Are brave enough to survive ALL of the Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes for 2023?
Well, ThemeParkHipster it’s Halloween season aka spooky season in the theme park community.
This means one thing in particular, the haunt mazes and scares are in full force between September and November 1st of 2023.
Especially for Knott’s Berry Farm, this is a special year. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event’s run, which first kicked off in 1973.
This special year Knott’s has made sure to kick it up a notch!
They have introduced 3 new mazes and have brought back some old favorites. And of course, all of which I have braved for you to rank today!
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How This Scaredy Cat Ranks The Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
Knott’s Scary Farm graciously invited me out to experience their 50th-year event and I have to thank them before we rank them.
I will be ranking them today from 1-10 on the criteria of scare factor, creativity, and storytelling.
I will also note that being a scaredy cat my scare factor is subjective and to warn those who are sensitive that almost every house has some sort of intense strobe or flashing lights.
Personally, I am not sensitive but it got to be a bit much at times.
Also, the mazes get very dark at some points and can include effects like floor scares and actors on bungee cords that do jump scares.
As of 2010, this Halloween event is the highest-rated and largest in the country, and for good reason.
Outside of the mazes, you can enjoy various scare zones, specialty food and drink, specialty merchandise, and 4 different shows if you feel you aren’t ready for mazes. But let’s dive into the scares!
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10. Dark Entities
Starting off at the bottom is “Dark Entities.” Here you teleport beyond Earth and into a realm of true darkness.
What To Expect in Dark Entities at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
In the loneliness of space, a space station has to face terrors truly beyond imagination and with no help in sight.
An extraterrestrial mutation has taken hold of the station and is on the hunt for new hosts to feast on.
The alien forces increase as they continue to feed on unwilling hosts and victims. You have to attempt to escape before they overtake everything and everyone on board.
Time is running out and there’s almost no place to go!
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
I personally am one who finds the alien trope, if done right, can be definitely scary.
This maze in particular was very eerie and off-putting. However, I can’t really say I was scared while going through the maze.
At times, I found it a bit funny when seeing the scare actors go by or react. There were a few jump scares that got me good!
But overall, the alien trope isn’t truly scary for me personally, as a scaredy cat.
Scare Rating 6/10
9. Bloodline 1842
Next up, we have Bloodline 1842, where we enter the battlegrounds of the war-torn streets of the steampunk new Victorian city of Valdonia.
You and your clan will be in the midst and heart of a raging war between the immortal Daybreakers, the bloodthirsty Valhymphri, and our gang.
The vampires have taken over the whole of the city and have destroyed everything they have come across!
What To Expect in Bloodline 1842 at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
We travel through the rubble of the city, flying past blood-soaked walls and caved-in catacombs, armed with only our wits, courage, and adrenaline to protect us.
Our task is to find the remaining Daybreakers and help them find and destroy the king of the Valhymphri.
The final stand has arrived and it’s time to save the city and the world!
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
I did find the costumes, sets, and scares ultimately really well done! The story was so intriguing and creative.
However again, similar issue to Dark Entities, I don’t really find the vampire trope as scary. This is mainly due to how vampire stories have evolved in our media over the years.
I will state that the house and its vampire story was very well done. I admire it when one can reclaim a vampire story and actually make it scary!
It truly is my own personal preference but I could definitely enjoy this as a book or film, rather than a maze.
Scare Rating 6/10
8. The Depths
The Depths is number 8 for a similar reason as the last two and that’s for a different trope: the creature trope.
What To Expect in The Depths at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
An eerie fog has crept over an abandoned mining town where freaky and ancient creatures call the dark, underground caves near the seaside.
It has been discovered that the night watch mining crew has completely vanished and word is spreading around in the village.
The village rumors point to those underground tunnels and caves as the root of the issue.
The stories about the area have only been whispered, but none dare enter to truly confirm the horrors that are spoken.
So what happened? Did the crew meet their untimely demise from the proposed creatures who lurk within?
That’s for us to discover as we go through the same path as the long-missing crew.
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
We were told those who entered never came back to the surface, but we somehow lived to tell the tale.
I was absolutely in awe of the amazing makeup and costumes of the scare actors within the maze.
They were so incredibly well done and obviously a credit to the team who brings all of these actors to life.
I am not big on the creature trope but the reason the house is so high up on the list is because of how phenomenally real they were.
The scares were really good in this maze, including a few I truly did not expect!
Scare Rating 7/10
7. Chilling Chambers
Chilling Chambers is one of the new mazes for the 50th anniversary of the event and very special!
It is the first of the three to show up on this list as well.
