I'm back from my trip (went on the 19th). I had a blast. 4th year in a row and this was my favorite. I realize we all have different opinions but I'd like to share mine. And I'd like to start by saying I'm not going to nitpick the mazes like some do and go from my gut on sheer fun factor and childlike wonder. LOL. Keep in mind, I'm an easy scare. Also I'm 45, so I remember all of these films very well. I won't get long winded. Just some general impressions.
Stranger Things: I know most hated this maze, but I really enjoyed it. No, it wasn't so much a scary maze, but the sets were wonderful and I really felt like, as a fan, it was fun to be in. Only toward the end did I scream a lot. The repeat demodogs didn't wear on me at all.
Killer Klownz: I thought the silliness was going to kill this for me but I hate clowns and it was pretty disturbing. The movie terrorized me as a kid. I'm not a fan of the UV light mazes, but I liked this one. It wasn't my favorite. But it wasn't terrible.
Us: Beautiful, just beautiful. The body language, the acting, the sets...maybe not so much scary but really really disturbing. And the dead people were incredibly realistic. I was certain they would jump out at us.
HOTC: Not so scary but very disturbing, especially the further into the maze you got. I did expect a bit more terror.
Pandora: didn't see
Holidayz: didn't see
The scare zone on the backlot sets (forget which one) was really stellar. They got me good, I was stalked by stilt walkers from both ends as they circled around obstacles. Fun was had by all. LOL. I have it all on film.
FvW: Fantastic. The story was great. Really loved the makeup and the actors were on point.
Ghostbusters: oh man, this had to be one of my favorites. I was jumping up and down cheering for slimer and the hunters throughout. It really took me back. Loved it. Grinned the whole way.
Creepshow: Meh, it was okay. I expected more. Great concept and I loved the transitions but I didn't feel super impressed.
Overall impression, so few black walls this year and I really thought that was a major improvement. I just smiled a lot. Screamed a lot. And didn't let tearing up the negatives impede on my fun. The drinks sucked and were overpriced as usual. Food options were just weird and I bypassed those. The 80's dance was fun but few of us dressed up so I was a bit disappointed and I really stood out LOL.
(By comparison, SFMM FF was a total letdown this year. Skip it. OMG, so disappointed. KSF was my first visit there and was pretty well impressed and the enthusiasm of the scare actors and the immersion of story and participation. I'd do that event again.)
