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    Springfield gets walls as Halloween Horror Nights enters it's second weekend

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    We headed out for another night of Halloween Horror Nights this past Saturday just to enjoy the event as a family. 
    Because we were taking advantage of the "First Stab" for Annual Passholders we were able to get a few update pictures of Springfield and Wizarding World prior to heading down to the first stab queue. 


    We'll also take a look at what was once Stage 28 and tell you if our "Halloween Horror Nights Guide" really works. But first, lets start with the update stuff. 

    Springfield and Hogsmeade

    The biggest change since our last update was the addition of new walls to Springfield. Remember, Springfield is opening a full year before Wizarding World. 
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    Hogsmeade is still just a bunch of frames
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    Not only is there insulation and drywall up, but it looks like parts have already been painted. 
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    That looked to be the only actual "window". 
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    I little bit of insulation already on Hogsmeade
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    Moving over to Forbidden Journey, not too many open spots left in the show building, at least not on this side. 
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    Frame supports for Hogwarts Castle continue to go up
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    Lots of stuff moving into the show building
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    A look at the Hogsmeade portion they have yet to start on
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    Stage 28

    Stage 28 is now officially history. It took them just over a week to completely remove the historical stage. While many are upset about this, the sets inside have indeed been preserved. 
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    Some pictures from the Transformers overflow queue
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    Halloween Horror Nights

    We headed back out to Halloween Horror Nights this past Saturday, it was more of a "family" night than a "site" night (which are always fun) but we did follow our Halloween Horror Nights Guide and we are happy to say that it really worked out well. 

    If you missed our full review of Halloween Horror Nights and the Eyegore Awards click the link. 

    Even though we did use the guide, we actually did break the first rule about getting a Front of the Line pass. Not by choice, by the time we decided to go to the event (last Wednesday) they were sold out. So if you are planning on doing HHN, you must plan ahead. 

    That said, using the Annual Passholder First Stab allowed us to do all of the mazes and the longest wait we had was about 45 minutes (for the Terror Tram). 
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    Basically how the First Stab works is you buy your ticket online with the special AP price, and it will say "Annual Pass Admission: Includes First Stab". There are also options for friends of AP's who don't have passes to use the Day/Night Pass. 
    Also, if you buy your AP the day of HHN you can still use First Stab. Some friends we attended the event with did this option and even though some employees on the upper level said they couldn't do First Stab, they had no issues once they got to the lower lot. 

    At about 6:20 we started our walk back to the backlot mazes. 
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    Just like all of the other guests, we were let out into the Terminus scare zone. 
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    We'll do a rundown of the order we did the mazes in. First stop was The Walking Dead. 
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    I personally thought the maze was MUCH better this weekend than it was on opening night. That could also be because we got to actually walk through the entire maze and didn't get stopped by backed-up guests. 
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    Next up we did From Dusk Till Dawn, which I also thought was improved. Make sure you are following @HorrorNights on Twitter for the special code, you can get one of these awesome cards. 
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    Next up was AvP, about 7:25 this was the line. 

    This is definitely one of the breakout success mazes from this years event and shouldn't be missed. 
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    We had hoped to do Walking Dead again before leaving the lower lot mazes, but at about 7:35 the lines were already pretty long as you can see below. 
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    We next headed to Clowns 3D which had about a 20 minute wait by the time we got there. The Universal Scare Patrol was out so I did get a picture with one of their fun signs. 
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    My other favorite maze from last week was American Werewolf in London which was again amazing. They seemed to be doing a better job of crowd control this week as well. 
    At about 9:00pm we headed up to the Terror Tram which by that point had a posted wait of 25 minutes, it turned out to be about 45. Still not bad. 

    This is truly an experience that can't be duplicated at any other event and is great every year. 
    Taking a cue from our Strategy Guide, we took this opportunity to grab a snack at Mel's and watch people getting scared in Mask-A-Raid. I think we would have rather sat in Dark Christmas, but there are no tables around there. I do think the talent in Mask-A-Raid was much stronger this week, which is great. 
    Some pics from The Purge
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    By this point we were all pretty tired (since we were at Haunt 2 days earlier) so we decided to do one more maze and waited for Face Off over Dracula Untold. No particular reason other than this might be our last visit to HHN and we wanted to walk through House of Horrors one last time. 

