"Licking and nibbling" are never "family-friendly."
Howl-O-Scream 2014
- Thread starter Zachary
- Start date
It's unfortunate to hear that Vampire Point and Ripper Row are missing some of the decor that they had last year. Especially in the case of Ripper Row, which should be up to standard on the level of Wendigo Woods, since it is a showcase area this year with the return of Monster Stomp in the Globe. I doubt it, but maybe if we are lucky they still have some decorations to add over the next week.
Nicole, Night Beats is a perfectly fine kids show with its references to sucking blood, songs from the 40s, and catcalling. I find it sexist that you think so.
Well I guess i'll give my thoughts on my 1st HOS experience now. I had fun. There's no doubt in my mind that this event could be WAY better, but it was fun. I'll go in order of how I experienced it.
1st was MSonRR. I certainly enjoyed it more than LR, but only half of it was really to my liking. The songs were mostly cheesy, as well as the rapping, but the skeleton dancing and knife banging were top notch. All of the drumming and blood spilling was cool too.
Next up was the 13 maze. Walking through the un-themed employee area to the entrance was plain terrible. There was a pile of trash and scrap metal right next to the line. At least clean up a little before letting guests back there. The maze was ok. The constant rubbing of itchy burlap sacks across my face became annoying very quickly. There were just too many people in this one for any of the actors to scare any one person very much. Overall, I felt let down by this one.
Next up was a stroll through Demon Street, I thought this area was pretty cool. The actors were making some good scares while we sat and watched for a while. The best scares were on people coming out of the Catacombs maze.
Next up was Catacombs. We walked through the concert venue and again, straight through an un-themed employee area to the entrance. Upon entering, I was immediately engulfed with more burlap sack to the face. This maze seemed almost identical to the one we had just been through. The lack of open rooms with theming were beginning to bother me. There were a few of these, but just not nearly as many as there should be. Just way too many hallways with itchy crap hanging from the ceiling.
On through Wendigo Woods. I really liked this Terror-tory the best. The idea was clear and it was being carried out well by all of the actors. We sat and watched the 'science lady' scaring people from behind the trash can for quite a while. She was good. The wounded people and chaos set a really cool tone for the area.
Vampire point was next up and It was kind-of nothing when we walked through. I'll just choke this one up to 'they were on break' or something.
Next up was Root of All Evil. Once again, we walked through and un-themed employee area to the entrance of the maze. Straight into a low ceiling of burlap sack shrouds. (Keep in mind that I come from KD and by this time, I am beginning to compare the experiences with Haunt. Almost every maze entrance at Haunt has theming and/or scares of some sort while in line. HOS is really letting me down in this area. Haunts mazes have many more rooms in them also and do not rely constantly on hanging burlap to brush you in the face.) This time there was a crapload of fog to deal with, which meant more burlap to the face. I actually liked all of the fog and plants in this one. The scares were a little better here too. My wife had some issues with the thick fog and breathing though. This was my favorite up to this point. I think because the maze was outside and I enjoy outdoor mazes the most! (I.E. Cornstalkers)
Next up was Bitten. I was happy to see a wee bit of theming on this one's entrance. Even if it was just a vampire-ish shroud over the walkway, at least it was something. This quickly became my favorite maze. More rooms, less burlap, and good detail in the house. The sand floor was a neat touch that created uniqueness(Which was beginning to fade for me). This maze remained my favorite to the end.
Traveling on through the land of the pirates was visually interesting. There was nothing scary at all about it. The pirates were actually quite comical.
Next up was Cut-throat Cove. This maze had the most scare actors in it and was pretty good as far as the scares go. I couldn't help but come out disappointed though. There was just way too much burlap sack to the face and I was done with it already.
We skipped Deadline. I'll hit it next time I go. Any burlap hanging in the walkways there?
Ripper rom was really cool! There were 2 headless umbrella ladies wandering and 2 of the 'fan' girls interacted with us. Overall we left happy and had a good time. I felt like if this wasn't my 1st time doing HOS, it might not have been all that fun. If I had been visiting these same mazes for years, I would probably feel disappointed in them at this point. There were quite a few people that warned me 'prepare to be disappointed' and I totally see why now. It was fun and I will go again, but it's not on Haunt's level. (OPINION)
1st was MSonRR. I certainly enjoyed it more than LR, but only half of it was really to my liking. The songs were mostly cheesy, as well as the rapping, but the skeleton dancing and knife banging were top notch. All of the drumming and blood spilling was cool too.
