SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THEME PARK ROUNDUP

By

Steve Zall and Sid Fish

 

Fall 2011

 

Hope you’re ready for Halloween, because our local theme parks are brewing up the scariest season ever with thrills and chills for all:

 

Disneyland Resort Celebrates

Halloween Time 2011

 

Separate-ticket ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Offers Trick-or-Treating In Disneyland Park on 10 Special Nights

 

The spirit of Halloween Time will invade Disneyland Resort this fall with Disney villains, Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes, along with the seasonal transformations of Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort begins Friday, Sept. 16, and will continue through Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

The after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event* which has become an annual highlight of Halloween Time for trick-or-treating families, will take place in Disneyland park on 10 special Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights: Sept. 30 and Oct. 3, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 31. Tickets are available at www.disneyland.com/halloween.

Mickey’s Halloween Party invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at the resort. These party participants can also “mix in” with regular Disneyland guests for three hours prior to the start of Mickey’s private bash. Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

  • Newly themed dance party: Guests can mix, mingle, and dance with some of their favorite Disney characters at the new “Piratepalooza” at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. The popular “Buzz Lightyear’s Intergalactic Space Jam” returns to the Tomorrowland Terrace for more dancing fun.
  • New character photo locations: Guests will meet Stormtroopers at Tomorrowland, Phineas & Ferb at Plaza Gardens Stage, and Duffy the Bear in his pumpkin attire at Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. Eight additional photo locations feature princesses, Disney villains and more Disney and Pixar pals.
  • The special opportunity to play in Disneyland for three hours before the party starts
  • Trick or Treating – candy and healthy treats ­- in the ultimate Disney neighborhood
  • The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of  Mickey’s Halloween Party)
  • “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly
  • An opportunity for everyone in the family to attend the park in costumes
  • Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions

Tickets purchased in advance for Mickey’s Halloween Party are $49 most days, while tickets purchased on the event days are $59. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 28, and Halloween Night, Monday, Oct. 31, are $64.

Favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will dress up in fun, fall costumes. It’s the ideal environment to eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music, and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For Halloween fun at Disneyland, guests will enjoy Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland. The experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

 

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas”. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

 

Halloween Time offers frightfully delightful fun for children and adults:

 

  • For spine-tingling fun, drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure park, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.
  • Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is transformed for the Pumpkin Festival. More than 300 pumpkins will be on display and none of them are the same!
  • Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will find ranch animals, pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor, and activities for youngsters.
  • Meeting Disney characters will be easier than ever as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in spooky attire greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland will honor Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with traditional skeleton figures on display Sept. 16 through Nov. 2.
  • Special Halloween treats will be available in Disneyland, including menu items such as Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash, served in a dog dish in honor of Zero.

 

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.disneyland.com/halloween.

 

Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences. The resort’s three hotels are the luxurious 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 970-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its day-at-the-beach fun.

 

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is open daily year round, and Halloween Time runs September 16 through October 31. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

 

 

Knott’s Scary Farm presents

Halloween Hauntâ - All You Fear is Here

 

World’s First, Largest, and Longest Running Halloween Event Returns with New Mazes, New Shows, and a New Scare Zone

 

Starting September 23 and running for 28 horrifying nights the typically family friendly theme park will transform itself for its willing victims into 160-acres of sheer terror. Knott’s Halloween Haunt continues to be the leader in theme park Halloween events offering a whopping 13 mazes, seven hair-raising shows, four horrific scare zones, and 1,000 monsters roaming throughout the entire park.

NEW MAZES

Delirium

In the deep recesses of the mind, on the clouded brink of insanity, lies the hellish wasteland of delirium - a place so gruesome that your imagination fails to comprehend the horrors. Illusion and paranoia are your only anchors to reality. Welcome to your worst nightmare!

Invasion Beneath

LIVE FROM KNOTT’S BERRY FARM: Details are sketchy but eyewitnesses report that the Calico Mine Ride has been invaded by creatures of unknown origin through a large fissure in the earth’s core. The creatures possess advanced weaponry and are extremely hostile. The military has just infiltrated the mountain to try and rescue the survivors and combat the violent attacks. Stay tuned.

ENDGAMES: Warriors of the Apocalypse

The world as we know it has ended. The survivors in this barren desert have scavenged to rebuild society. The rich and the powerful have turned all others into slaves for sport. Enter the post-apocalyptic arena where gladiators are forced to battle to their deaths for entertainment. Are you game?

