Since I bought my family gold passes last fall..I heard a rumor now that I won't be able to use my passes during the Haunt. Is this true..and if so why wasn't I made aware of this during the purchasing of them. We only go to KI when school is in session and avoid tourist season. We don't even visit the haunted houses but ride the rides only.

They (KI) told me the same thing when I got my 2008 pass last year. But according to the KI website, Gold Pass gets you in for HH:

http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/events.cfm?ec_id=27

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

No complaints here! Although when you think about it, it would make sense from a business perspective to charge admission for HH. The park has to stay open very late, and aren't most/all of the shops and eateries closed during those late hours? So if people get in for free on their passes, and aren't spending any money, then HH might not be very profitable. This is just speculation of course; I might have no idea what I'm talking about

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

No complaints here! Although when you think about it, it would make sense from a business perspective to charge admission for HH. The park has to stay open very late, and aren't most/all of the shops and eateries closed during those late hours? So if people get in for free on their passes, and aren't spending any money, then HH might not be very profitable. This is just speculation of course; I might have no idea what I'm talking about

I was told that non pass holders were complaining about GP holders flooding the park...but I responded by telling them wait until you hear from the GP holders when they find out...I assume the villagers stormed the castle with torches and pitchforks..lol

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

No complaints here! Although when you think about it, it would make sense from a business perspective to charge admission for HH. The park has to stay open very late, and aren't most/all of the shops and eateries closed during those late hours? So if people get in for free on their passes, and aren't spending any money, then HH might not be very profitable. This is just speculation of course; I might have no idea what I'm talking about

I was told that non pass holders were complaining about GP holders flooding the park...but I responded by telling them wait until you hear from the GP holders when they find out...I assume the villagers stormed the castle with torches and pitchforks..lol

Yes and no. Cedar Fair saw how incredibly successful the month of October was for the entire chain, especially in parks where the Halloween program was free with a season pass. It came down to a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situation. Cedar Fair's theory with the upcharge was that fewer people would visit the park, so the one who were there would have an enhanced experience by having smaller crowds and shorter lines. Instead they have decided to the initiative that a larger diversification will disburse larger crowds in a manner similar to having an upcharge. Translation: Halloween Haunt will be bigger, badder, and far more evil this year with more to do. That way, the crowds will be more spread out and guests can experience more. Details in the coming months.

Translation: Halloween Haunt will be bigger, badder, and far more evil this year with more to do.

PLEASE don't get my expectations too high...I hate being dissapointed!

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

No complaints here! Although when you think about it, it would make sense from a business perspective to charge admission for HH. The park has to stay open very late, and aren't most/all of the shops and eateries closed during those late hours? So if people get in for free on their passes, and aren't spending any money, then HH might not be very profitable. This is just speculation of course; I might have no idea what I'm talking about

I was told that non pass holders were complaining about GP holders flooding the park...but I responded by telling them wait until you hear from the GP holders when they find out...I assume the villagers stormed the castle with torches and pitchforks..lol

Yes and no. Cedar Fair saw how incredibly successful the month of October was for the entire chain, especially in parks where the Halloween program was free with a season pass. It came down to a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situation. Cedar Fair's theory with the upcharge was that fewer people would visit the park, so the one who were there would have an enhanced experience by having smaller crowds and shorter lines. Instead they have decided to the initiative that a larger diversification will disburse larger crowds in a manner similar to having an upcharge. Translation: Halloween Haunt will be bigger, badder, and far more evil this year with more to do. That way, the crowds will be more spread out and guests can experience more. Details in the coming months.

Maybe if Cedar Fair would move the crowds through the houses a little quicker...it seems as though the line never moves. Are they only allowed so many in at a time per fire codes?

Yes. Some years back there was a very disastrous fire at Great Adventure in New Jersey. Haunted attractions have been even more carefully watched by fire officials since....

Yes, certain buildings have certain occupancies. The occupant load is based on the number of exits (and the width of those exits). Also the location of those exits is a consideration to the total occupant load.

The park only lets in enough people so that the building does not exceed its maximum number of occupants. In addition, you may notice that all the indoor haunts clearly indicate the egress paths with exit lighting. This is done to ease evacuation of the maze, should there be a fire or other emergency.

Originally, the plan was to have Haunt as an up-charge event. But, alas, the park changed its mind (insert shocked look here) and has decided to keep the event included in your park admission.

Ah, the sweet smell of nostalgia.