The Forsaken

I'm really intrigued with the idea of an Action Zone retheme...The Bat, Banshee...what else could get a "horror-esque" retheme in this area? Would be really cool and a huge marketing plus for the park. I love this idea.

AWESOME! Thanks guys. -T

Sorry, I titled this review wrong...date was Saturday, October 21st. NOT the 20th.... Sorry. -T. Forsaken

First, was a great day to be at Kings Island. We arrived at the park around 1PM to BEAUTIFUL weather. Sun was out, temps were cool and a light breeze made me ever so excited for haunt that night. So first, the non-haunt stuff... First ride was Vortex. Awesome as always. I had brought a friend of mine who has never ridden a roller coaster before or visited a park since 1996. So, why not start him off with Vortex. He loved it. Next was Backlot...always fun and had a very little wait. Headed over to The Beast but it was momentarily closed for about an hour, so we headed towards Action Zone. Got my friend on Flight Deck, while he was a little nervous, he loved it. This ride was a walk-on. I'm kinda sad to see how this ride is operating now-a-days. I really hope some life can be put back into it or just removed and add something else there. Then, we stopped for food! KI Halloween Haunt 2013 / 9/20 This was my first time eating at the new Reds Grill. I must say, the food was great and the prices are way better than I expected. My friend, who loves BBQ, said it was some of the best BBQ ribs he had ever had. So, great job guys on the grill. Oh, our waitress was awesome too. After lunch we toke a nice leisurely ride on the train. Love those things. After that we headed towards Coney Mall for a ride on The Racers, we won! Now, we just relaxed and waited for HAUNT! KI Halloween Haunt 2013 / 9/20 BTW...we bought the FrightLane Passes. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!! KI Halloween Haunt 2013 / 9/20 I knew the lines for Haunt were going to be long on a Saturday night, and I was right. These passes are worth every penny and I will forever buy them every time I go to Haunt. We were able to visit every haunt attraction with a couple of hours to spare. Makes for a much more relaxing time and allows us to really soak in and enjoy the event. HAUNT REVIEWS: (In order of visit) -Slaughterhouse: Loved these actors; kinda like a family in there! However, the poorly executed haunt does those awesome actors ZERO justice. Poor lighting, mediocre theming...at least the actors and managers pulled it all together to make it rather enjoyable. I'll give it 5 out of 10. The actors saves this haunt! Great job guys. -Club Blood: Hmmm...what can I say. Night club, "strippers", gore and dance music. LOVE IT. But seriously, the decor and theming in this maze is nice. The flow of the attraction from room to room is a little whack, but that's ok I guess. The actors do their best with what they got and most of them have come up with some really creative dialogue. I just wish it could be longer. I'll give this one a 7 out of 10. -Wolf Pack: This was my friends favorite haunt and we used our "extra haunt" pass on the FrightLane to do this one again. The scenes are very nicely detailed, although I'd love to see more leaves, branches and vines on the walls. The actors are fantastic given the low-par masks they have to wear. The crew in the maze really know how to center in on just the right person to get the scare they need. Great job. I'll give this one a 7 out of 10. BTW...this haunt needs to move to Rivertown. -Delta Delta Die: Our least favorite haunt. I never thought I'd see a haunt designed by Leonard Pickel be driven into the ground so much. The original theme, that of a haunted mansion/house, is by far the best use of this haunt. This new theme, sorority house does NOT work. In fact, it's too much like Club Blood in the fact that it's basis is around "sexy sorority girls" throwing a KILLER party. Whatever...it was scary and the sets were terrible. The actors, sorry to say, tried and failed. Good attempts though. Also the "Asylum door" prop by Pale Night Productions needs a new, shorter animation on it because it causes MAJOR bottle-necking in the haunt...terrible use within a theme park setting. I'll give this one a 2 out of 10 just for mercy on the actors. BTW...last I checked sorority houses don't have restaurant quality and stocked kitchens, stick to the theme guys. -Board to Death: First, LOVE THIS CONCEPT. This is, I think, the most creative haunt I've seen at KI in many years. I absolutely love the theming, the