It took two years to get it ready, but the Abandoned Haunted House Complex will be open for the 2012 Halloween season.
Patch took two tours Tuesday of the complex; once with the lights off and the soundtrack playing and once with the lights on and a behind-the-scenes explanation.
Even without the actors who will jump out at visitors, the dark tour was plenty scary. The attention to detail is really top-notch throughout as the path wanders through a variety of rooms, each with a different theme. There's the psychological "wing" featuring aliens, clowns, spiders, and a tunnel that meanders under a cemetary.
Finally, visitors walk through a vortex of spinning color that really does make one feel like they're going to lose their balance at any moment and tumble into an abyss.
But around the next corner is the Pleasantville Hospital. Yes, the name is a play on Mount Pleasant, and the vibe now is more traditional horror movie with plenty of blood, guts and gore.
Adults will pay $20 per visit (and additional $10 gets a fast pass to not wait in line); kids under 12 can visit for $18, and only cash is accepted. Postcards with $2 off can be found at Halloween Express next to Pet Supplies Plus on Durand Avenue. Or, visit them on Facebook, too, for a $2 coupon.
Abandoned is located at 2825 SE Frontage Road. Call 886-1182.