Media Night review

[StXsteven]

As you know I went to Fearfest Thursday September 28th, and I promised a review so here it is. Any questions feel free to ask. I went with a good friend of mine named Kelly; I’ll have some pics up in a week or two (I’ll give you the site once its up). So we pulled in, got our media tickets, and went through the front gate. As soon as we stepped inside the park we couldn’t see to well because there was a fog machine working like mad, and actors ran up and tell you to go back, now is your last chance, then a guy with a chainsaw came over and scared all of the innocent by-standers.

After we got through that, we walked our way in pitch silence with no one around (it was creepy to have the park so empty) we made our way to:

The Worksite

A guy with a chainsaw comes at you, and then once you get past that, actors with cones bang on the walls and tried to scare us. It was pretty neat, but way to bright for it to be scary. When the park is crowded, I’m sure this will be frightening. I thought it was a really good new scare zone.

Then we made our way to the new:

Massacre Manor

Formally known as R.L. Stine’s Fear Street Nights, and known as the House of Darkness. It improved so much compared to last year. Acting was better they seemed a lot more enthusiastic. Pitch-black areas and curtains hanging down every 5 feet make up the majority of this attraction, and it really is a lot of fun. Then the Maze of Madness themed area (crazy lunatics and fence) section has improved beyond belief compared to last year. It was so foggy I couldn’t see anything until I’m right up on it, and they got me to jump. I saw an actor in front of me, so I ignored the right side, a girl with some type of crow bar was lighting up the sparks, and I totally forgot that scene, so it made me jump. The guy being cut on the table was still there, but I was focusing to hard on where to go I didn’t get to look at it. I almost walked into the prop where a guy is being electrocuted. That was an intense scene, but maybe it was because I was expecting nothing from this haunt, since that is what it gave me last year. I’ll be going back Saturday to find out. The rest of the haunt was pretty much the same, a few things moved around(including room order) but it was just very well done this year.

Then we cut across over to:

Maze of Madness

If you remember, I was very disappointed in it last year. I use to think it was the scariest attraction in 2004, and I thought they ruined it with bad acting and nothing going on last year. There were no new props as far as I could tell, but the acting was superb, and we got lost haha. Now you start from the other side of the haunted house.. Where people got out last year. I thought it was a stupid idea first because people are use to the other side, but I think it made the attraction a lot more confusing, plus the actors telling us to go back numerous times made it confusing. We were not leading in this haunt, and I was getting mad at our leader because we were in there for about 20 minutes at this point, when last year it took maybe 10-15 minutes to get out, so me and Kelly left him and went the opposite way, and got out about 6 minutes later. The acting was probably twice as better than last year.

After we got out, we went to:

Psycho Path

It was so much better than last year. They separated groups again, brought the multiple chainsaw ending back, brought the tunnel back, and brought back all of the other scenes I like to talk about on this board. It was too dark at points to where I wasn’t sure where to go. But usually when I almost went the wrong way an actor popped out and said go to the right haha. Remember the actors who jump out of the trees? They are the ones who helped clarify which way to go haha, by jumping right next to us; they are a lot closer to us than last year. One scene I did go the wrong way, it was after we went through the bodies hanging down, I didn’t know we were suppose to take a right since an actor was right there, so we tried to get through that military netting (I don’t know what it’s really called, sorry), most of us stumbling when the lady laughed and said wrong way. She apologized and told me not to feel bad since I wasn’t the only one who tried to do that so basically I have nothing to complain about but to fix that part of the path. Also, the line, they lady told us we can’t use our media passes, so we stood in line. Maybe 10 minutes tops.

After we got out, we went through:

Holiday Horrors:

You guys can read what I had to say about it in my other post. This was disgraceful in my opinion and hopefully they work on this.

Then we got in line for:

Headless Hollow

The wait was way to long, out of the two hours in the park we were given; we spent 50 minutes getting through the line and about 9 minutes in the haunt. I do have to admit, the haunt improved beyond wonders this year. Last year I thought it was horrible, I was ashamed KI would put that out, because it offered literally nothing, the actors were behind every crate last year, so we knew where the actors were before we got to them, this wasn’t the case this year. More fog zones, more actors, less crates, more props, more using the woods, except the story line didn’t match to well because we were being attacked by guys cover in those stringy outfits (you can’t see there face or anything) I don’t know what their suits are called.. But they are camouflage type gear. I don’t see how that fits in with the Headless Horseman, but it sure did scare the people we went through with.

