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Six Flags

3/30/2023

Scream Break Media Night at Six Flags Magic Mountain

​On Saturday, March 25th, I was invited out to Six Flags Magic Mountain to check out a brand-new after-hours event for this year: Scream Break. As the name implies, this event is a spring break haunt event, merging aspects of the two into what is best described as a monster-themed party. It’s a bit unusual in concept, but absolutely works, and led to one of the most fun evenings I’ve had at the park in quite some time.
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            Before the festivities began, we were invited to sample a few of devilish treats available during the event. On the menu was Monster Mac, a mac and cheese dish topped with your choice of Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, or Pulled Pork. As someone who generally finds fancy mac and cheese dishes to be overrated, I have to say that this one surprised me as it was really good. I tried both the brisket and chicken options, and while I preferred the latter since it seemed to blend a bit better, both were quite tasty. To drink, we were treated to the event’s signature beverage. Dubbed Spiked Skull on the Beach, it is a cocktail consisting of strawberry sprite topped with whipped cream, gummy worms, and cherries, and offered with or without a shot of soju. This was also really good, and came in a souvenir cup themed to the event.
​            Once we finished up with the refreshments, it was time to get the party started. For haunted attractions, Scream Break features two mazes and three scare zones. As we were released into Full Throttle Plaza, I decided to start things off with the mazes. Regulars who have attended Fright Fest will be familiar with Condemned and Vault 666, the two mazes in use for Scream Break, but both have been plussed up a bit for the event. The first, dubbed Vault 666: Initiation, is quite similar to its regular Fright Fest version, but has been given a few small tweaks. Despite its age, this remains one of the stronger mazes the park has done, and with the quality of talent it was probably the scariest thing at Scream Break. The other maze, Condemned: House Party, completely dispenses with the scary aspect of the maze’s traditional version and replaces it with a college party inside the decrepit house. Again, the talent in the maze sold the theme, making for an extremely fun maze that is enhanced even more by the crowd getting into the action.
            The park’s three scare zones were spread along front section of the park. The first (I think it was called Frat Party, but I missed a sign confirming it) was in the maze area near Full Throttle Plaza, and kept up the party vibe found within Condemned. Second was Bloodborne Hollow, a graveyard-themed scare zone along the path past Bugs Bunny World. Lastly was the Grave Rave, centered around a DJ stage right at the entrance to DC Universe. All three had a decent amount of scaractors present, with a few stilt walkers and at least a half dozen other ghouls roaming around to interact with guests. Unlike Fright Fest, where everyone is out to get you, at this event two of the three zones were less about the fright and more about the fun, with monsters dancing alongside guests or trying to entice them into joining their shenanigans (Bloodborne Hollow is closer to a traditional scare zone). Like Fright Fest, however, the quality of actors at this park combined with them being given a fairly long leash makes these interactions a delight, and the scare zones were consistently the busiest areas of the park for the evening. I do wish a bit more of the event’s footprint was occupied by scare zones (would have loved to see something in the Screampunk District or DC Universe proper), but what they had was sufficient for the size of the event.
            For those who want coasters, this park has you covered, with six of the park’s legendary thrill rides operating in the dark: Batman The Ride, Full Throttle, Goliath, Scream, Twisted Colossus, and Wonder Woman Flight of Courage. All six were open for the entire event on Saturday, all running at least two trains (Twisted Colossus and Wonder Woman had three), and as such wait times were minimal throughout the entire event. While coasters can be ridden any time of year, night rides with short waits make Scream Break worth attending even for those who may not care for the more traditional haunt aspects of the evening, and a majority of those selected do offer pretty good night rides.
            I went in to Scream Break with fairly modest expectations, but the event ended up exceeding all of them. It’s not a huge event, but is a good size for the three-hour duration, and what it lacks in quantity it certainly makes up for in quality. Many haunt-style events have at least one obvious weak point, but in my opinion every element of Scream Break was excellent and nothing felt like filler. This one is absolutely worth checking out, especially for Six Flags season passholders (who get free admission to Scream Break), but even for more general haunt fans who might not ordinarily venture up to the park (daytime admission is not required). I will say that those who are hardcore horror fans might find it a bit of a letdown if they need actual terror to be satisfied, as might those who don’t really care for the party atmosphere, but for most others it’s likely to provide a highly enjoyable evening. If Six Flags Magic Mountain can keep up this level of quality with their other seasonal events, they’re definitely going to be one to watch going forward.
For those venturing out to Scream Break, here are a few tips to maximize your time and enjoyment of the event:
  • If you’ll be in the park prior to the event, pick up your event wristband as early in the day as possible. This is especially true for passholders, as a limited amount of wristbands are available each night for the event (though they were still handing them out at 5 P.M. on a Saturday, so I’m guessing it’s a fairly large number). The bigger advantage is avoiding the line…I got mine with no wait around 4 P.M., but I heard others who waited until ~7 P.M. to pick them up were waiting ~20 minutes due to the slow process. Also, make sure to go to the correct location: Passholders need to get them at passholder services near the main gate, while those with Scream Break tickets redeem them at the stand next to Full Throttle.​
  • The rides open at 9 P.M., and you will not be allowed to venture out of Full Throttle Plaza until that time. The mazes, however, open at 8 P.M., so I’d recommend trying to do them once each before hitting the coasters. If you want to do the mazes a second time, wait until the second half of the event to return as lines will be much shorter. Condemned generally had the longer wait of the two mazes, so I’d probably do that one first.​
  • If you aren’t interested in trying the event-exclusive food offerings, eat before Scream Break starts. While food service is available during the event, it is pretty limited. I am not sure whether or not dining plans are valid during the event either.​
  • On a Saturday, the coasters weren’t walk-ons, but were generally only 10-15 minute waits. Wonder Woman was the longest wait of the coasters, with the rest mostly being a two or three train wait in the station.​
  • During the event, I was able to do each maze twice, ride every coaster once, and spend a half hour or so checking out the scare zones. There is enough time to do everything at the event, but you will likely need the full duration to do everything. I recommend getting to the mazes shortly after they open to ensure you can see it all without feeling rushed.​
  • Make sure to actively engage with the actors. This isn’t a haunt event where they’re just there to jump at you and make you run away screaming. If you play along with them, you’ll get some extremely fun interactions.
Scream Break at Six Flags Magic Mountain runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through April 16th. Tickets are $39.99, or free for passholders on a space available basis. The event runs from park closing until midnight, with admission beginning at 7:30 P.M. each evening.

