It's been a top-notch Halloween haunted house for a few years now and this year is no different -- or maybe it is different because it keeps changing. I felt the scare-factor was up a notch this year but the most outstanding part of the House of Torment is the incredible set. The monsters, ghouls, and psychotic clowns were excellent as well.
Tormenting You Before You Even Go Inside the House of Torment
Some evenings the line can get long but the wait is seldom dull. For one thing, in this configuration of the house the line waiting to enter is right near the exit where guests come streaming and screaming out. Costumed actors (or, is that the way they always look -- I recognized several creatures from previous visits) stroll through the waiting area taunting and teasing.
You'll find the House of Torment: In a building behind Highland Mall, across from Foley's
523 Highland Mall Blvd
Austin, Texas
Twists and Turns and Devilish Details in the House of Torment
As in the past, the House of Torment provides a tortuously twisted journey down dark hallways and through a maze of rooms. The ghouls have been remodeling so don't expect the same configuration as the year before. There are more doors to pass through and in most rooms it's not readily apparent which way you should go -- and of course the inhabitants take advantage of your confusion.During those times when you're able, take a moment to admire the details -- paintings on the wall, furniture in the rooms. It may take a couple of trips to take it all in because just when you start feeling a bit comfortable, another surprise springs out at you -- from the side, from behind, from in front of you, above you, or below, or from that piece of artwork you were admiring.
All Alone in the Dark of the House of Torment
Although the house is fairly dark, it's rarely total darkness. However the light that comes in through the cracks, the strobe effects, and other flashes of light mess with your vision and are not enough to clearly see most of the time. You'll frequently find yourself feeling your way along the walls (be careful! the wall may be alive). Isolation enhances the experience so try to keep your distance from the group in front but don't slow down so much that the group of guests behind you catches up. It's fun to be scared so take advantage of each opportunity.Admission to the House of Torment in Austin Texas for 2006
General Admission:
$13.00 per person with additional trips $5 each
For $20 get a "Keep Austin Scary" t-shirt with your trip.
All night pass ($20), group rates, and discounts available as well.
Hours of Operation:
Weekends (Fri-Sat-Sun) from 7pm-midnight through the 15th.
7pm-midnight every night from the 19th through 31th.
Nov 3-4 - 7pm-midnight
