Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2025 Discussion

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Now that we are halfway through July, it may be time to give the 2025 Halloween Haunt season its discussion thread. Seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream, and Halloween Haunt all have parts of their websites published already. A number of the HHN houses have already been announced with Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy's, and Terrifier being notable standouts. Carowinds has also released a teaser for SCarowinds 25 Years of Fear, celebrating the event's 25th anniversary (delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic). I would love to see Kings Island put on a similar celebration since this will also be their 25 Years of Fear celebration, whether they advertise it or not. 

Kings Island is rumored to receive at least one new haunt maze in the building formerly occupied by Club Blood and Blackout, built by the trusted Plague Productions team. Rumors speculate that it could be themed to a story from The Conjuring, while some park-goers hope for it to be themed to vampires, gothic horror, or even a pirate maze. 2024 saw the addition of the new "Hooked" scare zone between Viking Fury and Adventure Port, as well as a new unnamed themed area along the path between the Rivertown LaRosa's and Jukebox Diner. Additional rumors are circulating around the former Tomb Raider: The Ride / The Crypt building, formerly home to Madame Fatale's Cavern of Terror, as it has been cleared to begin construction on Kings Island's 2026 attraction or for a new 2025 Halloween Haunt maze. 

Online sleuths recently discovered a new Haunted Attractions Pass and a Haunted Attractions Express Pass to be available at Kings Dominion. Playing around with the URL also reveals the same program coming to Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Dorney Park, and Kings Island. The same website for Valleyfair still has dates listed as available for their Haunted Attractions Passes, with Friday and Sunday prices at $10/HAP and $55/HAEP. Saturday prices are currently set at $20/HAP and $60/HAEP. Prices at other Legacy Cedar Fair parks appear to range from $10-$40 for the standard pass and up to $70 for the Express pass. A similar program existed at Fright Fest throughout the Legacy Six Flags parks, where park visitors would need to purchase an additional pass to enter indoor walkthrough attractions during the event. These new tickets will hopefully bring some calm to the crowd levels and allow for Kings Island to begin receiving some well-needed upgrades to their Halloween Haunt event. 

What do you think Halloween Haunt will look like in 2025? Will you be attending? Halloween Haunt at Kings Island will be held select nights from September 19th to November 1st, 2025. This event is intended for mature audiences and is not recommended for children under 13. Kings Island will maintain its no re-entry after 6:00 PM during Halloween Haunt for 2025. It's time to get excited!

Event Website: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/haunt

[Diamondback_Is_King]

While I am not a huge Haunt guy, I try to make it out there twice every season. I am excited this year, and look forward to what is coming this next season. I love the fog, lights, and sometimes the music (it can get repetitive). But...not really looking forward to the long lines. I'm going to try and get lots of rides in the coming months before Haunt season starts. But overall, looking forward to this fun and scary time of the year!

[Kylewestreviews]

I’m curious what the lines for haunts will look like with the upcharge now


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[Orion-XL200]

Shared last night that it looks like KI will be having the haunt attraction pass: 

 

[ApocalypticTragedy]

So wait, is haunt no longer going to be available with just a gold pass? It still says on the website under gold pass that you get unlimited visits to haunt and winterfest.

[CoasterJack]

33 minutes ago, ApocalypticTragedy said:

So wait, is haunt no longer going to be available with just a gold pass? It still says on the website under gold pass that you get unlimited visits to haunt and winterfest.

There's rumors it'll still be included with the gold pass and only a required add on for tickets. We don't really know for sure until it's all released. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions yet...

[DonHelbig]

37 minutes ago, ApocalypticTragedy said:

So wait, is haunt no longer going to be available with just a gold pass? It still says on the website under gold pass that you get unlimited visits to haunt and winterfest.

You get into the park with a Gold Pass for Haunt. You just have to open your wallet if you want to experiences the mazes.

[Kylewestreviews]

So wait, is haunt no longer going to be available with just a gold pass? It still says on the website under gold pass that you get unlimited visits to haunt and winterfest.

