Not Proud of my Home Amusement Park: Fright Fest 10/29 (-_o)

[tyster222]

I got to Six Flags Great America at about 12:30-1. I lost my season pass a few months ago and wasn't thinking I was going to go again this year because I've been away at SIU. But, because it was the last weekend, I didn't have to pay the $15 to replace it. Swag. Got on the Demon. Full switchbacks . Then walked through County Fair to check out the vacant spot for X-Flight. You don't understand how much I'm looking forward to this ride. Then tried going on American Eagle but the line wasn't worth it. Paid my respects to Iron Wolf:

It's very strange to see this being torn down because it's been there ever since I first went to the park in the mid 90s and has been a part of my childhood. I hope a new coaster goes in that spot that lives up to what that ride meant to the park and really, the history of roller coasters in that it was the very first B&M. Not to mention it was in the Richy Rich movie . I say that somewhat sarcastically but how many other Great America rides are in a movie?

Anyway, mostly just walked around to look at Fright Fest, but it truly felt like a normal day at the park because of how weak the Theming was. Went on Whirligig. My mom, sister, and mom's boyfriend went on King Chaos but I chose not to because I'm a rebel like that. Then finally headed over to Raging Bull and figured that it had really been a while since any of us had been on it so it was worth the 2 hour wait. Rode front seat and I was glad to be surprised because I really forgot how great of a roller coaster that is. Then left at around 6.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

It was a very crowded day and didn't get the chance to go on many rides which is okay because Fright Fest is more about the theming. I was very disappointed in the decorations and lack of staff for the scares. And I haven't seen Fright Fest so politically correct. I don't know if it was because it was the last weekend or what but they need to do better next year. I would really like to see a redone Fright Fest for next year but keep the classic stuff. Fright Fest really hasn't been the same to me since 2005. There needs to be refreshing new territory themes and very few re-used props. I did like the graveyard of all the past rides though. I feel like Six Flags needs more historical acknowledgement of the park like that because the lack of it has caused people to take the park for granted in my view. Customers from Lake or Cook County should never get King Chaos confused with Raging Bull...like I overheard a group of people say today. Despite all of that, it was a good time and I was glad to be back home in Gurnee with my family and get away from the crazy college life for a weekend. (-_o)

[w00dland]

I've been hearing pretty conflicted views of Fright Fest this year.

How would you describe Fright Fest to be the most politically correct it's ever been?

[tyster222]

It's sooooo toned down first off. I mean no more seven sins cemetary? Why when the theming, as it is, isn't that different? I think that is a section of the park that needs to be renewed at this point. Also, such a lack of music. I understand not wanting to scare little kids, but I don't think Fright Fest should be for little kids. And, it's halloween and at some point, kids are gonna have to be scared at something in life. They'll eventually learn that Fright Fest is all fake. If a person goes through life only feeling the good, and never knowing the scary and uncomfortable things and situations, what kind of person are they going to be when they're an adult? Spoiled, a false sense of entitlement, huge ego, etc. Oh and just a side note, nothing looks more stupid amidst scary stuff than buccaneer battle.

[Ilovthevu']

To me, it just seemed like less decor was put up this year like you didn't see bats in the trees, skeletons in the trees, etc. I only seen dolls in the trees by the clown area. As for decor, I didn't really see many things new except for Necropolis the bowling thing, and the set based on Pawn Stars.

The animatronic skeletons I seen were broke. The Terminator wasn't on / working. The beating heart one, nothing moved. He talked, and his eyes lit up, but he was broke. The animatronics that were in Southwest Territory above on the rooftop didn't do nothing. They used to dance before, and the one would rock.

As for the theming, it just feels that if you have been to the park 5 years ago during Fright Fest, it feels the same as for theme in areas. It is what it is. It's just because of the cost of getting all new decorations. I wouldn't mind them making Camp Crystal Lake by Yankee Harbor, and have tents sent up around the area, and maybe bring in a school bus and put it somewhere. However, it's the cost of the decorations. Stuff isn't cheap.

To me, I always thought some of the worst decorations was that Seven Sins Cemetery with those houses. They are just kind of bland to me.