    As we were leaving, these were the wait times, at about midnight. So if you were getting in The Walking Dead or AVP lines at that time, you weren't doing anything else that night. 
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    That's going to wrap it up for this update. Not sure when we'll have another Universal Studios update, but it may not be for a few weeks. But ... depending on how the day goes, we may be able to swing by for a bit on Thursday prior to Queen Mary Dark Harbor. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

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    Twisted Colossus Update #4 (and Fright Fest too)

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    Hadn't planned on going to SFMM last weekend, but we were in the area for other errands so I figured I'd run in to do a quick SFMM update. 
    And by quick, I was in the park for 33 minutes. A new record. But that doesn't mean there isn't lots to show you for both Twisted Colossus and Fright Fest, which opened last Saturday. 

    Twisted Colossus

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    The biggest change from the outside this week is that the entire first drop is gone. You can also see some new "supports" under the lift hill. 
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    Twisted ... 
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    So weird to see no first drop
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    Inside the park, more track has been added to the pre-lift and a couple of extra surprise twists and hills. 
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    You can't see it very well, but there are quite a few little pops over here. Somebody sent The Coaster Guy some pics of it, looks awesome. 
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    Nothing really going on inside the station that we can see
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    Fright Fest

    Saturday was also the first night for Fright Fest, and from what we've heard the event was really great this year. We'll have our full Fright Fest review next week. 
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    Demon's Door scare zone
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    Fright Feast is a great deal and Michael Turco puts on a great show. 
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    Even at about 1:00pm, the lines to get Wristbands was long
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    Our advice, purchase your maze wristband online, the line was MUCH shorter. 
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    Because there are a few new maze locations this year, this is definitely needed. 
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    The gate to Red's Revenge, Vault 666 and Toyz of Terror 3D is closed until Fright Fest actually begins. 
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    Harvest Fest is back in Bugs Bunny World
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    Witch Hazel is in Wonderful Pistachios Park
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    It's amazing to me how many people don't heed this warning. I even saw a little girl who could have been no more than 5 at Halloween Horror Nights on Saturday. 
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    If you'd like to avoid the long Maze Pass line at the front, there are a few other locations in the park where you can get them, including Six Flags Kids. 
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    Zombie Xing
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    Zombie bus that people were actually opening the door to and going in. 

    See, this is why we can't have nice things. 
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    Total Darkness is back, looks like the entrance is in the same place. Our advice, get here early. Apparently this was the longest line on opening night. Also, we hear that the pen lights aren't being used this year which makes it even darker. 
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    Still the best scar zone
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    Willoughby's Garden of Darkness is where Bite and Black Widow used to be
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    They've actually got some great Fright Fest merchandise available this year. 
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    Pavement Repairs? 

    Heading up to Samurai Summit we noticed some markings, looks like they are for some much needed pavement repair. Nice to see some more off-season work taking place other than "here's this new ride". 
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    Ooooh ... Ahhhh ... 
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    That's going to wrap it up for this week's Magic Mountain update, we'll be back at the park on Friday for Fright Fest media night so we'll have our full review of the event this weekend. 
    If you've been following Park Journey since we started you'll know that Fright Fest last year was our first update ever, so it's kind of a special thing to see where we started and where we are now. 

    In addition we'll have a small Universal Studios and Halloween Horror nights update tomorrow, and this Thursday we'll be at The Queen Mary Dark Harbor so we'll be bringing you a lot from that event later in the week. 

    Have a great week everybody, happy haunting. 
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest Preview

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    Today marks opening night for what promises to be the biggest Fright Fest ever at Magic Mountain. 

    Three new mazes, new scare zones and shows should fill up your evenings for the next month. 

    Mazes

    Three spectacular all new mazes, a completely re-done Toyz of Terror Maze and returning favorites Total Darkness, Willoughbys Haunted Mansion, Aftermath and Chupacabra is a pretty great line-up. We'll start at the front of the park and work our way around. 

