10/4/08 First Ever HH Trip PTR

[Rollercoast19]

Note: This is a long trip report and I tried not to divulge any spoilers.

This was my brother and I’s first trip to Halloween Haunt ever. We arrived a little bit after 7 p.m. We were a little surprised at how crowded it was.

I knew everyone on here said to go on a Friday but we had two $185 tickets (which we received for free) to a Blue Jackets preseason game that night. We couldn’t miss that opportunity. Well, as we were parking we could see the huge amounts of fog rising up from inside Kings Island.

We were getting very excited.

We entered the park and quickly were engulfed in the great atmosphere that Halloween Haunt provides.

We made sure to keep an eye out for Haunt roamers looking to surprise us. Thankfully we were spared. Before we pulled into Kings Island we decided that we should go to a showing of Dead Awakening. So we went in that direction first and noticed that the first show wasn’t until 8:30 p.m. So we decided to head over to The Beast and while on the way admire Diamondback's construction.

The line to The Beast appeared to be fairly short so we got in line. We walked right up to the station house, but they had every queue line filled with park guests. After a lengthy wait, we rode in 5-2. Darkness had already fallen over the park and there was a layer of fog halfway up the lift hill. It was an awesome sight!

We had an amazing night ride which could have possibly been the smoothest I have ever had on there. Great job Kings Island!

We then headed over to the International Showplace to grab our seats for Dead Awakening. Right before we walked in, a family with small children was being told by a park employee that the show involves mature and sexual content. The family thanked the employee for warning them and left to go elsewhere. I was happy that Kings Island had employees warning families from what I had heard about the show earlier. My brother and I took our seats and looked around. It was a pretty good sized audience, but a couple of rows in front of us there was a family with very small children. Well the show started and I noticed how well the guy with the blond hair and the two women sang (which really shouldn’t have come as a surprised since they were great in Flashback: Totally 80’s). Their singing and the lighting were the only things I enjoyed in this show. For some reason I felt very uncomfortable during the show. It might have been the children sitting in front of us (worrying about what they were seeing and how they would react) or the woman dancing around in her underwear (and hearing the gasps from audience members). It was just hard to enjoy the show. We left a little disappointed.

So we decided to see when Ghouls Gone Wild would have its show. We got there at 9 and the show was just about to start. Perfect timing! We walked in and noticed that they were changing the channels on the TVs to the Buckeyes game. Kudos to Kings Island. I was thinking that they should put the game on. So we got to watch the game and the show. I enjoyed Ghouls Gone Wild a lot more than Dead Awakening. I thought the music was more fun in nature and funny at times. I also enjoyed the pyrotechnics and the lighting in the window! The singing was excellent as well. However, the three things that made the show “adult” seemed a little childish or immature to me. But I do believe this is a show everyone needs to see for themselves. Very enjoyable!

We then headed over to Adventure Express since we knew it would be a fairly short line. We had the usual enjoyable ride (it did have one of the lights flashing on the first tunnel [just a little note for a previous debate]) and headed towards Coney Maul.

We tried to figure which HH attraction we should do first. We walked by Massacre Manor and noticed how long the line was so we passed it. We then walked by The Worksite and it had a short line so we decided that would be our first ever Halloween Haunt attraction. We were in the back of the group that got sent through with several teenaged girls in front of us. This allowed us to see the scare actors jump out because they would always go after the girls. Which didn’t bother us at all and it was fun to watch the girls jump and scream. I enjoyed the end and thought it was a fun scare zone.

We then walked over to Tombstone Terror-tory. Earlier when we went to The Beast we noticed the line was long since it hadn’t opened yet. Well, by this time it was stretched through all the lines and all the way to the front of the Crypt entrance. We still got in line since we figured that it wouldn’t be too long since they are taking trains full of people back there. We were partially correct. We had gotten to the area in front of Dippin’ Dots when an ambulance arrived and headed back there. I am guessing what ever it was wasn’t too serious since they weren’t rushing back there, but whatever happened I hope the person was ok. Once we got on the train they slowly took us back and told a great story. Some “cool” teenagers we sort of making fun of it, but I enjoyed it. Well, our group that went through had those “cool” teenagers right behind my brother and I. Let’s just say the scare actors got them good. Great job! I was spooked several times and I really enjoyed it. I thought the train ride coupled with the story and the whole maze made this a really fun experience. I definitely plan on doing this one again.

