Midsummer Scream 2024 Summons the Strange and Unusual

August 3, 2024

The coveted premier Halloween and horror convention of Southern California, Midsummer Scream, clawed its way back to Long Beach Convention Center on July 26 – 28, 2024. The annual gathering of the strange and unusual featured bountiful boutiques from fashion, figurines, art, baked goods, and other accessories that accent the vibrant halls. Industry professionals showcased their year-round businesses in inventive escape rooms, creative fog machines, intricate makeup, gruesome masks, and even thrilling axe-throwing.

Show Floor Photo Gallery

Spooky photo opportunities with favorite backdrops and sinister characters lurk around dark corners. Celebrities from favorite horror media met with enthusiastic fans from Dana DeLorenzo (Ash vs. Evil Dead), David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Jenna Davis (Lisa Frankenstein), and Mistress of the Dark herself, Cassandra Peters (Elvira). Guests with Gold Bat VIP status and party tickets ended Saturday night with a wild dance party in the Grand Ballroom.

A live DJ, mini-games, and a costume contest highlighted the procession. Featured sponsor, Mystic Museum, also provided Beetlejuice themed photo backdrops. No doubt in anticipation for the upcoming movie sequel later this fall. Cash bars were present as well as throughout the fun-filled weekend at Long Beach Convention Center.

Photo Ops, Characters, and Dance Party Photo Gallery

Hall of Shadows is a guest favorite area dedicated to feature condensed versions of haunted houses, whimsy displays, unique photo opportunities, and a show with sliders performing daring stunts. Fear Farm led guests through their decorative opening act leading into the dark hall. Entertainment company Lionsgate was a pleasant surprise sponsoring their own haunted house highlighting the movie studio’s horror franchises like “SAW” and “The Strangers”. Between appearances from Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Gang and Pizza Planet Truck, Hall of Shadows has grown to offer more thrills and chills in intimate but wide-open spaces.

Hall of Shadows: Spirits & Legends Photo Gallery

While small businesses share their passion for all things spooky through products, performance, services, and art, panel rooms provided a space to showcase current hot topics and exciting new offerings in the upcoming Halloween season. Six Flags Fright Fest at Magic Mountain revealed their focus on licensing popular intellectual properties between “Stranger Things”, “The Conjuring”, “SAW”, “Army of the Dead”, and “Trick ‘r Treat”. Netflix’s “Army of the Dead” should be promising utilizing the oldie but goodie Aftermath outdoor maze area.

Michael Dougherty, writer and director of “Trick ‘r Treat”, joined the panel as a surprise guest discussing his involvement with the project and encouragement to explore beyond what was seen onscreen such as graphic novel storylines. Six Flags Fright Fest seem to really want to push their own boundaries to deliver the scares.

Six Flags Fright Fest Extreme Photo Gallery

Thirteenth Floor has quickly grown in the Southern Californian Halloween market after concurring many other regions throughout the country. The company operates a slew of Halloween offerings from family-friendly affairs to downright scary. The biggest change for 2024 is switching their presence at the Queen Mary ship from Shaqtoberfest to the resounding return of Dark Harbour. A great emphasize has been taken to bring back what worked and resonate with long-time audiences whilst tweaking established mainstays. Secret bars are making a comeback.

Tokens can be purchased for entry so actors can focus their attention on the scaring instead of distracted guests trying to obtain the wooden coins. A new carousel ride has been refurbished with unique design work including horses with glowing eyes. Haunted houses are getting updated layout designs and new character background stories. The Stimson House will be the new home to immersive theater experience, Delusion. Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns in Whitter Narrows Recreation Area will expand their pumpkin carvings with sound and light shows throughout the entire display, light up the firepits for s’mores, pumpkin flavored treats, and inflatable bouncing.

