5 reasons to check out Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt

Kings Island is ready to put on a scary good show when its 11th annual Halloween Haunt starts Friday, Sept. 22.

MORE: Two new haunted attractions opening this weekend

Here are 5 reasons not to miss this fright fest:

1. Two new scare zones debut this year

New this year are two scare zones: Dance of the Macabre and Wasteland.

Dance of the Macabre is located around the base of the Eiffel Tower and themed to a Royal Masquerade Ball. Helbig says guests will mix and mingle with the crème de la crème of society, maybe grab a selfie with the Duke and Duchess, but they’ll need to be aware — sometimes the mask is there for reason.

MORE: 5 great events this weekend in Butler County

The backstory for Wasteland revolves around something going terribly wrong at the Miami River Chemical Company with victims of the toxic sludge running rampant at the facility.

2. Popular haunted mazes return

Popular returning haunted mazes include: Backwoods Bayou, Blackout, Board to Death, Field of Screams, KillMart, Madame Fatale’s Cavern of Terror, Slaughter House, Urgent Scare and Wolf Pack.

3. The live entertainment lineup is rocking

The live entertainment at Halloween Haunt features: Blood Drums, a percussive blood bath of rhythm and music; Hot Blooded, a seductive after-live revue; and Monster Rock, which features the music of Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and others.

Hot Blooded will have a new set this year. The popular longstanding vampire-themed show has developed “somewhat of a cult following,” says Don Helbig, Area Manager of Digital Marketing for the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company owned park.

4. Skip the lines

Guests looking to make the most of their night at Halloween Haunt can add Fright Lane access and bypass waiting in line to experience each of the 10 haunted mazes once.

The Skeleton Key, which is included with Fright Lane, unlocks a secret room inside five mazes: Backwoods Bayou, KillMart, Madame Fatale’s Cavern of Terror, Slaughter House and Urgent Scare.

There’s also a standalone Skeleton Key room, The Viewing, which has services each night at Halloween Haunt.

5. Not into being scared? There’s still fun for you!

For guests who may be a little hesitant to experience Halloween Haunt, Kings Island offers a “No-Boo” necklace.

The monsters may still interact with the wearer of a No-Boo necklace, but won’t attempt to scare them. A No-Boo necklace can be purchased at select locations throughout the park or online for $12.

Also, 20 rides including Banshee, Diamondback, The Beast and Mystic Timbers will be available to ride.

MORE: Kings Island celebrates 1 millionth rider of Mystic Timbers roller coaster

For children, the Great Pumpkin Fest is a kid-friendly daytime Halloween event that takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29.

The event features crafts, games, mini tractor races, a hay bale maze, foam bit, trick-or-treat stops, petting farm, kids’ costume contest and meet-and-greet opportunities with the Peanuts gang.

This story includes contributions from writer Alexis Larsen.

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HOW TO GO

WHAT: Halloween Haunt at Kings Island

WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 28. Hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Great Pumpkin Fest is Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 30 to Oct. 29.

WHERE: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason

TICKETS: Tickets for Halloween Haunt are as low as $31.99 when purchased in advance online.

MORE INFO: 513-754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com/haunt

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