Related Videos

​Related Updates
  • Scream Break Opening Night at Six Flags Magic Mountain - March 20, 2023
  • Holiday In The Park 2022 at Six Flags Over Georgia - November 24, 2022
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022 - September 20, 2022
  • Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Media Day at Six Flags Magic Mountain - July 15, 2022
  • Sidewinder Safari Media Day Update from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - June 1, 2022


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3/23/2023

Six Flags America Unveils Plans for Regions Tallest Master Blaster Water Coaster at Hurricane Harbor Maryland

Park Undergoing Largest Capital Investment in a Decade
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Bowie, MD — March 23, 2023 -- Six Flags America today announced its newest attraction --RipQurl Blaster — will launch this summer at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Maryland. This latest addition is part of the park’s largest capital investment in over a decade. RipQurl Blaster is an innovative water coaster, which takes riders in a raft for a white-knuckle ride through three powerful uphill rip currents while zig-zagging through 550 feet of twists and turns. The ride features three breathtaking drops, three AquaLucent hairpin turns, and a pitch-black wall-hugging helix finale before the final splashdown.
“We are excited to debut RipQurl Blaster, which will be both a thrilling and refreshing experience for guests visiting this summer,” said General Manager Ramar Vaughan. “This is just one of many investments we’re making to be the DMV’s most convenient and enjoyable out-of-home experience for the whole family.”
​

