Shaqtoberfest opened for the 2022 haunt season bringing a hybrid mix of family-friendly fun, nighttime frights, and autumn carnival that was surprisingly fun. Truth be told, when it was announced that Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal would be producing a Halloween event nobody really knew what to expect. Shaq has offered his name to everything from cereal to car insurance and haunt fans braced for what this odd marriage might yield. The result is a charming bit of spooky fun that aims for a broad appeal and it succeeds.
The event opens at 5pm and starts off as a family-friendly affair. The compact footprint on the dock near the iconic Queen Mary sports food vendors, a collection of bars, a modest collection of carnival rides, the main stage, and 5 Trick or Treat trails. However, at 8 pm, things get decidedly spooky. The Witching Hour is announced and the monsters are let loose to roam the grounds and turn the trick-or-treat trails into Twisted Trails. The concept allows for kids to dress up, collect candy, ride a few rides, and be all set to go if things get too scary later on.
Main Stage
On the Main Stage the macabre dance music of LVCRFT entertains guests.
Carnival Rides
As mentioned, there is a set of Carnival rides here, 5 in total each varying in intensity. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the Funhouse.
The Merchandise SHAQ
There is also a place to grab a keepsake. One thing that I will call the event out for is the overuse of Shaq for the word shack. The first time it’s a cute pun, but then…
Pirate’s Cove
Pirates Cove is a short walkthrough that does what it needs to do. Pirate-themed scares and maritime monstrosities. Again, between the hours of 5 pm and 8 pm, this is a docile Trick or Treat trail. After 8 pm the pirates get grumpy and the mermaids get creepy. We shot video of each for this one to give you an idea of what to expect. Incidentally, if you buy the VIP package you get a free shot of rum in the secret bar at this trail.
Trick or Treat Trail Version
TWISTED TRAIL Version
See here? Shaqtoberfest switches things up for everyone and let’s their characters get scary after 8 pm.
Dead Man’s Wharf
It’s sort of a given to do seaside terrors when you’re literally seaside. This little walkthrough is a bit more of a modern take on ocean terror with a few fun little set pieces along the way. Again, it’s all pretty casual and fun.
Lost City Boardwalk
Butted up against the Queen Mary is Lost City Boardwalk. This is sort of a Guys and Dolls, cops and robbers type of a theme. While daytime featured goofy gangsters, nighttime brought skeletal ghosts and jump scares.
Midway Madness
It wouldn’t be a haunt without clowns. Here we venture into the big top, through a clever shooting gallery set, and try avoiding the malevolent merrimakers in a darkened tent.
Diesel’s Pumpkin Patch
Easily the best walkthough at Shaqtoberfest, Diesel’s Pumpkin Patch has some genuine scares and spots of grotesque fun. This is also the longest wakthrough. It could have used a few more monsters throughout, but the talent that was there were awesome.
As we mentioned before, we had no idea what to expect and our expectations were at ground level. We are happy to report that Thirteenth Floor has pulled a wonderful rabbit out of their hat with Shaqtoberfest to deliver a disarmingly fun Halloween event that could appeal to almost anyone. What’s more, it is crazy affordable too making it easy for families to come out with the kids and have a little Halloween Fun.
Tickets
Here is a breakdown of the ticket offerings and what we would reccomend.
General Admission
It’s rare that we would say this, but General Admission is your best bet right now. at $34.99 for adults and $29.99 for children 12 and under, you could easily see all trails and rides in 3 hours with time to spare. Of course, the ticket does allow you to stay well past 8 pm when things get scary too.
Fast Break (Fast Pass)
For $49.99 ($44.99 for 12 and under) you can purchase a ticket that allows you one-time priority access to the Trick or Treat trails and/or Twisted Trails. Again, while there are two different versions of each trail a night, you can only use your access once. So, consider this ticket carefully. It would be best tocheck ticket availability on the Shaqtoberfest site before pressing the buy button on this one. Crowds have been mild so far and General Admission would probably do just fine.
VIP Slam Dunk
If you are the type of person the just does NOT want to even flirt with the possibility of a wait, just get the VIP Slam Dunk ticket. It’s a bit pricey at $99, no kid discounts, but it does afford you unlimited priority access to all trails and rides, it gives you preferred seating at Tiki Terrace, the Boat Dock Bar, and the VIP Deck. This is the ticket that you buy if you just want a carefree night of Halloween goodness.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned before, Shaqtoberfest is just playful Halloween fun. It doesn’t try to be the next scary farm or HHN. That isn’t the point. This is just an affordable event to take the family to or to go and have a night out with your spooky fam. Don’t go in expecting the scariest event ever, go in looking for spoopy fun. It’s there.
