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As a lover of all things Halloween and Haunt — and as someone who’s been going since I was about 8 — I’ve witnessed the vast range of KI’s Halloween events. I love love love Haunt! That being said, I think it could use some new ideas. Following is a project I’ve put together over the past month. I tried to keep the park full of nighttime activities with inspiration from KI Halloween offerings over the past 24 years. A brief explainer: Fright Zones (3) are areas of the park in which monsters simply roam. Scare Zones (6) are where the true nature of HAUNT can come alive. Here, monsters will actively prowl and scare anyone who crosses their paths. There are (7) Sinister Shows spread throughout the three Fright Zones, two of which are Opening and Closing shows. Lastly, there are (10) Haunted Mazes spread throughout the Scare Zones, split between five Outdoor Mazes and five Indoor Mazes. All of this should be visible on the map (though you may need to zoom in a little). Anything placed between quotation marks currently exists as a Halloween Haunt attraction at Kings Island. While some of these have counterparts at other legacy Cedar Fair parks, I tried not to copy those when creating this project. The base map is composed of screenshots from the Kings Island mobile app. Most of this was written before the awesome start to the 2024 Haunt season, so if you like something from 2024, put in a reply below! Fright Zones (1) “International Street FEAR” “Step right up to see the strange and mysterious creatures that stalk the shadows and lurk around every corner of International Street. Legend says that these doomed souls are condemned to haunt International Street for the rest of eternity.” Located on International Street. (2) “Pumpkin Eater” “The notorious Pumpkin Eater is on the prowl, hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. Beware the demons who roam the winding serpentine road. They were townsfolk once, just like you.” Located on the path between the park entrance and Adventure Port. (3) Grimm Place Enter a world of dark myths and stories of old! Hear the fables from their authors and try to remind yourself that none of this is real, right? Located in Action Zone. Scare Zones As with up at Cedar Point, this revitalized Halloween Haunt could utilize gantry structures to alert guests when they are entering the Scare Zone area. (4) Port of Chaos A bustling port community once besieged by pirates in search of the fabled King's Gold. Ancient myths tell of wonders galore, but the locals know what creatures lurk beneath the waves. Dead men tell no tales, so BEWARE! Don’t let your eyes deceive you…these violent delights often have violent ends. Located in Adventure Port. (5) Coney Maul The historic Coney Mall has thrilled amusement seekers for more than fifty years, but recently the thrills have turned into frights! Take a stroll down the mall at your own risk! The creatures are only getting hungrier with each passing night. Located in the northern half of Coney Mall between The Racer and Manic Midway. (6) Expedition 72 When the advanced Expedition 72 returned from its trip to space, it brought back some special alien artifacts; however not all items were satisfied with remaining in their crates. Walk around the base and gaze at the artifacts that are still contained…and watch out for those that managed to escape. Located in Area 72 (7) Cemetery Drive Amongst the graves the mourners weep; Above the ground where the undead creep; As above, so below; Around here your fears will grow. Take a stroll through the old Ride Valley Cemetery and gaze upon the tombstones. The eerie feelings will refuse to subside when the undead come out at night! Located on the path between Rivertown, International Street, and Coney Mall. (8) Dread Quarter It's time for some proper Crescent City fun! Watch The Quarter come alive as the sweet sounds of jazz fill the air. Feel free to engage with the vibrant nightlife, they won’t bite you…yet! Located in the southern half of Coney Mall between Manic Midway, JukeBox Diner, and Hotel St. Michelle. Located between the Rivertown LaRosa’s Pizzeria and JukeBox Diner. (9) Ghost Town “The problem started years ago on the grounds of the newly developed Miami Valley Lumber Company. Men and women, 66 in total, entered the lumber company and were never to be seen again… at least not in the way they used to be. Stepping into Rivertown, outsiders find themselves immersed in a small abandoned lumber village that’s haunted by something mysterious. The forest is overrun by supernatural creatures that have riddled their confines with darkness and despair. Are these the lumber yard workers from days past? And, which of them are evil?” Located in Rivertown Haunted Mazes (1) Circles: Field Report The farmers just outside town have been reporting crop circles and missing animals to the local news, and now crowds are gathering in the fields to witness the next event! Rumor has it the aliens have something else in mind… Don’t get lost in the fields or else you might just end up like the unlucky travelers from the aliens last encounter. Information: Located in Area 72, between the Parade Tent and the Area 72 Beer Cart. Theme: Corn crop circles inhabited by victims of aliens. (2) Nightmare on the Docks The S.S. Pescador has returned to its port of call, but where is her crew? Trod warily through the docks and try to discover the clues of what those sailors were searching for on their forbidden voyage. Tales of Spanish sirenas have long haunted these waters, so heed this warning: there are things far more frightening than a drunken buccaneer! Information: Located under the covered patio at Enrique's. Guests enter by the pond, travel through the maze, then exit near Enrique’s exit opposite the VIP Lounge. Theme: Sirens and their victims seek a chance to lure