RETURNING MAZES

 

Fallout Shelter (in 3D)

Locked in a cement grave for decades, hidden deep below the depths of the lake, an abandoned fallout shelter is crawling with human /genetic hybrids, toxic mutants, and a host of nuclear freaks all hungry for carnage. Grab your Geiger counters and put on your radiation suits, these residents are ravenous.

Sleepy Hollow

Ghosts and ghouls, witches and goblins, long legged beasts and things that go bump in the night are all at your heels as you travel through Sleepy Hollow. Specters and phantoms and legends of long ago haunt the living. Can you outrun the Headless Horseman? Can you keep your wits, or will you lose your head as well?

 

Virus Z

Welcome to Pleasanton – Population: Zero. The highly infectious virus Z has turned the entire town into cannibal zombies and you’re this week’s special. Hordes of bloodthirsty corpses roam the small town in search of fresh meat. Help has arrived, but they are not on a rescue mission – they are here to wall off the entire town from civilization.

 

Lockdown: The Asylum

The inmates really are running the asylum in this nightmare prison, and insanity reigns supreme. The inmates are out of their cells and their minds. And don’t scream for help, this hostile takeover has the authorities running for cover!

 

Terror of London

Step back in time and into the fog-filled streets of London where a host of infamous characters are on the prowl-terrorizing city dwellers. Step lively or you may fall victim to Jack the Ripper’s blade or Dr. Jekyll’s twisted experiments as Big Ben rings out. God save the Queen…..and you!

 

Dia De Los Muertos

Venture into the forbidden jungle of El Chupacabra where sacrificial blood rains down from the sky. The screams of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, echo around you and the creatures of the night crawl from their crypts, the “Day of the Dead” has arrived!

 

Uncle Bobo’s Big Top of the Bizarre (3D)

Step right up! Don’t be shy! Welcome to Uncle Bobo’s Big Top of the Bizarre. Inside you will find a villainous variety of vaudevillian visages to vex even the most valiant voyeurs! It’s the greatest slaughter on earth with clown carnage galore!

 

The Slaughterhouse

Folk’s from near and far come a-runnin for Farmer Willy’s world famous BBQ! You can smell the sizzling meat from miles away. Farmer Willy will think you are prime beef as he sets out to auction you off to the highest bidder, tenderize you with his chainsaw, and grind you into a tasty meat treat. Bon Appétit!


The Doll Factory

A trip to the Doll Factory reveals a twisted museum of death and disfigurement as you are pursued by the Marionette Murderer, a psychotic killer who turns his beautiful victims into life-size porcelain dolls.

 

Corn Stalkers

It’s harvest time and the crop is you in Corn Stalkers. Plunge into rows and rows of rotting corn and try to evade the bloodthirsty monstrosities seeking to impale you on their razor sharp scythes.

 

SCARE ZONES

 

Knott’s Scare Zones surround you in fright. Each year Knott’s makes it more difficult to outrun your fear by expanding Knott’s Scare Zones and adding to the legions of zone inhabitants. This year Knott’s will expand its most popular scare zone, Ghost Town, with the addition of Gypsy Camp.

 

NEW SCARE ZONE

 

Gypsy Camp

The backstreets of Ghost Town are shrouded by moonlit darkness, fearsome howl pierce the silence. In a blur of crimson teeth, werewolves stalk the encampment seeking revenge for an ancient gypsy curse.

 

RETURNING SCARE ZONES

 

Necropolis

A vampire world of flesh and machine, of gears and steam. Journey through the streets of this steam punk influenced city of the dead and discover the only truth in town: Blood is power.

 

Ghost Town

With 39 years of the finest thrills and chills, Ghost Town is home to a whole cast of night stalkers including the notorious Sliders who lurk in every fog-filled corner. You can’t see your hand in front of face as you try and navigate the winding streets that may just lead to the graveyard!

 

Carnevil

The Boardwalk has taken an evil turn as gruesome carnival characters perform their bizarre sideshows and evil clowns show their true colors.

 

 

 

SHOWS

 

A trip to Halloween Haunt would not be complete without the shows! See one, see them all – Knott’s entertainment offers so many twisted choices:

 

Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem

In the Ghoul Time Theatre Ed Alonzo is a self-proclaimed “Misfit of Magic” who brings slight-of-hand, slight-of-mouth, and slight of mind to this insane, psycho-sensory production.