In addition to axe-throwing and gellyball experience, LA Haunted Hayride gears up 2024 with new offerings like a mini escape room, interactive Madam Aurora’s Séance Theatre, operating scary-go-round, ringing doorbells for Trick or Treat houses, and a new collaboration with Grammy nominated recording artist, Janelle Monáe, getting her own haunted house experience called Monáe Manor. Crowd favorite Monte Revolta and his theatrical cover band was teased at the panel as well. As a side note, LA Haunted Hayride also collaborates year-round with Meyer2Meyer Entertainment putting on incredible theatrical productions at The Nocturne Theater in Glendale, California.

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group Photo Gallery

While a panel was set aside to feature Cassandra Peters, better known to most as Elvira, it quickly morphed into a panel showcasing licensing products and art gallery announcement for Elvira’s legacy at Knott’s Scary Farm. The Walter Knott Theater during the Halloween event will be featuring a grandiose display of Elvria’s iconic turn as host from props and showpieces from past shows.

It is also said to project a video recording of her last show at the theater. Cassandra Peters will also be making personal appearances on select nights at Knott’s Scary Farm for photographs and signings with fans. The creative team made the announcement that haunted house Wax Works will be ending after the 2024 run. To celebrate, designers spoke about the creative development and behind the scenes stories and easter eggs of the wax themed house.

Other components of the event between show writing, maintaining costumes, and prop building also shined. More tantalizing announcements will be revealed during a special ticket event at Knott’s Berry Farm on August 22, 2024.

Knott’s Scary Farm Photo Gallery

Undoubtedly the biggest panel draw belongs to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights closing the weekend event. John Murdy, creative director, once again takes the stage to adoring fans as he breaks a major haunted house announcement. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of classic horror movie “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, The Leagcy of Leatherface experience will take guests through the Sawyer family slaughterhouse. Different incarnations of Leatherface throughout the 9-film series will chase trespassers through the aptly named Hooper-Henkel meat processing plant.

A witty tribute to writer Kim Henkel and director Tobe Hooper. Being a history buff and former Studio Tour guide, John Murdy led the cheerful audience through his research of slaughterhouses influencing the haunted house being able to go beyond what was seen on screen. Universal Monsters continues the house tribute to classic horror icons. Eternal Bloodlines gets an all-female battle between the holy trinity of Dracula’s Daughter, She-wolf, and the mummy’s Anck-su-namun going against Bride of Frankenstein and Van Helsing.

The male descendants of Van Helsing have been eliminated. The last line of humanity’s defense against the monsters belong to the last female Van Helsing. After years of pleading, the soundtrack to the Universal Monsters haunted houses by guitarist Slash will be debuting in a collection on vinyal record. This will surely be a hot item upon release for super fans. Mexican horror cinema wrestling with monsters gets an inspired collaboration for a new scare zone called Luchadores Monstruosos. Merchandise based on this new line is available on Amazon.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights Photo Gallery

Midsummer Scream let the cat out of the purgatory bag with an abundant supply of thrills, chills, and fun for fans of Halloween, horror, and macabre. From spooky shopping, to creepy showmanship, and inspiring artwork, the annual event at Long Beach Convention Center continues to draw big crowds and offer something for everyone of all ages and fandom. While many favorite moments and purchases were made, a personal highlight for the 2024 season was Peepshow Menagerie’s hour long Grim Grinning Burlesque inspired by Disney’s The Haunted Mansion.

Each act was based on a spectral resident of the maniacal manor with grace and humor. Forget Christmas in July, it’s all about Halloween! Midsummer Scream returns with more gruesome calamity on August 15 – 17, 2025. For more information, visit www.midsummerscream.org

Review: “Company” The Smash Hit Musical Comedy

Cori Graham

August 3, 2024

It’s a rare treat to be able to experience a modern revival that completely blows you away, but this updated and gender-swapped production of Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 musical comedy Company did just that. I’ll confess I came in with bias having loved the soundtrack of the original Broadway cast for many, many years. In a time when most musicals I was familiar with were based on fantasy worlds like Wicked, and even another Sondheim—Into the Woods, Company felt like a refreshing breath of real life.

