Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest 2022 is underway offering a mix of thrills by day and chills by night. The event offers a set of three live shows, a VR Upcharge experience, a whopping 8 scare zones, and 6 mazes featuring the all-new TRUTH OR DARE. This year’s event is an overall improved experience that offers different levels of scare for everyone. This is easily one of the better years for Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest.

While many other theme parks charge a separate admission for their haunts, only general admission is required for a full day of fun and a night of Halloween fun. For those who need more than scare zones, shows, and rollercoasters in the dark, wristbands are available for purchase that grant access to the 6 mazes throughout the park.

Unleashed *

You might be wondering how visitors know when things are about to get scary. Announcements are made parkwide that Fright Fest 2022 is about to begin. Guests are warned that if they don’t want to be scared, they need to head on out. Then, at 7pm, a nightly procession kicks off the fun. Unleashed heralds the arrival of Fright Fest with a parade that starts in the D.C. Universe near Batman: The Ride. This is a fun way to start the night. We highly recommend seeing this. DO NOT MISS*

UNLEASHED Fright Fest Opening Procession - Six Flags Magic Mountain 2022

The Rising NEW!

At the front of the park is a new stage show featuring the denizens of the brand new scare zone Devil’s Triangle. We were not able to catch the show, but if the setting is any indication, this one might be something to make time for.

VooDoo Nights

The lively VooDoo Nights returns to the Full Throttle Stage with its signature mix of high-energy entertainment. There is something happening here pretty much all night and, as we passed, a DJ and percussionist were jamming out some fun music. This is a casual, come-and-go spot worth a look.

Spirits with Spirits

While Knott’s may have the Boo-fet, Six Flags Magic Mountain offers Spirits with Spirits. This is an all-you-can-eat buffet that comes with one beverage from the bar and unlimited soft drinks and water for $59.99 that operates from 6pm-9pm. The Buffet is near the main entrance next to the lockers and can be purchased online or at the entrance to the buffet.

Our evening started at the opposite end of the expansive park. So, we arrived at the buffet area long after the initial dinner rush was long gone. The private outdoor dining area is huge with plenty of room for parties large or small. We checked out the offerings and picked out a few things. The meatless meatballs were great as were the chicken fingers and mac and cheese. We skipped the bar in favor of water.

While we enjoyed what was here, We think that $59.99 might be a bit much for this modest buffet. What is here is sufficient, but hardly varied. We would love to see them lower the price and add a few scare actors here during peak times. Again, we were here long after the majority of guests had moved onto the haunt so we might have just hit things in an off moment.

Scare Zones

We will say it again, Fright Fest continues to have some of the best scare zones. What’s more, the make-up here is always stellar, rivaling the work at Halloween Horror Nights in terms of detail.

Devil’s Triangle *

Devil's Triangle Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

The all-new scare zone Devil’s Triangle Scare zone replaces the firey pillars of years past with an underwater nightmare of maritime monsters. We enter the park and make the sharp turn to the right facing Revolution and the entrance fountain. The lighting package here is striking as a layer of undulating blue light catches the haze in the air to make guests feel as if they have sunk to the deepest parts of the ocean. Pirates, sirens, and other creatures roam aiming to scare.

We were really impressed with this new addition that reworks some of the elements of Demon’s Gate with a new color palate and theme along with highly detailed improvements. Well done! DO NOT MISS*

CarnivHELL NEW!

CarnivHELL Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Snaking off of the main path through Bugs Bunny World is the new CarnivHELL. This scare zone leans more into the weathered freak show feel and is a worthy addition to the park.

Exile Hill

Exile Hill Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Normally one of our favorite scare zones, Exile Hill was a bit lacking this year. We spotted only one actor at work during our visit. To be fair, it could have been break time. Also, the actor that was out was mercilessly stalking the wandering crowds and was doing some great work. But this year the area was a miss for us.

City Under Siege

City Under Siege Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Located in the DC Universe section is City Under Siege. This is a mix of Joker-esque and psychotic clowns that rampage through the area frightening guests. This spot is strong again this year thanks to the tireless work of the actors. They literally never stop moving. Ever.

TERRORtory Twisted

TERRORtory Twisted Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

The path leading to Twisted Colossus offers the TERRORitory Twisted scare zone. A foggy steam-punk nightmare, this area sports solid talent and some cool set pieces.

Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy *

Nightmares - A Twisted Fantasy Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Returning for its 10th year is Nightmares: A Twisted Fantasy. This zone is nestled under a canopy of trees on a path that snakes under Revolution up toward Rapids Camp. The neon-colored trail is populated by sneaky, often mischievous characters pulled from off-kilter storybook tales. Silly and fun, this is still our favorite scare zone in the park due in large part to the talent that prowls around and, of course, Loraine-Lurane, the entrepreneurial witch and beauty expert. DO NOT MISS*

Lorraine-Lurane in the Nightmares Scare Zone at Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Terror Rising – Dark Developments

Terror Rising - Dark Developments Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Terror Rising is a ubiquitous, crimson-colored scare zone leading from the entrance to Revolution up to X2. Lightening flashes, illuminating the nearby hill that is filled with tombstones. Meanwhile, werewolves prowl in search of victims. This is a pretty large space and I assume, a difficult one to work with it all being in the open. No matter, the cast here does the job well.

