*sigh*
If you ever feel the need to confess something you did wrong, if you want to let someone know you love them but you're afraid to say it, if you just need to think about everything you've done in your life so far, I recommend Canada's Wonderland.
The fact that we went during their annual Halloween Haunt had nothing to do with the fact that this was by far the most terrifying experience I've ever had. We went during the night for the whole Halloween "scare" (and to avoid the mass of minors) and it didn't help that outside was foggy for the entire day. Small issue, right? We're all grown people here. From the time we got through the gate, we were "met" by characters in costume following us, randomly jumping out and screaming at us, magically appearing right in front of our faces, as well as machines set up to do their own bit of scaring. Like the troll under the bridge and the mental patient violently shaking while strapped to the table.
I keep forgetting how big these places are and how much walking I'd have to do. Gotta deal with it, though. I had never been to an amusement park (not even Coney Island) so I was willing to do whatever I had to. Well. Almost. The major attractions were the rides and the haunted houses, both of which I felt compelled to do just for the experience. Better to start with a smaller roller coaster, so we took a couple quick ones. No more than 45 seconds each. Easy, right? Wrong. Dead wrong. If it wasn't being turned inside-out or going backwards or speeding through dark tunnels, it was the inevitable feeling of weightlessness and the terror of seeing your life flash before your eyes! And the sad part? These were the small rides that had us all shaken up! Time for the big boys. Enter: The Behemoth!
Now imagine this.. at night. With the park covered in fog. I think it's safe to say that this left all of us a bit weak. My legs and my head more than anything, because I had my stomach set on a Big Mac on the way home. We took some time for everyone to get settled before the next ride, and what's better at settling your stomach than a haunted house? Props to the people who designed these things. My scares came more from the unexpected than actual terrifying sights. The plan was to stick close to a group of random people and let THEM take the scares and I'd just sneak by while the "monsters" went back to their hiding places. A couple of them caught me off-guard however, but in my attempt to scream I could not get sufficient air out of my lungs to make the desired terrified shriek (which was probably a good thing). A couple more rides, took in a couple sights and when everyone was finally settled, we went for the big one. Ladies and gentlemen, the Leviathan!
Once again, this badboy, 11:30 pm, the entire place taken over by fog. Yes, I screamed. Yes, there were tears running down my face afterwards. But I did it! Of course, my main issue wasn't getting on the ride, I had a fear of getting off. Walking felt so refreshing, yet so unnatural afterwards. A couple of us took one last trip through a haunted house and then we decided to call it a night. And quite a night it was! I'm pretty sure I got my money's worth on this trip. Time for my Big Mac and then home for some rest.
p.s. Do not try to sleep in a moving vehicle after you've just come off of one of these rides. You will end up with a headache. Such as the one I have right now. Can't say I didn't warn you!