We decided we better get something to eat. However, when we walked by Red Beard’s Revenge we thought it wasn’t too long of a line. So we hopped in line. After a little bit of a wait we headed in with a group of two couples in front of us. I should say I do enjoy walking through the haunt with hands on each other’s shoulders. There were several times we were surprised. But the great part was near the end. The guy in front of the group was headed to a door that was lit up behind it. It also had two emergency exit signs pointed to it. So he headed in that direction (which I probably would have done as well). But a scare actor came up to him and said in a pirate voice, “Go this way! Who decided to put the genius up front?” We all burst out laughing and thought it was a very clever and funny line to come up with right on the spot.

We then agreed to head over to check out Club Blood. We got over there expecting a long line; however the line was barely out of the building. So after about a two minute wait we headed in. We were again in the back of group. Well, in this haunt is where I jumped the highest. I was pointing out something I saw to my brother that I didn’t notice when we had the lights on tour for KICentral Day, and I turned back around to walk forward and right in my face was a scare actor. Scared me to death! I jumped back a couple of feet. Great job!

Since it was so close we experienced Cornstalkers. We were again in the back of the group. I was impressed with some of the scare actors on how they surprised me. I don’t want to go into too much detail for people who haven’t experienced it. One thing I suggest they do though is move the cornstalks closer together.

It was around 12:40 when we left Constalkers so we got in line for Massacre Manor. It seemed like everything was a short line at this time except for Massacre Manor. It still had a huge line. After a very lengthy wait our group headed in. Of course we were in the back of the group, lol. We enjoyed this one a lot! I jumped several times especially when one scare actor got me from behind. That one rivaled that scare I got in Club Blood. I also thought of the scenes in here were amazing!! I suggest everyone check this one out! It was about 1:20 when we got out of Massacre Manor.

I thought the park was great! It had an amazing atmosphere and tons of fog! There were times when I could barely see a couple of feet in front of me.

The haunt roamers did a great job as well. The sliders were getting a lot of people to jump and scream in the Rivertown area. We also enjoyed the roamer wheeling the bodies around.

My brother and I are kicking each other for not going to Halloween Haunt or Fear Feast years before. We will come back next week to experience the mazes that we didn’t have time for. We can’t wait!

To those wondering if they should go, I completely recommend that you experience Halloween Haunt. To those who haven’t gone yet, you will definitely enjoy Halloween Haunt 2008!

[Jasper]

Wow amazing TR i love your photos and your descritption of all the haunts. I am going up there November 1st but i will probably not be experienceing HH. I love how KI always seems to entertain people no matter what the means are such as Coasters, Thrill Rides, and now HAunted Attractions. Big ups to KI.

[Rollercoast19]

Thanks! I would have posted more pictures but when it becomes night the shutter on the camera stays open just a little too long. Which gives me blurry photos!

You can see several more pictures here: 10/4/08 Halloween Haunt Pictures

[Karen]

I have to agree. That was an excellent trip report!!!

I go to every single operating night of haunt and I have for the past three years. In all that time only missed ONE night and that was the first year. This year I will be going late on Halloween night to spend time with the grandbabies then heading over after the halloween hours here are over.

As many times as I go there is something different each night. The scares are everywhere. People keep mentioning spoilers but how can you call them spoilers??? They are EVERYWHERE....no place is safe.

I hope you are able to check out Urgent Scare, Death Row, the Haunted trail and Carnevil as well on your next trip!! All worth a look see!!

As for Dead Awakening I am sure you would have enjoyed it more if not for being so worried about the small children. Try checking it out again and just sit around people your own age. It really is a good show so just relax and enjoy.

I totally agree on the gouls gone wild!!! The singers do a great job and the surprises are awesome and funny!!