I brought a friend who had never even heard of this musical, which seemed to be common among many people I’d talked to about it. If you are hesitant to purchase tickets due to unfamiliarity, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.

The story begins on a New York City woman named Bobbie’s 35th birthday. Her friends are all eager to celebrate her and surprise her with a party. They bring her a cake and urge her to blow out the candles and make a wish, but she insists she didn’t make a wish. Bobbie is painfully single, and as you quickly learn, all her friends are married couples—all not-so-secretly hoping she wished for a husband.

While they all love time spent with Bobbie, two is a company, and three is a crowd. Unlike the original which leans more into a man’s fear of intimacy, this new production’s comedy is heavily reliant on the audience sharing Bobbie’s exhaustion with her friends and the pressure they put on her to get married while struggling heavily with their own relationships. Bobbie is trying to navigate and balance three lovers, none of whom are good for her, as her biological clock is telling her she needs to settle down…even if it may mean settling for less.

The first thing you’ll notice is the simplicity of the set design, with sets existing entirely in movable cubes representing apartment interiors surrounded all the way around by panels of light. Neil Austin’s lighting design is well showcased in the use of the boxes, changing colors and even flashing to represent a camera.

Britney Coleman (Bobbie) is an amazing singer, adding so much emotion to “Someone is Waiting,” “Marry Me a Little,” and “Being Alive.” But the comedy starts before “The Little Things You Do Together” as you meet her first couple-friends, Harry and Sarah, who are a recovering alcoholic and struggling on a diet, respectively.

James Earl Jones II (Harry) was a standout for this scene with his acting and physical comedy, though the entire scene sets the tone for how uncomfortably real and funny each couple’s experience would be. Though funny, there is a poignance to the show and “Sorry-Grateful” is the first foray into the more emotional aspects, being especially relatable if you’ve been married for a while.

Matt Bittner (David) was hilarious, but Marina Kondo (Priest) and Matt Rodin (Jaime) nearly stole the show in “Getting Married Today”. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in the theater ever, at least not since Book of Mormon. The use of practical sets and illusions continues to shock and delight throughout the number. Judy McLane (Joanne) was amazing throughout, but of course “Ladies Who Lunch” was performed wonderfully, her woeful line deliveries as a jaded third-time wife was both funny and a little heartbreaking.

This production is branded as “The Smash Hit Musical Comedy” and boy, does it deliver on that. Though I’ll summarize that it’s really an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. The show earned uproarious laughter but also many songs garnered complete silence due to the subject and amazing vocal performance. Though I was initially apprehensive of the gender-swapping of our protagonist, it allowed me to connect more with Bobbie’s feelings and frustrations than I might have normally.

I left the theater still buzzing with joy about what I experienced, and my friend who came with me was over the moon, saying it was one of the best shows she’d ever seen. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, don’t miss this one while it’s here.

“Company” is now playing at the Pantages Theatre until August 18, 2024. Click here to purchase tickets.

Ravensburger Brings Disney Lorcana TCG and More to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Socalthrills Staff

August 2, 2024

Ravensburger can’t wait to meet all the Disney fans this year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa! To help you prepare here are all the ways you can celebrate. Join Ravensburger all week long to experience engaging activities, exclusive events centered around Disney Lorcana TCG; first looks at new Disney board games like Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition); and much, much more!

Sunday, August 4: Join Disney Lorcana at D23 Day at Angels Stadium

Did you get a ticket to D23 Day at Angels Stadium? Stop by the Disney Lorcana TCG activation tables at various locations inside Angels Stadium where you can receive a Disney Lorcana TCG booster pack. Each pack contains a collection of playable and collectible trading cards featuring beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, Cinderella, and so many more. Fans can also strike a pose and snap a picture at our Disney Lorcana TCG photo op area featuring card art versions of Ursula, Donald Duck, and Mickey.

