Strolling past the flashing caution lights of an abandoned school bus, spooky sounds invite entrance into the attraction itself, 2-time OVH Haunt of the Year, The Dent Schoolhouse!  Wrecked desks, surprise emitting lockers, and a teacher (nun) hanged from the ceiling above are among early horrors as the adventure interrupts human dissections in a barbaric science lab, then explores additional ghastly classrooms before delving into the deplorable basement, where monstrosities peak in the domain of the attraction's notorious villain Charlie the Janitor, and his cohorts of deadly fiends.  Bloody, murdered children, suspended by chains clutching onto their wrists dangle as obstructions in the path ahead that visits new scenes including a radioactive fallout shelter, where flesh has been completely consumed to a degree resembling the consequences of air-borne contaminants; a majestic archway "maze" that provides the first glimpse of Charlie standing behind imprisoning bars before turning the bend lands the course in the midst of his treacherous grasp; and a torturous experimental lab, complete with test monkeys that proves lethal for human victims whose corpses are stored in a dismal room full of stacked, chained coffins, or become zombified as members of the living dead!  Oversized carnivorous insects swallow people whole, like a snake devouring prey in advance of a succession of school-related encroachments that climax beyond a broadside giant rat attack; a second rodent infringement out of the back of a bus; and an ultimate chainsaw chase-out.

Professional lighting, scene-specific soundtracks, theatrical makeup, and elaborate costumes made on-site that include a number of custom-designed full or partial prosthetic masks are utilized at Dent, separating them from most of the competition.  Attention is paid to the slightest details, evidenced by shop class aggressor having a sawblade protruding from his skull, an upstairs instructor with crayons sticking out of her head, hanged teacher convulsing, the presence of gears and chains for transporting coffins and maneuvering them around a store room, and actual running water in the shower scene, where it even smells like a high school locker room.   Interactions are fierce, and dialogue has improved from the nurse stabbing her, "Bad Dolly," to the science teacher wickedly proclaiming, "I can make them better!"   Props are too numerous to mention, but most visually effective include  zombie doors, flickering lights, sparking circuit boxes, live subjects being victimized in shop class, monster bursting through a "REDRUM" chalk board, animatronic and actor-tronic rats, TV room displaying the presence of Charlie even though he isn't there, infinite locker hallway, buses with running engines, decaying pumpkins, etc. Archway "maze" is cleverly designed to first tease the sight of Charlie (and clown-masked, ax-toting Trick-or-Treater) by having them standing directly in the line of sight before the route loops around and places you within their reach.  However, not witnessing Charlie actually claiming a victim somewhat lessens his effect, table saw would sell a more convincing scare with a spinning blade, and saw sounds, and exchanging playground for new Fall Festival reduces overall duration of the haunt.  And while they're not necessarily connected with the theme, loss of victimizing incinerator, recently excavated casket, and especially green monster bursting through a brick wall alongside a cesspool of spewing water are unfortunate, especially when weaker scenes (library, locker room, etc.) have been retained.  That said, the basement of The Dent Schoolhouse is more frightening than ever before, and even more so when Kurbis is seen avenging his jack-o-lantern ancestry as opposed to terrorizing the queue line.  Dent "cheer" from aboard the bus makes a sinister promise gloating that, "Charlie's going to kill you!"  Background music elicits greater intimidation, scenes are more atrocious in nature, actor-induced scares are on the rise, and instead of just seeing Charlie's victims off to the side of the path, progression now mandates walking right through them!  A lengthier, more threatening chainsaw chase-out would rev-up the finish and extend overall endurance.  Cost of admission remains constant.

As discussed above, significant changes have taken place again this year at The Dent Schoolhouse, which strengthens its annual performance!  The new, outdoor Fall Festival is quite unique, and unlike anything seen elsewhere! It's appreciated not only for its seasonal activities, but for the presence of live characters,  especially Witch Agatha, who remembered our names upon a return visit and even inquired about the missing presence of a third group member, and the cute, trick-or-treating Ghost, who will steal your heart with her cheerful, enthusiastic begging that quickly turns to disappointment if you don't bring candy with you to give her while waiting in line! (Hint:  She doesn't like chocolate, so pick something else!).  Carved pumpkins, the new outdoor/queue line entertainment, etc. reinforce 2015's effort to bring Halloween back to the haunt, because after all, that's what the season is all about. 

Duration is brief, but the atmosphere is frenzied from start to finish.  Characters are all energetic in nature, intent on delivering realistic scares, and attired in excellent costumes consistent with Dent's m.o.  Pursuits are relentless, accompanying sounds complimentary, and some impressive props (portable saw and yellow-eyed monster) are present as well.  The event is designed as a secondary attraction, and admission is included free of charge with the purchase of tickets to The Dent Schoolhouse, therefore it has not been rated.