The 13th Gate is known for being one of the best haunted houses in the nation, and this year marks its 13th anniversary. To some this is an unlucky number, but for the 13th Gate, this is an apt description of how you feel going through it.

After hours of waiting before being able to enter the front doors, I was finally able to take my ride to “Hell” via the “Hellevator.” 

The “Hellevator” ride alone was a work of art. I was shocked when I looked at the floor, and it seemed to go down forever. The lights went off, and we were joined on the elevator by a demon of an actor, whose make-up was astonishing.

Journeying through “Hell,” the visual effects were mind-blowing. The makeup rivaled Hollywood. Having worked as a background actor for the science fiction TV series “Star-Crossed,” I can say the makeup job was just as good, if not better, than anything featured there.

Unfortunately, the magic created through makeup, illusion and scenery would not compensate for what came when I exited the “Hellevator.”

If you are not the first one off the “Hellevator,” then you are out of luck. The people in the front of the line are the ones the actors target as they make their way through the haunted house. The ones behind have to enjoy the excitement through the screams of the leaders and hope an actor decides to come after them.   

Also, if you are not with a significant other or in a group with a number of people who jump easily, this is not the haunted house you would want to visit. 

The actors target the people who scream the most, and if you are alone, the actors may just look at you and say, “you’re no fun,” before moving on to the people who they want to scare: couples. 

Even worse is when you catch up to another group or another group catches up with you. The actors are even lost at this point on what they should do. They are trying to scare you, watch the props and keep an eye out on everything else taking place at the time, while trying to keep you moving forward.

The positive aspect of the event was the scenery and visual effects that were displayed in scenes such as Jack the Ripper, the Lost City of Atlantis, Jaws and a clown driving a car at you. 

I happened to be in a group that had been to the 13th Gate before, and they were admiring an added scene. However, it was all for naught when an actor screamed, “Keep moving!” before they were able to enjoy the spectacle of the added scene. 

In the end, a venture to the 13th Gate is not worth your time unless you get off the “Hellevator” first and make sure you are in a group or with a significant other who scares easily. If you are just looking for an event to enjoy alone, go anywhere else but there.