Theme parks pump up their Halloween horror nights

By JOHN SEEWER
The Associated Press

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SANDUSKY, Ohio — John Taylor is a ringmaster of sorts, directing an assortment of ghouls and sideshow freaks in the shadows of Cedar Point amusement park's roller coasters.

It's opening night at the park's annual Halloweekends event, and the monsters are milling about in search of jagged teeth and wrinkly ears. Theme parks nationwide are transforming themselves into dark and spooky Halloween attractions at a time of year that once was a slow period but now is one of the busiest.

"October is as big for us as July and August," said Susan Tierney, a spokeswoman for Knott's Berry Farm, which claims to have started the amusement park craze for Halloween fright.

The park near Los Angeles hired an additional 1,000 people for October, including 100 roaming monsters. Some are known as sliders because they run and slide at unsuspecting guests.

Haunted theme parks Admission Rates vary depending on age or height of guest as well as the date and time of admission. Some parks are open for Halloween events only at night, and require a separate ticket. Some are open on weekends only in October. Attractions Some parks don't operate all of their roller coasters, shows and other rides during Halloween events. Check with individual parks before your trip. Costumes Most parks don't let guests wear costumes, though a few do have costume contests and trick-or-treating for small children. Again, check ahead. More information To find an amusement park and parks with Halloween events in your area, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has a map and other information at www.ticketforfun.com Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio, www.cedarpoint.com/ or 419-627-2350. Knott's Berry Farm : Buena Park, Calif.; www.halloweenhaunt.com/ or 714-220-5220. Universal Studios : Orlando, Fla., www.universalorlando.com/or 407-363-8000.

Halloween Haunt, which debuted in 1973, is so popular that it sells out on some weekends.

Visitors who want to bypass the hour-long lines at the 11 haunted mazes on the weekends can buy a $499 package that includes an overnight stay for two, front-of-the-line access and a pre-scare dinner.

Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., has doubled the size of its Halloween Horror Nights this year, expanding into both of its theme parks. It's offering a special "Gory Getaway" package that includes a hotel stay and tickets.

There are seven haunted houses, and the park grew a cornfield to create a haunted maze called Field of Screams where creatures lurk within the cornstalks.

A team of about 30 people spend all year designing the sets and coming up with new themes, said spokeswoman Susie Story.

Knott's Berry Farm and Universal are open in the day and then close for an hour or so while they are transformed. Both warn that the parks aren't for children at night.

"This really pushes beyond the family," Story said. "Our houses are very scary."

Halloween events have become so big that the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions a year ago began devoting an area at its annual trade show to spooky characters and special effects.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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