    Maze Pass - Remember, Magic Mountain requires a Maze Pass for all of the mazes. You can get into the event with your Season Pass but that only allows you to do the Scare Zones, Shows and Rides for Fright Fest. Mazes are separate. You can see the breakdown in prices here
    Vault 666 - New for 2014 (Located behind Full Throttle Store)
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    In the distance is an old abandoned facility that has recently been discovered with years of secrets of the unknown. If you dare to enter, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Unknown animal like screams have been heard deep within the unsecured vault.

    Click to see our full walk-through of Vault 666
    Toyz of Terror 3D (Located in old Season Pass Processing Center across from Vault 666)

    This defunct toy factory is now haunted by a chilling turn of events that took place when the admired inventor went psychotic, adding demented spirits to his beloved toys, leaving them possessed.
    Reds Revenge - New for 2014 (Located behind Full Throttle Sports Bar)

    Over the hill and through the woods to grandmother's house you go. Enter the world of Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, but in this fairytale you and the wolf are hunted by Red and her demonic minions.
    Total Darkness (Located in the Magic Moments Theater)
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    Unexpectedly, the lights of the historic theater have darkened on the anniversary of the demise of the longest-running show. The spirits are awakened to haunt tourists who try to catch a glimpse of the ghosts who inhabit the decaying concert hall. Now your mind must find your way around with no light to guide you. Scream if you must and hold on to those you think you can trust.
    The Aftermath (Located near Riddlers Revenge)
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    Enter a post apocalyptic city where nomad warriors rule with bone-crushing iron fists and the dead stalk the living.
    The Willoughbys Garden - New for 2014 (Located on Samurai Summit)

    Dare to roam the haunted gardens of the Willoughby family. This dense labyrinth of man eating plants and evil apparitions is no playground for the faint of heart. Please keep your children close at hand as Innocence, the Willoughby's youngest is always looking for a playmate.
    Willoughbys Resurrected (Located on Samurai Summit)
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    Eerie twists await you at the Granddaddy of all mazes....there's hair raising terror around each nightmarish turn and dreadful screams down the long twisting hallways.
    Chupacabra (Located near X2)
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    Come face to face with this elusive blood-thirsty creature as it terrorizes a local Dia de los Muertos festival.

    Scare Zones

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    Demons Door (Located in Six Flags Plaza)
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    Welcome to HELL … Once you enter, be prepared for your mind and body to be completely taken over by the evil spirits that await you. There’s nowhere to hide and you will be screaming to get out alive.
    Zombie Xing (Located outside Bugs Bunny World)
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    Beware of the undead who will try to steal your bodies as they make their way from one haunting field to another.
    City Under Siege (Located in DC Universe)
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    The insane and unruly run rampant in the streets of DC Universe. Prepare to feel really uncomfortable with these comic-like characters running a muck.
    Ravenstitch - New for 2014 (Located outside Tidal Wave)
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    A species of humanoid demonic ravens and larger than life scarecrows rule this dark and sinister land with no mercy.
    The Wastelands (Located near The Aftermath)
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    Barbarian humanoids rule this land and dare you to enter The Aftermath.
    Exile Hill (Located on Samurai Summit)

    The dead have risen and are looking for new souls to take on this dark and sinister hill that surrounds Willoughby's Haunted Mansion.
    Nightmares - A Twisted Fantasy (Located between Rapids Camp and Viper)

    The evil nightmare has never been so edgy as your favorite bedtime stories take on a new and twisted tale.

    Shows

    It seems that a lot of Southern California Haunt events are cutting down or even eliminating shows this year, so it's nice to see so many coming back to Fright Fest. 
    Sing, dance, and interact with our ghouls

    This year, we have three exciting Halloween shows. Our nightly Monstertainment shows are bigger this year with new music, new ghouls, and new chills. Here’s what’s playing at the park this season.

    Dr. Fright’s Voodoo Nights
    Join us as we awaken the dead and rock out to the biggest Halloween tunes. Our ghoulish creatures come out of the shadows to host the biggest monster bash in town. This frightening dance party features hot music, bone-shaking choreography, spirited DJs, sizzling go-go dancers, breathtaking special effects, and shocking surprises.

    Willoughby’s Fright Feast
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    Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet in the company of creepy creatures. Dine with the ghostly Willoughby family and enjoy the haunting illusions of Magician Michael Turco. Reserve your date and time to feast on boneless chicken wings, salad, pizza, pasta, desserts, and beverages. Seating is limited, and online purchase is required.

