FAQs

Q: Is the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House scary?

A: Yes, we have gone to a lot of trouble to make it that way.  Many even refer to it as intense.  Our haunt director works with Disney Imagineers and haunters around the country.   There, that's your warning. :)

 

Q: Where are you located and where do I park?
A: We're located in downtown Malvern, Iowa  at 315 Main Street.  Park on Main street and enter CLASSIC CAFE (formerly Bowley's Bistro).  Our haunt entrance is inside.  See the map on this website for directions.  The Gateway of Chaos Haunted House attraction has plenty of parking on Main Street in downtown Malvern.  The entrance to the attraction is inside CLASSIC CAFE (formerly Bowley's Bistro), located between 3rd and 4th on Main Street.

 

Q. I heard your haunt is less space this year, is this true?

A.  Yes, we've narrowed down the haunt to be more claustrophobic, thus reducing square footage-although, it's not by much.  We're also adding animatronics, pneumatic props and high end technology, so trust us, you'll still be hiding under your friend's coat.

Q. When are you open? 

A. The Gateway of Chaos Haunted House is open every Saturday in October.  Ticket booth opens at 8:00 and the first group enters at 8:15pm.  Tickets are sold until 10:30p.m. As long as you are in line before we close the doors to the lines, you will be allowed through the haunt. 

 

Q: Is the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House open if it rains?
A: Normally rain does not close the attraction however severe or dangerous weather may.  A majority of the haunt is indoors, however there are parts that are uncovered outside. 

 

Q: How long is the wait in line?
A: Wait times will vary depending on the day and time of your visit. The two Saturdays prior to Halloween typically have the longest wait times.

 

Q: Can I bring a camera or flashlight?
A: No cameras or flashlights are permitted.  You will be escorted out of the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House if caught using such devices.  This includes video or photo's with cell phones.  Flashlights are only allowed for children DURING children's night only.

 

Q:I heard I can bring kids for a flashlight walkthrough, is this true?

A: Yes, a special kids night with a flashlight walk through will be offered with no actors, just props, sounds, effects and more.  See the HOURS page for exact times.  This is the only night where all ages of kids (and fearful adults) are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Q: How much is the admission?

A. $5/person with a can of food--CASH ONLY.  If you don't have a can of food, it's $7/person.  No credit cards or checks are accepted.  Malvern Trust and Savings has an ATM across the street from our location.  We will aggressively prosecute any individual selling counterfeit tickets.   We've gone extra lengths to ensure all members of our community can afford to come, hence our low ticket price.  Other haunted house directors suggest we charge $15, but remember, this is a COMMUNITY event. 

 

Q. Where does the money go? 

A. The Gateway of Chaos Haunted House is an attraction operated by Spencer Terry Productions, in collaboration with the nonprofit Malvern Area Betterment Association, MABA's Youth Leadership Committee, students from surrounding areas and volunteer adults. Some profits from this event go towards general managerial, operational and material costs, but the majority goes to enhancing the betterment of our city and surrounding areas, encouraging youth activities, cultural events (like Maui in Malvern, En Plein Air and Festival of Tree's).  On certain nights, a percentage of ticket sales go to certain local non-profits selected by the organizers.  If you'd like to be one of these groups, contact us!

 

 Q: Is there a discount for children?
A: No. The Gateway of Chaos Haunted House is not recommended for children under 7, and final discretion is left up to the parent/guardian.  Tickets for all ages are $7.

 

Q: Can I bring the kids?

We do not recommend Gateway of Chaos Haunted House for children under 7 if it is during regular haunt hours of 8-10:30.  Our haunt IS scary, intense and may not be suited for all ages.  Children under 12 must have an accompanying adult through the entire haunt.  The haunt is not recommended for any child under the age of 7, and the final discretion is left to the parent/guardian.  Many young children have a great time, others will not make it all the way through. Even some adults get too scared to complete the entire haunt. Please be aware that there are NO REFUNDS if you or a member of your party gets too scared to make it completely through.

