Federal Way’s Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, a local fixture for nearly 50 years, is set to permanently close following its final Fright Fest weekend. The park's operations will cease after Sunday, November 1, marking the conclusion of an autumnal tradition for many in the community.
Fright Fest has been a significant Halloween-themed October festival, historically offering haunted houses, darkened roller coasters, and opportunities for costume-wearing. The event runs on weekends from 2-10 p.m., with its more eerie attractions emerging after dark. For younger attendees, Booville provides a daytime, kid-friendly spooky festival, complete with Halloween decorations and a small Ferris wheel.
The impending closure signifies the end of a nearly five-decade-long family-fun institution in Federal Way. While the full closure is a sad development for many long-time visitors, it has also been described as an inevitable outcome.
Among the popular rides featured during Fright Fest is the Disk’O Flashback, known as a night ride. The Timberhawk: Ride of Prey, a wooden rollercoaster introduced on June 7, 2003, offers a thrilling experience with its 75-foot height and 50 mph speeds, particularly when ridden in the dark. One visitor noted the ride was "notably more terrifying when you can't see what's coming next." The Wild Thing roller coaster, which debuted at Wild Waves on June 24, 1997, continues to feature its corkscrew track and vertical loop. However, some attractions like the Paratrooper and the I-5 Dive Skycoaster were observed to be decommissioned or no longer operational. The Insidious Circus also showcased acrobatic performances at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Recent observations highlighted areas of the park's emptiness, with some rides already removed. The use of generative AI in certain displays was also noted as a disappointment. These elements, combined with long wait times for popular rides such as the Timberhawk—which for one visitor meant a nearly two-hour queue—and potential two-hour waits for haunted houses, contributed to a sentiment that the park's closure "makes sense." Parking for the event was noted at over $25.
The park's final days represent a "swan song" for a local landmark that has been a part of many childhood memories in the area. Despite elements of disappointment, the overall experience for attendees was described as "bittersweet," concluding a significant chapter for Federal Way’s entertainment landscape. Commemorative 50-year anniversary apparel, such as hoodies and t-shirts, was available.