    High Sierra Hypnotist
    Our powerful Hypnotist puts audience volunteers under a spell and manipulates their thoughts. Participants will fall into a trance and lose control of their minds in this comical and mind-boggling spectacle. Mature content.

    Monster Tour - New for 2014

    Our first-class monster team is ready and waiting to make sure you survive the night!

    Prepare to be whisked away by one of our scare tour guides and experience the biggest Fright Fest ever. Tours begin at 6 p.m. sharp (stragglers will be eaten and miss out on the tour experience), so don’t be late. The tour guides will make sure to maximize your fright during the evening by guaranteeing you visit all of the haunted mazes as well as the scare zones, including the new Vault 666, Red’s Revenge, Willoughby’s Garden of Darkness, and Ravenstitch. Also included on the tour will be a ride on Tatsu, Full Throttle, Goliath, THE RIDDLER’s Revenge, all in the dark! And for those willing to face monstrous thrills face to face, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and X2: Area 19 will be included as well.

    At 6:30 p.m., you will be escorted to your reserved seat at Fright Feast with the Willoughby’s, because it’s a lot more fun to be scared with a full stomach. The Willoughby’s have unleased some new magic to go along with their buffet of tasty treats this year. And, for your entertainment, illusionist and magician, Michael Turco, will supply the tricks as you enjoy the family’s treats.
    For the ultimate in scares, chills, and thrills…..the Monster Tour offers it all. Are you brave enough to take the Monster Tour? Are your friends too scared? No worries, the tour guides will introduce you to a group of like-minded souls, so you won’t be alone in the dark.

    The Monster Tour includes:

    • Parking for your automobile or witches broom
    • Admission valid for the day and night for the Monster Tour date selected
    • Tour guide and guided tour beginning at 6 p.m. sharp. (please note, these tours are not private. For Private Tours, please check out our VIP Tour)
    • Reserved seating for Fright Feast with the Willoughby’s (beer & wine available for an additional charge)
    • Front-of-the-line access to Vault 666, Red’s Revenge, The Willoughby’s Garden of Darkness, Willoughby’s Resurrected, Total Darkness, Chupacabra, Toyz of Terror 3D, and The Aftermath.
    • Front of the line access with your tour group to Tatsu, X2, Full Throttle, Goliath, THE RIDDLER’S Revenge, and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom

    Spine Chilling Adventures

    X2: Area 19
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    Get launched into a high speed, heart-pounding journey through an abandoned facility captured by aliens.
    Terror Tracks
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    Ride Full Throttle, Goliath, Tatsu, Apocalypse, Viper, Batman and The Riddlers Revenge with no lights. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

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    Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest is bigger than ever

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    Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest®, the Northeast’s largest Halloween party, promises three new shows and attractions this fall. The event features family-friendly Thrills by Day and a zombie-filledFright by Night at the world’s largest scream park. The seven-week festival begins Sept. 20 and runs weekends through Nov. 2 with two dozen Halloween-themed shows and attractions plus some of the world’s best thrill rides.
    By day, families can explore the new Spooky, Kooky Magic Show featuring Raoul, the Duke of Deception, and a new, zany and interactive animal show Paw and Disorder. Back by popular demand, guests can look forward to Trick-or-Treat Trail, Sea Lion Scary Tales, Spooktacular Street Party and the out-of-this-world Doc Snooker’s Halloween Time Machine. Families can also enjoy the park’s famous line-up of thrills for all ages, including Safari Off Road Adventure, SkyScreamer, Skull Mountain and more.

    After 6 pm, the festival transitions to Fright by Night as nearly 200 zombies are released into the midways. An array of crazy clowns and angry zombies mingle among mortals throughout Scare Zones including Circus Psycho, The Bloody Fountain and Bone Butcher Terror-Tory. This fall, the park introduces a new terror trail – Crop Circles, an alien-invasion corn maze.  Terror Trail favorites like Voodoo Island, Asylum, Wasteland, Total Darkness and The Manor, return to terrorize guests off the beaten paths.
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    Nighttime shows, known as “monstertainment,” include the return of the iconic Dead Man’s Party, Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts, The Awakening, Circus of Thrills and more. Six Flags proudly presents the return of Coney Island sideshow icon Todd Robbins in Professor Zombini’s Freak Show. Terror trails require an additional fee, while all scare zones and monstertainment are included with park admission. Fright by Night is not recommended for children under 12 and those who scare easily. 

