Castle Dark creaked its frightful doors open for 2022. While still a very humble haunt the event is showing promise for great things to come under a new creative direction. Situated along the 91 Freeway in Riverside, California, Castle Park is a regional park that features a huge arcade, rides, a seasonal water park, and world-class miniature golf. As the spooky season rolls around Castle Dark takes over every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 23 – October 30 to offer two scare zones and three new mazes, along with the rides, unlimited miniature golf, and the beguiling GHOST BLASTERS dark ride. What’s more, this is a surprisingly affordable event.

The event kicks off with a procession to herald the arrival of the evil Morgana. She, with her minions, send the park into frighteningly fun turmoil with us the beneficiaries.

 

Castle Dark Opening SCAREmonies

Scare Zones

Situated into two themes rather than zones, we have Midway which features clowns, and Medievil which is more themed to the castle itself. However, on the night we attended the characters seemed to intermingle and free roam throughout the park offering a mishmash of frights. To be clear the talent was on fire with energy and they did an exceptional job. I would go so far as to say this is the best street talent I have seen at Castle Dark.

Morgana’s Revenge

Morgana's Revenge HIGHLIGHTS - Castle Dark 2022

We start the roster with Morgana’s Revenge. Who is Morgana? She is an evil sorcerer that has taken Merlin captive only to bring her special brand of darkness to the kingdom. Located near the titular castle itself, Morgana’s Revenge is the longest walkthrough at the event and easily the darkest. We begin the journey through winding hallways, past spiders, dungeon keepers, the undead, and even a dragon. This maze is ambitious, considering obvious limitations on budget. The desire to entertain and scare is strong here with the talent that we encountered hitting their marks well.

Funhouse of Terror

Funhouse of Terror Highlights - CASTLE DARK 2022

While no fan of clowns, this had to be our favorite maze of the night. Dark humor and mischief permeate this crazy adventure and we loved every minute of it. The talent in this maze killed it with seemingly endless energy and creepy charm. I was even surprised by a few scares. Well done!

The House Next Door

The House next door is a creepy domestic tour through a series of rooms in a bizarre home. Located next to the Log Ride, this attraction would be hard to find if not for the gigantic red arrow pointing to the maze. Taking a more episodic approach, we breeze through odd vignettes of dolls, creepy people, and more. While this maze didn’t exactly scream “focused idea” it was worth checking out if for nothing else than the talent who slayed.

The House Next Door HIGHLIGHTS - Castle Dark 2022

Ghost Blasters

If you are not aware, Castle Park has a charming dark ride called GHOST BLASTERS. Here guests are invited to jump aboard a cruiser and grab a ghost blaster gun to catch the ghosts that are causing havoc in the castle. This has been a favorite of ours since it opened and the best part is that it is included with admission into Castle Dark.

Ghost Blasters Full Ride through

Miniature Golf

When Castle Park first opened its doors in 1976, the three-story arcade inside the castle and the ornate miniature golf courses are said to have cost a whopping 7,000,000. (Just over 36 million in 2022). While the offerings in the arcade have changed a great deal, and Ghost Blasters was added to the castle, the four miniature golf courses still stand outside and are easily some of the best in the world. If I had one wish it would be to have the water features return to this expansive put-put playland along with a loving renovation. Despite that, this is still one of the best places for mini golf. What better time to golf than during Castle Dark?

Tickets

Tickets are reasonably priced with General Admission at $34.99 and a Day/night combo ticket for just $10 more. If you get a group of 15 or more you can get in for $24.99 a pop. Really any ticket is a good deal here, but our main advice is to buy ahead online.

Know Before You Go

IMPORTANT CASTLE DARK UPDATES: Chaperones are required for guests 17 and under. Additionally, only bags within the dimensions of 8” x 5” x 1”, as well as medical and diaper bags, are permitted. For complete details our updated on Castle Dark guest policies, including mask information, please CLICK HERE.

 

Final Thoughts

Castle Dark offers an inexpensive night out with the family for Halloween. What they currently lack in polish, they make up for in effort and ambition. We can’t wait to see what comes next!