 

Putz’ Prank Party

The Wagon Camp will see the return of Marty Putz who performs prop comedy like nobody else does. This show is a serious dose of crazy, zany, frenzied comedy. Over the top funny! Can you say, “Chubby Bunny”?

 

Blood Drums

At Necropolis Theatre, guests can watch the ghoulishly great performance of Street Drum Corps. This high-energy drumming quartet is known for their unique blend of amazing percussion skills with ordinary found objects.

 

Haunt Wonders of Technology

Knott’s historic Birdcage Theatre will be the location of a brand new show that takes a look at Haunt past. This tongue-in-cheek, comedy and special effects show will spotlight some favorite mechanical and automated friends from past Halloween Haunts.

 

Zamora’s Sideshow of the Horrors

In the Boardwalk Ballroom, Zamora, the King of Torture, amazes audiences with his mind blowing, invasive, self-inflicted pain, and torture.

 

Cursed

The new Gypsy Camp area will feature the magical and hypnotic powers of the Gypsy dancers.

 

Cowboys & Aliens and Superheroes Oh My!

Of course, no Haunt would be complete without the legendary “Hanging®” in Calico Scare. This year’s Hanging finds the good citizens of Calico and the Lawman trying to rid the town of the evil that has invaded it!

 

Knott’s Halloween Haunt dates are September 23-25, 29-October 2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-31. Event hours are 7pm - 1am (Fridays and Saturdays till 2am). The Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Scary Farm is a special ticket event not covered by regular Knott’s Berry Farm admission or a Knott’s Season Pass. Ticket prices are $34 - $51 presale online and $57 day of event. Haunt tickets are available at Knott’s Guest Relations, by phone at Knott’s Haunt Line 714-220-5000, or online atwww.knotts.com (service charges apply).

 

In addition to the event itself, Knott’s offers the popular “add-ons”. Packages for fright fans wishing to expand their experience include the park’s “Pre-Scare Dinner,” offering ticket holders dinner and early access to the event; three Haunt-inspired overnight packages at the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel; and a VIM (Very Important Monster) Escorted Tour for up to 6 guests.

 

Once again Knott’s Pre-Scare Dinner Special offers Haunt ticket holders a themed “boo-ffet” dinner followed by early entry into Haunt a few minutes before it opens to the public. This VIP dinner is $24 including tax and gratuity (does not include Haunt event tickets). This special offer is available each night to Haunt ticket holders only with advance dinner reservations. For reservations, visit www.Knotts.com or call 714-220-5055. Walk-up boo-ffet price is $28.

 

For Knott’s Scary Farm guests looking to prolong their Halloween experience – or who are just too scared to drive home, Halloween themed hotel packages are available at Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel starting as low as $149. Three packages are available which include various amenities and tickets to the premier Halloween themed event, Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt. For reservations or more information, call the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel at 714-995-1111 or 866-752-2444 or visit www.knottshotel.com.

 

For guests wanting to minimize their time waiting in Halloween Haunt attraction queues, Knott’s offers a VIM (Very Important Monster) Escorted Tour featuring event admission and front of the line access to Haunt attractions. Prices are $2,000 for 1-6 guests (includes one personal escort). Please call 714-220-5298 for reservations.

 

Halloween Haunt is a scary event and definitely not recommended for children under 13. There are no guest costumes or re-entry privileges allowed for this event.

 

For the younger set, Snoopy’s Costume Party in Camp Snoopy is an alternative daytime non-scare celebration of Halloween cheer rather than fear offered weekends October 1-30, 10 am to 5 pm and is included with regular park admission. This special, family event includes friendly monsters, a kid-friendly maze, crafts, and of course, trick-or-treat stations. For more general event information on Halloween Haunt, call the Haunt Line at 714-220-5200.

 

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is open daily year round. For more information call 714-220-5200 or visitwww.knotts.com, where you can also save time and money with Knott’s Print@Home tickets.

 

 

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights Now Lights Up the Sky at LEGOLAND® California Resort


LEGOLAND® California is taking the biggest kids’ Halloween celebration in San Diego to new heights this year! Fireworks are being added to the already “brick-tacular” line up that Brick-or-Treat Party Nights offers every Saturday night in October. Returning fan favorites include the interactive show “Mail Order Monsters”, Brick-or-Treat Trails and, of course, SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium gets into the spirit with its own Brick-or-Treat Trail Bonus station.