Six Flags America opens for the 2023 season just in time for Spring Break on April 1, with the park open daily through April 10. For a limited time, when guests purchase a Gold Pass they will receive a FREE upgrade to Platinum, which includes unlimited visits to Six Flags America & Hurricane Harbor Maryland all season, free parking and a variety of other perks and discounts.
To amp up the fun, Six Flags America is debuting Scream Break on select weekends in April – 1-2 & 8-9. When the sun goes down, stay late and experience this all-new, limited-capacity event that will bring vitamin scream to your Spring Break.
Upcoming 2023 Events
  • Viva La Fiesta will heat up the dance floor with a bigger, better party than ever before in Hurricane Harbor. Enjoy limited-time Latin tastes, big band sounds and colorful atmosphere all around you;
  • NEW! Pride Week is the perfect way to add your splash of color to the park. Enjoy photo ops & décor, plus special limited-capacity experiences for the whole family;
  • 4th of July Fireworks Celebration brings three days of non-stop fun, capped off a giant fireworks display each night. There is no better way to celebrate the red, white & blue than at Six Flags America;
  • NEW! Thrill A Thon is the ultimate way enjoy all the thrills and get all the behind-the-scenes look at the park. Whether you consider yourself a coaster enthusiast or just love roller coasters and theme parks, you don’t want to miss this event;
  • NEW! Oktoberfest brings the German celebration to Maryland. Enjoy craft & seasonal brews complemented with a menu of German-inspired cuisine and live entertainment.
  • Kids Boo Fest is a daytime fall event that provides families with Halloween activities, kid-sized festive entertainment and other not-so-scary experiences. Back by popular demand, Kids Boo Fest will feature three new themed areas just for families, plus some activities that may even illuminate the night;
  • Fright Fest Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®, the region’s scariest and best Halloween event, will be more immersive than ever with its largest investment in nearly a decade. The event will see park-wide enhancements, including two new haunts, new live entertainment and two new scare zones;
  • Veteran’s Weekend returns this November as Six Flags America honors all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans, retired military and active duty personnel receive special park benefits & offers as a thank you for their service; and
  • Sensory Friendly Days will be on select days throughout the year. These days will be open to all guests and focused on reducing environmental triggers throughout the park. Features of these days will include the elimination of park audio. sound and music where possible, signage highlighting surprise sounds and experiences, free noise-canceling ear plugs upon request, and additional low sensory locations identified throughout the park.
​
Guest Enhancements Coming in 2023
  • Two updated park bathrooms – modernized, restored and refreshed with new paint and fixtures;
  • New shade structures in Looney Tunes Movie Town;
  • Restored fountain & kids splash area in Looney Tunes Movie Town;
  • New deck and enhanced seating areas at Heritage House Food Court;
  • More than 125 new umbrellas throughout the park;
  • Restored Capital Railways train with restored 1940’s locomotive, added car & expanded operating hours;
  • Refreshed and enhanced game opportunities throughout the park;
  • New strategic landscaping by themed areas;
  • New rest & recharge areas;
  • Premium coffee coming to Coffee & Cones;
  • New Guest Upgrades Center; and
  • More coming to Hurricane Harbor Maryland.

The popular Season Dining Pass is back! The dining program offers guests with any level Pass a convenient way to fuel up for their day. The Season Dining Pass allows up to two meals per visit with a 3-hour window between meals.

About Six Flags America
Six Flags America is home to a host of thrilling rides, shows and attractions, including nine heart-pounding roller coasters, a special section just for kids and rides for the whole family. Hurricane Harbor Maryland water park features a variety of water slides, a lazy river, three kid’s areas and an 800,000-gallon wave pool. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are recognized by IBCCES as a Certified Autism Center™.https://www.sixflags.com/america

3/20/2023

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Opening Night Scream Break Review and Park Update

This past weekend we headed out to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the opening night of their all new Scream Break event. I'll be honest, we hadn't planned on going on opening weekend but they opened it up to a limited amount of passholders each night so we figured we'd go check it out. And we are glad we did! 

I headed up with Gabe from Theme Park Duo to check out the event, but not before doing some update stuff first. 

I also have some thoughts on how they can incorporate some of the amazing operational things they did for Scream Break into this years Fright Fest event. I outlined them in the video below, but if you "don't have time to watch a video" (actual comment from somebody who had been spending hours looking for info on the event) I'll share my thoughts here as well. You can see that at the bottom of this update. 

