DFW Haunted Houses: Score 9.5

Review Date: Saturday, October 4th 2008
Time: 11:15pm
Origial Page: http://www.dfwhauntedhouses.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=112

Atmosphere
The 13th Street Morgue occupies the old barn on the Reindeer Manor property. This building all by itself is creepy and holds special characteristics that add to the overall feel of the morgue. You could not ask for a better atmosphere! The area is completely secluded in the middle of farm land, and the dirt driveway to the parking area is spooky enough to get in the mood. Blasts of fire briefly light the skies between the trees, and you still have to take the hayride to get to the actual haunt grounds.

Set Design/Detail/Floor Plan
13th Street Morgue uses a combination of carefully detailed scenes combined with natural features of the building to create a very consistently themed haunt. The entire story of the morgue unravels perfectly through the dark entry, into the graveyards, upstairs to the mortuary, and through the home. We saw a great number of improvements and additions that developed the theme even further. I feel that everyone could appreciate the amazingly authentic props, authentic-looking spider webs, and added accents throughout that make the morgue truly feel like a real place. The most notable expansions can be found in the graveyard where additional graves (some occupied) and structures seem to lengthen the walking area.

Live Actors (Performance/Enthusiasm/Costumes)
The 13th Street Morgue acting crew has definitely grown larger since last year, and we noticed how much of a difference that made. Everywhere you turn, there is another actor, and each actor seems highly experienced. The first actor you see uses the light behind him to cast an eerie axe shadow on the wall in front of you as you pass through the first hallway (which we found rather creative since the actor’s role does not speak, but opens the door for you and follows you inside). The graveyard is also packed full of very interesting and creepy characters. We absolutely loved the new addition of a woman hung by a chain in the hall. The actors actively interact with you- sometimes lightly touching your shoulder, or maybe just smelling your hair or neck- so that adds even more creepiness to the experience.

Admission Price vs. Length (Entertainment Value)
The 13th Street Morgue clocks in around 12-15 minutes. We highly recommend seeing all three attractions at Reindeer Manor. The combo ticket is $30 using the $5 online coupon, and this is quite reasonable for the length and entertainment provided. However, if you cannot afford a combo, the 13th Street Morgue is almost worth the drive out to Red Oak all by itself!

Overall Experience/Summary/Misc. Information
13th Street Morgue has been one of our favorites for a couple of years now, and our members agree. Winner of the DFWHauntedHouses.com 2006 Member’s Choice Award, and a very close 2nd place in 2007, the morgue delivers something very different to the haunt industry that everyone seems to love. This year was no different, because the morgue continues to build and improve for a lasting and memorable experience. I highly recommend the 13th Street Morgue to anyone looking for a good scare, great atmosphere, and authentic surroundings. Detailed scenes and creatively place actors make the 13th Street Morgue another must see haunt for 2008, and it should appeal to almost all types of audiences.

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