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MADISON TWP. — Just because it's still officially summer doesn't mean it's too early to celebrate Halloween — not for The Land of Illusion.

The Middletown-area haunted attraction begins its 11th year today, Sept. 5, and will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1. One of its new features actually offers visitors a way to spend less time there.

Taking a cue from the shorter express lines found at many theme parks, the Land of Illusion this year offers an express ticket that puts hurried visitors on shorter paths and allows them to experience the attractions in about one-tenth the usual time, said Brett Oakley, the creator of the attraction in Madison Twp.

In addition, the Land of Illusion now offers "Killer Packages" that can be used on more than one night, in any combination, allowing visitors to try different attractions on different evenings.

Other than that, the buzzwords, as ever, are bigger, better, and, of course, scarier.

Although the event sports the same attractions as usual, including the popular Haunted Trail, visitors will spot something new in all of them.

"It's a whole different ballgame now, so we can handle a larger volume of people," Oakley said, estimating that the Land of Illusion attracts 40,000 people over 27 nights.

Possibly the most visible change is that the Killer Klowns maze has been given a 3D makeover, with three-dimensional art added by local artists. The layout of the land is different, with an enlarged gift shop that sells Land of Illusion T-shirts and various Halloween accessories.

"We have changed everything out. We really work on the show to make the traffic flow and scare the heck out of people," Oakley said.

The Land of Illusion

When: Open from sundown to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from sundown to 11 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1

Where: 8762 Thomas Road, Madison Twp.

Cost: Packages range from $5 to $30

Info: (513) 423-9960 or www.thelandofillusion.com