Six Flags’ Fright Fest Still The Best
The rides, the screams, the food, the atmosphere is all what makes Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest the best Halloween experience in the Chicago/Milwaukee area. Fright Fest is still something that is looked forward to every year throughout the generations in the area. The theme park weathered the COVID pandemic and other challenges in recent years to still put on a great experience in 2023.
Despite the unseasonably cold temperatures and moisture in the atmosphere, Six Flags is still going to draw thousands on Halloween. Temps were in the 40’s, it was windy and rainy this past weekend, but the park was still packed as guests visited the 300 acre theme park for fights and frills and Great America didn’t disappoint.
The theatrical presentation that occurs every 30 minutes at the front of the park in front of the merry-go-round is worth waiting around for. It serves as a warm-up for what patrons can expect. Get there at 6 p.m. so you can watch the zombies and monster parade that occurs every night during Fright Fest. You’ll get to see all of the ghouls who will be all around the park during your visit.
In different areas of the park, those you saw in the parade will be in different positions. Be careful coming around blind corners though as you will get the scare of your life. The costumes and makeup worn by the characters are top-notch.
Many people go for the Haunted Houses and with six in total at the park you can see why. Big Top Terror features insane clowns. The 13th Order is where you will find a malicious society in a forest setting. Bloodshed is what its name suggests. Same for Gates of Hell. The two newest haunted houses are The Estate at Wretched Meadows. Story is there was a construction worker killed as the estate was being built. Ever since then, there are rumors of spirts running amuck inside. However it’s Saw X that was by far this year’s winner. Based off of the hit movie series, you to experience the return of Jigsaw by going through ingenious traps. Survive if you can is all I can say.
At night is when things really really get good on the coasters. Riding them at night in total darkness in some places makes for a cool experience. Superman the Ultimate Flight in the dark is amazing as is the plunging dips of the classic American Eagle and Raging Bull.
While there, don’t forget to visit the Oktoberfest setup for some warm apple cider and select craft German beers.
I could have gone with the traditional bratwurst, but wanted to partake some of the different options, so I went with the Currywurst. It is grilled curry, served on a pretzel bun with spicy mustard and ketchup. I could’ve done without the ketchup but the spicy flavorful treat hit the spot.
The Bavarian Pretzel served with beer cheese also is a tasty snack if you want something without meat. They also have German potato salad and pierogis; a dumpling filled with potatoes, cheddar cheese and served with sour cream.
Have you ever dreamed of taking a picture with a clown holding the dead head of another clown? We don’t judge here at jcoydenreports, so if you have, head on over to Six Flags Great America and live out all of your wildest Halloween fantasies. Photo By Jcoydenreports.com
Great America is also promoting its new thrill ride to customers in attendance. Sky Striker, will debut in spring 2024. Towering at an astounding 17 stories tall, the impressive swinging disk will reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour as it glides back and forth, higher and higher to give riders a breathtaking view of the park’s skyline.
“Six Flags has a history of superior ride innovation and we’re excited to introduce this major thrill ride coming to Six Flags Great America,” said Six Flags Great America Park President, John Krajnak. “Sky Striker will be the perfect complement to the record-breaking lineup of roller coasters and thrill attractions that our guests look forward to season after season.”
Sky Striker is a giant pendulum ride that sends riders on a breathtaking journey to extreme heights. Highlights include:
· Massive, 17-story pendulum that glides effortlessly back and forth while rotating clockwise;
· Speeds of nearly 75 miles per hour;
· Intense feeling of weightlessness at an astounding 172 feet in the air. Sky Striker is scheduled to debut in spring 2024 in the County Fair section of the park. For more information on Sky Striker and the 2024 season at Six Flags Great America, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.
Great America opens at 6 p.m. on Halloween and is open until 11 p.m. If you can’t make it, you’ll get a few more bonus days this weekend before the park closes for the season.