Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2025 Discussion

[jbeast]

I went last night and stayed till almost 9pm and had walk-ons or really short lines on Diamondback, Beast, Orion and Mystic. What a great evening! I got a ton of rides on those coasters and other rides and didn't miss going to any of the haunted attractions at all. The atmosphere with a ton of fog, scare actors roaming the park and world class rides, plus some good food worked for me.

[DJSkyFoxx]

19 minutes ago, jbeast said:

I went last night and stayed till almost 9pm and had walk-ons or really short lines on Diamondback, Beast, Orion and Mystic. What a great evening! I got a ton of rides on those coasters and other rides and didn't miss going to any of the haunted attractions at all. The atmosphere with a ton of fog, scare actors roaming the park and world class rides, plus some good food worked for me.

I was also there last night! I think it might be safe to say that Thursday nights will be THEE go to nights for an actual good Haunt experience. The low crowds made for a much better experience. The vibes were absolutely vibin'. Lines were essentially non-existent for the rides unless of course you wanted to wait for a specific seat. Even then, seriously wouldn't even count that as hardly anything. Staff seemed in good spirits. I will say my only negative interaction last night was upon entering the park. I had an older lady at the scan in who did not seem to understand two very simple things. One-I still have and use my old Platinum pass card because the QR code is valid due to me renewing my pass each year and their system just recycling that same code for current day. She very rudely told me that they "no longer used those" and I had to explain to her that what the actual pass card said didn't matter, it was the QR code that was still valid and renewed for 2026. She was so rude and simultaneously confused about it I had to take my cell phone out and open the app to show her that I indeed DID have a 2026 gold pass and that it did not matter which QR code I used from whichever source since they were both the same thing. She kept asking me if I "upgraded" to a gold pass from prestige? Common lady...

This all became an issue because I wanted to use my free BAF ticket (which is the second and primary reason for this snafu to begin with...) that was invisible to me but supposedly visible to them as I had my partner with me and she has not yet gotten her pass for next season. I explained to her that I bought my 2026 pass during the initial sale for next year's passes and it was to include a BAF ticket that wasn't visible to me, but should be on their side. The lady had to call over a supervisor and thankfully he was really nice about it and didn't make a stink over it and let us proceed. I wish I had gotten both of their names because the woman scanning tickets/passes clearly needs more education on her job as well as a massive attitude adjustment ( rudest person I have dealt with at KI to date honestly...everyone else has always been helpful or at the very least not rude while trying to understand something ) and the supervisor's name for not making the process any more challenging than it needed to be and letting us in to enjoy our night. 

We caught the pre-closing fountain show too and that really was such a fun and enjoyable display! I see what you all meant now about the use of the pyrotechnics being excellent and the overall use of the fountains and lights themselves was very well done. 

I look forward to catching at least one or two more Haunts on a Thursday night. It's worth going to bed a little later for the low crowds, low stress and all fun kind of night. Not to mention the weather was absolutely perfect.

[Kenban]

2 hours ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

This all became an issue because I wanted to use my free BAF ticket (which is the second and primary reason for this snafu to begin with...) that was invisible to me but supposedly visible to them as I had my partner with me and she has not yet gotten her pass for next season. I explained to her that I bought my 2026 pass during the initial sale for next year's passes and it was to include a BAF ticket that wasn't visible to me, but should be on their side. The lady had to call over a supervisor and thankfully he was really nice about it and didn't make a stink over it and let us proceed. I wish I had gotten both of their names because the woman scanning tickets/passes clearly needs more education on her job as well as a massive attitude adjustment ( rudest person I have dealt with at KI to date honestly...everyone else has always been helpful or at the very least not rude while trying to understand something ) and the supervisor's name for not making the process any more challenging than it needed to be and letting us in to enjoy our night. 

I am surprised the supervisor let you go, not because you don’t have the free ticket, but they changed how those work.  You are supposed to go the ticket booth and they print you a ticket.  I have been told they can no longer do the bring a friend free tickets at the gate.

[Diamondback_Is_King]

8 minutes ago, Kenban said:

I am surprised the supervisor let you go, not because you don’t have the free ticket, but they changed how those work.  You are supposed to go the ticket booth and they print you a ticket.  I have been told they can no longer do the bring a friend free tickets at the gate.

