VIP becomes RIP with a pass to horror on your neck.
See also: Halloween Haunt 2009 Review
For local Halloween freaks, there is no better celebration of gore and ghouls than the Hallowen Haunt at Kings Island. The entire park transforms into a world of fog and nightmares, which can be a dream come true for horror fans in the Miami Valley.
In 2009, Kings Island is offering the ultimate Haunt experience with the RIP Tour. This special package not only eliminates wait time for haunts, but also comes with a meal and a few extra perks. I had the opportunity to test drive the RIP tour on opening night, bringing along a few friends to determine if this luxury gorefest was worth the $225.00 price tag.
Having experienced the Halloween Haunt on a busy Saturday night without RIP treatment, I can tell you first hand that waiting in line is a very big part of your night. Having eliminated this obstacle with our shiny passes, we were able to experience every haunt but one (due to rain), ride three coasters, and take in both stage shows.
Our party didn't get started until 8:30, so we got a later start than a typical RIP guest would after enjoying the Fright Feast and leaving the International Restaurant by 6:45. With this extra time, RIP merriement could easily include every haunt, show and at least a handful of thrill rides.
In addition to no waiting, RIP Tour guests also enjoy a few comforts that regular Kings Island visitors are sure to appreciate. These include unlimited soft drinks all around the park, preferred parking, priority show seating, and a free souvenir ride photo.
Groups are assigned their own RIP Tour guide, which is really where the connection between the RIP Tour and Kings Island workers takes place. Perhaps it was because we visited on opening night, but many Kings Island workers seemed to not know anything about the RIP program. Parking attendents didn't know where to send us for the RIP parking perk, and the souviner photo clerks didn't understand our need for a free photo when a tour guide wasn't immediately present to request it.
Is it worth the cash? Let's break it down.
When you chalk it up to sheer entertainment and convenience, the RIP Tour may be worth the value. Let's break down what you're paying for with the RIP tour.
Park Entry: Thursday and Friday nights: $34.99 at the gate, $21.99 if you buy tickets online. Saturday & Sunday nights are $48.99 at the gate, with tickets online for $27.99.
I'm not sure why anyone would visit the park on a Thursday or Firday for RIP tours, however, because the $225.00 price is the same no matter what day you visit, even though Thursdays and Fridays are an hour shorter. If you're going to pay that much for a visit, you'd better be getting that extra hour of entertainment.
Fright Feast - $13.99
Unlimited Soda Wristband - The value here really depends on how much pop you think you can drink in six hours. This is usually only available to Season Pass holders and costs $8.99.
Premiere Parking - $15.00
Souvenir Photo - We'll say around $10.00, depending on the size of photo you typically get. We got a 4x5. You also get a complimentary group photo emailed to you. In the style of Keyhole photo, this would cost another $10.00.
These expenses add up to about $86.00, which leaves $139 of your ticket price going toward the luxury of bundling your expenses and walking onto all of the rides, shows and haunts. You're also paying to enjoy the company of your personal tour guide. Decide if this is worth around $140.00 to you and your friends.
One unexpented observation I made was that I was considerably less frightened of the haunts when I didn't have to wait in line. There is something about waiting outside, building that anticipation to get in for a scare. We usually spend that down time chatting up other people in line, telling ghost stories and generally just hanging out with our group. Don't be surprised if you actually find yourself missing a good wait when hustling from one haunt to another.
For those who take an annual Fall vacation with teens, this package coupled with a nearby hotel stay is still cheaper than hopping a flight to Florida or taking a road trip. It can be a total blow-out time for teens and parents to tackle together, as nothing brings you closer than screaming in front of your chuckling seasoned tour guide.
If you're just a die-hard Halloween fanatic looking to cram a hundred screams into one night, the RIP Tour should give you plenty of time to experience all the Haunt has to offer. Even if you have to save your pennies for most of October, I think you'll be pleased with the hours of truly care-free spookiness that this tour provides.
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