We need your help. The ghost of a little girl haunts the grounds of what was one the Little Hope orphanage. And while the site has been rebuilt, fires start mysteriously, and death is always just a door away. But tonight, The Midnight Society will attempt to enter the site and use your spiritual energy to lure out Lucy and capture her to prevent her from terrorizing others. Prepare to bear witness to a live ghost capture — let’s just hope nothing goes wrong during Hauntington Beach Manor ‘s Midnight Shadows.

Hauntington Beach Manor is a former home haunt that transformed themselves into a notable professional haunt with a Sanitarium theme. This year, they are back with a brand new immersive haunted house entitled Midnight Shadows. Taking over a closed down Sears at the Westminster Mall, this haunted house elevates itself beyond the traditional walk-through experiences by having a guide lead guests through the first half, ensuring that actors in the rooms tell the story of the Little Hope Orphanage and The Midnight Society ghost hunters who are attempting to catch a ghost. Yet, the second half functions as a chase sequence through rooms full of dolls, neon paint, toys come to life, and a fully realized sewer with some incredible water effects. It’s incredibly fun, lengthy, and has some of the highest number of actors we’ve seen from a haunted attraction. Also, it’s in the same building as Prism, so make a night of it and do both (see our review here! They are amazing too!)!

As Hauntington Beach Manor ’s Midnight Shadows is designed with the first half being immersive and theatrical and the second half focused more on the traditional paranormal scares, the experience feels unique in its set design. In the first few rooms, participants will come face to face with elaborate computer set ups where the team can watch everyone for safety, a kitchen where Midnight Society members have met their tragic end, and the containment room where they will attempt to capture Lucy. But as the haunt progresses, the rooms transition from old and decrepit to ghastly and frightening. The grime and spiderwebs that showcase a haunted house are now rooms where masks are hung on walls, dolls hang from ceilings, and clowns sit on beds. I personally love this shift, as a traditional haunted house slowly transforms into a house that ghosts live in.

And it’s these actors that make Hauntington Beach Manor ’s Midnight Shadows memorable. The Midnight Society members are engaging and interactive as they do their best to contain Lucy. And as the shift happens, their transformation is haunting and great. We especially liked the receptionist at the start who will do anything to protect the orphanage with any tools at her disposal. The haunt actors are frightening too—coming from all angles. From murderous clowns to a man covered in neon goo who begs you to get him out, Hauntington Beach Manor and Midnight Shadows is an absolute treat.

Hauntington Beach Manor ’s Midnight Shadows does require a waiver to be signed to enter. While the actors do not touch you and there is no extreme elements, you will get wet. There’s an amazing sewer section where you walk through a fully designed sewer section with some spraying water. This is incredible and so much fun. We highly recommend having fun with this section. It’s perfect for all haunt goers looking for something just a bit more interactive and engaging than Knott’s or Halloween Horror Nights.

Hauntington Beach Manor ’s Midnight Shadows is an exceptional haunted house and one of the best we’ve done this season. Their risk to add in immersive narrative elements has paid off and seriously impressed us, so we will scream it from our padded cell in their Sanitarium: add this and Prism to your calendar—because their mechanical effects, their passionate scares, their insanely impressive rooms, and their strong narrative make this a must-see this season.

And when you visit Hauntingington Beach Manor ’s Midnight Shadows, make sure you stop by Prism’s MiCRO Lab Madness next door. Both are well worth your time and mirror each other nicely! For more information about visiting Hauntington Beach Manor ‘s Midnight Shadow this Halloween Season, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and website. For information about similar events, check out our Event Calendar.

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