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Mansion of Terror

It's a Dark and Scary Place

About.com Rating five out of Five

From Phynix Cantu with Lydia Boiko, for About.com

Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006

Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006

Photo © Lydia Boiko
2007 Reviews: Mansion of Terror Slaughter Circus and Pitch Dark 2

Looking for a good scare and a lot of fun? That is, if being trapped in dark places with strangers, strange noises, and strange surroundings is your idea of fun. The Mansion of Terror offers a double dose of both. Offering two attractions, Pitch Dark and Asylum of Darkness, each is a well-produced show with elaborate sets and experienced actors. This is a scary and exciting haunted house. You never know what to expect -- but do expect great entertainment.

Great New Location; Scary New Attraction at the Mansion of Terror

In 2005 the Mansion of Terror was at Austin's Northcross Mall. The new location is in Sky Ridge Plaza in Round Rock. Pitch Dark replaces the lighter Screamatoria 3D. According to owner Norm Glenn, the Screamatoria wasn't as much of a hit as they had hoped so they decided to go for something darker and scarier this year.

Movie magic adds to the realism this year. Winner of the Lions Gate Films "Best Haunted House of America Contest," -- a contest done to help promote the Halloween release of Saw II -- this year the Mansion of Terror integrates elements of the film, along with trained actors and Hollywood-style props giving it that extra scary edge.

You'll find the Mansion of Terror at:
2000 South IH 35
Round Rock, Texas 78681
Exit 251 behind the Taco Cabana
576-9570

You're given two choices of themed adventures. Do one or do both.

Pitch Dark in the Mansion of Terror

Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006
Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006
Photo © Lydia Boiko
The newest attraction lives up to its name. It's dark and creepy, keeps you in suspense -- it's to die for. A hidden entrance is just one of the many tricks you'll encounter in Pitch Dark. Each group that goes through receives a single flashlight -- only useful if you're the one that gets to use it. There's just enough light to witness the horror of your surroundings but lose track of your group and you could be left stumbling around in the darkness. Sound effects, costumed characters, and surprises lurking in the darkness and around the corner add to the excitement and keep you guessing. As the name implies, it's pitch dark, making the experience that much more frightening. You almost have the feeling you just entered a horror movie set. Are you afraid of the dark?

Asylum of Darkness Within the Mansion of Terror

If the screams don't send chillls down your spine while you're waiting in line, just wait until you enter the Asylum. Pay attention to the riddle you'll receive upon first entering or you might not make it out. Claustrophobic? Beware. If you're not careful you could get lost in the maze of narrow strobe-lit corridors along with those imprisoned in their cells and others who seem to appear out of nowhere. Asylum staff trapped in the walls have one goal -- to turn visitors like you into permanent residents.

Scares for Charity at the Mansion of Terror

Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006
Scenes from The Mansion of Terror 2006
Photo © Lydia Boiko
Each year the haunted house raises money for a local charity. For 2006, the Mansion of Terror is supporting the new Dell's Children's Medical Center scheduled for completion by June 2007.

Admission to the Mansion of Terror

Pick up a $2.00 coupon at area Goodwill Stores

General Admission
Pitch Dark $12 per person
Asylum of Darkness $12 per person

Combo Pass
$16 per person for admission to both attractions

Buy Tickets Online
Save time and purchase tickets online.

Initially open only on weekends, beginning October 26 the Mansion of Terror is open every night from 7p to midnight through Halloween night 2006.

Also see Jacci and Lyla's Behind the Screams at the Mansion of Terror Special Report

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