Yes, I tried to use one (about two months ago) at the front gate and they told me I had to go to the ticketing area to get it. Then they scan your QR code for your BAF ticket and print it out. After that you just scan it at the front and your good to go-not sure why they changed it but they did. It wasn't a long or hard process, but if the ticket lines were long then I can see it being frustrating.

[mikejenkins1]

Thursday was very empty.....

[CoasterJack]

For the most part rides and attractions were open though. Outside of The Racer only running one side, the park was better staffed than I was expecting. Also the experience in the mazes and scare zones was top notch. With so few people in the park, I'm pretty sure every single actor interacted with me at least once, if not more. The emptiness with the fog added to a spooky feeling I don't think I've ever felt in a Haunt before. Would highly recommend anyone to try and make a Haunt Thursday work (also so they don't take them away).

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Last night was very empty, but very nice overall. I hope they choose to keep some of the Thursday night operations next year. I've been having some issues with roller coasters this year (due to personal matters) and haven't gotten to ride too many times, but I would've loved to get on everything last night with their short waits. Definitely go on Thursdays if you can. 

Some new props seemed to be added around the park as well sometime between opening night and yesterday night. There are still a number of lantern interactions that I'm bummed about losing, but things change. KI did finally get the dripping blood Stanley-lookalike cups, which is a big win — although still no $100 leather jackets.

 

6 hours ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

This all became an issue because I wanted to use my free BAF ticket (which is the second and primary reason for this snafu to begin with...) that was invisible to me but supposedly visible to them as I had my partner with me and she has not yet gotten her pass for next season.

I'm really hoping if we ever see those new Six Flags mobile apps they will make it so BAF tickets and pass renewal promotions show up. They should also put out signage telling passholders to go to a ticket window if they can only be processed there. It's the little snafus like this that keep adding up to make the overall guest experience worse.

[Kenban]

It felt like there was enough people for Thursday’s to be viable, especially if the attendance increases like it typically does later in October.  It’s not like it was so dead the coasters were running empty trains.  You could basically walk on the majority of rides, but they also had a steady enough flow of people the trains seemed to always have a few rows filled.  I went on Adventure Express and my train had around 8 people but when we got back to the station almost every row was filled.  According to the sign there was a 25 minute wait for The Beast, but I did not wait in the line, so I know there was a wait, but unsure it’s real length.

The haunts did not have a wait except for Order of the Dragon.  The Conjuring had effectively no wait, the person at the entrance to the line had a stack of cards, likely for return times to limit the line length, but I never saw them give them out, or need to do so.  I am curious if they let people go through solo, or made people wait until there was enough for at least a small group.

I was surprised by how much of the park was open.  The rides seemed to all be operating except for the kids area.  The restaurants were all operating, although one side of brewhouse was blocked off.  They even did all the shows.  It really was a normal night of haunt, just with less guests.  There was definitely areas where changes could be made to reduce costs if desired, and I have been to parks with a lot more limited operations.  

I did the first Thursdays of Halloweekends at Cedar Point this year as well.  That felt more crowded but not by a huge margin.  Also they do not perform the majority of shows at Cedar Point on Thursday.  I remember several rides not operating but I think most of that was maintenance issues.

My biggest concern was it felt like everyone at the park was a pass holder.  I think preferred parking was like half full.  If it grows in attendance over the coming weeks, I could definitely see Thursdays make a return next year.

If you have a chance to go on a Thursday this October, I recommend it.

[brenthodge]

21 hours ago, Kenban said:

I am surprised the supervisor let you go, not because you don’t have the free ticket, but they changed how those work.  You are supposed to go the ticket booth and they print you a ticket.  I have been told they can no longer do the bring a friend free tickets at the gate.

That’s correct, and people keep saying “it worked for me” so great. But don’t tell people the wrong thing “hoping” it works for them and they have to STILL do what they have told you to do. These antecdotal hacks really aren’t helpful. Go to ticket services first. Simple. 

