The Scare-A-Torium-“Rip Stinker’s Revenge”
Genre: Haunted House
Location: 1501 E Dublin Granville Road
Columbus, OH43229
Runtime: 20 min
Website: www.scareatorium.com
2009 was the inaugural year for The Scare-A-Torium. The first time we visited in 2009, the crowd was very small and I was honesty worried if this haunt would be around the following year. Fast forward to 2010 and the crowds are so big that the line for tickets is out the door. Would The Scare-A-Torium improve in a year or would it stay the same?
This is City Blood’s 2010 review of The Scare-A-Torium.
What’s Good About The Haunt?
Scare-a-torium is ran by Kelly and Neena Collins, producers of the Midwest Haunters Convention. Their haunt before Scare-A-Torium was Terror Park. It took place inside Cooper Stadium in Columbus, OH. These haunt entrepreneurs know exactly what they are doing and are experienced at running a professional attraction. They are even part of an acting troupe called “Feature Creatures”, a group of skilled actors who perform at different haunts in Central Ohio.
When you first arrive you’ll notice that the old Big Bear Store has been changed to the Big Fear Store. Once you step inside you’ll be pretty impressed. A large castle like facade towers over customers and gives off a haunting effect for those who dare enter The Scare-A-Torium. This year black plastic has been placed on top of The Scare-A-Torium facade to help create a darker haunt without letting any light in from the outside.
The Scare-A-Torium uses a wide variety of rooms to scare even the most timid of people. The sets are also pretty detailed. You won’t see any black plastic at The Scare-A-Torium. Scenes range from a crypt full of large animated vampire bats to Rip Stinkers Fun House. There have been many new effects and surprises added to this section of the haunt. You’ll notice that it’s much more detailed and creative. Watch out for the actor who hides among the cotton candy or the large clown mouth that opens. There’s even a laser light tunnel above a shaking bridge. When walking through Scare-A-Torium, look for the portrait of a clown with a spiked collar. This is of course co-owner Kelly Collins playing one of his alter egos.
The new and improved Rip Stinkers Fun House is well, fun. But there is much more to experience at The Scare-A-Torium. You’ll walk through a hallway full of animated skeletons and even a cemetery with as many caskets as the eye can see. There’s something for everyone at The Scare-A-Torium and a few things you may notice or not. A good example of this is in the biohazard room that features a classic animatronic of a ghoul puking his guts out. The makers have enhanced this scene by adding the scent of vomit. At least I think the scent of vvomit was added for effect.
The actors at Scare-A-Torium have great dialogue and some pretty impressive makeup. The best actor of the night has to go to the clown Bob in the opening funeral parlor scene. He’s funny and scary at the same time. The Scare-A-Torium has great design, a good cast of actors and some pretty inventive scenes.
What’s Bad About The Haunt?
There are a few scenes that need better lighting. This is obvious in the casket cemetery where the lighting is very dim to the point where it looks like the power has been cut to the building. Some Mini LED Spotlights would add more depth to some of the darker areas of the haunt. A couple scenes leading up to the casket cemetery didn’t have any actors and it had me wondering if I took the wrong path or if I was going the right way.
Customer Service:
After you’re finished touring The Scare-A-Torium, you’ll exit into Costume Find. Costume Find is a Halloween store that sells props, novelties, costumes and everything you could ever want for a fun party or Halloween night. If you are hungry afterwards you can grab a bite to eat at the local White Castles.
$15 seems to be the going rate for haunts in Columbus, OH. This is a little high for one attraction, so be sure to register and print out a coupon available on Scare-A-Torium’s website.
Final Thoughts:
It’s a shame that Scare-A-Torium will have to find a new location for the 2011 season. This is a very good haunt that focuses on great design, skilled actors and some creative scares. You owe it to yourself to visit The Scare-A-Torium in Columbus, OH. It’s one of the most enjoyable haunts around.
Length-9 Design-8 Props/Animatronics-8 Acting-9 Scare Effect-8
Official Score – 8.4