Nathan Polanco has teamed up with Dan Nelson of Gyro’s fame to create Fear Overload Scream Park in San Leandro. Fear Overload’s Ward 9 and Abusement Park haunted attractions are not geared for families; these haunts are going for the “so horrifying that they’re not even enjoyable” title.
Upon arriving at Bayfair Center, we were perplexed as to just where the haunts were located. The signage was small and few in numbers, and then once we found the location it was a long dull walk through the Mall to gain access to the venue.
But once inside it was transform into a creepy location hosting a DJ, a stage and ticket booth and snack area. The well placed lights and unnerving ambient music set the mood for what resides within.
Before entering Ward 9 we were issued a flashlight. My questions were soon answered upon entering the totally dark ward with no house lights where you only get to see what your meager flashlight illuminates. But there is so much more you experience with your other senses; a well-crafted sound track, superb floor creeper with contorted arms and disturbing wheel chair bound being kept us moving thought the well-set scenes. There were plenty of inmates lurking about, just out of sight to taunt & tease you.
Next we entered Abusment Park, again with only our flashlight. Just inside the dilapidated midway entrance we encounter a sinister entertainer that ushered us into the underside of the park. We found the abandoned a roller coaster, ramshackle games and a superb parkour clown jumping off the walls. The lack of lighting added to the unused feel of the set and worked well with the scurrying inhabitants.
The pace in both haunts was set so you never caught up to the group before you, a very nice detail that really added to the feel of the show.
Sleep over challenge
Fear Overload is hosting a Sleepover Challenge where contestants have to survive an overnighter inside the labyrinths with only a sleeping bag and a provided dim flashlight.
$20.00 Cash only at the door; cards accepted online only.
Oct 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, 23- Nov 2nd
Bayfair Center, 15555 East 14th St San Leandro, CA
Upon arriving at Bayfair Center, we were perplexed as to just where the haunts were located. The signage was small and few in numbers, and then once we found the location it was a long dull walk through the Mall to gain access to the venue.
But once inside it was transform into a creepy location hosting a DJ, a stage and ticket booth and snack area. The well placed lights and unnerving ambient music set the mood for what resides within.
Before entering Ward 9 we were issued a flashlight. My questions were soon answered upon entering the totally dark ward with no house lights where you only get to see what your meager flashlight illuminates. But there is so much more you experience with your other senses; a well-crafted sound track, superb floor creeper with contorted arms and disturbing wheel chair bound being kept us moving thought the well-set scenes. There were plenty of inmates lurking about, just out of sight to taunt & tease you.
Next we entered Abusment Park, again with only our flashlight. Just inside the dilapidated midway entrance we encounter a sinister entertainer that ushered us into the underside of the park. We found the abandoned a roller coaster, ramshackle games and a superb parkour clown jumping off the walls. The lack of lighting added to the unused feel of the set and worked well with the scurrying inhabitants.
The pace in both haunts was set so you never caught up to the group before you, a very nice detail that really added to the feel of the show.
Sleep over challenge
Fear Overload is hosting a Sleepover Challenge where contestants have to survive an overnighter inside the labyrinths with only a sleeping bag and a provided dim flashlight.
$20.00 Cash only at the door; cards accepted online only.
Oct 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, 23- Nov 2nd
Bayfair Center, 15555 East 14th St San Leandro, CA