Chilling Chambers honors the inaugural maze of the event, “10 chilling chambers” in 1977.
It pays tribute to classic mazes of Knott’s Scary Farm past while still giving us the scares that we have come to know and expect from Knott’s Scary Farm.
What To Expect in Chilling Chambers at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
We will follow the keeper through various landscapes, including a foreboding cathedral, to relive the mazes of the past.
Diabolical characters and eerie collections return to unleash the 50 years of maze terror upon us once again.
As someone who has only recently dived into Knott’s Scary Farm, it was awesome to get sort of a refresher on what has made the event so unique and special.
I had researched quite a bit on the past mazes but never did I expect it to be so well laid out.
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
As a Scaredy Cat and Haunt fan, I enjoyed walking through the physical history of classic mazes. It was like a really cool haunt museum in a way but interactive.
I thought it was such a fun maze but the transitions were a bit confusing and disorienting as to where the new story started and stopped.
Those not familiar with the lore and mazes, I can see how they would be lost in this maze literally and figuratively.
I recommend looking into some classic mazes to get a better idea of what to expect before doing this one.
Or if you simply want to get scared, this one wasn’t terribly scary but I give it points for its creativity and celebrating the heritage of the event in a great way.
It would be a great introductory maze for those starting out.
Scare Rating 5/10
6. Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind
Mesmer, taking it for face value, originally would have been towards the bottom of this list. However, this house is considered a classic and I can see why.
Initially, I believed this maze to pull from the crazed, haunted circus trope but this isn’t necessarily the case.
Yes, it does take from it to an extent, but Knott’s does it in such a creative and fascinating way.
What To Expect in Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
As you venture into the canvas tent, you discover the secrets to the most powerful force in the known universe. The human mind is complicated and strange.
We are asked to succumb to Hypnotist Mesmer and his sinister sideshow.
He asks to have access to your inner thoughts and fears and descend further into a world of madness, torture, and strange delight.
But soon we will discover the frightening secrets that allowed the sideshow to become what it is today.
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
The maze has some truly amazing effects and will mess you up in a wild way.
I really enjoyed the feeling of not knowing what would come next.
It was truly fantastical, creepy, and disturbing and I can see how it was a maze favorite for the event.
There were rooms where there were visual illusions, floor scares and so much more than blew my mind!
Scare Rating 7/10
5. Wax Works
Starting off our top five is Wax Works.
As this is subjective and my personal preference, these kinds of mazes creep me out highly. I have always disliked wax sculptures and museums since I was younger.
So this was very scary for me!
What To Expect in Wax Works at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
Mysterious noises and lights are coming from an abandoned, creepy wax museum.
And it’s been noted that formerly prominent plastic surgeon Dr. Augustus Scratch has been seen tinkering away at night on something special.
He is ready to show off his horrifying creations made of a combination of hot molten wax and bloody flesh.
The streets have said that they have heard blood-curdling screams coming from the space and halls of Wax Works.
That there have been unsuspecting victims slowly submerged into the scorching hot cauldron of wax to transform them.
Did I mention they were still alive during the process?
As we go inside to explore the gruesome terror that Dr. Scratch has crafted, we also have to be mindful to not become the next victim ourselves.
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
For me, I found this maze pretty graphic and gorey.
I can certainly appreciate the effects used to bring this story to life fully but it was a bit much for me. I don’t handle gore well personally.
However, the storytelling of this maze and the scares in particular from the actors is where this maze REALLY shined. I loved it to the very end!
Scare Rating 9/10
4. Origins: The Curse of Calico
This one being number four may be controversial, but I simply am a sucker for a good fleshed out, origin story.
And this maze does not disappoint at all when it comes to it.
What To Expect in Origins: The Curse of Calico at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
Origins has us go back in time to the yonder years of Calico. But it isn’t a peaceful time of any sort.
We come to a time when sinister paranormal activity is taking place in the town. Sarah Marshall is on trial on suspicion of witchcraft thus bringing the evil fog onto the town.
The green witch will rise up against the townsfolk and curse them all!
All who have accused her will be turned into a wicked horde of malicious creatures forced to do her eternal bidding. They thirst for the souls and spirit of the living.
The maze connects to the Ghost Town Scare Zone where these creatures, the conductor and Sarah run amuck.
The scare zone itself is vast and extensive. There truly is no safe place once you walk through there and the evil fog that landed upon the town years ago has returned.
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My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
I love original lore! So it was really cool to walk through the scare zone and then into the maze and have it continue as you get more of a backstory as to why the town is the way it is.
