Powell, OH —This fall, mere mortals are in need in a big way. On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay are partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Ohio for a blood drive leading up to the kick off of ZOMBIEzi Bay, presented by Mtn Dew.
The blood drive will take place at the Zoo’s Africa Event Center located off the main parking lot, and appointments are available to book online now from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. To thank donors for their important contribution that helps to make a difference for others, all donors will receive a Good Any Day ticket to return for ZOMBIEzi Bay, Central Ohio’s newest and largest Halloween attraction.
At ZOMBIEzi Bay, guests can explore a wicked new world with four haunted houses (one of which is also presented by our blood drive partner, Versiti Blood Center of Ohio), two scare zones, rides and plenty of sinister surprises. The terrifying fun begins on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 and continues to run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Sunday, October 31, plus Thursday evenings on October 14, 21, and 28. Hours are 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Due to the intense nature of ZOMBIEzi Bay, parental discretion is advised and the experience is recommended for guests ages 13 years and older. Admission is $28.99 for all September dates and Thursdays and Sundays in October, and $32.99 for any Friday or Saturday in October. Parking is $10. Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders and Gold Members receive $10 off tickets and free parking. Admission provides unlimited access to the four haunted houses, two scare zones, and all rides. For an additional $27, guests can purchase a six-item tasting card to experience devilishly delicious food and themed-beverages at ZOMBIEzi Bay’s Brews and Bites Craft Beer & Food Festival. (Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol at ZOMBIEzi Bay.)
The haunts of ZOMBIEzi Bay are being provided by Boneyard Productions International. Located in Massachusetts, Boneyard Productions has more than 25 years of experience in creating haunted houses and escape rooms, all of which are designed for the ultimate scare. While visiting ZOMBIEzi Bay, guests should expect to be scared not only inside the haunted houses, but also while roaming the park pathways. Guests should be aware that strobe lights, loud sounds and music, and fog are in use throughout the park. Those with light and sound sensitivity, heart or lung conditions, or any other condition that could be aggravated by special effects should not participate.
NOW HIRING – Up to $18/hr!
ZOMBIEzi Bay is also hiring 250 new positions for this fall! Join our horde and become one of the undead in one of our six haunted attractions. Or, serve up a Vampire Pizza by joining our Food and Beverage team, or operate our amusement rides as part of the Rides and Attractions team. Team members can earn up to $18/hour in various positions that also include Security, Grounds Maintenance, and Admissions. Positions offer flexible evening hours and the opportunity to continue working at the Zoo during Wildlights and the winter season.
HAUNTS
Guests can look forward to these main attractions at ZOMBIEzi Bay:
Pleasant Screams, presented by Versiti Blood Center of Ohio
Enter the mysterious research facility known as Pleasant Dreams Laboratory, a world-famous sleep study facility…or is it? For years, locals have whispered that something else occurs at this foreboding site. Genetic testing? Mind manipulation? Take a tour of the Laboratory and come face-to-face with your worst nightmares.
Catacombs, presented by Mtn Dew
Welcome to the Catacombs! Visit the realm of the undead and the corpse-laden corridors of those who came before you. The spirits have awakened, and they are hungry. Will you be their next meal? Or, will they summon you to join them in their eternal party?
Eternal Darkness, presented by Mtn Dew
Are you afraid of the dark? You will be after an encounter with the Eternal Darkness—if you make it out alive, that is. The netherworld has come to life in this near pitch-black experience. Can you find your way out before it is too late?
Sinister Sideshow
Step right up and enter the Sinister Sideshow! Don your 3D glasses and check out the sideshow. It is fun for all ages, and they are looking for new victims! Evil clowns and blood-curdling acts all under the Big Top…what could go wrong?
SCARE ZONES
Photosynthesis, presented by Mtn Dew
Did you know that when plants die, they don’t really die? In Photosynthesis, Mother Nature is hungry and out for revenge. Will you escape or be the next meal? They didn’t teach us this in science class.
Decomposed
Life as we know it has ended and zombies now rule the world. Can you escape the horde, or will you become one of the undead?
BREWS AND BITES: CRAFT BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL
ZOMBIEzi Bay is crawling with new flavors this fall! Featuring more than 60 craft beers, ciders, and hard seltzers from 25 different breweries, as well as 20 delicious food items to try, the Brews and Bites Craft Beer & Food Festival has something for everyone. Discover new favorites as you sample your way through the menu and save with a six-item tasting card, available for just $27 plus tax. Themed food and beverage highlights include: Darkness Nachos, Violet Margarita, Pretzel Breadsticks With Fat Tire Craft Beer Cheese Dip, Buffalo Chicken Tater Tots, Injectable Donut Holes, and more.
RIDES
ZOMBIEzi Bay will have a feature that no other haunted event in Central Ohio has—amusement rides! Normally a part of the Adventure Cove region at the Columbus Zoo, six pulse-pounding amusement rides will be included with ZOMBIEzi Bay admission, such as the classic wooden roller coaster, Sea Dragon.
For additional updates about ZOMBIEzi Bay’s hiring opportunities, attractions and more, visit our website and be sure to follow Zoombezi Bay on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
About Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre water park that features 19 state-of-the-art water attractions, including the aquatic adventure area, Otter Banks; themed water slide, SoundSurfer; the multi-level play structure, Baboon Lagoon; a wave pool; an action river; a lazy river; a kiddie play pool and more. During the regular summer season, admission to Zoombezi Bay includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the water park support the Zoo’s operation and mission. Please visit www.zoombezibay.com for more information.
About Versiti
Versiti, a national leader in blood health innovation, was formed with the mission to improve the health of patients and enable the success of our healthcare partners nationally. We provide innovative, value-added solutions in the fields of transfusion medicine, transplantation, and blood-related diseases to meet the needs of each of our customers. The collective efforts across Versiti result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care, and cost efficiencies for healthcare systems nationwide. For more information or a complete listing of upcoming blood drives near you, visit versiti.org/oh or call 1-800-485-6594.