Next up was the 13 maze. Walking through the un-themed employee area to the entrance was plain terrible. There was a pile of trash and scrap metal right next to the line. At least clean up a little before letting guests back there. The maze was ok. The constant rubbing of itchy burlap sacks across my face became annoying very quickly. There were just too many people in this one for any of the actors to scare any one person very much. Overall, I felt let down by this one.
Next up was a stroll through Demon Street, I thought this area was pretty cool. The actors were making some good scares while we sat and watched for a while. The best scares were on people coming out of the Catacombs maze.
Next up was Catacombs. We walked through the concert venue and again, straight through an un-themed employee area to the entrance. Upon entering, I was immediately engulfed with more burlap sack to the face. This maze seemed almost identical to the one we had just been through. The lack of open rooms with theming were beginning to bother me. There were a few of these, but just not nearly as many as there should be. Just way too many hallways with itchy crap hanging from the ceiling.
On through Wendigo Woods. I really liked this Terror-tory the best. The idea was clear and it was being carried out well by all of the actors. We sat and watched the 'science lady' scaring people from behind the trash can for quite a while. She was good. The wounded people and chaos set a really cool tone for the area.
Vampire point was next up and It was kind-of nothing when we walked through. I'll just choke this one up to 'they were on break' or something.
Next up was Root of All Evil. Once again, we walked through and un-themed employee area to the entrance of the maze. Straight into a low ceiling of burlap sack shrouds. (Keep in mind that I come from KD and by this time, I am beginning to compare the experiences with Haunt. Almost every maze entrance at Haunt has theming and/or scares of some sort while in line. HOS is really letting me down in this area. Haunts mazes have many more rooms in them also and do not rely constantly on hanging burlap to brush you in the face.) This time there was a crapload of fog to deal with, which meant more burlap to the face. I actually liked all of the fog and plants in this one. The scares were a little better here too. My wife had some issues with the thick fog and breathing though. This was my favorite up to this point. I think because the maze was outside and I enjoy outdoor mazes the most! (I.E. Cornstalkers)
Next up was Bitten. I was happy to see a wee bit of theming on this one's entrance. Even if it was just a vampire-ish shroud over the walkway, at least it was something. This quickly became my favorite maze. More rooms, less burlap, and good detail in the house. The sand floor was a neat touch that created uniqueness(Which was beginning to fade for me). This maze remained my favorite to the end.
Traveling on through the land of the pirates was visually interesting. There was nothing scary at all about it. The pirates were actually quite comical.
Next up was Cut-throat Cove. This maze had the most scare actors in it and was pretty good as far as the scares go. I couldn't help but come out disappointed though. There was just way too much burlap sack to the face and I was done with it already.
We skipped Deadline. I'll hit it next time I go. Any burlap hanging in the walkways there?
Ripper rom was really cool! There were 2 headless umbrella ladies wandering and 2 of the 'fan' girls interacted with us. Overall we left happy and had a good time. I felt like if this wasn't my 1st time doing HOS, it might not have been all that fun. If I had been visiting these same mazes for years, I would probably feel disappointed in them at this point. There were quite a few people that warned me 'prepare to be disappointed' and I totally see why now. It was fun and I will go again, but it's not on Haunt's level. (OPINION)
Does anyone think that BG toned down "Ports of Skull" to make it A "family friendly" area of the park after 6p even though they don't say that out right. I mean there is a scattering of kiddie rides there and across the bridge in Festa. Smurf and 80's glam band pirates aren't scary, to kids they probably think there clowns. Parents who stay after 6pm will probably pick up on this and concentrate in these two areas in my opinion.
Just my thoughts.
Just my thoughts.
I don't think I found Ports of Skull to be very intense last year either, to be honest. It is still a fun, party atmosphere, in my opinion.
Yeah, it seems more like "Captain Jack Sparrow" instead of "Sea Dog Cemetery".
Mazakman said:
I had breathing problems when going through the houses on Friday. The next time you go make sure your wife is wearing a scarf or something over her mouth because once you get to the wife room with the fan blades then entire room is covered in fog. I have asthma and spent all of saturday in the ER getting to IV injections of steroids and three breathing treatments. Proceed into Deadline with caution. I talked to the guy at the front of the line and he said the fog wasn't supposed to be that thick and he would tell someone. Just a heads up for the next time you go.