Every Saturday and Sunday in October (Oct. 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 and 30), children 12 and under can trick-or-treat on the Brick-or-Treat Trail in the Enchanted Walk gathering goodies such as LEGO® Club Magazine, delicious treats and other surprises. This kid-sized cul-de-sacs features seven LEGO-themed treat stations and offer a safe, fun and entertaining trick-or-treating experience. 

Then every Saturday in October from 5 to 9 p.m., the family theme park transforms into a not-too-spooky Halloween haven for Brick-or-Treat Party Nights featuring costume contests, nighttime trick-or-treating on one of two Brick or Treat Trails, festive music, entertainment, interaction with the “Boo Crew”, the animated light show “Spirits of Halloween” after sundown and fireworks cap off the night at 9 p.m. Several monstrously fun areas of LEGOLAND are open late for Party Nights Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, including Land of Adventure, Castle Hill, the Imagination Zone and Park favorites Coastersaurus, Safari Trek and Fairy Tale Brook. Children can also enjoy ghoulish activities like Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party, the Haunted Hideaways and a LEGOLAND pumpkin patch building activity plus glow-in-the-dark treats for nighttime fun. Children will also love interacting with the “Boo Crew” including Silly Scarecrows, Howlin’ Howie, Jester Funny Bones and Count Brickula as they “boo-gie” down during Party Nights.

At SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Southern California Tide Pool is spooked with a bonus Brick-or-Treat station. Kids will receive candy and other surprises while learning about the “monsters” of the deep every Saturday and Sunday in October.

The much-anticipated costume contest returns to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights where children 12 and under show off their costumes in three categories including Heroes, LEGO-themed and Creative. Prize packages including LEGOLAND Resort Memberships and souvenirs, LEGO toys and gifts are awarded to the winner in each category.

In the live stage show, “Mail Order Monsters”, 10-year old Princess Playwright orders some delightfully scary monsters for the Brick-or-Treat celebration but the mischievous Jester Funny Bones conjures up a spell to make the monsters as sweet as candy. Guests have to help the Princess retrain her monsters and break the spell - all in time for the big Halloween celebration!

Every day throughout the month of October, families can climb aboard a giant LEGO jack-o-lantern to capture a fun and memorable photo. The jack-o-lantern, which is more than 7 feet wide, is made of 22,000 DUPLO® bricks and weighs 850 pounds! 

All Brick-or-Treat and Party Nights festivities are included in the price of regular one-day admission to LEGOLAND California. During Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. SEA LIFE is staying open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays for those wanting to explore the Aquarium after dark. Guests can pre-purchase Brick-or-Treat tickets online which include SEA LIFE for $55 and receive a complimentary second-day ticket valid through December 25. Guests planning to attend Brick-or-Treat Party Nights only can purchase special tickets online or at the front gate in advance for just $25 at www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO.

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is open Thursday through Monday until November 1; Brick-or-Treat runs Saturday and Sundays throughout October. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.

 

 

SeaWorld San Diego’s

Halloween Spooktacular Returns with New Show, More Treats and Extra Fun for Everyone

 

Where can kids meet some spooky and not-so-spooky animals, pose for pictures with mesmerizing mermaids and trick-or-treat in a sea-inspired atmosphere? It’s all part of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, where Halloween meets the sea this October. Festivities are geared for kids 12 years and under, who are invited to come in costume and enjoy animal meet and greets, special Halloween shows and colorful costumed characters from 1 to 6 p.m. the following weekends:October 1–2, 8–9, 15-16, 22–23, 29–31. (On Oct. 31, the park will remain decorated and visitors can enjoy “Clyde & Seamore’s Spooky Adventure” show and the “Pirates 4-D” movie.)

Every weekend in October SeaWorld guests can enjoy an ocean full of fun. New this year SeaWorld presents, “The Search for Captain Lucky’s Treasure,” a walk-through adventure adjacent to Cirque Stadium; the all-new “Clyde & Seamore’s Spooky Adventure” at Sea Lion and Otter Stadium and “Penelope’s Pumpkinfish Patch” at the Seaport lawn adjacent to Animal Connections. Also, guests can meet a variety of animals at Animal Connections at Seaport Marketplace, pose with mermaids at the Mermaid Grotto located at the Main Gate area and watch “Pirates 4-D”, a wacky film adventure about a pirate captain and his bumbling crew at the park’s Mission Bay Theater.