    “Fright Fest is also a great time to enjoy the park’s incredible lineup of record-breaking thrill rides,” said Park President John Fitzgerald. “Darkness, a blanket of fog and the crisp fall air ratchet up the fear factor, even on rides as terrifying as El Toro, Nitro, Kingda Ka and the new Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom.”

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    Spooktacular Events

    On Sept. 20, Six Flags hosts the Central Jersey Blood Center for its annual Fright Fest Blood Drive.  Guests can donate a pint of blood to earn a free ticket to Fright Fest between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Reservations must be made by visitingwww.sixflags.com/greatadventure on the Events tab.  Up to 200 donors are needed and will be taken on a first call, first serve basis. Donors must be 16 years of age or older, at least 110 lbs. and in good health to donate.

    Also Sept. 20, the park hosts its second Zombie Run. Participants can choose to chase or be chased. Human competitors will race for their lives in this 5K run by dodging zombies to stay alive. Registering as a zombie will put participants in the shoes of the undead with the goal of hunting down their human prey. Sept. 20 also features the Survival Race, a premiere family-focused 5K obstacle course and mud run. It is designed to get participants dirty and test their limits in a fun, healthy and exciting adventure. The Survival Race takes place inside the theme park with waves starting at 9 a.m. More details on both events are available athttp://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure
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    Six Flags Great Adventure will host the 8th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Oct. 5 – New Jersey’s largest 5k run/walk.  The day honors breast cancer survivors, those lost, and unites a community in the fight against breast cancer.  In 2013, close to 15,000 participants and spectators turned out to support the Race for the Cure. 

    On closing day, Nov. 2, the Six Flags Race Series introduces the Biggest Loser RunWalk. This non-intimidating race is designed to challenge America to get fit, and was inspired by the hit reality show “The Biggest Loser.”

    For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

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    Monsters Prowl Six Flags Great America Feasting on Fear

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    Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America kicks off tonight with SIX Haunted Attractions and SIX Frightastic Shows over SIX terror filled weekends 
    Monsters Prowl Park Feasting on Fear
    Six Flags Great America Presents the Biggest and Scariest Fright Fest® Ever
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    GURNEE, Ill. — September 26, 2014 — Six Flags Great America kicks off the biggest and scariest Fright Fest® ever featuring extended hours until midnight on Saturdays with SIX haunted attractions and SIX frightastic shows over SIX weekends. The complete transformation of this 100-acre theme park creates a dark and foreboding atmosphere where monster rides and real monsters join forces for the ultimate haunting experience. 

    “Fright Fest is the most immersive Halloween event in the region,” said entertainment manager, Kristopher Jones. “Each year we strive to ramp up the fear factor so that our guests encounter something new and scarier at every corner of the park.
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    13 Fright Fest Facts:
    • 250 zombies and monsters lurk the midways and haunted attractions
    • 15 master make-up artists use 2,500 ounces of make-up and fake blood to transform actors each night
    • 25 pounds of food-grade, red vegetable dye create the blood-tinged reflection pond
    • 100 flaming torches create an eerie glow over the entire park
    • 300 bales of hay add to the fall atmosphere
    • 25,200 stalks of corn complete the festive park décor
    • 4.5 tons of pumpkins and 160 yards of mulch form the “thrills by day” atmosphere
    • 1,000 gallons of fog juice generate the mysterious rising fog effect throughout the park
    • 1,600 yards of cheese cloth are used to give the illusion of spider webs around the park
    • Love at First Fright, Fright Fest’s trademark musical, kicks off its 24th season
    • Over 1,250 minutes per Fright Fest day is spent applying make-up by 15 make-up artists
    • Tiny, the 200 pound spider, has been perched on the American Eagle for 22 years
    • A 500 pound gorilla claims the Sky Trek Tower each Fright Fest season signaling the start of the uprising
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    Thrills By Day
    Free with theme park admission.

