The Night I Became a Zombie – Kings Dominion’s Halloween HAUNT

I became a zombie for the night last weekend. No, it wasn’t the zombie apocalypse. I’ll be sure to give you plenty of notice when that time comes. This was a Zombie Invasion dance party to open Halloween HAUNT at Kings Dominion.

Zombies in all shapes and sizes ripped up their clothes, painted their faces and rolled around in dirt and detritus to get that perfect “zombie ambience.” Or maybe that was just us rolling around in the dirt and detritus. You be the judge. Here we are:

Here’s a shot of me and my zombie child beneath the glowing eyes of the Eiffel Tower.

The zombies did a little dance number and enjoyed some gruesome goodies (which were quite tasty).

We then lumbered and stumbled off (zombies do that) to enjoy all of the haunted houses, scare zones and shows the park has to offer this year.

This was my first official visit to HAUNT. We had been there several years ago, during the day, when the youngster was, well, younger. The haunted happenings were just beginning to get underway so we decided to try out a haunted pirate maze.

Okay now, let me remind you that the child was maybe four-years-old at the time. She is not a scaredy-pants by any means and decided that she would like to try this maze. While she seemed to enjoy herself – she was given the go-ahead to scream as loud as she wanted (a rare treat for any child, let me tell you) – that was the last time for that experience.

Yeah, we didn’t make Parents of the Year that year. This time was different. Maybe it was the zombie attire. I don’t know, but she (and I) had a blast.

Now, I enjoy a good scare (while holding on for dear life to the nearest non-creature I can find), but I need a storyline to go along with it. Blame it on the writer in me. Kings Dominion definitely has the scares and the storylines.

Cornstalkers was a favorite. As you wind and weave your way through a decaying cornfield (who doesn’t love a good cornfield?), the creatures of the corn come out to visit.  As the twisty, turny rows of corn confuse and distract your path, all kinds of mangled and dangled objects deter your journey. This is one maze where you want to make it to the end. And watch out when you get there.

Medieval Macabre tells the tale of a plague-ravaged town. The survivors are holed up in a decrepit castle just waiting to take revenge on those that have taken their loved ones. This was my zombie child’s favorite.

Some more daylight scenes…

New to HAUNT this year is a haunted hotel called No Vacancy. I would have to say that this was my favorite. Remember, I like a good storyline. This maze takes travelers through an abandoned hotel where the housekeepers and staff have managed to stick around, long after everyone else has passed on (so to speak). Creep through the library chamber and inch past the kitchen, but don’t accept any “snacks” from the staff. Left-behind luggage, bags and bodies fill up the rooms and hallways of this hotel where the no-vacancy sign has a whole new meaning.

While the wait is expected, the Blue Ridge Bloodbath is always one to check out. The Antique Cars provide the transportation through a “scenic” drive in the mountains. This drive isn’t your grandma’s Sunday sojourn. Hop aboard and prepare for the ride of your life … if you’re lucky.

Outbreak: The Evolution is located at the Flight of Fear ride. We were a bit worried that we were in line for the ride instead of the maze – it’s an indoor, dark coaster (with four inversions) somewhat like Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. Or so I’ve been told. I’ve never been on it myself. I don’t do coasters. Go figure.

Anyway, it was the maze (we checked) and it is all about the aliens and other test tube creatures of a medical facility. Walk along the hallways and try not to become part of the experiment.

A few missed mazes include Club Blood (you guessed it, vampires), Camp Killauee and The Doll Factory (ya gotta have a doll house). Since we have season passes (and the youngster loved the scare fest), we will be back for more Haunts.

Of course, there are lots of daytime activities for those not into the haunting. Roller coasters, thrill rides, family fun rides and Howl-O-Fest all make it a great day at Kings Dominion. Check this one out…

To read more about HAUNT, go ahead and click here.  I dare you.