This review is for Behind the Screams, Haunted Carnival. I loved, loved, loved this! As someone who lives for October, Halloween and Haunted Houses, finding a live action haunted house I could go to on my birthday trip made me beyond happy! When I showed up for my time slot, the lady at the front counter told me all about the carnival and 1D studios. They make horror movies and put on other haunted houses at Halloween. She told me all about the attractions. They had games, food, adult beverages and all in addition to the walk-thru haunted carnival. Movie set level spooky decor was everywhere; there was a ton of spooky stuff to look at everywhere you set your gaze. The food was even being served in a very scary diner, fully decorated. They also had one of their movie productions running, a comedy-horror short titled "Have a Good Day." Really enjoyed watching that, and the spooky living room setting where it was being played was both cozy and creepy. The haunted carnival itself amazing! I asked if the actors touch you and was told, "No, that's after 10 PM." I said, "Really?" She said yes that it gets VERY intense after that time. Your ticket in allows you to come back again, even for the extreme experience after 10, but I was scared enough with the regular haunt. There was one part, no two, that really messed with me. The effects and props are incredible. I am not going to give anything away, but there was one point where I thought I might be losing my mind a little. The actors were all amazing and super into their roles. I don't scare super easy, but there were some moments that honestly scared me. The actor playing the ringmaster, Andi Christ, was phenomenal. He did scare me. The clowns were terrifying too. When you do finish the walk-thru, there is a mini circus act with an acrobat putting on a show on one of those hanging rings. She had the coolest shoes. Great way to finish the attraction, and she was so talented. The room was awesome. Chairs with blood splatters and bloody handprints. Places to take photos, like a guillotine and put your head on the beheaded bloody woman. The hostess in this room was great too. So friendly and gave everyone more info about Halloween and the studio. I think one of the best parts was when I left and went outside. Some of the actors were taking a break, including one of the clowns that had really frightened me. I thanked them all for putting on such a great spooky attraction, and they stayed in character and kept being scary. It was just such a great last little touch. There were two roads out of the parking lot. The clown even went to the edge of the studio's lawn and waved me down toward that exit...where he would be waiting. Even in my car, I couldn't do it. I shook my head at him and drove out the other way! I just hope he didn't get offended, but clowns are a huge fear for me...and he was just that creepy! So I hope he realized it was a compliment. I am going to Ottawa in October and will definitely see what 1D is putting on for Halloween! Thank you for making it a perfect birthday trip and spooktacular Summerween! read more