Spooktacular Highlights

 

Trick-or-Treat Sweets

Kids are encouraged to come in costume and use their Spooktacular maps to trick or treat among 11 sea-themed stations. An assortment of candy and healthy treats will be provided.

 

Connect With Animals

Meet a variety of spooky and not-so-spooky animals at Animal Connections near Seaport Market- place. Trainers will be on hand to dispel myths about animals and why they are misunderstood.

 

Shows

 

Clyde & Seamore’s Spooky Adventure

At Sea Lion and Otter Stadium is a new specially themed show with a blast to the past. If you remembered the show back in the 1980s, then you’ll want to revisit sea lions Clyde and Seamore and their buddy O.P. Otter for all the kooky fun as they are mysteriously transported back to Uncle Smedley’s Castle.

 

Countdown to Halloween

At Sesame Street’s Bay of Play musical stage, this show features Count Von Count, Elmo and friends. Kids can also capture photos of their favorite Sesame character and enjoy interactive games.

 

Main Gate Entertainment

Guests will be treated to an Octopus Candy Garden with brightly colored tentacles and candy treats; photo ops with their favorite Sesame Street characters; and SeaWorld costume characters also will be on hand to get everyone into the Halloween spirit.

 

Pathway Encounters

“The Search for Captain Lucky’s Treasure”, adjacent to Cirque Stadium, is an island-themed outdoor adventure that leads visitors through various obstacles to Captain Lucky’s treasure, where Halloween enthusiasts receive a special Pirate eye-patch giveaway.

 

“Penelope’s Pumpkinfish Patch,” in front of Seaport Marketplace, offers festive fun, including posing for photos among a decorative pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting and meeting Pumpkin Princess and her bouncing stilt-walker court.

 

Along the sea-inspired pathways, guests will encounter a variety of fun-loving characters like the new “Jay Minnow” show host, who will interview guests around the park.

 

The best way for guests to experience SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is with a SeaWorld Membership. There are several Membership options to choose from with benefits that include unlimited admission, discounts on food and merchandise, invitations to exclusive Pass Member events, free general parking and more. Membership gives guests the opportunity to enjoy unlimited access plus, all the amazing animal encounters, special events like Halloween and family fun the park offers year-round.

 

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission. For more information, call (800) 25-SHAMU or visitwww.seaworldsandiego.com

 

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego is open daily year round, and Halloween Spooktacular runs October 1–2, 8–9, 15-16, 22–23, 29–31. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

 

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain Brings You

Thrills by Day, Fright by Night,

in the Biggest Fright Fest Ever!

 

New Mazes, Scare Zones, Shows and Extended Park Hours

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms from a “theme park” to a haunted “scream park” for the 19th season of Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS®, Southern California’s most thrilling Halloween experience. This season marks the BIGGEST Fright Fest in the Park’s history with four new scare zones, three new mazes, two new shows and extended park hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Six Flags Magic Mountain offers 13 days of terrifying haunted mazes, roaming zombies and spooky shows. If that’s not enough, Six Flags Magic Mountain will add a “twisted” element to some of their monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears literally in the dark. And, the Fright Fest exclusive that coaster fanatics wait for all year … the transformation of one of the largest, most celebrated coasters in the world, Colossus BACKWARDS! Beginning October 7 and running for four frightfully fun weekends, Fright Fest leaves no tombstone unturned to bring guests the ultimate sensory overload for every range of fear. For the little monsters, a Trick or Treat Trail, Kid Scaryoke and Witch Hazel Halloween Crafts in Whistlestop Park round out the activities.

 

The newest and one of the largest mazes in Southern California is The Aftermath, where brave souls enter a post-apocalyptic city inhabited by nomad warriors who rule with bone-crushing iron fists and the dead stalk the living. Also new this year is Chupacabra, where guests come face to face with this elusive blood-thirsty creature as it terrorizes the local Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival; and Cursed, featuring roaming gypsies and werewolves who hunt for fresh blood. Returning mazes include the popular BITE II, featuring sexy and sinister werewolves who are out for a bite in this nest of the undead; and Lecter’s Slaughterhouse, a family-run business specializing in tasty human treats.

