The first day of Journey to Hell has given visitors plenty to talk about, with early reactions highlighting three key talking points: the number of rides available during the night, confusion surrounding the storyline behind the new Deadline maze, and the fantastic performances delivered by the scare actors.
While the scare actors have been winning praise from visitors, some feedback suggests there are areas where the experience could be improved to make the event even better.
So, what can be learned from the early visitor reaction, and what should organisers consider as Journey to Hell continues?
More rides need to be available during the night
One of the main talking points among visitors has been the availability of rides throughout the night.
For an event built around thrills, scares and riding attractions in the dark, having a good selection of rides available is an important part of the overall experience.
Night riding can completely change how a roller coaster feels. Familiar rides can become more intense when darkness takes over, creating a different atmosphere from a normal daytime visit.
For many thrill-seekers, the opportunity to experience attractions in the dark is a major reason to attend an evening event in the first place.
In my opinion, ride availability needs to be a priority.
Visitors are paying for an event experience, and if rides are a major part of what is being offered, having more attractions available throughout the night could help improve the overall value for money.
Of course, there can be operational reasons why certain rides cannot run, including maintenance requirements, staffing, weather conditions and safety considerations. Not every attraction will necessarily be suitable or available for every session.
However, where operationally possible, offering a wider selection of rides would give visitors more to do between scare experiences and help make the evening feel more complete.
The balance between scare attractions and rides is particularly important for guests who want to experience both sides of the event rather than spend the entire night concentrating on mazes.
Deadline: Is the storyline clear enough?
Another talking point from the first day has been the new Deadline maze, with some visitors saying they do not fully understand the storyline behind the experience.
A maze does not necessarily need a complicated plot to be frightening. Sometimes, the simplest concepts can deliver the most effective scares.
However, when a scare attraction introduces a particular storyline, setting or narrative, visitors should ideally be able to understand enough of it to become immersed in the experience.
A strong story can make a maze feel more than just a collection of dark corridors and scare actors jumping out at guests. It can build tension, create anticipation and give visitors a reason to feel invested in what is happening around them.
If guests leave Deadline wondering what the story was supposed to be, that is worth considering.
Does the maze need clearer storytelling? Could the introduction provide more context? Would additional details within the experience help visitors understand the world they are entering?
These are questions worth asking.
That does not automatically mean Deadline is a bad maze. Visitors can enjoy the scares, sets and atmosphere without understanding every detail of the plot. Some horror experiences also deliberately leave parts of their stories unexplained.
Nevertheless, there is a difference between a mysterious storyline and one that leaves visitors confused about what they have just experienced.
If the narrative is intended to be understood, clearer storytelling could help strengthen the attraction.
The scare actors deserve huge praise
It is not all criticism, though. One of the strongest positives coming from the early visitor reaction is the praise for the scare actors.
Scare actors are a huge part of what makes a Halloween horror event memorable. Impressive sets and special effects can establish the atmosphere, but it is often the performers who bring an attraction to life.
Their timing, movement, characterisation and ability to interact with guests can turn an ordinary walk through a maze into a genuinely memorable experience.
A great scare actor knows how to build tension before delivering a scare. They can make visitors feel uncomfortable simply through their presence, without necessarily needing to shout or jump out at every opportunity.
That takes skill, energy and commitment.
The positive feedback about the performers is encouraging and suggests that this is an area where Journey to Hell is making an impression.
It is also important that this praise is recognised. When discussing improvements to an event, the things that are working well deserve just as much attention as the areas that could be better.
If the scare actors are delivering memorable performances, that is something the event should continue to build on.
What could Journey to Hell improve?
Based on the feedback highlighted by visitors following the first day, there are two main areas worth reviewing.
First, ride availability. Where operationally possible, keeping more attractions available during the night could give guests a fuller experience and make better use of the event’s thrill-ride offering.
Second, the Deadline storyline. If visitors are struggling to understand the narrative, clearer introductions or stronger storytelling within the maze could help improve immersion without taking away from the scares.
Neither point means the event has failed. Early feedback can be valuable because it highlights what guests are noticing while there is still an opportunity to learn from their experiences.
The praise for the scare actors also shows why it is important to look at the event as a whole rather than judge it on one or two criticisms.
It was only the first night – things could change
It is important to remember that these reactions come from the first night of Journey to Hell. As with any event, the opening night can provide valuable feedback, but it does not necessarily reflect how the entire event will operate over the coming weeks.
Ride availability could change, operational arrangements may be adjusted, and the team behind the event may take visitor feedback on board as Journey to Hell continues.
The same applies to Deadline. Visitors attending future nights may have a different experience of the maze, and further visits could help establish whether the storyline becomes clearer or whether additional context would improve the experience.
It would therefore be unfair to judge the entire event based on its opening night alone.
However, early feedback is still important. If visitors are already highlighting areas that could be improved, listening to those comments could help the event develop and deliver an even better experience for future guests.
Journey to Hell has time to build on its opening night, address any issues where possible and make the most of what visitors are already praising – particularly the scare actors.
My opinion: Listen to the visitors
Every new or returning horror event will generate different reactions. Some guests will love the atmosphere, others will focus on the rides, and some will judge the experience primarily on the quality of the mazes.
That is why visitor feedback matters.
If people are asking for more rides to be available at night, it is worth examining whether more can realistically operate. If visitors are struggling to follow Deadline’s storyline, it is worth considering whether the narrative could be communicated more effectively.
At the same time, the positive comments about the scare actors should not be overlooked. Strong performances are an important part of delivering a successful horror event.
Journey to Hell has the opportunity to build on what is working well while considering where improvements could make the experience even stronger.
Ultimately, visitors want an evening that feels worthwhile, whether that means experiencing thrilling rides in the dark, getting immersed in frightening mazes or enjoying the work of talented scare actors.
Listening to that feedback could help make future nights even better.
What do you think? Should Journey to Hell have more rides operating throughout the night, and did you understand the storyline behind Deadline? Let us know your thoughts.
This is an opinion article based on the visitor feedback described above. Experiences and opinions may differ between guests.
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