guests to their deaths. (3) Terror Gardens History repeats itself inside the green walls of Tower Gardens. The frights of years ago understand that All You Fear Is Here! Keep moving! Things are not always as they seem. Screams will only further encourage these monsters. Information: Located within Tower Gardens. Enter through the Tower Gardens gate, move through scares of Haunts past, and exit near the Coney Bar-B-Que patio. Theme: Guests are visited by some of Halloween Haunt's favorite spooks. (4) Buried Blood The eerie Rubied Estate is a scary place to be at night. Watch your step as you venture through the house and discover the truth behind the feud that spilled blood on this hallowed ground. Information: Located on a platform built for this maze. Theme: Old family troubles come to light. Guests process through an old house and between the mausoleums and stones to encounter the ghoulish figures of this estate. (5) The Legend of Kenton’s Cove It's time to take a tour of the historic Kenton’s Cove! Water-logged residents welcome you through their former homes and shops, though this ghost town has gained a reputation for more than just stories. Try to make it to the end of the tour and don't lose your head! Information: Located in Rivertown. Line begins at the start of the White Water Canyon queue and continues past a parked train where guests cross the tracks. The maze continues behind the former TR:TR/The Crypt building and exits near the entrance of The Beast. Theme: Zombies and ghosts of Kenton’s Cove haunt their former village. (6) Deep Waters Come take a tour of the mine! The Sycamore Mining Company may have been shut down years ago, but that hasn't stopped them from digging deep into the mountainside. Can you find your way out before the subterranean water rises? Or will you be forced to join the crews forever? Information: Located in the former TR:TR/The Crypt building. Theme: Dangerous mine shafts containing watery death and destruction. (7) Runt of the Mill Sick of being known as the weakest man to ever work in the mill, Tipper Lee found his own way to climb the leadership ladder. Make sure to watch your step as you find your way into the saw barn, because Tipper will stop at nothing to stay at the top. Information: Located in the Slaughterhouse building, near The Beast. Guests move through an old saw barn full of dismembered lumbermen with actors dressed as the fictional Tipper Lee causing harm throughout. Theme: Torture and dismemberment within an old saw mill. (8) Hotel Rougarou: The Cajun Werewolf Locals have long told tales of werewolves prowling near the mystic Hotel Rougarou, but is there any truth within their words? See for yourself and step into a realm where the moon is full every night. They can hear your every move from the dark depths of the surrounding swamps. And whatever you do, do not go into Room 013. Information: Located in the Action Theater. Theme: Cryptid werewolves attack a hotel in the swamp. NOTE: A Rougarou is a werewolf-like cryptid that prowls the swamps of southern Louisiana. I would’ve used another spelling to avoid comparisons to the ride at Cedar Point, however I fear the other spellings would be hard for guests to pronounce. (9) Manic Midway The midways of this historic amusement park used to explode with fun, but everything changed when disasters repeatedly plagued the area. Weave your way between the forgotten thrills and dodge the midway games to survive! Tread carefully, not all screams are echoes from the past! Information: Located in the former Kill Mart building. Theme: Clowns and carnival barkers terrorize a park gone to hell. (10) Callisto’s Reach The Department of Alien Research has reopened after a former biological weapons experiment breached containment and destroyed the facility. Their first task at hand: to analyze a damaged space probe returned from the moon Callisto. When the press gains access to the compound, something is found hiding inside the lab. Will the creatures engage in a peaceful first contact? How far can Callisto’s reach extend? Information: Located in the Alien Abyss (formerly the Red Barn) building, behind Meteor Canteen. Theme: Research lab overrun by alien creatures. Sinister Shows (1) Opening Scaremonies The Undertaker summons his haunting gang of monsters and commands them to have a frightfully good time at 7:00 PM each night. Located on the International Street Bandstand, with effects around International Street. (2) Red Devil’s Regrets Sing and scream your heart out at this sick Halloween party! Join the DJ as he turns up the hits as you dance until you drop! Small-stage DJ show located in Action Zone, in front of Drop Tower. Drop Tower entrance and exit located at the side of the stage. (3) Creatures of the Moonlight Gravedigger Sam invites you to his mausoleum Halloween party where you’ll be lovin’ the nightlife as classic monsters are conjured up to make this the wildest shindig around! Featuring a live band and music from the 70s and 80s, all with a haunting spin! Located on the Festhaus Stage (4) Ravagers of the Black Death Death looms around every corner as the Black Death claims victims for its cursed count. Join the Ravagers while they drum their way through the plague! Located on the International Street Bandstand. (5) Dead Beat Brood Blood runs hot among this vampire brood! Expand your tastes as rock n' roll and chaos reign supreme in this all new after-life offering. Located in the International Showplace. (6) Swinging Wake Band This big brass band is set to play their way into the afterlife amidst the fog of the Dread Quarter! Located near JukeBox Diner. (7) Killer Countdown Time is ticking, so count every hour as if it were your last! The struggle between the living and the underworld rages on, culminating in a finale to die for! "Fire and lasers erupt with a rocking soundtrack as the finale of Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt materializes in front of guests." Located on International Street. Special Experiences (A) Meet + Creep (Kings Island Theater entrance) A monster Meet + Greet located in front of the Kings Island Theater. Similar to those found at Knott’s Scary Farm. (B) HAUNT Store (@ the Emporium) A continuation of the current Halloween Haunt merchandise store at the Emporium. (C) Fright Feast (@ the International Restaurant) A reintroduction of the FearFeast/Fright Feast (‘06-’10 ?) in the International Restaurant. Could include a special souvenir cup. (D) Scream Stop (@ KI Essentials) A continuation of the current Halloween Haunt merchandise store at KI Essentials. Poe’s Garden Take a stroll through the garden where Edgar Allen Poe's stories come to life! An interactive experience lies around every corner. A lantern activation area similar to the one found during the 2024 Haunt season, but smaller due to the added maze. This area would only be accessible through the north entrance of Tower Gardens. (E) Graveyard Eats Enjoy some graveyard-themed foods from this mausoleum! A variety of French Fries, Slider Minis, and Dirt Cakes await you to pay your respects! Limited seating available at this location. Located at the Paradise Island food stand. Temporary signage and decorations to be added. Oktoberfest Fright Delights The chefs have been hard at work cooking up a feast! Join us in the Festhaus for specialties like LaRosa's Pizza, hamburgers, bratwursts, killer brownies, and more! Located in the Festhaus food lines. The Night Trolley The "Night Trolley" completes a loop of International Street FEAR three times each night to release more monsters into the park. The trolley stops at the Main Entrance and in front of the International Street Bandstand. Finally, the map:

What did everyone think of Nightmare Alley? Im only asking because I work it and a lot of people were confused on what it was supposed to be and kept asking where it was. Just post what you thought of it.

Tips for guests coming to a Haunted Event. 1. All parents please read the warnings displayed about the age limitations. If you don't want your child scared then simply don't bring them. Remember you paid for them to get scared. 2. Making fun of actors or attempting to break their character is neither witty nor amusing. 3. Do not touch the actors. Do not hit the actors. Do not kick, push, bite, slap, scratch or otherwise assault actors. The same goes for mannequins, which could be an actor pretending to be fake. Some actors can touch back if you touch them. Pretty sure you will not enjoy being grabbed by a monster before being thrown out of the event. 4. Do not force your companions to stay if they are frightened or in a bad mood. This just ruins the whole night. 5. Asking an actor to not scare you will often not work. In fact, it will only encourage them to scare you more. If you are truly frightened, chicken out. Usually after the actors are satisfied with their scare they will find new prey. 6. Do not try to scare the actors. This will almost certainly not work, and you'll look like a prat. Plus its not your job to do so. Also do not try to scare other guests as this could cause problems that no one wants. 7. Searching for actors waiting to scare you ruins the scare for everyone else. Do not do this. 8. Stating that you aren't frightened indicates to the actors that you are. Remember there are different types of fear, and being bold in a situation is only a level of your fear. It is an actors job to notice the fear in someone and increase its effect. 9. If you see an actor peeking out from behind a curtain, or standing in the middle of a hallway, it is probably because they WANTED to be seen. Saying "ha, I can see you!" doesn't prove that you're clever. Only that you can state the obvious. 10. Unless they are unprofessional, actors are unlikely to break character, regardless of how many devastatingly witty one-liners you come up with. You might think it's hilarious to ask for an actor's phone number, or to comment on how hot they are. Trust me, it's not especially if your significant other is standing right next to you. 11. Don't bother trying to act tough, we know you're scared. And pretending you aren't scared or trying to act smart just wastes your money, not ours. New! 12. If you are a normally jumpy person DO NOT handle any expensive equipment while going through a house or area with actors. (Ex. Cameras, Ipods, Video Recorders.) If an actor scares you or someone around you causing you to drop or throw the item and it breaks, it's your responsibility. New! 13. If you are in a scare zone, which is an area where there is no set path or house, the worst thing you can do when scared is run. Not only can this be dangerous but almost all actors will chase you if you run. Haha it's the predatory instinct and I can't say that I haven't chased a few people in my career. This tip also can apply to houses as running through narrow halls and around corners is a safety hazard. If anyone has anything to add please feel free to do so! Additions From PhantomTheater -Put the cell phone away, too many guest/character run ins are due to people trying to text. -Keep moving forward. Heading backwards or waiting can interfere with an actors bit. (More from Mouse: This mainly applies to houses. But make sure you are aware of your surroundings in a open scare zone.) -No open beverages, or your 4.00 drink may not end up inside you -Give the actor the right of way if they are walking against the current, It's their house and by not letting them move can mess up the show for people behind you. (More from Mouse: Also if there is an emergency this could cause some serious problems.) -Most importantly NO SMOKING OR LIGHTERS, see Great Adventure's tragedy for more information.

I took this video earlier tonight. Thought you might enjoy it.