PREVIEW & PHOTOS: SFGA’s Fright Fest Extreme brings the scares
Photo by John Soltes
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure, located roughly 90 minutes from New York City, has been previewing its Fright Fest Extreme scare package these past two weekends, with the promise that the full terror is coming very soon. Media were invited to check out some of the horrific happenings that take over the park during the nighttime hours in September, October and November.
During a recent visit, various scare zones were up and running, with wonderfully made-up actors traipsing around the pathways that lead to monster roller-coasters like Kingda Ka, Nitro and Jersey Devil. The Bloody Fountain welcomes visitors as they first enter the park. The water in the iconic Six Flags fountain has been turned completely red and a pumpkin-headed scarecrow lords over the moon-lit surroundings. Zombies stumble around, moving slowly as they search out the living and jumping at scared passersby right at the last second. Many of the actors hold cans filled with coins, which they shake as they lurch forward.
Another enjoyable scare zone is the Demon District, which populates the area around the Jersey Devil roller-coaster in the “Pine Barrens” section of the park. This is already one of the best themed parts of Great Adventure; after all, the actual Pine Barrens are right around the corner, and the legend of the Jersey Devil haunts these environs. The demons in this tucked-away part of the amusement park are definitely scary and annoyingly (wonderfully) follow visitors for several steps to and from the nearby rides.
CarnEvil is a highlight. For those looking to be scared, head down the middle corridor of the Boardwalk area. The crazed clowns are ready to play. For those looking for a less-scary alternative, stick to the outer corridors, and all should be OK. It should be noted that the actors do no touch the visitors, and visitors should not touch the actors.
Although this reviewer did not experience the final two scare zones, one can head to the Curse of Blackbeard’s Bounty and Exile Canyon for some further frights. Those five scare zones are not mazes — a common misconception for those trying to navigate Six Flags’ website. These zones are outdoors, included in the admission price for nighttime access and provide some scary good times out in the open in and around the rides.
There are also four nighttime shows. At the media preview night, the classic Dead Man’s Party: Grave Stories was playing in the Movietown Arena near the Wonder Woman ride. This 20-minute show is essentially a joyous dance party as if a cemetery’s residents had emerged from the ground. It’s a hoot. Unleashed plays nearby at the Showcase Theatre, and this one features acrobatics, illusions and dance sequences. Blade Drummers is a metal-tinged show featuring bladesmiths and guitar riffs; it’s worth a seat at this outdoor theater to take in some of the head-banging fun. Finally, there’s Freak Show near the Boardwalk area. A small stage plays host to “wild, wacky and macabre exploits.”
Children have the chance to enjoy Kids Boo Fest, featuring a variety of family-friendly performances. Also, during the day, Great Adventure hosts two shows associated with its Oktoberfest food festival.
Now, on to the mazes …
The two mazes that have been open to the public during these preview weekends are The Witches Reflections, a mirror maze that had this reviewer wonderfully confused and tripped out, unsure where I was headed and how far the exit might be. The scares are light, but the disorientation is fun, fun, fun. Big Top Terror is an enjoyable classic where visitors enter a circus tent with 3-D glasses. The fright factor is quite high on this one, thanks to the warped visuals and Day-Glo goodness. Those looking for the terror at Fright Fest should head here first; it’s a highlight.
Three of the IP mazes were not yet open during the media event; these were The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw 20th Anniversary and The Conjuring Universe. Bummer for sure! But that’s all the reason this reviewer needs for a return visit in October.
There were four mazes open to review that will soon be available to the public. Here goes … The Asylum, not based on any franchise, is the best maze at Six Flags Great Adventure, and it’s not even close, at least amongst the open attractions. There’s so much bloody creativity within these hospital walls, and the scares are gruesome. Take some time as you run for your life and appreciate the macabre madness of seeing patients and doctors in this diabolical setting.
Stranger Things is a good maze and definitely feels artistically tied to the Netflix series. Some of the set pieces are fully immersive and creepy good; watch out for that Demogorgon and where he might jump out of. Trick ‘r Treat felt a little bit like a letdown, but perhaps this IP property doesn’t lend itself to a maze. The movie is a celebrated modern classic, but when one of the chief villains is a lollipop-holding child who doesn’t speak, it’s tough to amp up the scares.
Army of the Dead, located near the CarnEvil scare zone, is a tremendously entertaining maze. There’s a lot to take in here, and the set pieces, made to look like the city of Las Vegas, are impressive and add to the mystique of what it’s like to walk through an abandoned city amidst a viral outbreak. It’s a solid entry.
When Fright Fest fully opens at Six Flags Great Adventure, those looking for a scary good time will not be disappointed.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest Extreme is open on select days in September, October and November. Click here for more information and tickets.
