SE7EN - Repent for your sins in this new bloodcurdling horror maze based on the seven deadly sins. An amazing blend of sickening smells, prolonged darkness, confined spaces, disturbing scenes as well as loud bangs and angry shouting characters, totally awesome!
CIRCUS OF HORRORS - Back by popular demand but now spread around the park trapped in huge black cages. The grotesque line-up of peculiar performers entertained the crowds all evening, but with less impact than last years special effects filled stage show spectacular.
As the park fell into darkness, all the attractions were illuminated with floodlights giving the park a truly mysterious atmosphere, new for 2006 were flame beacons and throwers positioned at the entrance to the park and each maze, these were really effective in creating a fiery atmosphere. Both The Asylum and Hellgate had been improved and the new Se7en was a totally immersive chilling experience very different to the existing mazes.
THE ASYLUM - A maze of cages, mirrors, strobes and dense smoke, around every corner escaped mental patients, twisted nurses and disturbed guards. Some of the freakish characters wandered, others blocked our way, reached out to touch us or even jumped out on us!
HELLGATE - Deadly silent chambers, gaunt faces in the darkness, strange twisted characters and deformed creatures. This intense maze is filled with terrifing scenes sending people running and screaming to escape the horrific torment of those trapped inside!
For 2006 the 'Fright Nights' event takes place from the 13th - 31st October and the park opens until 10pm giving plenty of time to enjoy the top thrill rides in the dark! There are 3 special haunting walk-through mazes: The Asylum, Hellgate and new this year, Se7en, plus there are several cages around the park with Circus of Horrors acts performing in during the evening.
Thorpe Park have chosen not to decorate the park with any Halloween decorations for 2006 and have instead concentrated their efforts on the actual mazes, this means that the park doesn't feel very spooky until after dark. During our visit on Friday 13th we found some catering outlets not open and both 'Stealth' and 'Quantum' experienced periods of time out of operation. Neither was a major problem as there was still a resonable choice of places to eat and we did manage plenty of rides on 'Stealth' when it was open.
Overall, the Halloween events at Thorpe Park and Chessington compliment each other very well, ThemeParks-UK would certainly recommend that you go to both and see what you think!
For 2006 ThemeParks-UK brings you an exclusive new Halloween feature... Fright Wars!
We have reviewed both of the UK's most spooktacular theme park events, Thorpe Park's legendary 'Fright Nights' and Chessington's brand new 'Star Wars' experience.
Star Wars @ Chessington
Chessington presents 'Star Wars' this Halloween. Amidst the usual Hocus Pocus feel the force from the 6th – 31st October with a Jedi training academy, live-action stage show, stormtroopers on patrol, incredible Star Wars photo opportunities and X-Wing fighter jet! Plus between 21st and 31st the park is open until 8pm for rides in the dark.
For yet another year the park have done an excellent job decorating every themed land with pumpkins, witches, bats, spiders, cobwebs, ghosts and ghouls! Although slightly less elaborate than in previous years the park still looks fangtastic. During our visit on Saturday 14th we were very fortunate to enjoy the re-opening of 'Dragon's Fury' after its long period of closure and only experienced one brief breakdown on 'Vampire'. Almost all catering outlets were open including 'Hot Donuts' where we received top service.
SHOW HOUSE - Your chance to get up close to R2D2, C3PO, Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper, its an ideal photo opportunity if you're a fan of Star Wars. Plus you can see a Jedi Starfighter near 'Hocus Pocus Hall'.
MEET & GREET - In between live shows and Jedi training the characters are available to meet and have their photos taken with visitors. You can also meet Spike & Cinders who star in their very own Stars Wars show in the 'Dragon's Tale Theatre'.
JEDI ACADEMY - A masterclass where Jedi apprentices are instructed in the art of Jedi Knights, learning lightning lightsaber moves. This took place several times during the day, ideal for kids to get up on stage and have a go.
LIVE SHOW - On the 'Market Square' stage Darth Vader, Jedi Knights and Stormtroopers show off their skills in a dramatic rendition of good versus evil. Although only a short show its certainly quite fun, especially if you're lucky enough to be picked to go up on stage a play a part!