 

Spooktacular shows include hypnotists Chris Maybre and Suzy Haner, who put park guests in compromising scenarios in their hilarious stage show located in Golden Bear Theater, and the new Off With Your Head, a Pop/Glam Rock musical spectacular featuring the music of Bon Jovi, Rhianna and Michael Jackson. Additionally, the comical freaks of the newDr. Fright’s CarnEvil perform the hits of Guns ‘n’ Roses, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga in front of DC UNIVERSE, and be sure to dust off your thriller moves and join in the fun as the popular DJ Demonic and gRAVE return to the same area.

 

Back for their 19th year of applying award-winning make-up, Scott Ramp and his “Scream Team” transform 400-plus Fright Fest scaractors into ghouls, zombies, vampires and demons nightly.

 

Fright Fest hours:

October 7, 9, 16, 23, 30 & 31 – 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

October 8 – 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 – 10:30 a.m. to midnight

 

HAUNTED MAZES

 

NEW! THE AFTERMATH

Enter a post-apocalyptic city where nomad warriors rule with bone-crushing iron fists and the dead stalk the living. (Not intended for children under 12.)

 

NEW! CHUPACABRA

Come face to face with this elusive bloodthirsty creature as it terrorizes a local Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. (Not intended for children under 12.)

 

NEW! CURSED

There is always a full moon over this cursed land where gypsies roam and werewolves hunt for blood. (Not intended for children under 12.)

 

BITE II

The sexy and sinister are out for a BITE in this recently uncovered nest of the undead. Will you be the one to get bit? (Not intended for children under 12.)

 

LECTER’S SLAUGHTERHOUSE

Step on these deadly docks and enter the world of the celebrity butcher taking wretched revenge on the bowels of society. (Not intended for children under 12.)

 

WILLOUGHBY’S HAUNTED MANSION

Horror awaits you at the Granddaddy of all Six Flags Magic Mountain mazes … there’s hair-raising terror around each nightmarish turn and dreadful screams down the long twisting hallways. (This attraction is not intended for children.)

 

JOKESTER’S HIDEOUT 3D

Sneak through an all black-light hideout and catch a 3D peek of the funny projects on which the Jokester and his crew are working. But watch your back…sideshow clowns run amuck!

 

WAREHOUSE 13

The ultimate test of bravery is at the toxic warehouse where employees are less than happy about seeing visitors. Be forewarned, work is mandatory and escape impossible.

 

 

SCARE ZONES

 

NEW! GYPSY HOLLOW

Evil gypsies and werewolves own this territory and blood is their bounty.

 

NEW! THE WASTELANDS

Barbarian humanoids rule this land and dare you to enter The Aftermath.

 

NEW! NIGHTMARES – A TWISTED TALE

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

 

NEW! HILLBILLY MASSACRE

A family of demonic, backwoods folk have been hunting for new exotic skins, human skin is most preferred.

 

CITY UNDER SIEGE

The insane and unruly run rampant in the streets of DC UNIVERSE. Prepare to feel really uncomfortable with these comic-like characters running amuck.

 

EXILE HILL

Banished from mortality, this hillside taunts creatures haunting the grounds as caretakers of the Willoughby estate.

 

 

THRILL RIDES BY NIGHT

 

NEW! Foggy Nights at BATMAN The Ride

One of Gotham’s most notorious villains has released fear toxin into the night air.

 

X2: AREA 19

Get launched on a high-speed, heart-pounding journey through an abandoned facility taken over by aliens.

 

COLOSSUS—BACKWARDS! (A Fright Fest Exclusive)

Experience one of the largest, most celebrated coasters in the world – BACKWARDS! That’s right, back by popular demand. Travel nearly one mile on this dual track wooden coaster all while sitting completely backwards!

 

SPINNING THUMPER BUMPERS

Pulsating sounds rock the craziest bumper cars into a totally new and extreme driving experience.

 

TERROR TRACKS - RIDES IN THE DARK!

Face your fears with the lights off! Your favorite thrills in the dark on Apocalypse, Tatsu, Viper, THE RIDDLER’s Revenge and Goliath. Something so “twisted” would only happen during Fright Fest.

 

MEET RIP MORGUE

Document your Six Flags Fright Fest memories with a photo of our Willoughby’s chauffer, RIP, and his “wheels”.