props, the costumes...everything. It's just not scary though, which I sadly have to say falls onto the actors and poor placement of key scare elements. Although, I still enjoyed myself...the board games featured where pulled off very well and really worked with the theme. Those actors though, work on your timing. I'll give this one a 7 out of 10. Note: In the beginning, those large board piece on the walls would make a great drop window! -Urgent Scare: Please, retire this haunt...it's needs hospitalization more then KI's guest do. Poor theming, terrible flow, bad lighting, bad sound and actors trying to over compensate for all of this. No knock to the actors though, their dialogue was great and they all really stuck with the hospital theme. But darn, my haunt soul can only take so much. I'll give this a 1 out of 10. Sorry, but this haunt needs to be euthanized. -Wax Museum: My pick for best haunt! First, let me say that I don't look at the theming until we're down into the actual maze. I won't give any credit for the old ride theming that wasn't created by KI's haunt team. Saying that...THE SCENIC DETAIL WAS GREAT! This is by far KI's top quality haunt. The props, the sets, the scenic treatments, the sound, lighting, actors...it all worked! Haunt also featured some unique scares that I'm surprised KI had up it's sleeve. Now, I'm ****ed though...because I know the Haunt crew can do it, now make EVERY haunt like this one on the quality scale! I'll give this one a 9 out of 10. Loved this haunt. -Tombstone Territory: This haunt is a VAST improvement over what I remember this haunt being. The train ride being attacked by 'train robbers'...great! The trail back was much better than previous years. The haunt crew took a lot of old props from Red Beards and put it to good use on this trail, which it was lacking severely. The actors where also spot on and kept with the cowboy nature of this haunt. This is one of the better haunts at KI now. I'll give this one a 7 out of 10. Still needs a little scenic tweaking, but it's getting there...finally. -Holiday Horrors: Sigh. The thought of a haunt based around the holidays sounds awesome...but this wasn't it. The set detail is alright to say the most. A lot of stuff seemed "thrown together", like, there's no passion for the maze construction, layout or detail. The actors are good and some of the animations are quality...but that's about it. This haunt also needs a retirement...put that in the calendar. I'll give this a 4 out of 10. Also, location is terrible. -CarnEVIL: I'm kinda partial to this haunt because I'm friends with the company who built it. Saying that, what the hell happened? KI really needs to hire a 3D HAUNT painter to come in and redo the paint in this haunt, it's severely faded in a lot of parts. Also the makeup, not blacklight reactive at all, or it didn't seem like it. What's the deal with the 3D glasses upcharge? Privately owned smaller haunts don't even do that...and without them it kills the experience; so, why? Sorry actors, but you guys didn't help this one out either. This haunt needs a crucial update not just in the paint, but the build and theming as well. I'll give this one a 4 out of 10. Best paint job on this haunt...and it's STILL a little rough. -Cornstalkers: VAST improvement over previous years. I'm so glad to see this haunt doing so well. Great scares, great actors, great theming...although I would like to see more "corn field" theme and less burlap and wooden crates, it is CORNstalkers after all, not CRATEstalkers. Anyways, this was a great haunt...could use better music/sound...maybe a touch more scenic lighting. But it was a very good haunt and was a great cap to our evening. I'll give this one a 8 out of 10. -Ed Alonzo's Psycho Circus: LOVED IT! That's all. 10 out of 10. (Not for kids though). Also, I want the soundtrack to this show! KI Halloween Haunt 2013 / 9/20 BTW...KI's retail dept...keep up the good work! Overall, KI's 2013 haunt is ok. KI has SO MUCH potential to have a truly scary haunt event but I feel the lack of creativity or general haunt industry experience will forever keep this production down. I don't know if Cedar Fair is to blame for this or not, but seems like most of their haunt productions aren't quite "their"...except maybe Knott's, but my money would bet they pretty much do what they want and other parks must follow...which is terrible because Knott's is NOT the end-all of haunt events by any means. I'll give KI's haunt an overall score of 6 out of 10. -T. Forsaken

