Kings Dominion Halloween Haunt 2023
- Thread starter mtorange
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Is it weird to say both? They definitely had a more cartoonish appearance but with the right lighting they could be used for the event at night. But, like you said that would be an operational nightmare.
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Anyone know why they cut most of the entertainment for Haunt this year? Looks like they’re just doing the same MainStage show that all CF Haunts are doing and wayyyy less entertainment around the park
Source?
Also, saw the pictures of the Carowinds floats and can’t believe my eyes. While the pictures aren’t the best quality, I get the vibe that they look a little less kid-friendly than I originally imagined. I REALLY wonder what they’re up to.
In the most recent Eddytainment video he said he heard a rumor that Clever Brothers wouldn’t be returning. He then exclaimed that he found that hard to believe due to the fact that it’s a staple to KD’s Haunt and I agree, but still it’s something to keep in consideration.
Yeah I have heard from regular performers that worked in this zone that they have not been asked back this year. Also many of the long time MainStage actors have not been asked back and their characters will not be returning. I anticipate a very weak Haunt year.
I mean they could be doing entirely new stuff in those. The entertainment budget cuts this season have definitely been noticeable. The park just doesn’t have the atmosphere this season it did last season I hope that doesn’t continue into Haunt but until we see a lineup for the event I wouldn’t go to concerned level yet.
Now if the lineup comes out and we have “less” things then I would be very concerned.
Now if the lineup comes out and we have “less” things then I would be very concerned.
I’ve also heard Cleaver Brothers is returning. The only 2022 scare zone I haven’t been made aware is returning is Masquerade. Not saying it won’t be back, I’ve just heard no confirmation of it. I wouldn’t complain at all though — there’s nothing scary about Masquerade, and the base of the Eiffel Tower is a horrible location for a scare zone, in terms of both atmosphere and ease of access.
I’ve actually heard the opposite—that Cleaver is supposed to be coming back this season. I’m sure that actors get moved around from year to year. The rumors of its demise are surprising to me considering I noticed that they spent a lot of money two seasons ago (costumes and set pieces alike) to update it and make it a lot scarier. It’s also a fan favorite. If Cleaver were to leave, it would be replaced by another circus-themed attraction. Haunt wouldn’t be Haunt without clowns!
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the shows this season. Do you happen to know what the MainStage show might be called? I believe you said we might be getting a corporate show… could it be the Conjure the Night show that was mentioned on Carowinds’ website?
I’ll be surprised if anything is cut this year. If cuts are as deep as some think, I believe that we won’t see anything cut (other than 21), and we’ll see a new maze in 21’s place. That, and we’ll see cosmetic updates to older mazes and zones to make them feel new. “Off” years for Haunt are rare, but I think this would be a good use of resources.
Masquerade is a tough nut to crack. I think the zone improved a lot last season once they stopped having the monsters be a part of the bandstand show. The scares were a lot better and the zone seemed more staffed throughout.
With that being said, I, too, think the Eiffel Tower limits what you can do with that zone. The main issue is that the zone is so strongly connected with the main storyline of Haunt (Queen Majesty), I find it hard to justify having it elsewhere.
Oh, and not to bury the lede, but I believe Masquerade is returning for 2023. As I see it, as long as Queen Majesty’s around, her royal court will be, too.
Are we sure the queen is returning? I know the Astaroth character and others are not. I have heard the show will be “heads will roll” but not the version we’ve had in the past, it will be one that all CF parks have, more similar to whar Carowinds has had
I really stand firm on the fact that I am not a fan of the Queen, she just doesn’t set the mood for me. Hopefully this year we will get something more reminiscent of the overlords aura!!
Okay, so two things to discuss.
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2) Since Carowinds just announced TWO Halloween parades this year, odds are that we’re likely going to get at least one (maybe even both) of the parades in the next year or so (not this year, though). What are y’all’s thoughts on a parade during Haunt itself?
1) something something go vote daily something something
Vote for Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion as 2023's Best Theme Park Halloween Event
Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion: Vote for your favorite theme park Halloween event!!
2) Since Carowinds just announced TWO Halloween parades this year, odds are that we’re likely going to get at least one (maybe even both) of the parades in the next year or so (not this year, though). What are y’all’s thoughts on a parade during Haunt itself?
The last thing Cedar Fair Halloween events need is more chaos on the paths. Haunt excels with dark, moody, highly themed path experiences. I can't possibly overstate how little I want some giant parade cruising through every night.
I don't think anyone was asking for this and, at an event where most people spend most of their time in lines to get through the attractions they're there for, I'm not sure what value these things add. Moreover, they're CERTAINLY not suitable replacements for new houses.
I just think Caro's Haunt announcement this year betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of the core appeal of these events. I very much hope KD doesn't follow suit.
I don't think anyone was asking for this and, at an event where most people spend most of their time in lines to get through the attractions they're there for, I'm not sure what value these things add. Moreover, they're CERTAINLY not suitable replacements for new houses.
I just think Caro's Haunt announcement this year betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of the core appeal of these events. I very much hope KD doesn't follow suit.
I just don’t see the need for a parade at every single special event. Carnivale makes sense because that’s such a core part of the event. The WinterFest parade pushes the limit a little bit, but it’s tolerable. During Haunt makes no sense.
I don’t understand how anyone thought this would be a good idea, especially because the paths are insanely unruly as it is already. For our Haunt alone, it would eliminate there ever being a zone across Firehouse BBQ (where Feary Tales used to be) ever again. Cleaver would also have to be moved back to its original placement pre-2021.
The only good thing is it seems the nighttime procession would start very early in the evening (about 30 minutes into SCarowinds), so it’s over within the first hour of the event, shortly after the opening ceremony (if they have one… I don’t really know much about their event).
I don’t understand how anyone thought this would be a good idea, especially because the paths are insanely unruly as it is already. For our Haunt alone, it would eliminate there ever being a zone across Firehouse BBQ (where Feary Tales used to be) ever again. Cleaver would also have to be moved back to its original placement pre-2021.
The only good thing is it seems the nighttime procession would start very early in the evening (about 30 minutes into SCarowinds), so it’s over within the first hour of the event, shortly after the opening ceremony (if they have one… I don’t really know much about their event).
If KD ends up getting a parade, I hope it is exclusively for the Great Pumpkin Fest.
KD’s Haunt‘s biggest strength, in my opinion, has always been its outdoor atmospherics. In good years, their use of sound, light, and other effects has created and sustained anxiety and tension between houses. Introducing a parade onto those paths would just destroy the entire feel of the event.
Moreover, this isn’t Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. In fact, it isn’t anyone’s party. It is a scary, adult-focused haunt. I had thought (hoped?) that part of the reason for making it a separately-ticketed event was to discourage families with small children from attending. A parade would send the opposite message.
Honestly, this might be worse than dance parties, which are at least contained to one area.
KD’s Haunt‘s biggest strength, in my opinion, has always been its outdoor atmospherics. In good years, their use of sound, light, and other effects has created and sustained anxiety and tension between houses. Introducing a parade onto those paths would just destroy the entire feel of the event.
Moreover, this isn’t Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. In fact, it isn’t anyone’s party. It is a scary, adult-focused haunt. I had thought (hoped?) that part of the reason for making it a separately-ticketed event was to discourage families with small children from attending. A parade would send the opposite message.
Honestly, this might be worse than dance parties, which are at least contained to one area.