“(Halloween Haunt is) the most immersive Halloween event in the area. In addition to 11 haunted attractions, three scare zones, three live shows and 600 monsters, the event also features more than 20 rides including the Beast, Banshee and Diamondback roller coasters. The event has evolved, transitioning from a focus on blood, terror and gore, into playing off what people fear — clowns, darkness — thinks of that nature,” said Don Helbig, Public Relations Area Manager for the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company owned park.
The popular Mason amusement park will run its haunt every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.
New this year is Field of Screams, a 10,000-square foot outdoor maze and The Viewing, which is an escape room that is included with the parks Fright Lane with Skeleton Key offer. Coffin Races are planned every Friday night at 8:30 p.m. with teams of five (four runners, one in the coffin) competing for the fastest time of the night to win prizes. Registration is done in advance online at visitkingsisland.com.
Returning haunted attractions include: Backwoods Bayou, Blackout, Board to Death, CarnEvil, Kill Mart, Madame Fatale's Cavern of Terror, Slaughter House, Sorority House, Urgent Scare and Wolf Pack.
The live entertainment lineup features Blood Drums, a percussive blood bath of rhythm and music; Hot Blooded, a seductive after-life revue; and Monster Rock, which features the music of Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and others.
“Our guests who have experienced Halloween Haunt in the past will notice how the event has evolved, with it now playing off what people fear — what you can see will scare you and what you can’t see will haunt you,” said Helbig. “You don’t have to go through the haunted attractions to enjoy the event. The atmosphere on the midways offers a great experience in itself.”
For younger guests, the all-new Great Pumpkin Fest, presented by the Hershey Company, takes place every Saturday and Sunday in October from Noon-6 p.m. to provide fright-free fun.
Kids can trick-or-treat, play in a foam pit, visit a petting farm, enjoy Halloween activities, participate in a costume contest and meet characters from the PEANUTS gang. Guests can also watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” in honor of the show’s 50th anniversary.
WHAT: Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt
WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 29. Hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night.
WHERE: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
COST: Tickets for Halloween Haunt are as low as $29.99 when purchased in advance online. Fright Lane with Skeleton Key is an additional cost. It can be purchased for as low as $40 and is a premium item.
MORE INFORMATION: (513) 754-5700 or visitkingsisland.com/haunt
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