You can still visit during the events with a pass you’ll just most likely have to pay to do the haunts.


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[flightoffear1996]

I could see doing this next year but a product was sold and now we are getting something different.  

[CedarPointer]

I mean, this is far from the first time they've taken away something people already paid for and told people "tough!" when they complained. Always a winning business strategy, right?

[IndyGuy4KI]

If they do end up doing an up charge for the mazes, they better have them better staffed and upgrade all the decorations. Otherwise, I see Guest Services line stretching back to the Eiffel Tower. 

[DonHelbig]

45 minutes ago, IndyGuy4KI said:

If they do end up doing an up charge for the mazes, they better have them better staffed and upgrade all the decorations. Otherwise, I see Guest Services line stretching back to the Eiffel Tower. 

If? They’re going to do it. The product is set up to sell online. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

They could always take it down if guests stop buying the Haunted Attractions Pass 

Kings Island has been known to only dip their metaphorical toes in the water instead of jumping right in the pool. I'd be more supportive of it if we knew it worked more like a tasting card than as a one-night pass. It would also be nice to know whether or not the funds raised from these new passes will go toward improving the mazes and staffing them more. Kings Island hasn't made a post calling for scare actors yet, and that has me wondering if there is a plan that we're not seeing. 

6 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Shared last night that it looks like KI will be having the haunt attraction pass: 

Hi yes this was also one of my posts! LMC here, creator of topics and frequent poster of many things. It's very clear that this is all still in the early stages of being set up. I really hope it works out for Kings Island in the long run.

[robintodd]

17 hours ago, IndyGuy4KI said:

If they do end up doing an up charge for the mazes, they better have them better staffed and upgrade all the decorations. Otherwise, I see Guest Services line stretching back to the Eiffel Tower. 

The other benefit I could see is it may stop the hoards of children and adults pulling kids in wagons thorugh the mazes.  If charging keeps so many kids who just giggle and run through the mazes only to bump in to an adult pulling two toddlers in a large red wagon, I'm all for it.  It puts the scareactors at a disadvantage because who can do a proper scare job under those cirmumstances.

I'll hold off judgement until I experience it.  

Another thing I've noticed is (I didn't check them all) that at
Kings Dominion
Cedar Point
Magic Mountain
Six Flags over Georgia
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags over Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas

All have their halloween events presented by Snickers.

Kings Island
Knots Berry Farm
Valleyfair
Darian Lake
Canada's Wonderland

Don't have it.  Probably just haven't updated the websites yet, but I found it interesting.

[CartersCoasters]

If they put a price tag on the mazes, then people paying for Fright Lane have to pay the $70, the extra for the mazes, and if they aren’t a passholder then the admission. It’s $120 with admission and FL, and we all know the price for the mazes is gonna be crazy, so it’s be about $170 for a SINGLE PERSON!!

[Kylewestreviews]

If they put a price tag on the mazes, then people paying for Fright Lane have to pay the $70, the extra for the mazes, and if they aren’t a passholder then the admission. It’s $120 with admission and FL, and we all know the price for the mazes is gonna be crazy, so it’s be about $170 for a SINGLE PERSON!!

It sounds like the express comes with the access to the mazes from what I’ve gathered so you either pay for regular lines or express lines


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[jbeast]

I am torn on this one. If they do charge extra for mazes this year, it's obvious there is a need for cash any way they can get it. Only reason I can think of facing the throngs of gold passholders angry or confused why their gold pass does not include that this fall. I don't envy anyone working in guest services if so.

It doesn't bother me too much. The mazes are fun, but no need to stand in a 2+ hour line usually, when I can ride my favorite rides in cooler weather. I'm at a point in my life where just walking through the park in the fall/Halloween time and riding rides is enough. If the mazes were truly scary or had better theming, etc., maybe it would matter more.

Saying that, I remember when Fear Fest began and it was a separate gate charge the first few years I think. First of all, I was much younger, so mazes mattered more, the event was better than it is now, and the crowd size was much more manageable. Rides had relatively short lines while the lines for the mazes were not quite as long as they get now with all gold pass members getting access. Weather always plays a role too.