Tuesday, August 6: D23 Night at the Packing District presented by Ravensburger

What better way to get ready for D23 than to join us for a game night! We invite you to a special game night at Anaheim Packing District; friends are welcome to casually play their way through Ravensburger’s Disney-themed games throughout the Packing District area.

Join gaming expert Krystina Arielle on the lawn as she hosts gameplay sessions of Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway, the new and easy-to-learn experience designed for beginner Lorcana players. Whether you are experience TCG players or new to the world of Disney Lorcana TCG, there is fun to be had by all on the lawn!

Want to learn more about our new board games? Stop by the boardwalk area to see us demo the new Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition). Are Villains more your speed? Stop by the MAKE building to see us demo Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil in the Villains Lair.

August 9, 10, 11: D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa

Celebrate Disney Lorcana TCG, Disney board games, and Disney puzzles all weekend long at the Anaheim Convention Center! First, walk through the Ravensburger booth to immerse yourself in Disney Lorcana TCG and Chronicles of Light. Fans can participate in fun photo ops, game demonstrations, and receive free promos—including the Disney Lorcana TCG 1st Anniversary Mickey Brave Tailor pin and the Disney Lorcana TCG Mickey Playful Sorcerer promo card. (Please note that promo items are one per person and will require a badge scan to collect the item.)

Fans of Disney Lorcana TCG will also be able to buy the limited-edition Disney Lorcana TCG D23 Collection set (available in our booth—purchase limit of 2 per person). The game’s newest set, “Shimmering Skies,” and the beginner-friendly, stand-alone game Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway will also be available.

Additionally, check out this summer’s hottest board games for purchase, including Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition) and Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil, along with Disney Stitch and Toy Story Puzzles. (Fans will also receive a special Chronicles of Light pin as a gift with purchase of the game during the event, while supplies last.)

Want to learn more about Disney Lorcana and other games by Ravensburger?

Panels at D23 will feature Disney Lorcana artists, game designers, storytellers, and super fans!

Disney Lorcana Panel – Past, Present, Future
Friday, August 9, 2024, from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on the Backlot Stage
Join Ryan Miller and friends from the Disney Lorcana team as they explore the past, present, and future of Disney Lorcana TCG. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the art and gameplay of this global phenomenon came to be, along with a sneak peek at the next set. Be the first to hear exciting new announcements of things to come in Disney LorcanaTCG!

Disney Lorcana: Creating a Glimmer
Friday, August 9, 2024, from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. on the Spotlight Stage
Krystina Arielle hosts Aubrey Archer, Nicholas Kole, Alice Pisoni, and Matt Eng on stage for an illuminating discussion around the art and creation of Disney Lorcana TCG’s Glimmers. Explore the creative process behind these unique designs, from initial concepts to final renderings, and get a glimpse of the storytelling potential they bring to the ever-evolving game.

Plan a Heroic Game Night with Ravensburger
Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. on the Spotlight Stage
Gather your fellow heroines and join Ravensburger and host Krystina Arielle as they share the ultimate game night plan featuring their newest tabletop adventure, Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition). Demo will include themed entertaining and activity ideas, plus giveaways!

Disney Lorcana: Enter the Realm of Lorcana
Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 5:30 to 5:50 p.m. on the Spotlight Stage
Take your first steps into the realm of Lorcana with Ryan Miller and Ari Levitch, hosted by Krystina Arielle. Learn the basics of the story and lore of Disney’s enchanting Trading Card Game and discover what makes Lorcana a magical experience.

Who’s the Baddest? Disney Villainous Trivia
Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. on the Spotlight Stage
Test your Disney Villains knowledge in this interactive trivia game based on characters found in the Disney Villainous franchise. Join Ravensburger and host Krystina Arielle for deep-cut Villains questions, behind-the-scenes game info, and giveaways!

Want to meet your favorite Disney Lorcana artists?

