[Dukeis#1]

Honestly this is the most exciting announcement of the year for me - totally caught me off guard.

The Press Release:

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A MONSTER ANNOUNCEMENT: HISTORIC MONSTER PLANTATION TAKES GUESTS ON A WHOLE NEW JOURNEY

AUSTELL, GA. – (Sept. 15, 2008) – Six Flags Over Georgia announced today that the historic Monster Plantation adventure will undergo a major renovation to be unveiled as the new Monster Mansion in May 2009.

Since 1981, the Monster Plantation has been a tried and true staple for families visiting Six Flags Over Georgia. The iconic theme music, playful monster animatronics and family-friendly storyline has lured millions of visitors and consistently ranked among the most popular attractions. The new voyage will feature a slate of surprises, including new characters, music, interactive elements and a re-themed storyline. In addition, many of the original monsters will return to the Mansion.

“Monster Plantation has been a guest favorite for almost three decades, and we are thrilled to be able to recreate the experience,” said Melinda Ashcraft, Park President. “There is undoubtedly a lot of nostalgia associated with the ride, and the adults who rode it as children will now get to enjoy special memories with their own kids.”

Gary Goddard, world-renowned design consultant and founder of Gary Goddard Entertainment (GGE), created the original ride and will be responsible for the new production using many of the original designers assigned to the project. Goddard constructed the integral elements of the Georgia Aquarium, including the hub that leads to the aquarium’s five exhibits and Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow. In 2007, GGE developed the Glow in the Park parade which lights up the night with an amazing display of imagery, music and magical performances at several Six Flags parks.

Six Flags Over Georgia is now selling 2009 season passes for the limited-time only price of $49.99 – the lowest price in four years. Guests who purchase a 2009 season pass will receive unlimited park admission not only in 2009, but also for the remainder of the 2008 season with special front-of-line entrance on Monster Plantation and free admission to see Dr. Fright's Frightorium Haunted House during this year's Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®. Season pass holders will also be given special exclusive ride times next spring on the all-new Monster Mansion along with the value-packed 2009 coupon book with more than $300 worth of offers including five Bring-A-Friend-Free tickets.
The park is currently open weekends and will be open Friday nights and Saturdays and Sundays in October. For more information on Monster Mansion or to purchase a 2009 season pass, please visit http://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

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Great to see this classic dark ride getting some work. Its also cool that they somehow convinced Six Flags Inc to stick with the monsters story instead of bastardizing the ride with a Scooby Doo theme.

Can't wait to take a ride through the Monster Mansion next season.

[Jonathan]

I was very happy to see this. I love that ride, and was, like you, afraid they would do the Scooby makeover or something. As long as they don't screw this up it should be great.

[KenB]

Good news indeed. This is one of those funky attractions that I always figured would get lost to "modernizing" at some point, glad to see this isn't the case. Nothing beats this on a hot day to cool off and unwind a bit.

The $50 pass is a good news / bad news thing. It's good deal, but it also means the park will be packed with it's usual crowds of interesting folks. Oh, and there's the utter joy that is SFOG season pass processing. I can't use my favorite phrase for that particular disorganized mess here, but I can tell you the first word is "cluster".