 

Q: Do you offer group discounts?
A: Yes, but they are not given on site.  Contact the haunt director for special openings, ticket pricing, fundraising opportunities and more.  We will aggressively prosecute any individual selling counterfeit tickets.

 

Q: Are there live rats, snakes, cockroaches, clowns, chainsaw murderers, etc. in the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House?
A: Maybe.

 

Q: Will anything in the attraction touch me?
A: Our actors will not touch you other than the occasional brushing by you as they pass.  Don't touch them, and they won't touch you.  If you touch them, you'll quickly be removed by Security.

 

Q: If they scare me, can I punch them?
A: No.  Our security staff and the Mills County Sheriff will gladly show you how uncomfortable handcuffs are if you harass or hit any Gateway of Chaos Haunted House staff members.  For the safety of our guests and staff, surveillance is used throughout the event and can be used in a court of law.

 

Q: Can I touch the creatures/actors and props?

A: No.  Didn't you see the last two FAQ's?  You are not allowed to touch anything inside the attraction, especially the creatures/actors.  If you do, you will be immediately escorted off the premises by Security.  We will be happy to prosecute you if you're caught stealing  or for any act of violence. (In case you're counting, we've mentioned this 3 times now.)

 

Q: Will I be injured, dismembered, or killed at the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House? 
A: We go to great lengths to provide a safe experience for our guests, including a walk through with the city's Fire Chief.  If you follow our rules, do not run, and do not touch the employees or scenery, you will make it through alive....ehr, safely.

 

Q: Can I wear costumes or masks to The Gateway of Chaos Haunted House?
A: Costumes are encouraged, but masks are not allowed for the safety of our employees and guests.  This includes the area surrounding the haunt.  Please leave these in your vehicle as patron masks will not be allowed near the entrance or within the haunt.  Masks can be picked back up at the ticket office/station.

 

Q: How long does it take to go through?

A:Everyone goes through at a different pace.  Some people like to take their time and look at everything, while others quickly make their way through with their eyes shut. 

 

Q: Can we get a refund if we cannot make it all the way through?

No.  There are no refunds for any reason, including emergencies. 

 

Q: Is Gateway of Chaos Haunted House wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, mostly.  All area's have the suggested ADA clearance of 27 inches.  We've tried our best to ensure accessibility but some spots on the ground are rugged and uneven and thus, may need assistance from another person.  Please plan accordingly. 

 

Q: How can I get a job with Gateway of Chaos Haunted House?
A: See the JOIN US/CONTACT US page for an application or to contact the haunt director.  Staff/volunteer selection begins in the spring so apply early!

 

Q: Can I sue you if I get hurt or loose articles while in the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House?
A: No.  Entering the haunt waives your rights of all legal pursuits and admits to you reading, understanding and following all the posted rules.

 

Q: Are there restrictions for people who are pregnant or have health problems?
A: YES.  Please consult your physician to find out if an intense experience including loud noises, fog machines, strobe lights and long periods in total darkness is appropriate for your condition.  We cannot be held responsible once you enter the Gateway of Chaos Haunted House attraction.

 

Q: I lost my cell-phone/jewelry/shoes/stomach in your attraction. Can you help me find it?
A: Please make sure any items you bring are securely in your pockets at all times... or better yet, leave them in the car. We are often asked to find lost items. We may not be able to check for lost items right away because of high traffic volume and because of the size and complexity of the attraction, items might not be found until the lights are turned back on at the end of the night. If you might have dropped an item inside one of our attractions, please alert the ticket booth with the details and we will let you know if the item has been found at the end of the night. More often than not, dropped cell phones and other items are smashed or trampled in the dark environment by other customers unknowingly.  This is why we strongly suggest you leave your items in the car or at home.  We are not responsible for any personal items brought inside our attractions.

 

Q: What happens if I break the rules?
A: All rules are strictly enforced for the safety of our guests and staff. Anyone violating the rules may be asked by Security or a member of the staff to leave the property with or without warning and without refund and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: If the above FAQ's didn't answer all of your questions, contact the Haunt Director.  THANKS!