It’s been 15 years of Scarefest this year is, crazy right? It is a tradition for us every year and this year of course was no exception. So, let’s have a chat about the mazes & entertainment etc.
Scare mazes were kindly gifted to us from Alton Towers which we are incredibly thankful for. However, all opinions are our own and not influenced by this fact.
The Invitation – 1/5
Let’s start with the fact I headed into this attraction entirely open-minded. Of course, you had to be non-existent on social media not to see the initial response people had to it. If you are sensitive to noise scares this could be terrific. For me, that doesn’t quite do it. It’s not horrendous as there are factors which are fantastic such as the queue line is wonderful & the possibility is there just wasn’t quite fulfilled. So, the audio itself is eerily clear it genuinely does feel quite life-like. One of my gripes about this was the amount of behind-you-style audio yet you knew it was unbelievable given there is a wall there. That illusion is instantly disregarded by the fact you know there are walls on either side of you & behind you. Something which did work quite well was the physical effects of the timing of the audio. I think if this is a long-term style of attraction then add VR. As much as I don’t like VR it definitely would have made it more profitable. VR with touching or simply something more visual. But it is a very unique attraction one worth attempting if you haven’t done something of that kind previously. I would much of preferred if Toxic Junkyard had returned though in all honesty.
Darkest Depths – 2/5
To me, it felt as if it went back to the lower an age-rating version of this maze. The setting is iconic to the theming & those sets never get old & always look stunning. Oddly enough the acting quality varied quite a lot throughout. We had some respectable scares from a few actors & actresses who were in top form. But some also didn’t move too far from their spot in the sets and never really tried to scare anyone but instead stood waving their arms around. In previous years we have had stronger run-throughs than this year and perhaps it’s the weakest this maze has ever been. If it stays in the future it would be tremendous to see a few more actors giving it their all as the select few insides did. I am aware that post visiting there was a staffing issue which could justify the encounter we had.
Altonville Mine Tours – 3.5/5
7 years of this maze and I only keep growing fonder (unpopular opinion, I am aware)! The cast throughout was persistently on the ball getting the maximum scares they could within brief spaces of time. I had one dude scare me at least 3/4 times continually. The entire setting, theming, audio & smells just make this maze feel so genuine. My main fault I found was just how quickly it was over. It also felt as if there was a lack of actors but the ones who were present did try their best. Last year’s run-through was the strongest for us. As much as I would love this maze to be replaced by something fresh I would also be gutted to see it leave too.
The Attic – 5/5
Last year this maze was the weakest of the bunch for us. However, it soon reclaimed its title as the best. There was not a single fault. The scares given were traumatic & made me reach the point I genuinely considered asking to be taken out. We met every single character in this walk through (spoiler – the dolls, creepy little girl like casts & demon etc). The screams coming from me were genuinely pure Qi terror. I wouldn’t have been able to cope if this maze was any longer in all honesty. The finale was as grim as ever especially given this time the demon spoke and stroked my face! I feel it has that benefit of the location working so well in its favour and the added theming into it just makes unforgivably creepy. I have always found the actors to use their space & character perfectly too. That really creepy run off they do into their hidey holes to then reappear somewhere you least expected is so eerie. They never do it out of character neither they run like a creepy little doll/girl. It is flawless.
Entertainment including Roaming Team & Shows:
The Alton Ancestors returned for another season which was fab to see. I had my concerns given Duel’s closure at the moment. But their flash mob has been modified to suit the current popular music of today which is always refreshing but still keeping those classics too. I feel as if the costumes have been switched up as well which again refreshing to see. I always enjoy catching their flash mobs and feel they are a staple amongst Scarefest.
For yet another year there was no roaming scare zones in additions to the mazes. I believe also no roaming team this year whereas it got reintroduced last season. The park does fall from the lack of additional roamers in the areas that don’t end up with much Scarefest activity within. A couple of scare zones and the event could be taken to a new level of great.
The central source of entertainment is on the lawns and on that stage. With the time of year, some more undercover seating could be great for there. At this stage, there are numerous shows to catch throughout the day with times advertised on the app as well as around the edge of the lawns. You can catch the freaky five shows on here as well some dance & singing shows too. I manage to catch the majority and I thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Overall:
To me, it is THE event of the year of Towers. There’s so much fun to be had. Although I do agree with the fact there needs to be a shake-up for next year’s event in regards to mazes & the reintroduction into scare zones there’s no denying these are beautifully themed attractions that continue to pack a punch. I truly do hope & have said this for years now that we see some more spooks added to the areas without any Scarefest festivities happening within.
—-
What do you think to this years event? Thank you so much for reading & be sure to share your thoughts!