Stop by Talent Central for the following signings and Disney Lorcana TCG:

Disney Lorcana TCG
Friday, August 9, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Talent Central
Ryan Miller, Disney Lorcana TCG brand manager; Steve Warner, game design manager; and Shane Hartley, creative director

Disney Lorcana TCG
Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at Talent Central
Disney Lorcana TCG artist signing with Nicholas Kole, Alice Pisoni, and Aubrey Archer

Disney Lorcana TCG
Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 4:45 to 5:45pm at Talent Central
Disney Lorcana TCG artist signing with Nicholas Kole, Alice Pisoni, and Aubrey Archer

Canva Brings Disney Magic to Content Creation

Socalthrills Staff

August 2, 2024

Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform,has announced it will expand its content library with a limited-edition collection of Disney content for use in designs. The announcement comes as part of Canva’s participation in D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which will bring together tens of thousands of Disney fans from around the world for a one-of-a-kind experience in Anaheim, CA from August 9-11.

An enchanted addition to the world’s most comprehensive library of designer-made content

With 190 million users globally, Canva is building the world’s most diverse and specialized content library to support all creative needs. The collaborative, drag-and-drop editor and on-trend templates, animations, graphics, audio tracks, and images make it simple to bring ideas to life in any form, including presentations, websites, social media posts, and more.

Beginning August 9 for a limited time, Canva subscribers in the U.S. will have direct access to Disney characters that have captivated generations. Ten characters – from classics like Toy Story’s Woody to new favorites like Inside Out’s Joy – are featured in a collection of D23-inspired templates and graphics, available through September 30. This marks Canva’s most expansive collection of branded content to date.

The D23 collection emphasizes celebration and self-expression, offering inspiration for:

Creators looking to spark joy and share their fandom in custom social media posts, device wallpaper, and profile pictures.

Students and teachers seek to create engaging lessons, presentations, or class projects with the characters and stories they love most.

Disney enthusiasts and D23 attendees commemorate magical experiences with thank you cards, invitations, and photo collages which can be designed on Canva.

“Canva’s goal is to put everything you need to design what’s in your mind’s eye right at your fingertips. This marks an exciting evolution in our content library as we add branded content as a way to spark imagination and delight fans. Whether you’re creating something playful, sentimental, or inspirational, Disney truly offers something for everyone and we’re so excited to see how people bring more Disney magic into the world through their designs,” said Silvia Oviedo, Head of Content and Discovery at Canva.

Fans can visit Canva at D23 for the first time this year, at a creative haven where they can turn their Disney memories into something magical. The Canva Magic Print Shop at D23 encourages guests to “Dream it, design it,” by getting hands-on and creating their own unique Canva designs featuring the D23 content collection. D23 guests also have the exclusive opportunity to design and print Disney-inspired tote bags with Canva Print.

New creative possibilities for Disney fans

Canva’s simple but powerful platform has attracted creators, students, professionals and enterprises seeking to harness the power of design to achieve their goals. From fan art to themed parties, Disney enthusiasts take a similar approach and are known to bring their fandom to life visually. Bringing Disney characters into Canva’s design editor will enable this in new ways.

“Canva exists to empower people to bring their ideas to life visually, and Disney is a true pioneer in visual storytelling. Our brands share a commitment to delighting our communities and facilitating self-expression, and we’re honored to partner to inspire more creativity among Disney fans and beyond,” said Kristine Segrist, Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Canva.

How to create Disney-inspired designs on Canva

For a limited time beginning August 9, all users can discover the Disney collection through the search bar on the Canva home page, in the editor, or by visiting canva.com/collections/disney.

Use of content in designs will be available to Canva’s paid subscribers, education and nonprofit users in the U.S., with plans to expand availability in the near future. Canva’s all-in-one Visual Suite has made it the design tool of choice empowering 17 million paid subscribers and 70 million Canva for Education users. More than half a million nonprofits also use Canva for Nonprofits at no cost to achieve their organizations’ design goals.

