By Heather Posey, Staff Writer
Guests and ghouls roamed the Queen Mary property as the famous landmark celebrated its Shipwreck Halloween Terror Fest, which opened last Friday.
The Queen Mary Shipwreck is back with a vengeance and determined to “scare the ship” out of everyone who dares to enter. The yearly event, open only 13 nights in October, features live bands, dance parties on the ship, and over 450 monsters disbursed throughout the seven mazes located on the ship, plaza, and Shipwreck’s Dome of Doom.
“It has really grown since they first began,” said one Shipwreck employee. “It’s gone from one maze and dance party in one night to four outdoor, three indoor mazes and two dance parties on multiple nights.”
Shipwreck has also added two new mazes this season, Revenge of the Reaper and Manor of Mayhem. And outside of the mazes, an additional crew of monsters and mutants lurk ashore sliding and scaring guests as they sneak across the grounds on special knee pads to startle and terrify those who least expect it.
“We have a sliding crew of 10 and 170 attraction attendants,” said Eric Prevratil, the man behind Shipwreck’s creation.
Along with mazes and music, guests can visit Shipwreck’s Fright Mistress in her private lair and get a souvenir photo. Cameras and other recording devices are not permitted.
Shipwreck Terror Fest tickets are $35 and are available at the Queen Mary Box Office and at all ticketmaster locations. Shipwreck is open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27 as well as Oct 28 through 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight. In order to prevent overcrowding and long lines, tickets are limited. Shipwreck is not recommended for children under 12 or the faint of heart.
The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For information, call (562) 499-1619 or visit www.queenmaryshipwreck.com.