    Character Candy Trail
    Little ghouls can trick-or-treat In the Mardi Gras area every Saturdays and Sunday.

    Kid Friendly Themed Areas
    Scare-free zones like Camp Cartoon and Kidzopolis are perfect for families with young children.

    Pumpkin Carving
    Children of all ages can watch in awe as ordinary pumpkins are transformed into amazing jack-o’-lanterns right before their eyes.

    Love At First Fright
    Fright Fest’s trademark family musical is back for its 24th smash season! Join Jack and Katie on their dare to spend a night in the cemetery.
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    Fright By Night
    Additional fee required.

    Fear Haunted House - NEW
    In the depths of the Bermuda Triangle you will encounter your most primal fear…darkness. Without a sliver of light and only instinct to guide, will you survive?

    The Abyss – NEW
    Countless occurrences have been recorded of the Bermuda Triangle with each tale as mysterious as the next and all left unanswered. Anything could happen when left alone in the Abyss.

    Mausoleum of Terror
    Long thought to be only a legend, the Mausoleum of Terror stands as a sinister monument to the undead. Now these decaying citizens of the Capital of Fright are deadly dedicated to wreaking their wretched revenge on you!

    Massacre Medical Center
    This decrepit hospital was rumored to be vacated of patients and doctors years ago following a great massacre. Passersby near the hospital recall eerie noises and unexplainable images in the building – begging the question…who or what lurks within?

    Manslaughter Manor
    This manor, tucked away in the Southwest Hills, has the reputation for being cursed by the residents of Skull Valley. Do you dare enter?

    Wicked Woods
    As you tour the Wicked Woods grumbling and roaring and rustling abounds. Keep your eyes wide open for what might be lurking in the dark shadows all around.
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    Fright Fest haunted house wristbands provide an unlimited day of access to all six Fright Fest attractions. For more information, visit http://frightfest.sixflags.com/greatamerica. Haunted mazes and houses are not included in general admission. 

    Fright Fest begins September 27 and runs weekends through November 2 and is now open later to scare later. 

    Hours are Fridays 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.-midnight, Sundays 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Columbus Day 11 a.m.- 7p.m. and Thursday, October 30 from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Fright Fest remains family-friendly until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays with the children’s areas as scare-free zones and a trick-or-treat trail in Wicked Woods. 

    2015 Season Passes are now on sale and provide unlimited visits for the rest of the 2014 season (including Fright Fest) and all of the 2015 season. For a limited time, with the purchase of a Season Pass four-pack, guests will receive a free upgrade to a Gold Season Pass, which includes free admission and free season parking to any Six Flags theme park with every pass. Season Passes must be purchased and processed at the park by November 2, 2014.
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    About Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor
    Two great parks, one destination! Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Six Flags Great America offers endless adventures for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a 20-acre water park, spectacular shows, three children’s themed areas with over 30 rides and a nighttime parade.

    About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
    Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 53 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®

    For more information, visit www.sixflags.com. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter

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  • Published on

    Knott's Scary Farm opening night

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    Knott's Scary Farm kicked off last night with yet another incredible media event and even something totally unexpected which we'll detail below. 

    In addition, we got to go through the all-new Infected, and we absolutely loved it. Not to be missed, but get there early as we'll detail below. 
    The park kicked off this years Scary Farm with an incredible Opening. 
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    The Tricksters were out in anticipation of the "Opening Moment". 
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    Suddenly the Green Witch rises up out of nowhere and invites us all to experience what is inside Knott's Scary Farm. 

    But beware, part of the park has been "Infected". 
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    That's when a Helicopter, yep, arrives to help secure the area. It was pretty awesome and totally surprised everybody. Obviously they aren't going to have this every night, but it was pretty cool. (Sorry this was the best picture I had of it). 
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    Once the opening moment was done, it was time to enter the fog. 
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    The park held a great media reception in Fiesta De Los Muertos. 
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    it was kind of weird/cool to be chilling out having snacks where Windseeker once stood. 
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    The Mazes