Joe said:Ports of Skull
Expectation:
Reality:
More like...
Expectation:
Reality:
Didnt get to stay long today, but from what I saw, Wendigo Woods looks awesome and the actors are definitely having fun.I got there at 8, so naturally a lot of places are on break, and I counted 3 people in Ripper Row...But, later in the evening there was 7+ people including 2 fan ladies, 1 ripper, 3 coppers,1 inspector,and 1 headless chick. Demon Street was...well, Demon Street. Ports of Skulls was not scary as usual, but Cutthroat cove was better staffed,better costumed,just BETTER! Kudos for that! Now for the elephant in the room. Monster Stomp on Ripper Row. This show exceded my expectations greatly. The singing was great, The costuming GREAT, the set FANTASTIC! The murders were done by either shadow effect/projections or flashing red on the stage. Keep in mind, you have to go into this show with the mindframe of 'This isnt monster stomp, this is something new'. This is the next level. Those of you who are worried aboout any story element, it is nowhere near as complicated as LR, but really simple. Jack falls in love with a prostitute,she loves him back, he kills her,she gets revenge in hell. The end. Ill be going back next sunday to do a more formal review of everything, but due to time and whatnot, I couldnt do everything,
Party Rocker said:
You had some typos, I helped!
I just want to say this. From the Kings Dominion point of view. If there is an event that even has anything to do with Halloween or the culture of it (scaring/ being scared), IT IS NOT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY NO MATTER WHAT. It does not matter if they will "not pick up on it," they're exposed to it.
At Kings Dominion, when Halloween Haunt starts and a kid walks into a maze, guess what, they're are going to be treated like an adult in that very moment. Because they very well knew going into that maze that they're going to be frightened by something. I'm damn sure of it.
NOTHING is ok for the family. Plain and simple. The same applies for shows. These shows contain so much and now that child is now to it. DO NOT EVEN DARE to market that something of the Halloween event nature is for the entire family. EVER.
At Kings Dominion, when Halloween Haunt starts and a kid walks into a maze, guess what, they're are going to be treated like an adult in that very moment. Because they very well knew going into that maze that they're going to be frightened by something. I'm damn sure of it.
NOTHING is ok for the family. Plain and simple. The same applies for shows. These shows contain so much and now that child is now to it. DO NOT EVEN DARE to market that something of the Halloween event nature is for the entire family. EVER.
I'd also like to make note that the photo op platforms in Ports of Skull have been shortened and moved around so they don't extend into the surrounding Gardens.(except for the walk the plank photo op of course) I wonder if the Landscaping department got mad at the damage that was done last year? That or the Entertainment department realized it's kind've unnecessary to make the length of a platform 25 or so feet when the prop itself is only 5 feet in width.
In past years, there have been way fewer kids at KD at night. Not once was I stuck behind a stroller.
What a crazy weekend! I was at the park Friday and Saturday. Here's what I thought.
Houses
13: Stupid. Neglected. Don't know why I told myself to just do it, it was such a waste of time.
Catacombs: Always a favorite, loved it again this year. The layout seemed a bit different than last year.
Deadline: Alright, not very many scare actors both times I went through. Exact same as last year, still wonderfully themed and decorated.
Bitten: Okay, did they add MORE sand?! I felt like I was ankle deep in the stuff. I surprisingly got the most scares from Bitten. Actors were on their A game.
Cut Throat Cove: Eh.
Root of all Evil: I can't believe i'm saying this, but I loved it! I had some really good scares and kept me on my toes. Must be done at night for the full effect.
Terror-tories
Ripper Row: Only saw scare actors as we were leaving the park. Headless ladies, and gals with fans. I did see a butcher running around as well. Nicely themed.
Demon Street: The only thing I liked about DS were the 'demons' with chains and chainsaws. They were very good at scaring people, and fun to look at. Got me every time I went through. The "DJ" grossed me out. Pointed at me, started thrusting his hips, pulling on his pants, PLEASE STOP.
Wendigo Woods: I'm biased since my fiance is working in WW, but I do like it. There needs to be more blood/dirt or something on the guards. It's all over the researchers but the guards just need some extra something. I only saw one 'man transitioning into wendigo' but he was excellent! Hoping this gets better as the season goes on.
Vampire Point: I liked the fact that the vampires were just inside the gate, really helped the transition into the area. But that's all that kept my interest here.
