5 Knott’s frightens Queen Mary combines with Scary Farm scare with club flair MAINSTREAM
By VALERIE SWAYNE
By ASHLEY MAJESKI
Daily Titan Staff
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 28 years, you would know that when the calendar turns to October, the normally innocent and familyfilled Knott’s Berry Farm becomes the home of gruesome, untamed monsters – not to mention just about all of Orange County’s out-of-work actors – as it transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm. With 12 walk-through mazes filled with creepy creatures, Knott’s Scary Farm is like being in a horror movie. The park also has five shows, which are a good place to sit and rest your bones after a long night of being chased by monsters. There are a few things that any loyal Halloween Haunt visitor knows: Unlit portions of a maze mean there’s a creature lurking nearby, Ghost Town is the best place to get scared and the cutest girls always seem to be the targets of the monsters. On a given Friday or Saturday night, there will be a sea of people waiting at the front gate for their evening of fright. A piece of advice for everyone: Do not even try to go on a weekend. Attending the Haunt during the week means a cheaper ticket price and a less crowded park. Go on a Wednesday or Thursday and call in sick to work the next day. It will be worth it. On the weekends it is impossible to
get to half of the mazes due to the outrageous lines. Despite the hoards of people, the mazes are pretty effective at scaring the witches’ brew out of those who dare enter. By far, the scariest maze is the deranged pirate-themed Red Beard’s Revenge, located near the main gate. The special effects are fear inducing and the crazy pirates running around are energetic and do a great job. Also a must-see: The Terror Vision in 3-D maze, which is devoted to cheesy sitcoms of the 1950s through 1980s, such as the clever “Killigan’s Island” or “The Fraidy Bunch.” Splurge on the 3-D glasses available at the door for $1, to make this maze, although not extremely scary, better by adding pop-out glowin-the-dark effects. In addition to the creatures in the mazes, monsters roam the streets in “Scare Zones.” Nothing will make you choke on your funnel cake more than a Freddy Kruger look-alike sneaking up on you and snorting in your ear. Haunt does have a few downsides. Aside from the Friday and Saturday overcrowding, some of the scariest things that visitors will encounter are the $12 parking fee and the outrageously long lines for the bathroom. It is, however, definitely worth going to. How many times are you able to say you lost your voice because you were screaming while chased by a Carnivorous Clown from Outer Space?
Daily Titan Staff
Against the dark backdrop of night, a large cruise ship moored at its dock looms larger than life. The glow of the lights casts an eerie orange gleam, giving the wicked impression of being bathed in blazing flames. Excitement is palpable in the air as a crowd of people wait in breathless anticipation for their chance to experience the chilling sights and sinister sounds of the haunted attraction. Hundreds of thrill seekers will gather each Friday and Saturday night during the spooky month of October at the Queen Mary’s Shipwreck event in Downtown Long Beach. In its 11th year as a fright fest, the legendary ship has a reputation for being inhabited by real ghosts. Some believe an empty pool on board is rumored to be haunted by a girl who drowned. Shipwreck features seven haunted mazes spread between the Plaza walkway and the lower level of the three-tiered ship. Their decorations of rotting skeletons and severed body parts appear authentic on the haunted ocean vessel. Exploring the mazes is a hazardous exercise in itself, constantly walking up and down several flights of stairs to travel the full length of the ship. At some points along the way, Shipwreck attendants guide visitors with flashlights along darkened paths. The terror guide map warns: “Enter at your own risk.” As a reward for braving hidden ghouls lurking in the ship’s corridors, fright-free entertainment is provided below in the hull. The Boiler Room Club boasts hard-hitting rock music performed twice a night by live bands such
GABRIEL FENOY/Daily Titan
Monsters at the Queen Mary’s Shipwreck in Long Beach have perfected the art of lurking in hidden, dark places. Guests of the event are subject to quite a scare at any moment. as Stolen Babies. In the adjacent Exhibit Hall, the dance floor is packed with people gyrating to the latest hip-hop hits mixed by guest DJs from radio stations like KIIS-FM. While the party atmosphere invites all ages to mingle, a full bar and beer garden are reserved for those 21 and over. A woman dressed as a Fright Mistress – a coveted character – similar to Elvira entices visitors to pose with her for pictures. In order to enjoy the full Shipwreck experience, here are a few useful tips. To save time hunting for a parking spot, visitors may want to leave their cars at the Pike garage near the Aquarium of the Pacific and take advantage of the free
shuttle bus. It is best to arrive before 7 p.m. – Shipwreck’s official Web site suggests to arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. – not only to buy tickets for admission, but also to enjoy as much of the ship’s event as possible before it ends at midnight. Although Shipwreck may not be on the same level as other Halloween-themed attractions, it offers a unique alternative for those new to the scare experience or weary of other fright fests. Not many events can both manipulate peoples’ fears and allow them to bask in an energetic club vibe on the same night. For more information, visit www.queenmaryshipwreck.com or call (562) 435-3511.