[brenthodge]

On 10/3/2025 at 8:40 AM, DJSkyFoxx said:

This all became an issue because I wanted to use my free BAF ticket (which is the second and primary reason for this snafu to begin with...) that was invisible to me but supposedly visible to them as I had my partner with me and she has not yet gotten her pass for next season. I explained to her that I bought my 2026 pass during the initial sale for next year's passes and it was to include a BAF ticket that wasn't visible to me, but should be on their side. The lady had to call over a supervisor and thankfully he was really nice about it and didn't make a stink over it and let us proceed. I wish I had gotten both of their names because the woman scanning tickets/passes clearly needs more education on her job as well as a massive attitude adjustment ( rudest person I have dealt with at KI to date honestly...everyone else has always been helpful or at the very least not rude while trying to understand something )

You actually made it an issue by not doing it the way you are supposed to now. They used to do it this way, but you now need to go to ticket services to get a paper pass printed. You actually needed the “education” since you weren’t doing it correctly, and people often respond with the type of attitude they are given. Might have something to do with the way she responded to ya. Sound like if the supervisor let you just go, they might’ve not wanted to deal with whatever issue was being caused. Hope we can all realize we are in this together and cut each other some slack. 

[CedarPointer]

Sounds like something the park should have communicated to people when they took their money, instead of expecting everyone to know about a random policy change that wasn't communicated anywhere except "unofficial" Facebook groups. 

Apparently, you're supposed to "refer to the instructions on the ticket" to figure out how to redeem it... which, of course, you don't have because it's "on your pass". 

[kikid74]

Did anyone here go last Saturday and notice whether the Saturday haunt lines were typical for past years or much shorter? 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Not last Saturday but tonight all of the mazes looked to have decent waits throughout the night. That being said, I think Norfolk Southern had a family day today and might've gotten everyone maze tickets like Toyota did (again I'd love to hear how much the park charged them for those). 

I did see some kids realizing the chaperone policy was in effect between security and the ID checkpoint. That space seems really small for a place where groups are stopped often — especially on a packed night. You'd think word about the "strict" chaperone policy would've gotten out since Kings Island is "an overbuilt local family park" (I'll comment on the fact someone said that elsewhere). Being serious, though, I still wish we could get a stroller ban (or equivalent) with the chaperone policy during Haunt. They seem to be lesser in quantity this year, but I long for a day when there aren't literal babies being towed around such an overstimulating environment.

It was nice to finally watch Nytewalkers again with the new music. I still don't like the show. The music also seemed to have been added as a way to change up the show instead of actually introducing anything new. As an example the video still synced up for the Olivia Rodrigo song they had last year but not for the new music this year. I hope this is the last year a stunt show will be in the International Showplace for Haunt. 

Ghouls Gone Wild had their last show at/before 8:30 (I think) and had no shows from about 9-12. Wild timing for a show at an event that runs from 6-12. I'd know more if I could've actually read it on the app or if the signs outside the Festhaus were legible in the dark. It looked like Nytewalkers and Dr. Nightmare had 3 shows total (2+1) during that time as well. The hourly fountain show was very good both times I saw it. I was happy to see someone finally decided to have one of those "Bellagio-style shows" that they were designed for. 

I honestly haven't seen too many scare actors out and about like there have been in previous years, but maybe they've gone into the mazes? If KI/Six Flags really wanted to do more for the event's 25th anniversary than just having limited merch, I think they could have turned International Street Fear into a scare zone called "FearFest" and kept most of the stuff that's been there since 2019. Maybe put some of the graveyard stones along the fronts of the buildings with retired mazes on them instead of peoples names.

Despite my numerous grudges and grumbles, I had fun tonight. The fog was thick and choked me less than it did the last couple of weeks. I got about 2.5-3 miles of walking in tonight and did about 1.5 loops of the park. The actual worst part about tonight was probably having to park way out at the edge of the lot despite getting there at 6:45 (bring back the trams). I needed the workout though.

[Diamondback_Is_King]

16 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I honestly haven't seen too many scare actors out and about like there have been in previous years, but maybe they've gone into the mazes? If KI/Six Flags really wanted to do more for the event's 25th anniversary than just having limited merch, I think they could have turned International Street Fear into a scare zone called "FearFest" and kept most of the stuff that's been there since 2019. Maybe put some of the graveyard stones along the fronts of the buildings with retired mazes on them instead of peoples names.

I was noticing the same thing. It seemed like there were way less scare actors out and about especially on Coney Maul. There were just a few clowns and a stilts guy, but no slider guys or any of those other ones. I don't even know if I saw a chainsaw guy in Abandoned. Maybe one. But I definitely noticed there were not a lot of scare actors in the scare zones, and I don't think they went into the houses either...