BoxLunch Unveils Exclusive Merch Lineup for Disney’s D23 2024

Robbie Bulus

August 1, 2024

BoxLunch, your go-to shop for all things fandom, is thrilled to unveil an all-new booth experience at D23 Expo 2024, happening August 9th-11th. With a sophisticated black and white theme, the booth will showcase exclusive Disney merchandise you won’t find anywhere else, plus exciting giveaways.

According to Rick Vargas, Senior VP of Merchandising and Marketing at BoxLunch, “D23 is always a special opportunity to connect with our passionate fan community, and this year’s booth is our biggest and best yet. We can’t wait for fans to discover our exclusive D23 merch and immerse themselves in the fun of our elevated booth experience.”

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Be sure to check out the booth for D23-exclusive apparel, accessories, and jewelry from your favorite Disney franchises like Star Wars, Marvel’s Venom, The Nightmare Before Christmas, 101 Dalmatians, and more, all designed to complement the stylish black and white theme.

But that’s not all! This year, BoxLunch is introducing the ‘BLINKO’ game station, where you can win prizes by dropping chips onto a BoxLunch-themed game board. And don’t forget to follow BoxLunch on social media for even more giveaways during the convention.

Disney Princesses Unite in New Campaign to Inspire Girls to “Create Your World”

Robbie Bulus

July 31, 2024

Disney’s beloved Princesses have always inspired girls to dream big and be true to themselves. Now, with the launch of the “Create Your World” campaign, Disney is empowering girls to take those dreams further and turn them into reality. This multi-year initiative celebrates the unique magic within each girl and encourages them to shape their own worlds through imagination, creativity, and action.

The campaign kicks off with “The Magic Within,” a brand spot that follows a young girl’s journey as she’s inspired by Princess stories to discover her own inner magic. The spot, available on YouTube and other Disney channels, serves as a reminder that the power to create your world lies within each of us.

Music plays a central role in the campaign, with a series of reimagined Disney Princess songs. Grammy-award winning artist Coco Jones starts things off with her modern rendition of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, celebrating the film’s 15th anniversary. A curated Disney Princess playlist will also be available for streaming throughout August.

The campaign will honor the legacies of iconic films like Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas, while also introducing new content like Moana 2 and new episodes of Disney Jr.’s Ariel. Fans can experience the magic of Disney Princesses through various channels, including Disney+, Disney On Ice, and the upcoming “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play.”

New and exclusive consumer products will be available, including a special edition vinyl soundtrack of The Little Mermaid and a range of toys and apparel focused on world-building and role-play. Fans can also find Disney Princess merchandise at Disney Store, featuring new items like the Once Upon a Story Mini Doll Playsets.

World Princess Week, taking place from August 25-31, will bring princess-themed experiences to Disney destinations worldwide, with special events, character appearances, and themed treats. The campaign’s reach extends to hospitals and pediatric care centers through Disney’s collaboration with Make-A-Wish and Starlight Children’s Foundation, delivering joy and comfort to children in need.

Disneyland Paris will celebrate with an expanded presence of beloved Disney Princess characters at Disneyland Park starting August 25, including the exclusive show “Live Your Story – a Disney Princess Celebration,” and specialty Disney Princess-themed food and beverage items. From August 1 to September 1, Hong Kong Disneyland will also join the festivities with the celebratory “Royal Enchantment: A Princess Processional” every Friday to Sunday featuring beloved Disney Princess characters in Fantasyland and new princess-themed cupcakes at Royal Banquet Hall.

Additionally, guests may find fan-favorite princess characters appearing daily in Adventureland. Over at Walt Disney World, guests will have a chance to experience the new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and may also feel like royalty with delectable food and beverage items available throughout August. At Disneyland Resort, princess-themed novelty sippers may be purchased while supplies last.

Through a diverse range of offerings, the “Create Your World” campaign aims to inspire and empower girls to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and create their own unique stories. It’s a celebration of the limitless potential within every girl, and a reminder that with courage, kindness, and a little bit of magic, they can truly create the world they envision.