 

 

SHOWS

 

NEW! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD

A Pop/Glam Rock musical spectacular with the music of Bon Jovi, Rhianna, Michael Jackson and more.

 

NEW! DR. FRIGHT’S CARNEVIL

The freaks are out in this rock ‘n’ roll musical and comedy review. This talented group of misfits will perform the hits of Guns ‘n’ Roses, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.

 

HIGH SIERRA HYPNOTIST

This amusing show stars the members of the audience. Guests who are chosen to be put “under hypnosis” will perform hysterical exploits never to be imitated “under consciousness”.

 

gRAVE

Dance, trance, resurrection! This is the gRAVE everyone is dying for.

 

ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS

NEW! WITCH HAZEL’S PUMPKIN PATCH CRAFTS

Crafted especially for our younger guests to stretch their imaginations.

 

KID SCARYOKE

Be a star in this very rockin’ Halloween party! Sing, play or dance, either way all eyes are on you in this moment of fame.   

 

A LOONEY TUNES TRICK OR TREAT ADVENTURE

Kids (under 48”) and parents walk with Looney Tunes friends through Bugs Bunny World where they will find tantalizing treats along the way.

 

LOONEY TUNES CHARACTERS

Grab your camera and meet your favorite Looney Tunes characters in their Halloween costumes.

 

NEW FRIGHT FEAST!

Enjoy an exclusive Fright Fest show and delicious meal at Mooseburger Lodge.

 

Unlimited Six Flags fun is yours with a 2012 Six Flags Magic Mountain Thrill Pass. For the price of a single day’s admission, just $61.99, guests who purchase a 2012 Thrill Pass can enjoy unlimited visits to the Park any operating day, with no blackouts, from now through the end of the 2012 season…that’s 15 months of thrills for just pennies a day! Plus, guests who purchase four or more Thrill Passes in a single transaction will receive an automatic upgrade to 2012 Combo Passes – which include admission to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – and one Season Parking Pass absolutelyFREE! To get this unprecedented offer, passes must be bought and processed by October 31, 2011. Additionally, 2012 Thrill Passes are valid for this season’s biggest and best ever Fright Fest event. For more information on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, visit our exclusive website at frightfest.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is open October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-31. For more information call 661-255-4111 or visit www.sixflagsmagicmountain.com.

 

 

Universal Studios presents Halloween Horror Nights – What Fear Fears Most

 

Universal Studios Hollywood returns with a vengeance this year, with lots of new and improved mazes, scare zones, the famous Terror Tram through the Universal Backlot, thrill rides in the dark, the Bill & Ted show, and hundreds of monsters haunting every inch of the grounds.

Mazes

 

NEW! The Thing: Assimilation

Venture on a perilous journey to the isolated outpost of Thule Station. Discover why scientists went missing in the seemingly infinite, frozen reaches of Antarctica. Make the most shocking discovery of your life as you encounter a frightful alien creature that claims its victims without remorse, morphing into anything…or anyone! Feel the paranoia creep over every inch of your body and the icy winds gnaw at your flesh with every step you take. Trust no one as you search for a way out, but be warned, it may already be among you!

 

NEW! Eli Roth's Hostel: Hunting Season

Escape to devilishly hedonistic Bratislava, home to Eastern Europe's most horrifying Hostel where pleasure and pain go hand in hand. Descend to hell's darkest corner as you sample the forbidden fruits of extreme terror. It's hunting season and vulnerable prey is in high demand! Take a sickeningly twisted detour to a torture factory where Americans are sold to the highest bidder and dreams of paradise become nightmares of agony. Enjoy your stay; we look forward to having you!

 

NEW! Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare

Enter the gruesomely twisted mind of shock rock legend, Alice Cooper, as he takes the stage in what is sure to be your final performance. Find your way through a labyrinth of razor-sharp guillotines, smell the burning flesh rotting upon electric chairs, and face off against deadly boa constrictors, demonic dolls and more! Lose sight of what's real as you begin your dark, demented journey through the eyes of Alice Cooper. If you didn't believe in nightmares before, you soon will! For even staying awake won't save you!