YoungStud, Yes. The 3D haunt at KI has been there, I believe, since 2001. That "tube" is a spinning tunnel, classic haunt effect used in many attractions. The "floor" in that picture is a geo-location from Google Maps of the Enchanted Theater in Planet Snoopy, so my location of walls and stuff should be exact. -T. Forsaken

The first year of Fearfest was completely done by another company (Lynton V. Harris's Sudden Impact Entertainment Company). They produce MAJOR events worldwide and is known for producing very high-quality shows. ...that's why.

I don't think we're talking about the same haunts. Of the 4,000+ privately owned haunted attractions in the US, only 100 or so get the concept.

I can only hope. KI has such HUGE potential for a great haunt event. I can only hope, that you're right, and it changes for the better. KI can contact me if they want, I'd be willing to help! -T. Forsaken

The first year of HH at KI, Fearfest, was the by far the best year so far (and probably will always be, sadly). It was a separately ticketed event. The haunts had WAY more detail than the current HH and the actors where top-notch (nothing against current haunt actors, but it's just not the same). I believe the only backlash that came from ticketing is separately was from season pass holders, who are spoiled KI attendees wanting everything to be free. However, I do believe that the CF's Haunt is a lost cause at ANY park other than Knott's. It's a franchised, mass produced event that is bland and stale to enthusiasts. Why I believe it's a lost cause? Because it makes money. SERIOUS money for the parks. Go to any Saturday night during HH and look at the crowds. The parks are packed. This is an old idea that several, privately owned, haunted attractions have. Why change anything or put money into the product when the people are to dumb to notice that it's the same old crap. While you're out at HH looking at how packed the park is...also just look at the crowds. REALLY look at them. They couldn't care less if the haunts where made by the girl scouts (nothing against them, love them darned cookies) as long as they are getting a "haunted house" and a chainsaw coming at them. Sad. So. Don't EVER expect a top-notch UO/HHN style even at ANY Cedar Fair park, ever. They feel to realize that if they would happen to do that, that each park in the chain would sell out every night of HH, just as HHN does. I'd stake my reputation on that fact. Just my two cents to those who wonder why KI doesn't do a haunt like UO/HHN. Am I jaded? I might be, jeez. haha. -T. Forsaken

Ok...let's see if this works; if it does then THANK YOU to jcgoble3! haha... Here's a screenshot of the Circus of Horrors I'm trying to recreate in Google SketchUp. I geo-located the enchanted theater for accuracy. It's a WIP. Screen Shot 2013-08-14 at 7.13.07 PM by theforsaken, on Flickr

^ Asylum Haunted Screampark in Louisville. They're doing a Slenderman LIVE Experience (a trail).

...wait. Picture isn't showing up. How do I add a picture? I'm using Flickr.

I don't know if this pertains to this thread or not, but I got bored and am trying to recreate Circus of Horror at KI with Google SketchUp. Here's a screenshot of the WIP. IDK. Just thought I'd post it here.

Phantom Theate...oh wait!!! =/ -T. Forsaken

Hopefully, the entrance gate will resemble that of the teaser video...an old cemetery gate propped open for guest to walk through, with the queue line surrounded by tombstones of old rides. That'd be awesome.

If they're reading this...please be free Larosa's pizza...please be free Larosa's pizza... -T. Forsaken.

Not really...could be literal, as I'm sure a LOT of regular park guest have rumored about a return of SOB.

Is it not childish to just NOT like something? I just don't like inverts...at all. No matter the maker or the park...I just don't like them, not my thing. I can also now see the "forum-boys" this board seems to be comprised of. You all shun anybody with a different opinion, regardless of how crazy it may seem. I doubt having one less person in front of you in line will make any difference, btw. You all are so quick to judge and assume. I'll just stand in your way for The Beast! -T. Forsaken

If the "new" blueprint of the station is correct...this is without a doubt an invert. Needless to say I'm highly disappointed. KI already has two inverts and a suspended...I could kinda throw Firehawk in that mix as well. Does KI really need this type of "fad" coaster? IDK...I would have LOVED to seen a wing or a dive machine. Oh well, maybe the new Action Zone could be called "Track over your head land". Just another ride I won't be riding. -T. Forsaken.

Do inverts usually have footer spacing 20' apart, sometimes more?

I've been thinking today...dangerous at times, but let's just assume the blueprint video is 100% accurate and true. Why was the repeating blue envelope covering the front gate of KI? Could KI be in for an entrance gate overhaul like CP did? I know the KI entrance is very dated and could use a rehab itself. Maybe make the tower more striking and picturesque while outside the park? Maybe bring back a newer, modern International Street Restaurant? Just a though...I haven't heard anybody bring this up yet. I'd personally LOVE to see an overhaul to the KI entrance and gates. -T. Forsaken

I think not....I've yet to ride Diamondback due to my size. Sad. So no, they do not fit larger guest.

Any plans on live streaming the announcement for those of us who can't make it?

I never said Don has never tweeted directly to KIC before...just stating that every tweet isn't directly teased to KIC. I believe, the "wing it" was not a direct tease to KIC. What will be interesting the route KI takes on the name. I do like "The Bat" as the name of the new ride, paying homage to classic always scores points in my book. But let's say it's not the name of the ride...could it be the rumored "Banshee"? Or "Vampire"?...or some play of words that none of us have seen yet. Either way, come the 8th the only thing I know that will happen, guaranteed, is everybody won't see it coming. I'm pretty sure KI still has a curve ball to throw and they won't throw it until the media announcement. -T. Forsaken PS: I didn't know there were engineering experts on KIC that could read blueprints from a Youtube video. When clearly heights and ground levels aren't indicated in the blueprints that would effect footer placement.

Clearmont Steel Fabricators....the place that manufactures most of B&M's roller coasters. Really...a Wing Coaster? That means something isn't right with the blueprints... Right. A wing coaster. Did you consider that the blueprints are false? They also do match up with some footers on Gatekeeper, as far as size and spacing are concerned. -T. Forsaken