After we got out it was 9:50, so we jogged to:

Cowboy Carnage

I have to say it was really, really, really short. I knew it was the haunt called Massacre Manor last year, so I figured it would be that long, and when we first started going through part of it was outside, so I thought it would be even longer than Massacre Manor. The acting was okay, we went in with 4 guys that were drunk or at least smelled strongly of alcohol and they were screaming have a snake in my boot the whole time, and they wanted to jog through, and the actors were saying “scream Ye-haw! And run†so the guys did just that, and we wet through the first half running with them because Kelly thought they were funny at first, but then she knew it got old real fast, so we stopped and walked the rest of the way through. Oh and by the way, there was literally no line, since they make people run, everyone was already out. We got out in about 4 minutes so it was about 9:56. The house was still scary because of the drop doors and the air machines, but I don’t think it was nearly as scary as the theming it had. I can see cowboys being scary, especially if they had fake guns, or air guns, but they had nothing they just kept saying “Don’t look at me!†I think this was the most candy-eye attraction, but easily the most boring. If there is a long line, skip it; everything else in the park is worth a look first. It wasn’t bad, the drop doors made my heart stop a second like they always do, I just miss the great acting in it last year and the year before that. On Saturday I’ll be going back through, if my opinion of it changes, I’ll tell you so.

After that, we went to:

Circus of Horrors 3D

There was a good 15-minute wait, but we had to wait 5 minutes because of our media passes. I have to say it was creepier this year than the last 2 years. It isn’t close to being as scary as 2003, but its returning to its former glory. I don’t really have anything to say, it wasn’t changed much, just a new location, and the actors are a lot more enthusiastic than the last 2 years. It’s definitely worth a check this year.

As soon as we got out we heard park announcements “Fearfest is officially closed, now get out!†haha. Overall it was a great night, not much to complain about, just needs a few tweaks here and there, I’m sure by Saturday everything will be in a better state of being, so I’ll keep you updated.

We didn’t get to check out CornSTALKERS, we just ran out of time.

Edit:

I read the other TR and I didn't experience anything the other people experienced with Hoiday Horrors, maybe I caught it when some f the actors were on break. We saw and heard no Santa, we were just told hes drunk puking in the bathroom. We ddin't meet no gay elf either, at least none that said "I'm gay" or any of the actors hint at it, a guy did come up to us and talk to us though.

Was the music seriously being played backwards like someone said? I thought it sounded normal, maybe I was jus to fascinated by the lights and looking for actors I ignored it?

[beastfan11]

I think Holiday Horror looks quite cool...and scary

[hauntguy]

Nice report... I remember seeing you come through "carnage". Again, opinions are opinions... we had a group of 6 come through 3 times and claimed it's the best (cowboy carnage) attraction in the park. Oh well, can't please everyone.

I think Circus is suffering greatly this year due to the SEVERE lack of actors... maybe they'll pull a 3-4 from Massacre Manor and put them in the circus... it needs them.

Overall we all had a great night and I feel safe in saying that this years fest is the BEST Fearfest KI has produced!

Happy Haunting. -Hauntguy

[StXsteven]

Yeah, I was going to say hey, but we were rushed in, I promise I'll say hey tomorrow.

I stated in another post, my review of the attraction isn't really fair since we ran through half of it, but I'll find out tomorrow. I'm sure my respect will go up alot for it.

Edit: ADDED

We were worried about time because we wanted to get through Circus.

I didn't even hear you intorduce yourself. I really don't mean disrespect for it, the props were great, almost better than when it was Massacre Manor. The group I was with was kind of upsetting, like in the room with the lady eih her money, well the kid grabbed some money and ran off. So I admit that hurt my review on the house. I'll be more light-hearted for it tomorrow.. plus I'll be with more people.

[CoastersRZ]

Yeah, Circus of Horrors just seemed to be lacking people. Although they were very nice when my glasses fell out of my pocket in the midst of the maze.

[BoddaH1994]

Edit:

I read the other TR and I didn't experience anything the other people experienced with Hoiday Horrors, maybe I caught it when some f the actors were on break. We saw and heard no Santa, we were just told hes drunk puking in the bathroom. We ddin't meet no gay elf either, at least none that said "I'm gay" or any of the actors hint at it, a guy did come up to us and talk to us though.

Was the music seriously being played backwards like someone said? I thought it sounded normal, maybe I was jus to fascinated by the lights and looking for actors I ignored it?

Just swing by it again next time you go, you'll see.

[spngbob]

I really enjoyed the Cowboy Carnage theme.. I wasnt scared much though..

They lady standing next to the line was very funny and I really enjoyed it.. All the actors had a great dialogue to perform..

As for the clowns.. I think that they definetly needed more actors also.. The music could be turned up too.. Im sure that will change Saturday prolly but it wasnt loud at all to me..

Did anyone have a chance to do the Asylum? They made us all get out of line.. I thought they were joking first but they made us leave so we did Pyscho Path

Again, Pyscho Path was great mostly because of the dialouge.. I really enjoyed it!