 

NEW! La Llorona: Villa de Almas Perdidas As imagined by Diego Luna

Explore the chilling legend of pain and anguish as your ears succumb to the petrifying screams of a woman consumed by the dreadful guilt of drowning her children and then herself. Doomed to wander the Earth for eternity, La Llorona will stop at nothing to find the souls of her murdered children. Relive the trauma that has haunted and terrified the hours of dark throughout the Americas for over 500 years, as you embark on a spine-chilling journey through the rotting remains of a haunted Mexican village. Beware, for those who hear the wails of La Llorona are marked for death!

 

NEW! The Wolfman: The Curse of Talbot Hall

Take a treacherous stroll through Blackmoor’s haunting countryside, where the roads run red with blood. Somewhere in the shadows, a truly grotesque creature lies watching, waiting to strike when the moon is full. Explore the decaying Talbot Hall, home to unspeakable horrors and shrouded in mystery, where an indescribable terror has been set free. A beast with an insatiable bloodlust is slaughtering all who cross his path and it just so happens that tonight is a full moon. Feel your heart pound, as you become the hunted. Confront your demons if you dare, for only you can satisfy his hunger.

 

Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses: in 3-D Zombievision

Enter a 3-D world of carnage and chaos that could only be envisioned by horror icon Rob Zombie as you brave Captain Spaulding's deadly tourist trap. Take a stroll on a one-way tour through Captain Spaulding's museum, then into the nightmarish confines of the Firefly residence and down into a subterranean network of tunnels where it's rumored that Dr. Satan still practices his lethal craft to this day.

 

Scare Zones

 

Scream

The infamous Ghostface Killer from Scream 4 is on the loose and may be right behind you -- ready to strike with his razor-sharp blade!

 

Zombieville

Feel your stomach churn as you encounter a decaying English village, ravaged by the walking dead. Breathe in the foul stench of decay as the corpses of butchers, barbers, and yes—even senior citizens, reawaken in search of satiating their hunger for human flesh.

 

The Reapers

The Grim Reaper and his evil minions of death have been unleashed upon the Earth, equipped with mutilating chainsaws. There's nowhere to run or hide; death lurks around every corner!

 

Klownz

Murder and mayhem reign as an ultra-violent gang of clowns take over "The Big Apple”. These psycho circus rejects are armed to the teeth and hell bent on destruction…yours! Now that the Klownz have come to town, the city will never be the same again!

 

Freakz

A renegade band of out of work sideshow performers have set up camp on the smoke-choked streets of Paris. With the Freak Shows shut down and food in short supply, the Freakz have developed a taste for human flesh! If you venture into their camp after dark, you may not make it out alive!

 

Terror Tram

 

Terror Tram: Scream 4 Your Life

Go behind the bloody scenes of the Universal Studios Backlot where many of Hollywood’s most horrific scary movies are currently filming. Rumors of tourists being killed by a cloaked murderer have begun to emerge, but the Ghostface Killer couldn’t be real…or could he? Feel your heart pound and your hair stand on end as you succumb to the mass hysteria during this bloodcurdling tour of terror. Enjoy the show as you embark on the ride of your life…literally!

 

Rides

 

Revenge of the Mummy? — The Ride

Take a ride on the world’s most intense indoor rollercoaster, if you dare. Face the heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn as you escape the Mummy's revenge in life-like horror. Rest assured, this ride will change you…forever!

 

Jurassic Park® — In the Dark

Be stalked like prey as you make your way through the darkness and find yourself amongst prehistoric predators. Keep your eyes peeled for a 50-foot T-Rex and a treacherous 84-foot death drop. You’re going to want to hold your friends close for this one.

 

The Simpsons Ride™

Laugh till’ it hurts on The Simpsons Ride virtual rollercoaster. With a surprise waiting around every turn, you, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie will have to watch out for Sideshow Bob as he tries to take you out for good. Get ready for an unforgettable thrill ride that will leave you in stitches.

 

Shows

 

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure

The Wyld Stallyns of time travel, Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan, return in an all-new parody show ripped from today’s headlines. Join Bill and Ted as they skewer a who’s who of infamous guest stars in this most excellent musical comedy that you won’t want to miss.

 

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is open daily year round, and Halloween Horror Nights runs September 23-24, 30-October 1, 7-9, 14-16, 20-23, 27-31. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visitwww.universalstudioshollywood.com.

 

 

Sounds like spine-tingling fun and sidesplitting laughter is in store for one and all, so grab the next broomstick out to your favorite theme park tonight and join in the merriment. Have a happy and safe Halloween!