[DJSkyFoxx]

On 10/4/2025 at 8:53 AM, brenthodge said:

You actually made it an issue by not doing it the way you are supposed to now. They used to do it this way, but you now need to go to ticket services to get a paper pass printed. You actually needed the “education” since you weren’t doing it correctly, and people often respond with the type of attitude they are given. Might have something to do with the way she responded to ya. Sound like if the supervisor let you just go, they might’ve not wanted to deal with whatever issue was being caused. Hope we can all realize we are in this together and cut each other some slack. 

I didn't make an issue. The lack of CLEAR information presented on what to do is absurd and THAT is an issue. Not my fault. I wasn't rude to her, however, she was rude to me from GO based just on the fact alone that my physical pass card is an old Platinum pass that WORKED just fine when she scanned it. And from there her attitude continued. 

I was polite to her the entire time, but I did stand firm on what I knew. As a guest with clear as mud info on how to proceed with this particular endeavor, this is where the employees need to be on their game. Being rude to me because I still had a physical pass card that happened to still have the Platinum title on it wasn't any reason to treat me like I was doing something illegal.  

I will also advise that the ticket booth did not appear to be open. So if I needed any further assistance more than likely I would have been sent to guest services. 

Don't assume how I was with this lady. You weren't there. I've worked in enough customer facing roles and STILL work with the GP on a day to day basis where I know how to speak to people appropriately. I literally have to in the line of work I do as however my tone comes across can change the entire outcome of a situation. I'm not one of those monster guests who makes an a$$ of myself, but if I am not being given the tools needed to make a situation work, that is not my problem. I've never been treated like this before by staff at this park even when an issue arose. 

[brenthodge]

22 hours ago, DJSkyFoxx said:

I didn't make an issue. The lack of CLEAR information presented on what to do is absurd and THAT is an issue. Not my fault. I wasn't rude to her, however, she was rude to me from GO based just on the fact alone that my physical pass card is an old Platinum pass that WORKED just fine when she scanned it. And from there her attitude continued. 

I was polite to her the entire time, but I did stand firm on what I knew. As a guest with clear as mud info on how to proceed with this particular endeavor, this is where the employees need to be on their game. Being rude to me because I still had a physical pass card that happened to still have the Platinum title on it wasn't any reason to treat me like I was doing something illegal.  

I will also advise that the ticket booth did not appear to be open. So if I needed any further assistance more than likely I would have been sent to guest services. 

Don't assume how I was with this lady. You weren't there. I've worked in enough customer facing roles and STILL work with the GP on a day to day basis where I know how to speak to people appropriately. I literally have to in the line of work I do as however my tone comes across can change the entire outcome of a situation. I'm not one of those monster guests who makes an a$$ of myself, but if I am not being given the tools needed to make a situation work, that is not my problem. I've never been treated like this before by staff at this park even when an issue arose. 

Thanks - that explains a lot

[Jeorby Nanpa]

On 10/3/2025 at 8:40 AM, DJSkyFoxx said:

I was also there last night! I think it might be safe to say that Thursday nights will be THEE go to nights for an actual good Haunt experience. The low crowds made for a much better experience.
Not to mention the weather was absolutely perfect.

[About Thursday nights and The Incident it all goes together for ON TOPIC please be patient]

You guys are killing me! Passholder 1982 to 2025 or so, age 13 or 14 whenever? Local, Sharonville. KI 2025 went all to heck. My last visit ever some lady dragged the staff into this story that I took pics of children in The Beast line. Like a creeper! Still a bit burnt up. Ride op and security dudes were cool. "Just stay here a moment." On the way out I tossed my pass in the storm drain. Checked my camera roll at home. Typical "yay front row dark Beast ride" pic. Was not gonna have ride-ops or security zip thru my cam, guilty or not. Is not, btw. No kids BTW just bragging about short first row lines if anything. Probably got up on the wrong side of the mental health bed. Never had anyone ask that before but it hit especially hard. (Ride-op and security level-headed should say this again)

Given all that, KI was disappointing to me in 2025 in too many ways to describe. Getting nailed by security for a fantasy crime outside my fave place in Warren County was the icing.  Whipping that season pass into a storm drain in accessible parking was possibly symbolic. Still is!

