Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror (Springfield, OH)
“Springfield’s Classic Haunt”
By Noah Wullkotte: jollypumpkin@aol.com
Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror in Springfield, Ohio is a haunt that we’ve been going to for years. You could call it a hidden gem. A massive tree stands tall above a spooky four story hotel built in 1858. Two grim reapers with scythes guard the entrance. Enter at your own risk and experience one of Ohio’s must see haunts. This is City Blood’s 2019 review of Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror.
Face Your Fears has come a long way since we first visited years ago. The place was packed the night we were there and rightfully so. This is one of the most impressive haunts in the state of Ohio without a doubt. You’re in for a wild ride especially if you choose the touch pass. You’ll be given a glow necklace to wear around your neck. This alerts actors that you don’t mind being touched. You’ll experience 15 minutes of fear featuring detailed scenes of horror, torture and mayhem.
A ghostly presence makes books move in the haunted library. There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide at Face Your Fears. Zombies bust out of a boarded up wall and try to grab a hold of you. A poor soul couldn’t handle what he was experiencing. You can see that he hanged himself and his body is lifeless. Many of the scenes are themed after a haunted hotel, but there are some rooms that aren’t. That’s fine because it makes the haunt more unpredictable.
One of the most impressive scenes is the haunted lake. Cross a bridge before coming face to face with a large werewolf. This actor isn’t playing around. I was picked up and placed on his shoulders before being lifted up in the air. He proceeded to howl in my face before putting me down. This is an intense scene with a simulated thunder storm. It’s pretty unforgettable.
There are a lot of creative scenes and special effects at Face Your Fears. You’ll be thrown into a tailspin as you enter the vortex tunnel that goes around and around. Flight of the Bumblebee plays in the background. The swamp features thick fog with green laser lights. Watch out as some twisted freaks try to get you. Paranormal investigators would have a field day at this haunted hotel.
Portraits come alive and the basement holds a dark secret. There are many characters you’ll interact with in the dark and damp basement. A zombie feasts on the flesh of his victim that he’s ripped apart. I was caught off guard as I was forced into a chair before witnessing a chainsaw maniac tear into a man. He was using a unique chainsaw that you have to see for yourself. There’s a reason why this character is named “Carver”. He’s going to carve you from the inside out.
Psychopaths have invaded Face Your Fears. There are some out of this world characters that aren’t afraid to get a little physical. A wild boar faced killer stands on stilts as he charges you with his large murder weapon. I was even attacked by another actor with what appeared to be an electric saw. Your fears and phobias can be found at Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror. You’re in for a treat rather you have a fear of clowns, the living dead, serial killers and everything in between.
General admission is $15. It’s an extra $2 for the touch pass which gives the actors full rein to be up close and personal. So, be prepared to be touched. A VIP Line Pass is $25 and you can skip the line completely for $35. Both the VIP and Skip the Line Pass include the Touch Pass. It’s Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 19th. Tickets are $13 a piece or $25 per couple. You must mention Sweetest Day and no other discount can be applied. This year Face Your Fears has added a photo op station near the entrance. It features a zombie on his knees that has a giant pipe wrench shoved through the top of his head. A Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror backdrop is in the background.
You’ll notice various props before getting in line. There’s a zombie that’s dressed like a parking attendant, a pumpkin creature strapped to a cross and more. Various horror movies play on the movie screen and there’s a large fire pit to keep you warm and toasty on a cool fall night. Ron’s Holy Smokin BBQ had a trailer set up the night we visited. We regret not trying some of the BBQ since it smelled delicious.
Face Your Fears has been one of our favorite haunts over the years and they’re always bringing something fresh and new to the table. It’s a frightful haunt that exploits your fears and phobias. You would be a fool not to check them out this haunt season.
Length-8 Design-9 Props/Animatronics-8 Acting-9 Scare Effect-9
Final Stab: 8.6
www.faceyourfearshaunt.com