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Travel Channel calls Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary “one of America’s scariest Halloween attractions,” and we concur. The Philadelphia destination has six attractions— “Lockdown: The Uprising,” “Machine Shop,” “Breakout,” “Detritus,” “Infirmary” and “Quarantine 4-D.”

At each of the six, no scream is spared. There are terrifying actors, eerie special effects and life-like props.

As you walk to the gates, screams can be heard from inside the walls. Costumed guards patrol the sidewalks protecting their territory.

Visitors are asked their “date of execution” on a waiver that must be signed prior to entering. You can choose from two experiences: touch or non-touch. We both chose touch, and were given a red glow stick, signalling to the actors we were fair game to be touched or even pulled from groups and taken down secret hall ways.

The night begins with groups of six people going through “Lockdown.” You’re guided through two floors of broken jail cells and told to flee the penitentiary because “they’re coming.” Next, you’re taken to the “Machine Shop” where possessed inmates work on broken machines.

Places to catch your breath outside the haunted walls are interspersed through the jail maze but watch your back — a lone prisoner or ghoul can come from anywhere. “Detritus” is next on the haunted tour and you enter what appears to be a tranquil greenhouse. Don’t let your guard down though because before you know it, chainsaws are wielding, vines are creeping and other spooks are shattering whatever respite you may have started to feel. “Detritus” keeps you on your toes.

Next, a possessed doctor informs you of your pending demise in his “Infirmary.” The actors portray patients and doctors attempting to cure the latest deadly infection. A demented dentist helps out willing participants by checking for cavities. If doctors in the real world scare you, then “Infirmary” will have you grabbing your partner’s shirt, hoping he doesn’t get pulled away.

In “Quarantine 4-D,” you’re exposed to strobe lights, clowns and bloody children’s toys that come to life. You’re given a pair of safety goggles, which bring a 3-D element to life as you meet up with deranged and infected creatures in this psychotic nightmare. Blurry vision, neon color sticks and other mind-altering effects pop from walls trying to distract you from the path to exit.

“Breakout” blurs the lines of the haunted norm and sends you through strobe lighting and inflatable walls. Terrifying screams from other groups are heard as people are getting touched, spooked and haunted. During “Breakout,” run. Don’t walk to the nearest exit (the finish). The prison has just let out and you are in the mix. Prisoners don’t hesitate to try to take you from your group (especially if you’re wearing the touch necklace).

Terror Behind the Walls helps bring your worst nightmares to life in little over an hour.

Rating: 5 Coffins out of 5

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary has six attractions. The admission fee gets you into all six haunts.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ST31.jpg.optimal.jpgTerror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary has six attractions. The admission fee gets you into all six haunts. Photos courtesy of Terror Behind the Walls

Demented prison guards are in charge of deranged prisoners and visitors are caught in the middle.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ST40.jpg.optimal.jpgDemented prison guards are in charge of deranged prisoners and visitors are caught in the middle. Photos courtesy of Terror Behind the Walls

In ‘Quarentine 4-D’ crazy clowns, lots of black lights and strobe lights create an unnerving experience.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ST41.jpg.optimal.jpgIn ‘Quarentine 4-D’ crazy clowns, lots of black lights and strobe lights create an unnerving experience. Photos courtesy of Terror Behind the Walls

By Melanie Mizenko

[email protected]

Terror Behind the Walls

Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia

Details: easternstate.org or 215-236-3300

Attractions: Lockdown; The Uprising, Machine Shop, Breakout, Detritus, Infirmary and Quarantine 4-D.

Review date: Sept. 23, 2016

Reviewers: Melanie Mizenko, Kevin Stevenson