One mom, three teenage girls, and dozens of monsters spent a lovely, terrifying evening together at Onionhead’s Revenge at the Mall of America.
Yes, I took my 15-year-old daughter and two of her friends and wow, it was a thrill! Onionhead’s Revenge is a must-see for anyone who loves a scare. It’s 45,000 square feet of immersive, movie-quality sets and props, filled with talented actors in full costume and character.
We got the full experience, including the Monster Pass, and even a backstage tour with the owner, Charlotte Huggins! We chatted with Charlotte and learned how Onionhead’s Revenge came about.
Charlotte has quite the story of her own, which makes this attraction that much more top notch.
Charlotte is originally from Louisiana, and planned to be a lawyer. But life took her in a different direction when while working in public relations she met writer-producer Roy Huggins. She became his writing assistant, and they eventually married. Charlotte went on to produce commercials, then special films, IMAX and eventually theatrical films like Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser. She also has produced Disney theme park attractions, 3-D live action and animated productions. To date, she has over 25 years of experience as a producer.
That’s why Onionhead’s Revenge is like walking in a movie. Theatrical-quality fog, lighting, music and sets are all combined to terrify just as effectively as a Hollywood or Disney production.
Who is Onionhead? What is this about?
According to local legend, “Onionhead” is the cruel nickname forced upon a young man from Slidell, Louisiana, who was brutally murdered by a vigilante mob after being wrongly accused for the murder of a young woman. Consumed by rage, the assailants hacked his body into 13 pieces and scattered them in a nearby cemetery.
Swearing vengeance, his mother put a hex on the townspeople who took her son. In the months following, those responsible for Onionhead’s murder were each victims of gruesome deaths.
Locals still report sightings of a monstrosity, hideously stitched together, stalking the cemetery… and out for revenge.
Charlotte’s upbringing in Louisiana, combined with her film experience, inspired this attraction’s scary, bayou feel and storyline.
Our experience
My daughter, her friends and I all had the Monster Passes, which are VIP passes. With this pass you get to experience the whole story, meet more characters, visit secret rooms, and get 2 complimentary drinks. Plus you don’t have to wait in the main line. Otherwise, a regular ticket may include a wait, though there is live entertainment for those in line (there was a cool dancer when we were there).
We got badges and wristbands (that glow and show the characters that you have the monster pass), then we got to meet some exclusive characters, got some instructions, and went straight in to the attraction.
We went with another group – a mom and her 3 kids. They were younger than this place recommends, but they seemed to handle it well – at least until we got separated.
There were many rooms and characters in this place. We were brought – or lured, I should say – from one room to the next, then we were kind of on our own. We tried to stay together, but it was difficult. I got separated from the girls and never found them until after.
And this place is huge! It goes on and on. There’s a room with a jail, and a crazy-looking prisoner in it trying to get out…then after you pass by, well – I’ll just say, don’t look behind you! These characters are very sneaky.
Other rooms include:
- Tree of Whispers (this thing was creepy)
- Cemetery
- Room of doors
- Vern’s Bedroom (and Vern’s secret room)
- Path of Bones
- And of course…Onionhead’s House
- Plus many more
The characters here are everywhere – and appear out of nowhere, as well as behind you. They get close to you but don’t touch you, and you can’t touch them. But we were still terrified!
At the end you meet Onionhead…and you will want to run!
If you have the Monster Pass, you’ll get access to certain rooms here including a secret bar. Here you’ll meet Panic!
Somehow I missed this room (my wristband was covered up, I realized) but we got a special behind the scenes tour after and I got to go and meet Panic who is pretty cool. And Panic has about a million social media followers!
If you don’t have the Monster Pass, you can still have a memorable experience. Take advantage of the bar (with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages) and stay awhile!
Behind the Scenes Tour!
We got a behind the scenes tour with Charlotte, which was awesome. We got to see the room where all the sets were made, a map of the whole place, and a dressing and makeup room which has 10 makeup artists total. Actors come in here and are given a role and a costume and makeup.
I can’t say enough cool things about this place. And I did a first impressions video here with interviews with my daughter and her friends. They shared what they liked best.
What ages is this for?
Onionhead’s Revenge is not recommended for kids 10 age and under.
I would agree that it’s best for over age 10. It’s most ideal for teens and anyone who loves a spooky place, but Charlotte did say that tweens love this place and feel like they’ve accomplished something when they get through it! I think parents can decide for themselves.
Tips
Know that if you freak out and leave early, you can’t come back without a new ticket, and you don’t get a refund. So be sure you want to go!
To me, the scares are manageable. I don’t care for jump scares, and I wouldn’t say there were jump scares here. I would say they’re predictable – as the characters just appear, or chase you, or try to spook you closeup, but we didn’t experience anything shocking.
There is some gore, but not as much as I expected. It’s dark and hard to see a lot, and it’s more what you don’t see that scares you here.
Location:
2nd Floor South-East Wing of Mall of America
Bloomington, MN 55425
Times
This attraction is open only on Wednesdays to Sundays in the evening.
Sundays 7:00 – 10:00pm
Wednesday 7:00 – 10:00pm
Thursday 7:00 – 10:00pm
Friday 7:00 – 11:00pm
Saturday 7:00 – 11:00pm
It’s also open on Monday, October 30th and Tuesday, October 31st from 7:00 – 10:00pm.
Tickets
General admission tickets start at $34.95.
Fast-Pass admission tickets start at $49.95.
Monster Passes start at $79.90. Includes fast pass, secret rooms and 2 drinks.
DISCOUNT
Use my code FRUGAL to save $13 per ticket!
You can find other discounts here, though they may not be as good.
Be sure to go while they’re open! And follow them for updates as they will have more similar events here.
Visit their website for more info!
(Disclosure: We were provided with complimentary admission to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.)