Ports of Skull: I saw the drag queen pirates once, and they weren't doing what they were meant to do because they were having an argument with a woman and security. The area looked nice, just wish the pirates didn't look like a glam rock band.
Shows
Monster Stomp on RR: Okay yall, I honestly got emotional when I saw it the first time. There were SO many little allusions to the original MS (live and let die, skeletons, light my fire, etc.) It was so refreshing. I love EVERYTHING about this show and I hope it stays forever. Except the rapping. I totally understand why they used that song, but ehhh I still don't know how I feel about the rap.
Night Beats: I have always liked, and will continue to like this show. Wonderful singing and dancing. Plus I love the new moon couch! Unless I missed it, I didn't hear the Jitterbug bit this year?
Fiends: Slutty, cheesy, corny, but good. Not my favorite, but if I have nothing else to do, I'll watch it.
*Friday at the 4:30 showing of MSoRR, Mr. Gasparich himself made a little speech before the show started. I got most of it on camera, and will try to upload asap.*
Overall, I'm happy with this year and can only see it getting better.
Houses
13: Stupid. Neglected. Don't know why I told myself to just do it, it was such a waste of time.
Catacombs: Always a favorite, loved it again this year. The layout seemed a bit different than last year.
Deadline: Alright, not very many scare actors both times I went through. Exact same as last year, still wonderfully themed and decorated.
Bitten: Okay, did they add MORE sand?! I felt like I was ankle deep in the stuff. I surprisingly got the most scares from Bitten. Actors were on their A game.
Cut Throat Cove: Eh.
Root of all Evil: I can't believe i'm saying this, but I loved it! I had some really good scares and kept me on my toes. Must be done at night for the full effect.
Terror-tories
Ripper Row: Only saw scare actors as we were leaving the park. Headless ladies, and gals with fans. I did see a butcher running around as well. Nicely themed.
Demon Street: The only thing I liked about DS were the 'demons' with chains and chainsaws. They were very good at scaring people, and fun to look at. Got me every time I went through. The "DJ" grossed me out. Pointed at me, started thrusting his hips, pulling on his pants, PLEASE STOP.
Wendigo Woods: I'm biased since my fiance is working in WW, but I do like it. There needs to be more blood/dirt or something on the guards. It's all over the researchers but the guards just need some extra something. I only saw one 'man transitioning into wendigo' but he was excellent! Hoping this gets better as the season goes on.
Vampire Point: I liked the fact that the vampires were just inside the gate, really helped the transition into the area. But that's all that kept my interest here.
Ports of Skull: I saw the drag queen pirates once, and they weren't doing what they were meant to do because they were having an argument with a woman and security. The area looked nice, just wish the pirates didn't look like a glam rock band.
Shows
Monster Stomp on RR: Okay yall, I honestly got emotional when I saw it the first time. There were SO many little allusions to the original MS (live and let die, skeletons, light my fire, etc.) It was so refreshing. I love EVERYTHING about this show and I hope it stays forever. Except the rapping. I totally understand why they used that song, but ehhh I still don't know how I feel about the rap.
Night Beats: I have always liked, and will continue to like this show. Wonderful singing and dancing. Plus I love the new moon couch! Unless I missed it, I didn't hear the Jitterbug bit this year?
Fiends: Slutty, cheesy, corny, but good. Not my favorite, but if I have nothing else to do, I'll watch it.
*Friday at the 4:30 showing of MSoRR, Mr. Gasparich himself made a little speech before the show started. I got most of it on camera, and will try to upload asap.*
Overall, I'm happy with this year and can only see it getting better.
What a crazy weekend! I was at the park Friday and Saturday. Here's what I thought.
Houses
13: Stupid. Neglected. Don't know why I told myself to just do it, it was such a waste of time.
Catacombs: Always a favorite, loved it again this year. The layout seemed a bit different than last year.
Deadline: Alright, not very many scare actors both times I went through. Exact same as last year, still wonderfully themed and decorated.
Bitten: Okay, did they add MORE sand?! I felt like I was ankle deep in the stuff. I surprisingly got the most scares from Bitten. Actors were on their A game.
Cut Throat Cove: Eh.
Root of all Evil: I can't believe i'm saying this, but I loved it! I had some really good scares and kept me on my toes. Must be done at night for the full effect.
Terror-tories
Ripper Row: Only saw scare actors as we were leaving the park. Headless ladies, and gals with fans. I did see a butcher running around as well. Nicely themed.