[RingMaster]

We also enjoyed the roamer wheeling the bodies around.

That cart is heavier than it looks. With three dead bodies (I need more...MUCH more) stacked and stuffed in there, it weighs a good 70+ pounds. But it proves to be one hell of a distraction as people glaring right at it are caught off guard as a monster slides up on them.

[Rollercoast19]

I didn't know that was you. You were excellent!! We watched you while we were in line for Tombstone Terror-tory.

[XGatorHead 8904]

We then agreed to head over to check out Club Blood. We got over there expecting a long line; however the line was barely out of the building. So after about a two minute wait we headed in. We were again in the back of group. Well, in this haunt is where I jumped the highest. I was pointing out something I saw to my brother that I didn’t notice when we had the lights on tour for KICentral Day, and I turned back around to walk forward and right in my face was a scare actor. Scared me to death! I jumped back a couple of feet. Great job!

Did this happen in the room right after the motorcycle room (before you get to "the club")? Because I got someone exactly this way that night. This guy was turned around, talking to another guy about something in the room, and I saw my chance. I went right up to him, he turned around forward, and jumped when he saw me. This was the only time this has happened to me. If that wasn't you, it's good to see others in Club Blood are seizing the same opportunities for scares!

Glad you had a good time!

[Rollercoast19]

It was actually right at the end of the room with women dancing in the cages. I definitely learned the lesson on not turning around

Karen - I do plan on trying out Dead Awakening a second time.

[Jasper]

I have heard boo koos of good reports of Urgent Scare i might i have to try this out on my own.

[BoddaH1994]

Karen - I do plan on trying out Dead Awakening a second time.

Definitely see it again! Sometimes it's hard to really judge something when it was over hyped, under hyped, or you simply didn't know what to expect. I think for the second straight year, Dead Awakening is the cornerstone of Haunt.

I have heard boo koos of good reports of Urgent Scare i might i have to try this out on my own.

I went through Urgent Scare on the media preview night and was underwhelmed by it. However I've heard from a ton of credible people that the maze wasn't quite finished that night and they've added a lot to the experience. After the first weekend, there has been nothing short of stellar feedback on that maze. If you did it the first weekend, definitely check it out again!

[Outdoor Man]

never been, but will in a week or two.

Thanks for the good TR.

I am very dissappointed (however that's spelled) - that I read to hear that Kings Island, for all intensive purposes, a family location has to have a show described as "sexual." that's kind of disturbing.

[BoddaH1994]

never been, but will in a week or two.

Thanks for the good TR.

I am very dissappointed (however that's spelled) - that I read to hear that Kings Island, for all intensive purposes, a family location has to have a show described as "sexual." that's kind of disturbing.

It certainly is a family location... except for Haunt, in which they do more than enough to warn people that it's for mature audiences. However they do have a family-friendly daytime Halloweeen celebration.

[Outdoor Man]

yea, but really- do they have to cross the line to be "sexual?"

What do ladies in underwear at the park have to do with Haunting?

However, I want to stop there from commenting further on something I haven't visited. I'll have valid "thought" in a few weeks.

[BoddaH1994]

yea, but really- do they have to cross the line to be "sexual?"

What do ladies in underwear at the park have to do with Haunting?

However, I want to stop there from commenting further on something I haven't visited. I'll have valid "thought" in a few weeks.

Definitely check out the show. I think you'll be overall impressed with it.

[The Interpreter]

They are wearing overalls now? Good.

I was more impressed by this account in Post 97....

http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?...90&start=90

And I have taken the advice therein dispensed:

....If your not into blood-thirsty Exotic Vampire Dancers, Biker Mama, Dominatrix Vampiress beating her beeyotches, the street whore with their blinged-out Pimp, or even the hard core dance tunes spun by the resident evil Dj..... Than I suggest stay away from Club Blood. Don't put it down for its scare or fright effects because its not in your taste of haunting!!! But if your into the much improved version.....(geared for mature guest)...... Please by all means, visit it, and enjoy it.

Seems like good advice to me. I'll stay away. I am not putting it down, I just choose to spend my nickels on Friday and Saturday nights in October somewhere else.