[hauntguy]

That really means alot to us that you enjoy our dialogue. Our managers give us the theme and then it was kind of "up to us" to create what we say.

We wanted to be really more entertaining/funny than scary outside so we tell really corny cowboy jokes, sing songs, and just act dumb! LOL! It's alot of fun and I am really happy you had a good time! -Hauntguy

[BoddaH1994]

That really means alot to us that you enjoy our dialogue. Our managers give us the theme and then it was kind of "up to us" to create what we say.

We wanted to be really more entertaining/funny than scary outside so we tell really corny cowboy jokes, sing songs, and just act dumb! LOL! It's alot of fun and I am really happy you had a good time! -Hauntguy

Yeah, it certainly wasn't scary, but I don't think 'scary' was exactly what you were going for. It was certainly interesting/fun/creepy, but regardless of how you feel I think it takes the cake for this year's Fearfest.

[CoastersRZ]

Yeah, I thought that Cowboy Carnage was one of the best haunts this year. A nice theme to it, and it was definantely fun and entertaining! I think that this year`s FearFest will be very popular with the general public.

[TopThrill]

I wasn't there but, on friday I heard good things about it. I did hear them testing the music on I-street on thursday, during cleaning up restrooms, very crippy music! You wouldn't belive this, but out front on both islands. On one is two King Corba cars, with hay around them with skelitens in them, which was a nice touch. The other side two PT cars with skelitens. The two islands look really good now. Nice TR StXsteven.

[TOPGUN1993]

You wouldn't belive this, but out front on both islands.

both islands ?

[CoastersRZ]

Yeah, I`m a little confused by that too. None of us in our group saw a King Cobra or old Phantom Theater car anywhere with skeletons in them. Are you talking about the landscaped islands on International Street by the tables and chairs next to the fountain? Or are you talking about a landscaped island elsewhere in the park? I`m likely heading up to the park tonight after I get off work at Coney and will look for them, but I don`t recall seeing them on Thursday.

[CoastersNSich]

I did see the retired ride tombstones on International Street on Thursday night, but none of the Cobra or Phantom Theater cars - I'll have to take a look tomorrow.

[StXsteven]

Did anyone have a chance to do the Asylum? They made us all get out of line.. I thought they were joking first but they made us leave so we did Pyscho Path

I did the Asylum, and thought it was much improved this year compared to last year. I think what happened to you, is you got in line by the exit.. this year the exit last year is the entrance. If you got in line at the right spot, then I don't know what happened, and that sucks to hear. If you get to go back, amke sure you check it out, it's alot of fun this year. I wish it was alittle darker inside though.

[StXsteven]

As I promised I went to fearest again today.

One complaint, two complements to give.

Complaint:

Psycho Path.. solid line again.. self-explainatory.

Complements:

Holiday Horrors was pretty fun tonight, I got to meet Santa, he's got some crazy stories to tell(ask about rudolph). The actors were alot more into it tonight.

Cowboy Carnage took 10 minutes to walk through, the acting was alot better, got me to laugh a few times, got my friends to scream a few times too. The attraction was less rushed which made it a much better experience and it is a great haunt.

I still didn't introduce myself to hauntguy yet, haha. I'm just afraid I'll cut you off character when you don't want to be.. I promise I will say hey I'm steven from pkic one of these times..

[hauntguy]

Nah... I met a few more "central" guys again tonight. Trust me, I NEVER break character! LOL! -Hauntguy

[BoddaH1994]

Nah... I met a few more "central" guys again tonight. Trust me, I NEVER break character! LOL! -Hauntguy

Did you run into anyone else? I had met you on media night and that was SOB_Tom with me.

[hauntguy]

I had... but they did not introduce themselves or their "online names". They were like... "Hauntguy? HAUNTGUY!"... LOL! I said.. "Looks like the central is here!".

But I do remember meeting you guys on media night... thanks for saying hello! -Hauntguy

[BoddaH1994]

I had... but they did not introduce themselves or their "online names". They were like... "Hauntguy? HAUNTGUY!"... LOL! I said.. "Looks like the central is here!".

But I do remember meeting you guys on media night... thanks for saying hello! -Hauntguy

That may have been us. I yelled out, "Well if it isn't Sheriff Haunt Guy!" and you responded, "Hey looks like the Central is here!" Did this happen more than once? lol

[hauntguy]

Yeah, a few different instances actually! LOL! -Hauntguy

[beastfan11]

^ lol, I know that it can be hard trying to stay in character.... so i didn't say anything, But i was in a yellow sweatshirt with 3 other guys and an adult... and then my lady friends asked you where the exit was and you scared them off!...lol job well done sherrif!