[disco2000]

One thing we know about our passholders is they will come regardless.  Even if the park did zero decorating and no scare zones or roamers and only focused on upcharge mazes, people will still pack the park.

If people can't get in the mazes with entry into the park, then the rides lines become even longer than they already are during Haunt.  

On Haunt Saturdays many of the FL get to/approach the queue entrance, so the lines will be even worse.

[jbeast]

Very True Disco2000. They will show up regardless.

Charging for mazes will probably make the ride lines crazy long. But they are now anyway during the event when the weather cooperates.

[robintodd]

The main reason I enjoy Haunt is The Beast night rides.   That alone is worth the price of a gold pass in my opinion!

[disco2000]

5 minutes ago, robintodd said:

The main reason I enjoy Haunt is The Beast night rides.   That alone is worth the price of a gold pass in my opinion!

Now with Haunt 4 hour waits brought to you by Snickers 

[SonofBaconator]

IMO, I think the chain should look into altering their haunted houses to not require as much staffing- i.e; mazes that have motion triggered affects, lights, and sounds. You have one or two mazes like that that use 50% of the original scare actors, those employees could be relocated to another building.

I say this every year and I will will continue to- they need to do a tiered system for their haunted houses to add value. Tier 1s are mild where Tier 5s are intense.

[beastfan11]

I wish they would charge even more in an attempt to thin out the crowds. Ten years ago, I never would’ve said that. But the event is becoming increasingly trashier and less fun. I say go all in and make it an up charge to even get in. Or something equivalent to a pass add on. 

[DJSkyFoxx]

If the mazes themselves receive upgrades and they actually pour in the effort, I wouldn't mind seeing a bit shorter lines to actually be able to do the mazes for a change. But like some of you have said, this move may end up driving up the ride lines even more. And I definitely do not envy guest service folks roles with all these changes. I know people are going to be absolutely livid when the see upcharges for Haunt.

The reality we are currently in is this: these places are no longer an easy thing to just walk in and enjoy anymore. The parks are 100% pay to play if you truly want to have a good time, and this right here is yet another example of that.

Gone are the days of "just' buying a pass and tolerating long lines here and there. There is quite literally an upcharge for everything. Everything will cost you. I actually feel the most sorry for people who buy single day tickets and realize that ticket is literally only good to get you in and anything beyond that its "cha-ching cha ching cha ching!"

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

6 hours ago, robintodd said:

All have their halloween events presented by Snickers.

SCarowinds and Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park are also presented by Snickers this year. It seems most of the big Legacy Six Flags parks have their Fright Fest sponsored, while around half of the Legacy Cedar Fair parks that have a Haunt event also have their event sponsored. If it brings in money to make the event better, then I'm fine with it. Same with the upcharge for mazes. We haven't seen much work besides the new maze and the demolition of Madam Fatale's. I hope the company has decided to sink some serious initial investment into Halloween Haunt that they can compensate for using the funds raised by the new Haunted Attractions passes. Guests will not be happy if they now have to pay $20 for the mazes that will now be 6-11 years old. It's possible they could get away easier if they change up three-ish mazes (not even changing the theme, just the decorations and routes), but I do not have faith in this company for that.

 

The downside to up-charging for mazes, as everyone has stated, is that it will drive the wait times for everything else up. Like I said in another post about rides and things to do in the park during the normal season, Kings Island simply does not have enough Halloween Haunt attractions to be able to hold the amount of people who attend the event. As of 2024 Kings Island has, what, six mazes with minimal staffing? Three shows, one of which being a glorified costume contest (run by a marvelous actor) at an event where most guests aren't allowed to wear costumes? The scare zones have been getting better, and have been one of the only things that has consistently been changed over the past 5 years. To mitigate the crowds the park could use at least eight mazes, five nightly shows (not including opening and closing ceremonies), all of the normal rides open during Haunt, and a number of additional attractions (with maybe one or two being an up-charge). Remember the casket "live burial" experience? The nightly Haunt-cert with local bands? The interactive lanterns were a new way to play during the Halloween season, and then they split them into two separate products for Winterfest. Why should I spend $35+ on an interactive item that only changes color? 