Descanso Gardens announces the return of Carved

Socalthrills Staff

July 31, 2024

Get ready for a “gourd-geous” experience as Descanso Gardens announces the return of Carved, running from October 4-30, 2024. This year’s event promises to be more spectacular than ever, filled with delightful surprises and captivating displays that will enchant visitors of all ages.

Tickets for this much-anticipated event will go on presale for members beginning August 6 at 10 am. Non-members can purchase tickets starting August 13 at 10 am. Please note that advance tickets are required for entry and will not be available for purchase on-site.

Carved is set to light up the night, transforming Descanso Gardens into a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland filled with returning favorites and exciting new additions. Guests will enjoy strolling through the enchanting displays of luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and whimsical installations. This year’s highlights include an expanded “Rhizome” installation by Tom&Lien Dekyvere in the Rose Garden Labyrinth and a large-scale Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar, providing a serene space for reflection and remembrance.

New this year is the Beer Garden on the Main Lawn, where visitors can enjoy drinks and bites, explore the hay maze, and snap photos at the pumpkin house. The Descanso Railroad’s model trains will also be running and lit up for the occasion. A special treat awaits as Chainsaw Jenna from Frizzleburg, Pennsylvania, brings to life a family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs, adding a touch of playful mischief to the event.

“We are thrilled to bring even more fun and wonder to our visitors with this year’s Carved event,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “From the dazzling pumpkin displays to the new Beer Garden and whimsical wood spirits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for families and friends alike.”

Carved will take place rain or shine, ensuring that the magic continues regardless of the weather. Tickets are non-refundable and feature timed entry slots every half hour from 6 pm to 9 pm, with the event running from 6–10 pm each night.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: $28–38 (members), $35–45 (non-members)
Children: $18–23 (members), $25–30 (non-members)

For more information about Descanso Gardens and to purchase tickets, please visit www.descansogardens.org.

Celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th Anniversary with New Board Game

Robbie Bulus

July 30, 2024

Maestro Media, in partnership with Disney, is thrilled to unveil Donald Duck: Happy Camper, a board game celebrating Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary. Designed by renowned game creators Wolfgang Kramer and Daryl Andrews, this immersive experience invites players to join Donald Duck on a camping adventure filled with exploration, laughter, and unforgettable moments, honoring nine decades of this beloved character.

“We are honored to join the fun of Donald Ducks’ 90th anniversary and to launch our first game in collaboration with Disney,” says Javon Frazier, Founder, and CEO of Maestro Media. “Happy Camper is crafted to encapsulate the joy of camping adventures, and we are anticipating the moment when fans get to immerse themselves in this experience.”

Game Details:

Explore the Wilderness: Players will reveal part of the board at the start of their turn, then use actions to explore, gather resources, and set up camp.
Strategic Gameplay: Balance is key! The more you carry in your bag, the slower you go. Will you race to the best photo spot, set up tents in different terrains, or craft gadgets to make camping life easier?
Earn Badges and Bonuses: Complete tasks to earn badges and gain bonuses. There are bigger rewards for being the first to complete a task, so plan carefully.
Race Against Time: The game ends as soon as Donald Duck, the troop leader, completes his trip. Race to become the best Junior Woodchuck out there!

Donald Duck: Happy Camper is the first board game Maestro Media has done with a Disney character and fans can look forward to additional board game releases next year based on other Disney franchises and characters.

Pre-order now at HappyCamper.Game

Her Universe and Mattel Celebrated 10 Years of Geek Couture

Socalthrills Staff

July 29, 2024

The 10th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Mattel, electrified this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, captivating a packed audience with a fusion of fashion and fandom. Within moments, the show dazzled as Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein unveiled a groundbreaking projection mapping dress blending technology with 65 years of Barbie fashion, while Broadway’s Michael James Scott ignited the crowd with a vibrant performance. Co-hosts further wowed with geek couture inspired by Mattel icons like Barbie, Polly Pocket, and more.

