Fright Manor (Indianapolis, IN)
“Eerie Indiana”
By Noah Wullkotte: Jollypumpkin@aol.com
Indianapolis is a breeding ground for quality attractions and Fright Manor is one of the longest running. Years ago, paranormal investigators attempted to find evidence of ghostly activity inside Fright Manor and their results were conclusive. One of their psychics picked up on some energy and determined that a spirit by the name of Adam roams the halls of Fright Manor.
Adam is a young boy that passed away many years ago and he sometimes makes his presence known inside the haunt. Whether Adam exists or not is debatable. Fright Manor has a rich history dating back to 1982 when it was known as The Haunted Gym. It’s had different locations over the years including a little league baseball field and of course changed its name. Fright Manor has been around in some shape or form for over 30 years and City Blood has been reviewing them for nearly 10.
Last year’s debut attraction, Zombie Alley is the first haunt you’ll experience at Fright Manor. A member of your group is given a shotgun that flashes and makes a loud pop when you shoot a zombie. The attraction has been relocated inside which makes it darker and much creepier. Even if you’re not the one shooting, you’ll definitely have fun watching your group leader gun down mindless flesh eaters. There are plenty of actors and I even noticed one zombie animatronic pop up. It lasts 5-7 minutes.
Fright Manor consists of 5 haunts, but we consider them themed areas since you’re not waiting in line. It’s a smooth transition from one to the other. The haunts are Zombie Alley, 13 Nightmares, Southside Sanitarium, The Butcher Shop and Uncle Jed’s Revenge.
You’ll enter different scenes such as a nuclear wasteland, a walk through refrigerator, a dark swamp, haunted woods, a brain surgery room, Camp Crystal Lake and more. One of our favorite new scenes is the suicide reenactment. The actress plating the poor woman does a great job in convincing customers that she can’t take it anymore. She ends her life by placing a gun to her temple and pulling the trigger.
Many of our favorite scenes are located in Southside Sanitarium. The new shock therapy room is really unique in how it’s lighted and features a man being electrocuted in a bath tub. Fright Manor has high tech props in just about every other scene. Everything from a man eating werewolf to a grandma in a rocking chair can be seen at Fright manor. Fright Manor has multiple Claustrophobia Tunnels as well.
Fright Manor is 25 minutes long and there’s always something interesting to look at or an actor who will try to frighten you. The lighting could be improved in areas and the acting isn’t consistent. There are some good actors, but then there are some who resort to using power tools or just jump out at you. But considering how many scenes there are, it would be difficult to have a perfect cast.
Tickets are $20 a piece. This is a great deal considering the entire experience is close to 30 minutes. FFA, Police, Firefighters and Military with ID pay only $15. Click here for a $2 off coupon. Please visit www.indyhaunts.com where you can find some of the best haunts in Indianapolis. Fright Manor and other local haunts are working together this season to help promote each other. Concessions are available onsite in the concessions trailer. You can get chips, soda, chili and more at reasonable prices.
Fright Manor is a blast and a great way to spend your night with family and friends. It’s reasonable for what they offer and there’s something for everyone. Fright Manor is one of our favorite haunts in Indiana and hopefully you’ll have a good time while screaming your head off.
Length-9 Design-8 Props/Animatronics-8 Acting-8 Scare Effect-8
Final Stab: 8.2
www.frightmanor.com