Hopefully we will see an upgraded Halloween Haunt event this year. Hopefully it will continue to reap the benefits of the increased revenue. Unfortunately it cannot be guaranteed that we'll see any of that. 

 

3 hours ago, beastfan11 said:

I wish they would charge even more in an attempt to thin out the crowds. Ten years ago, I never would’ve said that. But the event is becoming increasingly trashier and less fun. I say go all in and make it an up charge to even get in. Or something equivalent to a pass add on. 

I wish they would make the event an up-charge for non-passholders and have the Haunted Attractions Pass be a slight up-charge after that. SCarowinds was an up-charge for one season, and then they pulled the plug on that because it didn't meet expectations and the execution was kind of sloppy. Close the park at 5:30PM, funnel passholders and Haunt ticket holders into a few designated areas around 6PM, and release everyone in time for the opening ceremony at 7PM. Other parks are super experienced in transitioning from the fun by day to the fright by night model. Why not take some pointers from them? Other haunts have been charging much higher amounts for events like this (albeit with a better product) for ages. Why not upgrade to justify the costs?

There are a lot of opportunities that the new Six Flags could be taking as a company, but are not. There are also a lot of things that the new Six Flags should be doing to mitigate the harm done by these new changes, but are not. 

Halloween Haunt is not and will never be Halloween Horror Nights. That being said, it is not yet should be far above the average home town haunted house. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Double posting because I wanted to post this little guy from when WEBN sponsored FearFest back in 2002  

He's one of the reasons why I love the WaybackMachine (https://web.archive.org/web/20021001214200/http://www.pki.com/fearfest_info_2.jsp)

[kingsislandfan1972]

On 7/18/2025 at 5:03 PM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

Double posting because I wanted to post this little guy from when WEBN sponsored FearFest back in 2002  

He's one of the reasons why I love the WaybackMachine (https://web.archive.org/web/20021001214200/http://www.pki.com/fearfest_info_2.jsp)

I love the nostalgic look of the logo, I hope Kings Island comes out with a logo similar to that.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

This logo (minus the WEBN lizard and letters) is not too hard to recreate for anyone with a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator and the willingness to put in the work. Following current design trends and Six Flags brand standards would also push for some new variation on this logo. 

I made my own version using the current Kings Island logo and a modernized FearFest logo. If Six Flags were to look for a new brand to use, FearFest could be an easy move. It has legacy brand recognition at parks like KI, has an alliterative name, and has not historically been used by Legacy Cedar Fair or Legacy Six Flags. 

[Joshua]

Me and my wife enjoy the mazes, however in their current form, I don't see us paying extra for them. The sell was mazes came with the gold pass, which pushed Haunt ahead of the competition. But if we're gonna pay anyway, we'll probably go to Brimstone Haunt, Land of Illusion or Cincinnati Fearfest. I mean, your hayride being chased by a giant piece of farming equipment and a headless horseman actually riding a horse? Haunt can't compete against that. 

 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

The expanded Halloween Haunt hours make me hopeful that we'll see a better event this year, but all of the drops in park quality over the past few months make me doubt that. Maybe things like the Haunted Attractions Pass will thin out the amount of young children at the event. I'm sorry to say, but I don't think young children (especially those in strollers) should be allowed into the night time event. Haunt has suffered from being made more family-friendly, and it's about time for it to return to its gory goodness. 

Tricks and Treats should still exist and be a high-quality event, but there is a separation between the daytime and nighttime Halloween events for a reason. 

Those new operating days/hours could either mean that guests spread themselves out over more days (lessening the crowds overall), that the budget will be spread even thinner (upping the chances of a bad event), or that there are some good plans for this Haunt season that may entice guests to go more often.