ON TOPIC and this is important. ON TOPIC. Did not realize KI is open Thursdays for "Haunt?" Despite the crabbing above,  I can overlook that for short lines on a Thursday   Fun part is all the remaining Thursdays are used up. *sigh* it was meant to be

- - - - - - - - 
For kicks Jeorby Nanpa is AKA Punk Cat in the distinctive collar. Mostly Racer n Beast. Not being sly on identified, but I was here before Punk Cat was hehehe

[Jeorby Nanpa]

On 10/3/2025 at 3:59 PM, Kenban said:

It felt like there was enough people for Thursday’s to be viable, especially if the attendance increases like it typically does later in October.

Swear!  First time around, maybe 2002 or so, Haunt did a cut-down version on Thursdays? Out of the loop, I guess.  Had no idea I could pop up there on a slow night and ride my azzoff. Live and learn.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I went on Thursday night and it appeared to be a lot more crowded than last week, but everything still listed as having low wait times. It also looked like a ton of people were taking advantage of the low wait times for the mazes as well. TC:BF didn't have too long of a wait, but I also only saw it right after the sun went down.

If anyone is looking for the skeleton banjo duo they are on top of the Rivertown Refresh Station. They seemed to be playing continually instead of being a lantern interaction. I think it's a nice location for them, I just wish they had a light on them or that something would've been done to make them more visible. Maybe putting them on top of something might've also helped.

Not to already look toward next year (if the company makes it that long... jk... unless) but part of me hopes they move TC:BF into Action Theater like it is at Carowinds or put it somewhere else. My issue isn't that it's currently in a bad location — in fact it's in a great spot — I just wish KI could find a better use for that space. The new Mullins Workshop Bar also doesn't help my feelings on the matter. It's better than nothing, but I don't think they needed another bar in Rivertown. I don't know how I'm just now noticing this but without Vortex the back of the park seems kind of dead during Haunt (aside from The Beast) and really just acts as a connection point. I guess I'd never have normally spent so much time back there.

[Timchat2]

The official websites for Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, and Worlds of Fun have banners stating that haunted attractions will be included in admission for the remainder of the Haunt season.

 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Notably the only four parks in the chain to do so. It seems they still need to work out some flaws in the implementation and marketing. Either that or we won't be seeing mazes (updated or otherwise) at these parks next year.

[CoasterJack]

42 minutes ago, Timchat2 said:

The official websites for Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, and Worlds of Fun have banners stating that haunted attractions will be included in admission for the remainder of the Haunt season.

 

Noticed this as well. Also made me realize apparently we're one of the only CF parks still charging $15 on weekends for the maze pass, or charging $35-$40 for the Conjuring. I assume this means the add-ons are selling better at KI compared to most other parks. The legacy SF parks on the other hand are still charging $25-$35, but also they've been charging for longer so makes sense that the guests are more used to it.

[Timchat2]

The other "big" parks like Cedar Point, Carowinds, and Canada's Wonderland appear to be keeping the Haunted Attraction Pass as well.

[disco2000]

Probably similar to the pre-k pass being offered at only certain parks, at the parks not offering the mazes with admission, they are hurting for attendance.

Here is a screenshot:

 

[Tr0y]

On 8/12/2025 at 12:49 AM, Tr0y said:

Not related to KI, but I don’t see KD’s Haunt up-charge mazes surviving past this season. They’ve attempted an up-charge haunt before and BGW’s Howl-O-Scream beat the brakes off them, and KD switched back to the legacy CF model.

Heck BGW’s Christmas Town made KD’s Winterfest no longer an event.

Adorable as it is predictable. 

[disco2000]

If my home park were Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, or Worlds of Fun, I would be worried that his might be the last year of Haunt as they know it.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

"But, but, but, but, our passes said they included access to Haunt!" "Ah yes, but did it say which park(s) that Haunt event would be at? You still have access to a bunch of events across the US, Mexico, and Canada. I don't care if you have to travel 4+ hours to get to any of them."

I'm not only worried about this being the last year of Haunt at these parks, I'm worried that if a park like Kings Dominion does anything else to cheapen or remove these events, they'll lose a lot more people than they did by suddenly cancelling Winterfest last year. It's remarkably easy to lose your guest's trust and super hard to gain it back.

There is part of me that thinks they might just scale down the events (which will still lead to more dissatisfaction and distrust). Six Flags might just need to bite the bullet and keep these four parks having free mazes if they're hoping to salvage them. Who knows, maybe a new CEO, new Chairman, and a new independent director on the board will know how to weather the storm Six Flags keeps steering back into.

[disco2000]

I think we confirmed which 4 parks would be ripe for the spin-off sale....