, by atmosphere. I've said it before: I'm scared of the dark. And walking through the maze at Midway, in the front of the line, is scary. My expectations were set high while walking the path up to the main attraction. I could see the actor coming towards me, but when he totally blocked my way, that's getting in my personal space, which also makes me anxious.

Actors - 4.5/5  There are lots of actors here, and they do a great job with makeup and costumes. They get into your face, your space, they block your way, they make you scream, especially in that dark maze.

Set Design/Props/FX - 4.5/5  The sets and props here are outstanding for this size haunt.  The strobe lights always throw me off, and these were set out very strategically. I jumped in several places, but don't want to give anything away. If you're claustrophobic, you are going to be especially freaked out by some of the areas. A new one this year made me glad I'm not fatter than I am! As it was I had to squeeze through sideways. Beware!

Length - 5/5  The length was perfect for me. Plenty of sets, plenty of scares. It takes a while to get started as they were limiting the size of the groups to about 5. That's a good thing to me, as it's not such a big group that everyone doesn't get to see the scares. My friend and I went with a group of 3 teenagers. They wanted to go in first, but decided I should lead about halfway through. Fun times.

Other   - 5/5 Wait time was minimal this year. I do hope the economy is not going to affect these haunts too much. After showing my Frightseeker ID to get in, I got a free upgrade to VIP, but didn't really need it as we got on the next hayride after getting wrist bands. Midway Wicked Woods is in Statesville, right off 40, so it's easy to find. There was plenty of parking Friday around 8:30.

Overall Impression - 4.5/5 I love this haunt, and have been visiting it every year since I found it. You get great value for your money, they offer discounts/coupons on their website, and the staff and actors obviously enjoy what they're doing.  I would highly recommend a visit if you haven't been, and think you will be coming back. Bring a friend (or 4) if you're afraid of the dark. Or creepy clowns.  Or scary people with chainsaws. Or getting squished. Or walking on weird, spongy floors. Especially if you're afraid of the dark.

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
10/08/11
Handfulofrubies
 
Scare Factor: 4/5 After experiencing the wait in line I was definitely on edge. Jumped several times. Scares came from places I totally didn't expect them. Actors scared me, moving props scared me, and the dark, claustrophobic area of the maze definitely made me uncomfortable.
 
Actors: 5/5 The actors at Midway were great. Once you get on the hayride the scares begin. I have to say the clowns are very interactive; don't be surprised if you're face to face with one or more of them. Once we hit the second waiting area, the entertainment and scares were amped up. The actors really have fun tormenting the timid ones. I saw so many
people running, hiding, and jumping to get away from them. I can't say the sight of a clown scares me. I actually intended on winning my staring contest, but someone clowning around on top of a building totally distracted me, lol, and got the whole crowd of people around me asking who Josie was. Once inside the haunt, the actors were great, and
scared us several time as we went through. The clowns have mastered the creepy laugh by the way. I appreciated the extra attention we received as Frightseekers.
 
Sets/Props/FX: 4/5 It's been a couple years since I had been, and things had changed. Definitely more scares  this year than I remember. I jumped several times. The coffin room was cool; I thought for sure I was going to get hit by one, definitely scared me. I loved the use of fog in different areas as well. Also loved the maze. The first time, two years
ago, we were to scared and skipped it. It was really disorienting and there were several times I thought, "how are we going to make it out?" Had we not seen the light by the exit from someone else escaping, I don't think we would have made it out for awhile.
 
Length: 4/5 It was a great length, I felt satisfied.

Overall: 4.5/5 I loved Midway, so much that I'll be going back another time this year. That alone is a testament to how much I enjoyed it.

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Dated Attended : 10/8/2011
Submitted By: Radiant_Red
 
Scare Factor - 5/5 Let me begin by saying we got the "special" Frightseekers treatment. By that I mean, they were merciless. I was hyped and on alert from the hazing we got before we even entered the first scene. Once inside we had barely begun and something wicked grabbed my leg and I have never jumped so far or high I can't even remember, I just know that they got me. I was startled and paranoid throughout. I was always looking over my shoulder. The maze was pretty terrifying for me because I am claustrophobic.
 
Actors - 5/5 I could write an entire paragraph about the evil comedic clowns. I don't like clowns. In fact I hate clowns. I was traumatized by watching "It" when I was little. I have been a little desensitized seeing them at other haunts, but these clowns were determined to make you uncomfortable. They invade your personal space and get in your face, not even just one at a time, it could be two or even three. They a cause quite a ruckus. Oh and if they learn your name....good luck.  They have lots of fun calling you and harassing you even more. Several times actors blocked my way and some of them had the most creepy voices I have heard at a haunt. Deep taunting tones. Especially when we thought were were alone in the maze for a moment and a low rough voice revealed we weren't.
 
Set Design/Props/FX - 4/5 Everything seemed new to me this year, because it has changed so much since we visited in 2009. I think there are more indoor scenes than in the past. It's so dark and they use good distraction techniques and strobe lights. There is an exceptional coffin room, that messed with me. I wasn't sure if the people behind us would make it through. The maze is something else. Scariest maze I have gone through. It's pitch black and shocking. We actually skipped it in the past and I told myself I had to be brave this year and go through it.
 
Length -4/5 It felt longer this year. There were some scares that left me gasping, and we were thirsty by the time we got through.  I left satisfied.
 