    We are going to do a run-down of the mazes and Skeleton key rooms in the most non-spoiler way possible. Keep in mind, these are just our rankings and also keep in mind this was opening night. 
    Pinocchio Unstrung
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    Skeleton Key Room: 0/10
    The Skeleton Key room wasn't working both times we visited so unfortunately we weren't able to experience it. 
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    Maze: 7/10
    This was one of the mazes we walked through during Scare School, so it was great fun to see the evolution of the talent, which is really great. 
    The Witch's Keep
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    Attraction: 7/10
    Not technically a maze, but a fun experience nonetheless. I personally never felt the Mine Ride worked with the talent inside the maze, so for me it's not a huge loss. This is more of a "storytelling" than something that's going to actually scare you. 
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    Black Magic
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    Skeleton Key Room: 8/10
    Just a great intro to a great maze. Great attraction hosts and some pretty freaky things going on if you don't know what to expect. 

    Maze: 8/10
    An all around great tribute to Black Magic with amazing sets, amazing talent and probably one of my favorite scores of any maze. 
    Gunslingers Grave
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    Skeleton Key Room: 7/10
    Definitely one of the more surprising Skeleton Key rooms but nothing really "scary"

    Maze: 6/10
    I LOVE the idea of a maze themed to the Old West, I mean, it's Knott's afterall. But while the maze is great to look at, there's nothing really "scary" here. 
    Forevermore
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    Maze: 8/10
    Exceptionally creepy and a great testament to the brilliance that is Poe. 
    Trick Or Treat
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    Maze: 7/10
    Stylistically I think this is probably my favorite maze, but I think they were possibly having some technical problems in the final room because there was no sound. And if you've been through this maze, that is one of the most awesome things in the entire maze. 
    Voodoo
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    Skeleton Key Room: 10/10
    Not giving anything away, but the Skeleton Key Room in Voodoo was pretty much the only time all night I actually got "scared". It takes a lot to freak me out, this did it. 
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    Maze: 9/10
    Visually stunning. The "choose your own path" thing is unique as it allows you to see a couple of different show rooms. Parts of it remind me a little bit of the classic "Blood Bayou" but this is serious Voodoo. 
    Dominion of the Damned
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    Skeleton Key Room: 9/10
    Last week when we did Scare School one of the highlights was seeing the Renfield's working on their character. To see that come to fruition last night was truly awesome and it's a great performance all the way around. 

    Maze: 7/10
    I think we all pretty much know what to expect out of the Knott's vampire mazes at this point. That said, this one is visually stunning and the talent is great. 
    The Toothfairy
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    Maze: 10/10
    Daniel Miller is one sick and twisted individual. And I mean that in the most awesomely loving way possible. It takes a LOT to give me the creeps. A LOT. But this maze from start to finish was just incredibly creepy, the talent was spectacular and it was just all around gruesome. Not to be missed as I think I walked through about half the maze with my jaw dropped, which probably isn't the best idea when the Tooth Fairy is lurking about. 
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    Trapped: Lock and Key
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    Unfortunately we didn't get reservations for Trapped in time to experience it. Not that we'd be able to tell you anything about it anyway. =)

    But from everything we've heard, it's amazing this year. 

    Special Ops: Infected

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    None of us were really sure what to expect from Infected. I had heard prior to arriving for our 8:00 slot that there were some issues with issuing tickets for guests and a bit of confusion. Being that it was opening night I think we'll look past it for now and hope that they get the kinks worked out for tonight. 

    As for the experience itself, it was a lot better than I could have imagined. Great fun all the way around, shooting Zombies is more fun than you'd think and the talent on both the "Special Ops" side and the "Zombie Side" is great. 
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    I have every bit of confidence that they will work out the kinks for the sign-ups but if you want to do Infected, GO THERE FIRST!! 

    The Hanging

    We are going to try and review The Hanging and show some pictures in the most non-spoilery way possible. WE DO NOT REVEAL WHO GOT HUNG!!! 
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    From looking at the stage it's already kind of obvious where they are going this year. 
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    But that doesn't mean the show isn't great fun. In fact, I think this is the most irreverent Hanging in years. 
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    Are you ready for a Hanging!!! 
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    That's going to wrap it up for our look at Opening Night of Knott's Scary Farm. We'll definitely be back before the end of the season but we are still trying to solidify our Halloween Season plans. 

    Did you attend opening night? Share your thoughts below. 
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