First of all let me reiterate from my 2009 review that Fright Nights @ Playland is a must attend Halloween Attraction! And though the cost of a ticket may appear rather pricey, but with unlimited access to 5 world class haunted houses and many of your favorite amusement park rides, Fright Nights is by far the best value for the dollar.
Now I went on a weeknight a few days after it opened and the lines were minimal. As a matter of fact the longest wait I experienced was a lineup for the Mini Donuts!
This year park management added proper lineup control barriers so skipping over sagging rope lines are a thing of the past. However, if it is raining, you'd better dress for the weather and carry an umbrella as not all lines are covered.
It is important to note that the park does a thorough security body and bag search prior to entering the park so don't even think of attempting to smuggling in drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any kind!
Now I have a few minor complaints:
1 - The annoying hip hop rap music that is piped in deters from the ambiance of the theme and is played way too loud. Spooky music and sounds would be far more appropriate for the occasion.
2 - Too many of the Halloween displays that are present throughout the park, like the western town facade, are left in the dark. Why they are not accented with key lighting boggles the mind.
3 - A roaming character actor snuck up on my date and from a 'point blank' range YELLED very loudly into her ear. Not only was this unprofessional, but also dangerous with the potential of causing harm to the ear. This occurrence was very painful for my date as she has a hearing sensitivity condition... and the irony was that after I complained to this idiot, he had the audacity to send security on me for harassment! I explained to security what happened, told her who I was, and related my previous relations with Fright Night. Security apologized.
4- I noticed that several of the roaming character actors, including one in a haunted house that physically made contact with me, were invading people's personal space. Better scare actor training is a must for next year!
Other then these issues, the experience was great and I will be there again in 2011!