The scare actors were truly phenomenal and sometimes unintentionally funny.
It had such an old western town vibe but you can see why it became an eventual ghost town.
Sarah does make an appearance and you won’t want to be on her bad side. It’s a walk through the town’s dark side of history, full of scares and amazing storytelling.
Scare Rating 7/10
3. Room 13
Bringing the second of the new mazes into the list is Room 13. This is another maze that extends a scare zone’s story.
Gore-ing 20’s features newsboys, jazz singers and dancers, flappers, gangsters, and more who have succumbed to this new fancy drink on the scene called, “Devil’s Elixir.
What To Expect in Room 13 at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
As you stroll through the zone, you will be treated to funny conversations, dancing, singing, drinking and so much more! It’s one of the more genuinely interactive and fun zones.
The maze, Room 13, extends the story to its beginnings.
Violent murders have suddenly taken place at the Blind Tiger Bar interrupting the fun and delights of the prohibition era on Memory Lane.
The source seems to be “The Devil’s Elixir” cocktail which mysteriously appeared in the Blind Tiger.
It seems it originated from the Argive Hotel, so curious minds go right ahead to check-in. It has been noticed that none have checked out and we soon see why.
We start off at the Blind Tiger itself, where the bartender warns patrons not to drink the cocktail. It’s too late though.
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My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
We find ourselves going deeper and deeper into the hotel, coming across victims of the drink in terror and torture from its effects.
The music and effects of this 1920s-style art deco hotel are filled with gangsters, flappers, and all types of life that will most likely never see the light of day again.
I found that the set designs were really the winner with this maze. I should note that the immersion was what really tied it together.
Scare Rating 6/10
2. The Grimoire
This house has quickly grown in popularity for its immersion, storytelling, phenomenal set designs, and scare actors.
What To Expect at The Grimoire at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
At a campsite in the 1980s, a group of teenagers find an ancient relic called “the grimoire.”
Its sole purpose is to turn your greatest nightmares into a reality as you turn every page. Its dark stories unleash evil creatures who are coming for you.
It is time for us to escape or be condemned to be trapped forever within its pages, reliving the horrors of the nightmares within our own chapter.
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My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
From the very start, you are inducted into a preshow, where you are invited to join the campfire.
Paranormal chaos ensues as the teenagers read the ancient curse from the pages.
We are taken through time to witness the tales of those who were drawn in and trapped by the book’s creatures and curses.
You travel through various time periods. Like the 1950s-60s where an American family is having a Thanksgiving meal in World War 1 in the midst of a war zone.
And even taking a peek into a family home in the 1800s, all who have suffered from this grimoire.
Amongst all the chaos, I have to remind you that those evil creatures will make an appearance at every turn.
Stay vigilant and don’t fall for the curse of the grimoire!
Scare Rating 8/10
1. Cinema Slasher
Cinema slasher is the last of the three new mazes introduced at Knott’s Scary Farm this year.
This was one of the mazes that impressed me the most. Mainly due to its amazing effects, and its immersive storytelling. It truly was scary in the best way!
What To Expect at Cinema Slasher at Knott’s Scary Farm Mazes
Let’s go to the movies and check out a special trilogy of classic slasher movies.
But our visit takes a turn from the very second we hit the lobby, which is immediately impressed with its area-changing special effects.
Going past the lobby we enter the theatre and everything is immediately wrong. We begin to step into the big screen and enter the very slasher film we came to see.
Quickly we find ourselves on the run as the slasher chases us at every turn and we come across the brutalized victims.
As we continue through each film, we take a stop in the theater where we find more and more terror has been unleashed.
The set designs truly give the feeling of being inside a cheesy 1980s slasher flick while having you on edge as you go deeper and deeper into the trilogy, wondering if you will be the next victim.
My Scaredy Cat Ranking For This Knott’s Scary Farm Maze
The scare actors particularly impressed me with this maze. They got me great a few times with their scare tactics.
One even knew my name and startled me for the rest of the journey!
This one is not to be missed if you are a fan of films, especially 80s slasher classics. It’s not corny or cheesy in any way.
Scare Rating 8/10
Overall, is Knott’s Scary Farm Worth it?
It seems as though Knott’s Scary Farm really went all out with sticking to their roots while bringing tons of fresh originality, talent, and truly frightening mazes that twist the mind and throw us for a curveball.
This 50th year is definitely worth the visit for the compelling stories and thrilling tales that you may enter and encounter if you dare.
To experience the event this year, you can buy tickets here and enter the fog. See why this event is one of the most popular for the year for the park!
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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.