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. 

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. 

Twisted ... 

So weird to see no first drop

Inside the park, more track has been added to the pre-lift and a couple of extra surprise twists and hills. 

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. 

Nothing really going on inside the station that we can see

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. 

Demon's Door scare zone

Fright Feast is a great deal and Michael Turco puts on a great show. 

Even at about 1:00pm, the lines to get Wristbands was long

Our advice, purchase your maze wristband online, the line was MUCH shorter. 

Because there are a few new maze locations this year, this is definitely needed. 

The gate to Red's Revenge, Vault 666 and Toyz of Terror 3D is closed until Fright Fest actually begins. 

Harvest Fest is back in Bugs Bunny World

Witch Hazel is in Wonderful Pistachios Park

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. 

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. 

Zombie Xing

Zombie bus that people were actually opening the door to and going in. 

See, this is why we can't have nice things. 

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. 

Still the best scar zone

Willoughby's Garden of Darkness is where Bite and Black Widow used to be

They've actually got some great Fright Fest merchandise available this year. 

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". 

Ooooh ... Ahhhh ... 

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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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. 

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Come face to face with this elusive blood-thirsty creature as it terrorizes a local Dia de los Muertos festival.

Demons Door (Located in Six Flags Plaza)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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

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.

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

Get launched into a high speed, heart-pounding journey through an abandoned facility captured by aliens.

Ride Full Throttle, Goliath, Tatsu, Apocalypse, Viper, Batman and The Riddlers Revenge with no lights. 

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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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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.”

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

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.

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As we showed you on Saturday on our Facebook and Twitter page, we have our first installed track for Twisted Colossus, and of course, with that track we have at least one question answered, what station is going to be used for the coaster. 
That little Facebook update of 3 pictures of station exit track became our most viewed Facebook post ever, for which we are incredibly grateful. 

We'll also take another look at Fright Fest construction as they are gearing up for opening night this weekend (September 27). 

Yes, we have Twisted Colossus Track. And as you can see below, they will be using the left side of the station, which most likely means the queue will be reconstructed to utilize both sides for the new coaster. They are likely going to need it. 

This is great news, this is the more scenic side of the station and with the ride exiting here it makes more sense to have the food/retail locations on this side. 

You can see MUCH more from Goliath but obviously we aren't going to be taking any on-ride pictures due to park policy. 

However, taking pictures through open gates ... yeah, we are gonna go there. =)

The old exit has been boarded up. 

One has to wonder how much longer this area will be Colossus County Fair. Personally I'd like to see this sign get overhauled, maybe with some LED lights. 

From the parking lot, the entire track of the first drop has been removed. 

The final drops are in the process of being completely removed. 

More track has arrived, and some of it is VERY twisty

All of the burnt end's have been removed. 

Preparations continue for Fright Fest which starts this Saturday. 

A look at El Chupacabra as seen from the Revolution queue. 

More stuff up on Samurai Summit

The Hearse is going to be up near Ninja this year

Getting ready for Fright Feast

The Aftermath

They are doing another video game invasion, this time for Call of Duty

Not sure what these are for, but this is in the middle of one of the scare zones

Looks like they are getting ready to bring the stage out

Preparations continue for Holiday In The Park and we've noticed something VERY interesting on Revolution. 

Normally we wouldn't post about a train in rehab ... but ... This is the 3rd "operable" train. Not only have the OTSR's been removed but all of the locking pins and everything else have also been removed. 

Obviously we don't know if this is just coincidence, but there could be something great on the horizon. 

Saturday was Praise on the Mountain

More Holiday in the Park prep. Really looking forward to this event. 

This is where Santa is going to be

Swashbuckler is getting a new paint scheme. 

That's going to wrap it up for this update. 

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