Twenty-five designers showcased their extraordinary creations throughout the night, drawing inspiration from beloved fandoms and pop culture icons like Barbie, Beetlejuice, and others. From intricate details to innovative designs, each look celebrated the power of imagination and honored milestones like the 65th anniversary of Barbie.

This year’s winning designers will not only collaborate on a collection with Her Universe but also each receive a $10,000 prize to mark the show’s 10th anniversary.

Judges winner – Wes Jenkins, Orlando, FL
Audience winner – Candice Miller, Louisa County, VA

“It’s been my dream to open up the show with a projection mapping look since 2017, but I didn’t have the right team to help me pull it off—until now!” gushed Eckstein.

Ashley Eckstein’s groundbreaking opening Barbie look was a marvel of collaboration, involving over twenty designers, engineers, and artists. A 40,000 lumens projector illuminated a single dress with seven iconic Barbie fashions, celebrating 65 years of the iconic doll.

The fusion of fashion and technology was led by AOA and Live Everyday Studios, who created a life-size Barbie box illusion and custom virtual Barbie fashions. Renowned music team Nathan and Andrea Padgett scored the opening with a moving rendition of “Roar,” adapted to showcase the music of each Barbie era.

Polly Pocket also took center stage with a lobby transformed into a nostalgic Polly Pocket experience. Eckstein even appeared as Polly Pocket herself, emerging from a life-size compact in a heart-shaped skirt.

Other Mattel-inspired fashion highlights included Eckstein and Scott as Totally Hair Barbie and Ken, and in matching outfits made from Uno cards. Scott also sported a custom-made Hot Wheels suit.

Throughout the night, audience members won prizes ranging from Barbie dolls to Uno card decks, keeping the fun and excitement going.

The Her Universe Fashion Show footage will be available online next week exclusively at www.youtube.com/user/HerUniverseChannel.

First Look Legendary’s “Trick ‘r Treat” Haunted House at Six Flags Fright Fest

Russell Tom

July 29, 2024

Six Flags, the world’s largest regional theme park company and largest operator of water parks in North America, recently unveiled Fright Fest Extreme – presented by SNICKERS, featuring an expansive lineup of terrifying horror franchises ahead of the brand’s highly anticipated annual event. Beginning shortly after Labor Day, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the pulse-pounding excitement and terror that only Fright Fest can deliver with Six Flags’ largest investment and expansion yet.

During Midsummer Scream 2024, the world’s largest horror convention, acclaimed director Michael Dougherty (Godzilla vs. Kong, Krampus, X-Men: Apocalypse) gave audience members a sneak preview inside the bone-chilling Trick ‘r Treat haunted house that will creep its way into Six Flags Fright Fest this fall.

“I love Halloween. The idea of doing a maze with [Six Flags] was something I couldn’t pass up that opportunity. There are several graphic novels and comic books that expand the lore of this film with a lot of cool environments. I told them just grab characters and scenarios and environments from those other stories, and they did, and they’re turning out wonderfully.” – Trick ‘r Treat Writer/Director Michael Dougherty

Enter a dark and twisted Candy Trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters that tap into your deepest fears. With only a blood-stained candy bag, learn the rules of Halloween before entering a world where tricks dominate treats. Shocking candy, jump scares, and illusions will spin you into a frenzy of terror as you trail through fear-inducing light. This spine-chilling experience will test your bravery and make you think twice before trick-or-treating again.

Navigate through 11 twisting paths filled with the tantalizing scent of sweet candy, as whispers haunt and pursue you. Confront Principal Wilkins, evade the vengeful spirits of the School Bus Massacre, and endure the werewolf’s attack under a full moon. Shadows dart past, while whispers lead you to the guardian of All Hallows’ Eve—Sam.

Trick ’r Treat will be open at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Six Flags Over Texas starting September 7, 2024, and running through November 3, 2024.