Post by liverpoolmom on Oct 18, 2010 16:31:56 GMT -5
I just learned of this site and after reading the above comment and looking at some of the reviews for the other local attractions(Fright night, place in Sterling) etc..most of them not good reviews I wanted to share my families experience at Hilltop Ranch. We were there last Saturday Oct. 9 on a friends suggestion.
We all had a great experience! The place was hopping but we did not have to wait long at all in line before we were picked up for our hayride to the Haunted Maze. Never having been there before we had little idea what to expect....although we did get some tidbits of info from those ahead of us exiting the wagon. There were some exhibits along the way to the maze most notably a headless horseman on a real horse! Not very scary but a neat touch and my kids enjoyed seeing the horse appear out of nowhere and disappear into the darkness.
The Maze is set off in the distance about a half mile away from the barns and you can see the bonfire and lighting effects from the barn area. In fact as we stood in line waiting for the wagon ride we could actually hear the screams in the distance of those going thru the maze! It was eerie.
It was a cold night and the ten minute ride to the Maze was chilly. One couple was smart enough to bring a blanket and I recommend that highly. We were warmed upon getting off the wagon by a very large bonfire. From there we entered the maze. As we approached the entrance we could hear the screams of those ahead of us. Our kids were hesitant to enter. So was I to be perfectly honest. Once inside the maze you are walking a trail in the woods set off by torches and lighting effects. There were a few wet spots in the very beginning and yeah I could say something negative but heck this is a Real Outdoor Maze and not a exhibit inside a building like all the rest. Just a few days prior we had a half foot of rain what could one expect. I was impressed by the amount of work and effort it must take to put on something like this. The characters in the maze were energetic and a few were excellent! What impressed us most is given the size of the maze the characters appear like ghosts out of nowhere with no warning. They seem to follow you and you have no idea when they will pop up next. We loved the Witch. She was definately in character. We saw her several times thruout the maze and wonder how she did that? She even followed up to the wagon wanting my youngest child for her cauldron. She was very very good. The saw guy was absolutely frightening and in your face real. As we sat waiting for the rest of our wagons group to exit the maze we saw many kids and adults running for their lives out of the maze with Saw hot in pusuit. Almost as much fun watching that scene as experiencing it ourselves. Several other characters haunted our wagon as we departed for the barns.
We will definately be back next year. As I understand it this is their second year offering this to the public and my hat is off to them. We had no problem parking although signs might be helpful. Everyone on the wagon had plenty of space to sit. The driver was very careful driving and helped each of us get on and off the wagon. Very reasonably priced. A thumbs up from all of us! See ya next year.
We all had a great experience! The place was hopping but we did not have to wait long at all in line before we were picked up for our hayride to the Haunted Maze. Never having been there before we had little idea what to expect....although we did get some tidbits of info from those ahead of us exiting the wagon. There were some exhibits along the way to the maze most notably a headless horseman on a real horse! Not very scary but a neat touch and my kids enjoyed seeing the horse appear out of nowhere and disappear into the darkness.
The Maze is set off in the distance about a half mile away from the barns and you can see the bonfire and lighting effects from the barn area. In fact as we stood in line waiting for the wagon ride we could actually hear the screams in the distance of those going thru the maze! It was eerie.
It was a cold night and the ten minute ride to the Maze was chilly. One couple was smart enough to bring a blanket and I recommend that highly. We were warmed upon getting off the wagon by a very large bonfire. From there we entered the maze. As we approached the entrance we could hear the screams of those ahead of us. Our kids were hesitant to enter. So was I to be perfectly honest. Once inside the maze you are walking a trail in the woods set off by torches and lighting effects. There were a few wet spots in the very beginning and yeah I could say something negative but heck this is a Real Outdoor Maze and not a exhibit inside a building like all the rest. Just a few days prior we had a half foot of rain what could one expect. I was impressed by the amount of work and effort it must take to put on something like this. The characters in the maze were energetic and a few were excellent! What impressed us most is given the size of the maze the characters appear like ghosts out of nowhere with no warning. They seem to follow you and you have no idea when they will pop up next. We loved the Witch. She was definately in character. We saw her several times thruout the maze and wonder how she did that? She even followed up to the wagon wanting my youngest child for her cauldron. She was very very good. The saw guy was absolutely frightening and in your face real. As we sat waiting for the rest of our wagons group to exit the maze we saw many kids and adults running for their lives out of the maze with Saw hot in pusuit. Almost as much fun watching that scene as experiencing it ourselves. Several other characters haunted our wagon as we departed for the barns.
We will definately be back next year. As I understand it this is their second year offering this to the public and my hat is off to them. We had no problem parking although signs might be helpful. Everyone on the wagon had plenty of space to sit. The driver was very careful driving and helped each of us get on and off the wagon. Very reasonably priced. A thumbs up from all of us! See ya next year.