I took my annual late-season trip to Six Flags St. Louis a bit later this year so I could experience the park’s take on Fright Fest. Previously, I had only visited Six Flags Great America and over Georgia during Fright Fest season.
We arrived at the park shortly after the park opened at noon. There was a slight chill in the air, but nothing a brisk walk to the park entrance wouldn’t fix.
I could see a steady stream of cars filing into the parking lot — I knew it was going to be a crowded day.
I decided to splurge and purchase a gold-level Flash Pass. As the day progressed and the crowds grew, I knew I made a wise investment.
As I was at the park mostly to get my last coaster fix of the season, I passed on the many haunted mazes (and zombie paintball) the park was offering. However, I did enjoy the elaborate Halloween decor and the many scare zones scattered throughout the park once the sun began to set.
I was very impressed with the park’s attention to detail in the Fright Fest decorations. Few areas of the park were left untouched.
Some of the decorations were less intimidating than others.
I was happy to see that Batman (a) received a fresh coat of paint this season and (b) retained its all-black color scheme. I think it best fits a ride themed to The Dark Knight.
In 2015, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis will open, replacing the Scooby Doo dark ride. As a DC Comics junkie, I can’t wait.
Here’s a closer look at the Battle for Metropolis rendering for your viewing pleasure.
I go back and forth on the Boss. Sometimes I really enjoy the coaster, and other times I think I’m going to suffer an injury from riding.
I would really like to see Rocky Mountain Construction work their magic on the coaster. Iron Boss has a nice ring to it, right? Perhaps in 2016.
The Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast crew was great, utilizing the shuttle coaster’s dual-loading station to its full potential to keep the line moving.
I hope they never revert the trains to their original direction. Nothing beats going up that spike in reverse, looking straight down at the ground.
Screamin’ Eagle was racing through its course. I don’t remember it being so fast last year. It was the sleeper hit of the day.
I conquered my dislike of spinning to ride Pandemonium, which became my 99th coaster credit.
I almost forgot about Boomerang, tucked away in the back of the park. It was the only coaster that I did not ride. I think my ride on it last season was more than enough.
Taking full advantage of my Flash Pass, I rode my first Sky Screamer. Again, not a fan of spinning, so I did not enjoy the experience as my fellow riders. It spins faster than it appears.
I was shocked to see the new-for-2014 Tsunami Soaker ride operating.
It was the only water ride open at the park.
Park guests seemed to be lining up to grab a photo with this…guy (?).
Giraffes with afros… Why not? It’s Fright Fest. Anything goes.
The grim reaper keeps watch on all passers by, even in the daylight.
R.I.P., Krazed Karen. Gone too soon.
Once the sun began to set, the crowds seemed to grow with each passing minute.
While our first ride on Colossus was cut short due to the smell of burning rubber, our longer second ride gave us a front-row seat to a beautiful Six Flags St. Louis sunset.
Batman retained the same color scheme, but the new coat of paint really makes a difference.
I rode Ninja for the novelty (and because I wanted to get the most value for my Flash Pass). I recommend sitting in the front row for the best ride.
You can see Batman’s rarely used massive queue being used in the shot above.
American Thunder is aging quite well. It’s another spectacular Great Coasters International work of art.
Seen above is one of the many scare zones scattered throughout the park. The mazes are a hit-or-miss for me, but what never gets old is watching park guests scared out of their minds by the very talented scareactors.
That alone is worth the price of admission.
I think these guys might need a hand.
When the sun sets, Colossus’ lighting package turns the wheel into a winking and smiling pumpkin of sorts.
I think Mr. Freeze’s queue could double as a haunted maze. It’s certainly long enough.
These drummers did a great job at making park guests forget that Scooby Doo is no more.
The Fountain of…Death? Makes sense.
I discovered some interesting artifacts under Batman’s station: the Mega Zeph trains from the shuttered Six Flags New Orleans. If I were a betting man, I’d say they might try to use them on the Boss. Does anyone know more?
By the night’s end, the park was filled with a mix of natural and artificial fog. Needless to say, it made for a perfect Fright Fest environment.
I concluded the night with a double-ride on American Thunder at midnight. It was a great (albeit chilly) way to end a fun-filled day at a packed Six Flags St. Louis. I highly recommend purchasing a Flash Pass at this park if you’re able. You’ll bypass the lines, and likely get to choose your seat. It’s well worth the investment.
Overall, the staff was efficient and friendly. I’ve never seen the park this crowded (this was my first Fright Fest at the park), but the team members kept the lines moving.
Six Flags St. Louis’ is open weekends through November 2, 2015. Visit the park’s website to learn more.
The Mega Zeph trains have been there since a year or two after the demise of SFNO. Last I heard, they are being cannibalized for parts.