Demon Street: The only thing I liked about DS were the 'demons' with chains and chainsaws. They were very good at scaring people, and fun to look at. Got me every time I went through. The "DJ" grossed me out. Pointed at me, started thrusting his hips, pulling on his pants, PLEASE STOP.
Wendigo Woods: I'm biased since my fiance is working in WW, but I do like it. There needs to be more blood/dirt or something on the guards. It's all over the researchers but the guards just need some extra something. I only saw one 'man transitioning into wendigo' but he was excellent! Hoping this gets better as the season goes on.
Vampire Point: I liked the fact that the vampires were just inside the gate, really helped the transition into the area. But that's all that kept my interest here.
Ports of Skull: I saw the drag queen pirates once, and they weren't doing what they were meant to do because they were having an argument with a woman and security. The area looked nice, just wish the pirates didn't look like a glam rock band.
Shows
Monster Stomp on RR: Okay yall, I honestly got emotional when I saw it the first time. There were SO many little allusions to the original MS (live and let die, skeletons, light my fire, etc.) It was so refreshing. I love EVERYTHING about this show and I hope it stays forever. Except the rapping. I totally understand why they used that song, but ehhh I still don't know how I feel about the rap.
Night Beats: I have always liked, and will continue to like this show. Wonderful singing and dancing. Plus I love the new moon couch! Unless I missed it, I didn't hear the Jitterbug bit this year?
Fiends: Slutty, cheesy, corny, but good. Not my favorite, but if I have nothing else to do, I'll watch it.
*Friday at the 4:30 showing of MSoRR, Mr. Gasparich himself made a little speech before the show started. I got most of it on camera, and will try to upload asap.*
Overall, I'm happy with this year and can only see it getting better.
Houses
13: Stupid. Neglected. Don't know why I told myself to just do it, it was such a waste of time.
Catacombs: Always a favorite, loved it again this year. The layout seemed a bit different than last year.
Deadline: Alright, not very many scare actors both times I went through. Exact same as last year, still wonderfully themed and decorated.
Bitten: Okay, did they add MORE sand?! I felt like I was ankle deep in the stuff. I surprisingly got the most scares from Bitten. Actors were on their A game.
Cut Throat Cove: Eh.
Root of all Evil: I can't believe i'm saying this, but I loved it! I had some really good scares and kept me on my toes. Must be done at night for the full effect.
Terror-tories
Ripper Row: Only saw scare actors as we were leaving the park. Headless ladies, and gals with fans. I did see a butcher running around as well. Nicely themed.
Demon Street: The only thing I liked about DS were the 'demons' with chains and chainsaws. They were very good at scaring people, and fun to look at. Got me every time I went through. The "DJ" grossed me out. Pointed at me, started thrusting his hips, pulling on his pants, PLEASE STOP.
Wendigo Woods: I'm biased since my fiance is working in WW, but I do like it. There needs to be more blood/dirt or something on the guards. It's all over the researchers but the guards just need some extra something. I only saw one 'man transitioning into wendigo' but he was excellent! Hoping this gets better as the season goes on.
Vampire Point: I liked the fact that the vampires were just inside the gate, really helped the transition into the area. But that's all that kept my interest here.
Ports of Skull: I saw the drag queen pirates once, and they weren't doing what they were meant to do because they were having an argument with a woman and security. The area looked nice, just wish the pirates didn't look like a glam rock band.
Shows
Monster Stomp on RR: Okay yall, I honestly got emotional when I saw it the first time. There were SO many little allusions to the original MS (live and let die, skeletons, light my fire, etc.) It was so refreshing. I love EVERYTHING about this show and I hope it stays forever. Except the rapping. I totally understand why they used that song, but ehhh I still don't know how I feel about the rap.
Night Beats: I have always liked, and will continue to like this show. Wonderful singing and dancing. Plus I love the new moon couch! Unless I missed it, I didn't hear the Jitterbug bit this year?
Fiends: Slutty, cheesy, corny, but good. Not my favorite, but if I have nothing else to do, I'll watch it.
*Friday at the 4:30 showing of MSoRR, Mr. Gasparich himself made a little speech before the show started. I got most of it on camera, and will try to upload asap.*
Overall, I'm happy with this year and can only see it getting better.
Is there a thread I'm missing or is there where I would hear about the themed eateries? I'd love to know if Igor's Fright Feast is worth going to and how it compares to Blood Banquet.