Not at Kings Island...they choose to do what they do and I choose to do what I do. From the crowds on Saturdays, it is obviously a very successful strategy for them. Why stop there? Why have any skimpy clothes on? After all, there's money to be made.

[Karen]

Ok I have a few words on this topic as to where it has been heading. Well if you know me - quite a few words lol. Sorry folks!!

You want Family Oriented Fun at Kings Island - no problem you got it. Go in the morning and leave by 6pm at the latest. You have all day - over 7 hours of fun to experience with the family. Then it transforms to a typical Halloween Haunt Event - only there is a heck of a lot more of it than anywhere else offers!! Consider this - $20+ bux at a typical haunted house and maybe at the most 45 minutes....now go to Kings Island with all of the houses, mazes, scarezones, and throw on top of that the awesome roamers/creepers and the hours of 7pm - 1am on Friday's and longer than that on Saturdays? hmmmmm great value there!!

Yes there are things I am not fond of so I don't go in those areas - no one is going to be happy with everything!! Get the best out of the experience and only do what appeals to you. Some like the night time riding on some of the more intense rides. I have heard some that like to go around and do a little ghost hunting as Kings Island is rumored to have several there then you have the haunted house lovers that do their thing at the park. There are also shows for people that just go there for the shows and do not do the houses or rides.

No one is complaining about USS Nightmare or any of the other places. You know when you go to those places what to expect because for some odd reason people actually READ those warnings.

Kings Island Halloween Haunt has postings on their website, at the gate, all over the park and especially at the start of the shows as well as people there to warn you of the content yet constantly I keep hearing people complain about it?? Why??? IF sexual content bothers you then do not go. If you want to check it out and are worried about it - sit toward the back so you can leave without disturbing anyone else. I do not have any issue with the sexual content bothering anyone at all. Some things that bother me might not bother you. My issue is that with all of the warnings about it, those go ignored, people go, then get all hot and bothered about it and complain.

Intreperter you have some awesome points and I for one have a great deal of respect for you. I agree with your point that if you don't like Haunt there are a lot of other places to spend your money. Be happy and do it!!

As for Natalie Gibson in a nightie that one really blows me away.....people go to R rated movies or watch shows on regular tv and you see less than she has on. Go to a beach and see those bathing suits in broad daylight with a whole lot less than she wears. She barely shows her belly in that thing - what is so wrong with it? Is the show sexual in nature? Yea it is but I saw worse than that in the movie "dirty dancing" lol. Sorry but that is my take on it. I go in there and I am not uncomfortable in the least. If you are then that is fine. I guess because I am so old it does not effect me in that way any more. I tend to remember some people really going nuts when Barbara Eden showed her "belly button" in her jeanie outfit back in the 60's lol but then that kind of shows my age!! Natalie's breasts and other private areas are well hidden under the thickness of her costume. Take a real and honest close look at it lol.

Ohh to bring a good point here on the Urgent Scare - Don Helbig was on a news report with some scenes from this attraction. This news report can be seen on YOUTUBE - just type in Kings Island and all kinds of things come up or type in Halloween Haunt. Either will get you that report. If you want to know some of the things you will see, that is what to check out - then remember - that was some of the things FIT for airing on TV during prime time. Ok now take it a step further and place the scare actors in there that will be moving around and going out of their way to scare you. When I went through that one I got physically sick at the gore in there. Am I upset about that? NO I was warned. It is just a very intense attraction. Worth going through?? Definately!!! I have gone through that one twice!!! Just a word of advice - Do not go after eating lol. Not a smart thing!!

[The Interpreter]

I note only that you yourself said you will not be going in Club Blood this year.

Thou lady doth speak with forked tongue?

[WooferBearATL]

I note only that you yourself said you will not be going in Club Blood this year.

Thou lady doth speak with forked tongue?

Now just don't get started on any wheelchair repair issues! <G>

[XGatorHead 8904]

^Weeks ago I actually thought of something to say to her while in character in regards to that, if only she were to enter my club...