One note I will point out is the garish Adriana’s Insurance billboard on the backside of the bridge leading to X2. Tacky, tacky, tacky. Had they been thinking this out a little more, they would have made a scare zone filled with bloody car accidents and called it Adriana’s Nightmare or something like that. Alas…

The Deadzone *

The Deadzone Scare Zone FLY THROUGH - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

One of our favorite NEW zones from 2021 is back! The Deadzone is a tiny little space in the back of the park near the Aftermath 2 maze that is a compact bit of terror. Lit with bright neon green the collection of chainlink and crates offers plenty of hiding spots for what appear to be zombie punk rockers. The talent was solid here and never really stopped moving. DO NOT MISS*

Haunted Houses

Now onto the mazes. Fright Fest brings us 5 returning mazes and one new addition with Truth of Dare. Half of the mazes we experienced were solid, the other half seemed listless and in need of attention. Let’s get to it.

Truth or Dare *

Taking the former space held by Red’s Revenge is the all-new Truth Or Dare maze.  A sort of Six Flags meets SAW, Truth or Dare invites unsuspecting guests to audition for a new game show only to find out the host is a little messed up. In fact, he likes to torture people with a deadly game.

Less scenic than Red’s we wander darkened halls while being urged on via monitor by the show’s host. Along the way, we run into his other victims. Honestly, this was a pleasant surprise and a lot of fun despite its obvious inspiration. We actually got a number of great scares here as the talent seemed to be relishing their roles in the twisted new creation. DO NOT MISS*

Truth or Dare Maze HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Vault 666: Unlocked *

Vault 666: UNLOCKED HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

A hit-or-miss creation, Vault 666: Unlocked was on fire the night we attended with ravenous talent in search of a scare. There were also some great updates made to the scenic elements that seem to have been added this year along with improved lighting and training for the actors. DO NOT MISS*

Condemned – Forever Damned *

Condemned - Forever Damned HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Another returning maze brought to terrifying life by a fresh cast of talented actors. While nothing appeared updated from a scenic or tech standpoint, we have to really praise the actors in this maze for giving every ounce of energy and scaring the hell out of us. DO NOT MISS*

Sewer of Souls

We are sad to report that one of our favorite returning mazes, Sewer of Souls, was lacking when we visited. This whacky, Chromadepth 3D maze lures visitors into the nasty netherworld of tunnels, sewers, and monsters. While the maze still sports the inventive lighting design and one of our favorite gags in any of the mazes, the talent felt exhausted when we rolled through. The one exception was the fine actor in the first room. He was relentless and really heightened the contrast between himself and the rest of the cast.

Sewer of Souls HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Willoughby’s Resurrected

Willoughby's Resurrected HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Willoughby’s Resurrected returns to welcome visitors into its creaky halls. While the expansive sets and moody lighting are all still great, the experience was only sprinkled with talent resulting in only a handful of scares. They need to update this iconic walkthrough again with fresh lighting, additional effects, and twice as much talent for it to really pop off as it did before. What’s here is fine, but it could use more life.

Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising

Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising HIGHLIGHTS - Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2022

Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising will always be impressive for its brilliant repurposing of sets from the old Batman Stunt Show. Here guests are being guided to safety after a deadly outbreak of some sort. We are repeatedly being urged to rush to safety along the route as the government has the plan to get us all out of the disaster zone. This attraction suffers under the lack of talent and on the night we visited, the population was dwindling. The constant reminders to keep going, “Run! Run!” don’t do much when there is no one there to run from.

Tickets

There are a number of options for tickets here depending on what you are looking for specifically. Here we will break things down and tell you what we think is the best value. The prices below reflect weekend peak pricing and may be lower on another night.

Haunted Attractions Pass – $34.99

This is the wristband ticket that you need in order to enter the 6 mazes. Really, only get this if you already have admission and the lines throughout the park are relatively low.

Spirits with Spirits – $59.99

As mentioned, the Spirits with Spirits buffet doesn’t merit the $60.00 price tag. The price needs to come down a bit before we could recommend it.

Fright Fest & Haunted Attractions Pass – $109.99

If you want to spend the day at the park and catch the scare zones, mazes, and shows after dark this is what you want. However, if youy are attending on a night that might be crowded you should get the Fright Fest & Express Haunted Attractions Pass.

Fright Fest & Express Haunted Attractions Pass – $139.99

If you have but one day and night to spend at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Fright Fest, this will give you the most bang for your buck.

The Season Pass Option

If you are a local and not rushed for time, it might be a good idea to go ahead and consider grabbing a Magic Mountain Season Pass for $79.99. They are on sale now and this will not only get you into the park for Fright Fest, but you will get unlimited visits for the rest of 2022 and 2023. Then, when you head to the park, check the lines to see if you need the basic Haunted Attractions Pass for $34.99, or the Express Haunted Attractions for $74.99.

PARKING

A warning, Parking at Magic Mountain is now $40.00 per vehicle. There are other options including Prefered Parking and VIP. Our advice would be to have at least one in your party pay for a season pass and that will include parking along with their ticket.

Final Thoughts

Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest is back and 2022 is a solid year to go check it out. This haunt offers a variety of spooky things to enjoy along with varying degrees of participation and cost. This is still one of the best haunts for beginning haunt fans or the fright-curious. You can easily stretch your dollar with the various ticket options and this is a great value.