​Enjoy! 
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Looks like they're doing something out on the back parking lot. If I had to guess it's for some kind of commercial shoot in the parking lot. Something that has happened many, many times before.
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Looks like they're also doing some work on some of the Hurricane Harbor slides.
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It was AVID day, not the video editing thing, apparently for smart kids or something. Obviously not me. =)
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Our first stop was to get our Event Wristband. Kind of a slow process, but it was the first night so hopefully they improve this a bit.
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The glass shop has been moved up to Rapids Camp replacing some of the games. Still looks like it's getting set up, but this is not a terrible location for this.
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Lots of little improvements like this going on throughout the park which is always nice to see.
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We wanted tacos. They had no tacos.
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Hmm, where have I seen this before?
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Oh, that's where!! In New Jersey! We really do love you Six Flags. Don't ever change. =)
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Alright, let's get into Scream Break. Which is like Spring Break but with Monsters!
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The event officially opens at 9:00pm, but they open up the area with the two mazes and one of the scare zones at 8:00.
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The idea is pretty much to keep you in this area from 8:00 to 9:00 so they can clear the park. A great idea, even if it wasn't totally clear to everybody. But it was the first night.
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Be. Aggressive. B.E. Aggressive.
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This area consists of 2 mazes, Vault 666 Initiation and Condemned House Party. One (Vault) was pretty much the same as Fright Fest, the other was SO much better.
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We said this on social media, I mentioned it in the above video, but I'll say it again. They NEED to keep this party theme for Fright Fest!
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It's basically a college house party in a haunted maze. And it's super fun!
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Lots of talent and lots of photo ops in this area!
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Even the demons are all decked out for Spring Break!
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Make sure to take a drink from the huge Solo Cup!
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The event also stretches back to DC Universe! Some Vampire Prom thing we think!
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Superman has got some balls! Disco Balls that is!
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Awesome DJ in front of DC Universe!
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They also brought over some props and neon from the Scare Zone that's usually in The Underground.
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Did we mention there were rides too? This was the wait for Twisted Colossus!
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Goliath was scheduled to be open, but was not. We do think it opened last night though.
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MORE OF THIS PLEASE! Not just for Halloween stuff, but all the time! It adds so much to the park at night.
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Even the Golden Bear Theater got some lights and fog!
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We had an absolutely fantastic time and we hope the word of mouth spreads for this fantastic event!

So, how would I incorporate operational changes from scream break to fright fest? 

Anybody who's visited Fright Fest knows that at least on a Saturday night the event can get overwhelmingly busy with families and teenagers with no supervision. I'll be honest, I've never encountered any major problems at the event other than annoying people who seem hell-bent on ruining everybody else's time with the shenanigans. But I know the talent, blackouts and security have a tough go of it some nights. 

With Scream Break, they kind of did what I think is a test for the future of Fright Fest. And it worked!!

There were essentially three categories of guests at the event. 
  1. Guests who paid $40 for a ticket for the event (definitely worth $40)
  2. Guests who paid $160 for a Scream Break Pass (good for all 14 nights)
  3. Guests with a Season Pass/Membership who got one of the wristbands, which are limited and available on a first-come, first serve basis (rumor is only about 1,000 of these are available each night)

Basically, if you want to go with your Pass/Membership you need to get there early, but we don't think were all gone the night we went. 

And this is what they need to do with Fright Fest. You need to have those three groups, and limit the event to a smaller number while doing a "soft closure" of the park. 

So how do they do this? 
  • Offer the same three categories outlined above
    • Guests with a Fright Fest ticket
    • Sell a "Fright Fest Pass"
    • Make wristbands available to a finite number of Season Passholders/Members each night 
  • "Close" the park at 7:00pm each night for day guests
  • Keep those with a Fright Fest wristband in the Full Throttle maze area while they cycle the park to clear out day guests
    • ​Offer Spirits with Spirits for an up-charge
  • Fright Fest is 8:00pm - Midnight (8:00pm - 1:00am on Saturday). 4-5 hours is probably enough including the 7:00 - 8:00 hour for the 3 mazes near Full Throttle. 

Doing this gives you a smaller crowd, likely gives you more people buying a Fright Fest Ticket/Fright Fest pass than you have now, and makes the event that much more enjoyable. 

In addition, as we've been saying for years, Fright Fest should have a similar footprint to what they had for Scream Break. Six Flags Magic Mountain is simply too big a park to have scare zones and monsters in every corner. It's just not possible to fill out your mazes and scare zones. 

Fright Fest should be: 
  • Full Throttle Nights
  • Backstage maze area: 
    • Vault 666 (gutted and all new Willoughby's Haunted Mansion)
      • ​Included is Innocence and the Willoughby's from the Samurai Summit Scare Zone
    • Condemned House Party
    • New Maze 
  • Scare Zone on main path from Full Throttle to Goliath (Carnivhell not inside BBW)
  • City Under Siege 
  • Metropolis Scare Zone (move Nightmares here)
  • Underground Scare Zone (move Devils Triangle here) and rethemed Aftermath

And THAT IS IT! 4 mazes is enough for the event. 

So what do you think? 

Related Videos

Related Updates
  • Holiday In The Park 2022 at Six Flags Over Georgia - November 24, 2022
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022 - September 20, 2022
  • Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Media Day at Six Flags Magic Mountain - July 15, 2022
  • Wonder Woman Flight of Courage Update #13 - June 25, 2022
  • Sidewinder Safari Media Day Update from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - June 1, 2022


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