Everything you need to know about Terror Behind the Walls 2018

Philly’s beloved eerie attraction is back for another Halloween season when Terror Behind the Walls 2018 opens this weekend.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is already creepy enough on its own previously being the most famous and expensive prison in the world and home to Al Capone. Throw in six harrowing attractions filled with chainsaws, blood, screams and plenty of monsters to chase you, and you’ve got one of the nation’s top haunted attractions. The Travel Channel calls it “One of America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions,” The New York Times calls it “perfect for Halloween,” and Forbes names it No. 1 in the nation. Here is everything you need to know to get prepared for Terror Behind the Walls 2018. 

What to expect at Terror Behind the Walls 2018

Every fall, Terror Behind the Walls frightens participants with their intense attractions. This year expect the newly revamped Infirmary attraction to be the most horrifying yet.

The press release states, “Infirmary takes the fear of hospitals to a whole new level. In this newly revamped and highly interactive attraction, visitors encounter maniacal surgeons, orderlies, dentists, and nurses who are sharpening their scalpels for some unusual, unnatural operations. If visitors aren’t careful, they may become patients themselves.”

Other attractions include Lock Down, Machine Shop, Blood Yard, Quarantine 4D and Break Out. Before you set foot into any of the six attractions, you have an important choice to make. 

Terror Behind the Walls 2018 interactive option

You can go through the attractions and be terrified as just a viewer, or choose to sign a waiver and volunteer to be apart of the experience. Those who choose the latter “may be grabbed, held back, sent into hidden passageways, and even temporarily separated from their group. They will deal with the consequences of their decision through six long attractions.”

Terror Behind the Walls 2018 VIP options

You can buy dinner and a show spooky style when you purchase the Fright and Bite package deal. Enjoy a Halloween themed dinner from your choice of one of the neighborhood restaurants provided and tickets to Terror Behind the Walls as a package deal. There is also a more in-depth tour option. 

The After Dark VIP tour includes an in-depth look into the prison where you learn about its dark history, after the tour you are set to go through the six haunted attractions. However, the fun does not have to stop after going through the attractions. 

The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s cell includes live entertainment, refreshments, table games and a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot get anywhere else. The Speakeasy is 30 minutes long and for up to six guests. You can also reserve your own private lounge cell block for a group in person when you arrive at the attraction. 

You can purchase tickets for the attraction and see the full schedule here. Ticket prices range from $18- $100 depending on the date, group rates and package that you are buying. Buying online is recommended. Parking is located at The Philadelphia Zoo’s parking garage at 3500 W. Girard Avenue; a ghost bus shuttle can drive you both ways. 

If you go: 

Sept. 21-Nov. 10, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, $18-$100, easternstate.org