The 13th Floor returns to haunt Schiller Park

The 13th Floor Haunt opened for its spooky season on September 13, 2024, with frightening fanfare. The ghosts and ghouls were out to impress adventurers who dared to enter the doors of the massive warehouse space and the evening hours were still fraught with heat from the earlier high temperatures during the day. The dedicated workers were sweating through their costumes but determined to plow through the premiere that night.

Titled 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago, this scary spot is actually not in the Windy City but instead located at 5050 River Road, in Schiller Park, Illinois after moving from Melrose Park a year ago. Not being in the city avoids some of the costs, rules and regulations that accompany popups in the area. There's also plenty of room and parking is not as troublesome for patrons in the suburbs.

There were some well-executed new ideas installed this time out and short staffing issues from the past were no longer an issue. The layout proved extremely important in utilizing the characters in more than one place to give the appearance of a packed haunted house.

At the beginning of the run, the performers are fresh with blood-curdling screaming vocals, but this can vary as voices strain and run out of gas further down the line. Visit the 13th Floor as early as possible because the masses come out as the horror holiday approaches and the players will be exhausted.

Many of the pop-out scares were perfectly placed and well done by the 13th Floor team. Tricky planks and slanted floors forcing participants toward the creepy situations paid off. The music gave a genuine feeling of dread to the premises and the lighting was at the correct level, depending on the situation, throughout the environment.

The journey could have been longer, but the path was packed with surprises within its passages.

The staff were accommodating and friendly while staying in character from beginning to end. Visitors should read the warnings and rules posted in front to avoid trauma for those with heart conditions and medical sensitivities.

It was downright eerie on opening night that the attraction was cursed with technical and electrical issues. Wonky computer systems forced ticket holders to wait at the box office and the photograph opportunity at the entrance was not available for purchase at the exit. The gift shop couldn't sell retail items and the Return of the Dead Zombie Shoot could not be added on. The Kraken's Cup Secret Bar was so well hidden that we missed it completely on opening night.

The Mini Escape Games were a treat though with timed challenges leading up to the toughest part inside the Mummy's Curse room. There was no chasing after people with a stinky gasoline-powered chainsaw at the end of this creature feature and that is progress right there.

The 13th Floor Entertainment Group has topped last year's endeavor thanks to a fully realized vision and skilled employees. Guests will have an entertainingly good time while exploring these sometimes disturbing premises.

If one is late to this monster mash in October consider purchasing a VIP ticket at 13thfloorchicago.com to beat waiting in long lines and enjoy a few perks along the way.