Haunted Wisconsin |2003| Press Room

Press Room

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Fright Fest Family Fun

NO VACANCY at the Haunted Hotel for 2003

2002 Press Releases

FRIGHT FEST FAMILY FUN
September 17, 2003

New Scooby-Doo Themed Mystery Train Engineers Family Fun

Six Flags Great America's Fright Fest has something for everyone!

ZOINKS! This October, when SHAGGY calls out his famous question, "SCOOBY-DOO, Where are You?" - the answer he hears will be at Six Flags Great America. SCOOBY-DOO, SHAGGY and the rest of the gang have joined the park's Fright Fest activities with the addition of the SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERY TRAIN.

Formerly known as the Fright Fest Boo-line Express, the new attraction will take guests for a mysterious ride around the park as they help SCOOBY-DOO solve the "Mystery of the Mayor's Cane." The moment they enter the train station, guests learn that someone has stolen Mayor Slayer's ruby encrusted cane and it must be returned. Together, SCOOBY and his train full of park visitors will set out to find it. Along the way they meet a cast of interesting characters as well as pay a visit to Mayor Slayer's Tomb. Families will get caught up in the antics of SCOOBY-DOO and his friends and help solve the mystery during this interactive ride.

The addition of the SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERY TRAIN is only the beginning of the many new and fun-filled Halloween activities families will enjoy during Fright Fest the 13th. From a hypnotist who can make dad quack like a duck, to a corn maze for your brother to hide in, to riding the Terror Twister together, families are sure to find that Fright Fest is a fall tradition that should not be missed.

Entertainment suitable for all ages will be found throughout the park. Special scare-free zones are decorated for Halloween, but leave the fright behind, so younger children can enjoy the treats without thetricks. Everyone can pose for photos with their favorite LOONEY TUNES characters as they roam through the park's two themed children's areas, dressed in their special Halloween attire.

For anyone who has ever watched TV, the Manny B. Monster Show will entertain with renditions of Halloween medleys, including "The Monster Mash," the theme from the Addams Family and many other spooky favorites. Back for it's 13th smash season is "Love at First Fright" - the park's campy, funny and delightful musical about one couple's date in a cemetery. The entire family will be dancing in the aisles and singing along with the cast.

Jugglers, pumpkin carvers and other "not-so-scary" characters can be found just around the corner, providing entertainment and smiles that will be remembered long after Halloween. Families with teens will also enjoy the addition of "Sleepy Hollow 3D," the park's brand new haunted house.* During a trip through this creepy forest you'll point out the unique three dimensional images, but be on the look out for the creepy creatures who live within the walls. Family togetherness guaranteed during this spooky evening stroll.

Of course, Fright Fest also brings the opportunity for a final fall fling on the more than 100 rides and attractions at Six Flags Great America. All of your favorites will be in operation, and some under frightful conditions. With rides like Blood River, Dead End Drive, Terror Twister and Rue Le Morgue, everyone will want to visit their favorite theme park one more time this year.

Fright Fest begins Saturday, October 11 and will be held on weekends until November 2. Come out for "Frighty Nite Fun" from 5pm - 11pm on Fridays beginning October 17.

*Due to the graphic content and intense nature of some attractions, age restrictions may apply. Additional fee required for haunted houses.

July 8, 2003

NO VACANCY at the Haunted Hotel for 2003

Mukwonago, WI: Rainbow Springs Haunted Hotel is being forced to close its doors for the 2003 season.

The revocation of conditional use permits for Rainbow Springs as well as pending litagation between Rainbow Springs and the Town of Mukwonago are cited causes to the cancellation of the popular annual haunted attraction.

In June, the Waukesha County Park and Planning Commission followed the actions of the Mukwonago Town Board and revoked Rainbow Springs conditinal use permits which included a hotel, convention center, and the haunted attraction. The permits remaining currently \allow the owners to operate only two golf courses, a clubhouse and maintenance facilities.

According to the municipality, the revocation permits occured because the permits were over 20 years old were never used (ie., hotel and convention center). A recommendation was made to the owners of the property to reapply for reinstatement of the conditional use permits. With reapplication of permits pending, a political battle on zoning rights is expected between the municipality and Rainbow Springs.

Last year, the haunted attraction closed due to an April 2002 fire that destroyed much of the empty resort leased by the Haunted Hotel operators at the Rainbow Springs Golf Club. The directors of the show were optimistic about reopening on the property in a new building for 2003 until permit revocation against Rainbow Springs started in late spring/early summer of 2003.

Nick Movrich, of the Haunted Hotel stated, "We were looking forward to a great 2003 until these recent and unfortunate events."

The last time the event operated at the property was in 2001, where more than 2,000 people per night circulated through the attraction. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel granted the popular event with a 5/5 rating for every year it was in operation. The event staffed by volunteers, donated thousands of dollars to local charities, school programs, and food pantries. Approximately 6 months of food was donated to the Mukwonago and Eagle Food Pantries in 2001.

Though the event will not run in 2003 there are plans to bring it back in some form in the future. Movrich later added, "...we are saddened about not reopening for the 2003 season, but we are optimistic for 2004."