Fright Manor (Indianapolis, IN)
“Horror Classics and Crazy Killers”
By Noah Wullkotte: jollypumpkin@aol.com
Fright Manor is an old school haunt at heart and that’s what we love about them. You’re not going to see the biggest and baddest animatronics, but you are going to have one hell of a good time. If you enjoy attractions that rely on a creepy atmosphere and scary actors then you’re in for a real treat. This haunt consists of two attractions. These are Deadville and Theatre of Pain. We consider these sections that form one large haunt. It’s 20 minutes of terror with a plethora of rooms that will make you go home crying to mamma.
Fright Manor has quite a few horror movie characters and classic monsters. A gorilla paces back and fourth behind a cage. Don’t let him out or he will tear you from limb to limb. The actor grunts and groans as you walk past him. Michael Myers stalks his victims and is waiting for you. The Shape emerges from the darkness when you least expect him. You’ll never out run the boogeyman no matter how slow he walks. That’s a promise.
Jason Voorhees is seen multiple times at Fright Manor. The glow in the dark Jason Mask room is a crowd-pleaser and a scene you rarely see at haunts anymore. Which mask belongs to an actual actor and are you prepared for them to jump out at you? Don’t let the Camp Crystal Lake killer get you! Scream’s Ghostface can be found in the Theatre of Pain. He’s in front of a projector screen that’s playing a fright flick.
Art the Clown has some of the creepiest mannerisms just like in the Terrifier film franchise. He’s quite funny as well. Fright Manor doesn’t have an Exorcist scene, but there is a realistic Regan MacNeil mannequin that looks like it’s straight out of the 1973 shocker. May the power of Christ Compel you! We must say that we missed seeing Freddy Krueger. Fright Manor had one of the best portrayals of the Dream Demon.
Some scenes could be more elaborate. The graveyard is quite spooky and features plenty of fog. But a zombie horde would definitely improve it. More tombstones would also enhance the experience. There are plenty of caskets though. You never know what’s lurking in the shadows at this old school haunt. Fright Manor isn’t exactly an interactive haunt where the actors touch you, but they do get close. Some are holding high powered power tools. There are even a few chainsaw maniacs that are out for blood. The lighting is pretty decent, but then there are times where it’s a little hard seeing some of the props. Small LED spot lights could definitely improve things.
There are plenty of eye catching props inside Fright Manor. My favorite is the skeleton that shakes metal bars in front of him. The ghoul peeing in a toilet had me taking a second look. Fright Manor does a good job mixing humor with horror. The vicious junkyard dog might have a case of rabies. This isn’t a very physical haunt, but there are times where you might need to duck or crawl. There are a variety of claustrophobia tunnels. One is low lying. I felt like I was in quick sand. Fright Manor has a great laser swamp. It’s one of those things that every other haunt has these days.
Fright Manor is chock full of scenes. A vibrating bridge has falling barrels. I was given a sledge hammer in the clown house before Art the Clown eventually took it from me later in the haunt. Other scenes include cold storage, a haystack scene, a butcher shop, and much much more. The funeral parlor featured a crying widow. Additional music would enhance some scenes. Overall, Fright Manor is one of those haunts that’s dark and mysterious. It features some modern technology and a few horror movie characters here and there. It’s reminiscent of haunts in years past.
Standard tickets are $25 a piece. FFA Members get in for only $15, but must show proper ID. You can go through twice on Fridays for only $35. Admission is $20 for military, police and firefighters with ID. It’s only $20 admission for senior citizens with ID. Get $5 off for Friday night football. Bring ticket stub for discount. A Fast Pass is an additional $10. Portions of the proceeds benefit the Southport Little League. Parking is free. Fright Manor offers various concessions like nachos, soft pretzels, hot dogs and more.
Fright Manor is very memorable and an old school haunt at heart. Haunts are meant to be frightfully fun and Fright Manor exemplifies that.
Length-9 Design-7 Props-8 Acting-8 Scare Effect-8
Final Stab: 8.0
www.frightmanor.com