REVIEW: Dangling Carrot Creative’s Grisly Garden: Institute of Fear

October 16, 2024

review: Dangling Carrot Creative’s Grisly Garden: Institute of Fear

As a newcomer to Santa Clarita's haunt lineage, Dangling Carrot Creative’s Grisly Garden debuted suddenly last year to raving reviews. Its initial existsnce during the writer’s strike was to raise funds for out-of-work employees in the film industry. Therefore, we were very happy to see its return for another run this season. This SCV prop warehouse houses a new maze this year entitled "Institute of Fear".

What makes Grisly Garden different from other haunts is their direct ties to the film world. By nature this gives them access to very talented stunt people who do not hesitate to put on a show for their guests. In addition, the prop-builders and designers create a unique dimension of space within the haunted maze. While we heard opening night didn’t include certain features, we are happy to report that when we went this weekend Grisly Garden was filled to the gills with unbelievable and exhilarating stunts.

The Institute of Fear takes its guests into a psychedelic world where evil clowns have taken over and possessed dolls have come to life. As we waited in the queue, one of the patients came outside and suddenly became engulfed in flames frantically running amongst guests asking for help. Within the Institute walls we saw a scare actor drop down from above, dangling from a noose within a foot of us. We also watched a child walk up a wall thanks to a clever perspective build. The last room was a Flintstones-eque version of Hell where Lucifer was sending children to eternal damnation. The children then fell two stories into the flaming boulders of the underworld as Lucifer celebrated and licked her pitchfork while following us menacingly.

We love Grisly Garden and their unique take on haunting. Since we did hear opening night was missing some important features, we highly encourage visitors to make sure they go on a night where the stunts are being performed. When it hits its marks, like our experience on Saturday, it is truly a breathtaking event to see.

VC

October 16, 2024

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