Reaper’s Revenge 2019
On 10/19/19 the HRC returned to Reaper’s Revenge in Scranton, PA. Reaper’s has been an HRC favorite since our first visit back in 2015. Reaper’s has 4 great attractions; the haunted hayride, the Lost Carnival, Pitch Black, and Sector 13. Once’s again they blew us away!
Reaper’s has set high standards in line/crowd management, security, customer and actor accommodations, and security/first aid. First, Reaper’s maintains great crowd control with their linear entrance and heavy security presence. They start all customers at the hayride, with 6 corrals and 13 tractors running every 3.5 minutes. Each wagon can accommodate 25-28 customers, so they definitely keep things moving. While this is an excellent organized flow, on busy nights there can be up to a 4 hour wait. We highly recommend the VIP tickets, or getting there as soon as they open.
Keep in mind, this is an interactive haunted adventure. Pregnant customers and customers who chose, can wear a “hands off” glow necklace. That being said, if you are physically able, opt for the full experience.
The haunted hayride uses laser lights, a hard wired Hollywood quality sound system, very detailed scenes well spaced on the trail, TV monitors, animatronics, and live actors. There were so many great scenes; some of our favorites were Alice in Wonderland, the Ring, the Jack-O-Lanterns, and the zombies. We must give a shout out to the girl in the Ring scene. Let’s just say, she is so good she makes you feel it!
We absolutely love what Reaper’s has done with the Lost Carnival. It is staged near the end of the hayride, but not the very end. This is the only place we have seen a second attraction set within the hayride. About 3/4 of the way through the hayride, all wagon riders are escorted off the hayride and sent through the Lost Carnival. But this isn’t just a Carnival. It’s filled with old Carnival rides and attractions, some well-placed creepy things, as well as warped clowns and other strange characters. The great thing about this trail walk is the timing. The actors keep customer groups purposefully spaced so the scares and surprises stay just that. Keep in mind, this is a trail walk through the woods. There are tree roots & branches, rocks, and uneven terrain, so wear good walking shoes/boots.
At the end of the Lost Carnival customers get back on the wagon for a short finish to the ride. Then they are dropped off at the entrance to Pitch Black. Pitch Black is just that........a completely pitch black maze. You will be asked to remove glasses and hats before you enter Pitch Black after the elevator ride. Who needs hats and glasses when you can’t see a thing!?!? Pitch Black plays with your senses. When sight is taken away all your other senses are now on overload and hyperactive. You will be touched and grabbed. You might run into things. You might feel things on you. Sensory overload! They have had folks get lost in there; but no worry, as they have staff strategically placed near emergency exits and cameras in the attraction. If you get lost for too long, someone will help you get out.
When you finally escape Pitch Black, you head to Sector 13. Sector 13 is a post-apocalyptic themed attraction. There are mutants, lab workers, and military characters throughout the attraction. Again, you will be immersed in the experience. Some of us were thrown on the exam table and “injected” with an antidote. Others were put in the freezer and “bagged & tagged.” Yet others were “caged” and shaken up. This attraction has expanded to include a partial second level, a huge 30’ flame, lasers, ALOT of fog, and many other props. Sector 13 has been well planned. They start with 24 customers in the debriefing room for a 3.5 min video. They then break the customers up into groups of 6 for the holding area and decontamination room. From there the actors stagger customers, and some get completely separated from their group. They will reunite, eventually.
Once you exit Sector 13 you can head down to the food and entertainment midway. On the way to the midway, make sure you stop and vote for your favorite attractions. In the midway, make sure you get some yummy food and treats, and enjoy the entertainment. The night we were there, a local high school dance team was performing and they were really good. They even dressed up as zombies, so they fit right in. Also, we must mention Joe the Reaper’s roaming magician. Joe was awesome. Think David Blaine level street magic. We were absolutely blown away by his illusions. I mean hands on, in your face illusions, that leave your jaw dropped.
There was a variety of food options in the midway. From delicious cheese steaks and fries, to pizza, to caramel apples, and funnel cake. And, the food prices were very reasonable.
Of course we couldn’t leave Reaper’s without stopping in the merch store. They have long sleeve T’s, short sleeve T’s, sweat pants, hoodies, gloves, hats, and other souvenirs to choose from.
Reaper’s goes through about 400 gallons of fog, and several gallons of propane and diesel fuel each season. Their soundtrack is 80% original and unique. They choreograph Sector 13. There are over 180 actors, at least 15 are scripted. They give out actors awards and have various team building activities. Reaper’s has a Military discount night, and their Customers can also bring donations for the animal shelter, in lieu of the $3 parking cost.
We cannot begin to say enough about Reaper’s commitment to their actors, staff, and customers. They work to accommodate actors and customers with special needs or disabilities. They have actors with various special needs and they will find the right spot for them. They also have entire families working there; the kids may be actors, while the parents serve food, work security, or work on the first aid team. Reaper’s has made accommodations for customers in wheelchairs, customers with epilepsy, as well as senior customers. Imagine a 79 year old grandma going through Sector 13. Well, she did, thanks to a staff member accompanying her for stability! WOW, now that’s caring about your customers.
HRC has a whole new level of respect and admiration for Reaper’s Revenge. Not only are they a Hollywood level haunted attraction, but they care and give back. We highly recommend Reaper’s Revenge in Scranton, PA. Make the trip. You won’t regret it. Tell them the HRC sent you.