Overall Impression 4.5/5 - It hit all my expectations and goals of coming to a haunted attraction. I jumped, I screamed, I laughed, and I cringed. Though its early in the season, Midway might be my new favorite. I have already bought a ticket to come back and I hope to bring some new blood with me.
 
Other- It was pretty busy when we got there around 9:30. Had a pretty long wait. But the wait after the wagon ride is entertaining. I recommend getting there early, it will be a lot busier closer to Halloween.

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Submitted by: packbacker
Date attended:  10/23/11

 
Scare Factor: 5/5
They didn't get me but they got every single other person in our group.  The scares started before the hayride even took off.  The clown truck....marvelous.  Walking up to the queue at the first house one member of our group was suddenly surrounded by clowns.  They never grabbed her but were so close she could not move.  I watched a 20 something guy reduced to tears by the same clowns. Names are utilized very well here....hearing your name echo through the house is creepy.  It seems like there are people and things coming from all directions in the first house.  The woods themselves don't let up, though.  Chainsaws galore, creepy flooring, a few well placed animatronics, and the maze......oh that maze
is the best one I've encountered. Oh- and you may get wet....     
 
Actors: 5/5
Can I give this a higher rating?  This is not inflated due to a message board poster being a lead actor here....across the board these guys are great.  The initial "clown posse" is quite possibly the most intimidating group of actors I've ever encountered.  I was in tears I was laughing so hard at how they terrorized everyone...including a toddler!  The guys in the house and woods knew how to hold a scare...all parts of the group (front, middle, back) got attention.  They also didn't let up...if you showed fear you are in trouble!

Sets/Props/FX: 4/5
The clown car is awesome...I want to own it!  There are a good mix of fixed set pieces, small animatronics, and excellent use of lighting.  My favorite room was the green-ish laser room with the mannequins.  Simple yet thoroughly effective.  The bed in the first house is ingenious.  I'm not sure the budget of this haunt but they get every penny out of it.  Also I need to give special mention to the doll room....creepy!  So simple to use the painting on the wall which easily evokes the thoughts of creepy, killer children. 
 
Length: 5/5
I was sweating at the end...perfect length.  My only real complaint...need someone to scare folks at the end of the maze.  It was a bit anti-climactic to pop out of the maze without being harassed and head to the vortex.
 
Other:
The haunt is easy to find off of I-40.  It was a pleasure chatting with people while waiting on the next hayride.  There's just a very congenial, personable feel to the place. 

Overall: 5/5
This is my runaway #1 haunt of the season to date.  This is everything I want in a haunted house/trail.  Everyone is different in what they are looking for but this one pushed all of my buttons.  It doesn't have the crazy props like some of the bigger ones in the area...but they don't need them.  They utilize darkness, solid acting, varied scares, manageable groups, and most importantly- passion for the job.  Every single person there seemed to LOVE what they were doing and gave 110%.  I don't believe for a second it's because we were Frightseekers...these folks just love to scare people.  I'm still a little bit giddy sitting here a day later writing a review....bravo, bravo.

[Slappy]

Midway Wicked Woods
Submitted by: mjones
Date Attended: 10/23

Scare Factor: 5/5
Hands down, best haunt I’ve been to this year.  Midway has always been good, but this year they’ve really honed in on what they do best, and that’s mess with you!  You don’t like tight spaces in the dark, well you’ll be winding through this maze for 15 minutes without seeing a thing!  You don’t like scary clowns in your face, how about 4 on every side of you!  It was relentless and beautiful!

Actors: 5/5
Where to start!  The highlights of the actors are the clowns, first they pull up next to your hayride in their impossible little golf cart to jump on and flash their chainsaws, then they’re back when you’re in line to get you again, and again.  And Mr. Blood...bravo, sir!  I was told you were just 19, and we had a whole debate about whether that could be true, cause nobody that age could ad lib that long while being that mean to people without losing it or at least cussing at somebody!  And it just goes from there...they get your name and it’s game on, they invade your space with a vengeance and just won’t move, they really seem to want the scare in a way that actors at other trails just don’t.  Fantastic work across the board!

Sets/Props/FX: 4/5
Most of the sets are pretty low tech, actually, but this is more about the actors and the darkness, to be honest.  The maze is great because you think you must be at the end about three times before you actually make it through.  I also really loved the green laser room, completely disorienting!  And speaking of which, I’m not sure what does it, but their vortex makes me feel dizzier than any of the others I’ve been to.  I think it’s the lone hockey mask at the end of it.  I think the focal point in the dark heightens the effect.  Excellent work here, too!

Length: 5/5
Sometimes I wake up thinking I’m still in that stupid maze!

Overall: 5/5
Admittedly, we got the Frightseeker “special treatment,” so I’m sure they were extra game for us, but it really seems like they’d do that to anybody.  The secret here is the love of the game from the actors.  These guys really like what they’re doing, and it really shows.  Location’s perfect, easy access, good and long, loads of fun, way legit scares, this haunt has really risen up over the last few years.  For me, this is the standard bearer this year.  There’s still time, go!

[krb187]

Thank you to both you guys for the kind words! And yeah mjones I acually am only 19 haha, the ad-libbing is just a gift I suppose. Can't wait to see you guys back out on Sunday!