If you’ve been through a haunted house, you generally know what to expect. Dimly lit mazes with scare actors hiding behind every corner to give visitors a good fright. Although the mazes can be detailed (see Knott’s Scary Farm or Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights), the actual storytelling can be lost in the heightened sense of fear and the conga line of guests walking through the scenes. But Los Angeles locals are lucky to have a haunted experience that breaks through expectations to deliver a complete story exquisitely realized over the course of an hour in an actual historic mansion!
Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse is best described as an immersive theatrical experience which turns the conventions of a haunted house on its head to give guests a chilling experience without relying on jump-scares and gore. If you’re a fan of spooky settings and are ready to step into the story yourself, you’ll love seeing the brand new show that Delusion has put together this year.
(All the images below are from the pre-show experience in and around the mansion. We won’t give away any of the images or details from the actual show as we want you to be totally surprised).
Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse
Set in an unassuming area of Pomona, California, you would never expect to see a Victorian mansion amongst a collection of warehouses and office buildings.
The historic Phillips Mansion is transformed with fog and lights to become the house of the mysterious Esther Phillips during an extravagant party.
With street parking readily available and no neighbors to complain of noise levels, Delusion has finally found the perfect spot for their nighttime events after years of moving around LA.
Without giving too much away, the premise of the story follows the matriarch of the mansion who is a collector of oddities and artifacts that not only posses unique stories but carry the very souls they’re tied to. Esther’s collection is an ethereal prison of those unwilling to let go. As fellow lovers of the occult, you have gathered together to see the latest addition to Esther’s curiosities and the dangers it might contain.
As mentioned earlier, Delusion operates as an intimate and interactive theater experience. Times for Delusion are reserved in advance (the whole experience takes about an hour) and are kept in small groups of 10-12 people at a time. What sets Delusion apart from your standard haunt maze is that it seeks to tell you a more complete story with deep story, impressive sets, and fabulous acting and dialogue. And, you play an active role in the adventure as you journey with the cast further and further into a dark fantasy world created by Jon Braver (writer, director, and Imagineering consultant).
The story is told by professional actors in a highly-produced setting using several structures over the course of approximately one hour. The story builds from creepy, to scary, and reaches a crescendo that keeps you moving so you can help your fellow guests escape in one piece. The horror element is thematic and atmospheric, and enhanced by a story which takes its time to develop. Something you could never get from a theme park haunted house.
If you are ready to step up your haunt schedule this year, Delusion is truly the classiest and most inventive event in the Los Angeles region.
Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse runs Thursday through Sunday now through November 21st. Times begin at 6:30pm with new groups setting off every 15 minutes until 11:15pm. Masks are required for the duration of the event in addition to signed release form. Tickets start at $89 and can be purchased from Delusion’s website.
Tips
There are a few things that you’ll want to know before you visit.
Plan to arrive early
We can’t stress this one enough. Much of the world-building occurs before your guided experience begins. After checking in, guests are encouraged to explore the main house and read the various letters detailing information about Esther’s collection. And you’re also encouraged to interact with items in the house as well because you never know what will happen and what you might learn.
Our recommendation is to schedule a later show time but plan to arrive at the destination at least 20 minutes to an hour early to thoroughly explore everything. You may want to check around the outside of the house and see if the cellar is open (no, I won’t tell you what’s in the cellar)…
Pay no attention to the creepy man in the window, be brave and go into the cellar, alone if you dare.
Grab a drink
If you arrive early or stay after your experience, you can enjoy an adult beverage soaking in the ambiance of the haunted house. There is a bar/concession stand outside, plus two bars inside (the upstairs one is for VIP). If you’re a bit jittery before your showtime is called, this might help your nerves a little bit.
Don’t be too scared to watch
If you’re not one for being frightened, there is an option to wear a special wristband that lets actors know not to interact with you or separate you from the main group. And even if you opt not to wear the wristband, you can signal to the actor that you’re not comfortable (by using your arms to make an X across your chest), and they’ll move on to a different party member. This is the perfect option for you self-proclaimed “scared-y cats” — the ones that want to go but not be overly frightened
Theme Park Tickets and Hotel Discounts
Our travel partners at Get Away Today have worked out the BEST theme park ticket and hotel deals for our readers. (You’ll find extra nights free, big discounts, and special offers as well).
- Purchase discount theme park tickets – HERE
- Book hotel/ticket packages for your family vacation HERE
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios!
Let’s Hear From You
Are you a Delusion fan? We felt this was their strongest story yet, and had the most room to fully realize it. Let us know your experience and your favorite haunted events of the year.
