California’s first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm, today announced the beginning of a major renovation at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. The multi-million-dollar investment promises to offer guests a unique, memorable experience centered around the park’s founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott, that blends farm comfort and family hospitality seamlessly with contemporary design. Every aspect of the hotel will be transformed, from common areas such as the lobby and the pool area to conference rooms and a new outdoor banquet venue designed to elevate the experience for both corporate and leisure groups alike.
The renovation work is set to commence later this year, starting with a complete transformation of all 322 guest rooms. The hotel’s newly transformed guest rooms will feature stylish country-chic interiors including newly updated family-size rooms that will provide guests with ample space for up to six and additional amenities such as a kitchenette and mini refrigerator. The bright yet serene accommodations will be perfect for families ready to unwind after a full day of fun at the park.
In early 2023, all public spaces, including the lobby, conference rooms, ballroom and restaurant, will receive a complete transformation. The lobby will include rustic and warm textures reminiscent of Walter’s appreciation for the Old West with a welcoming, elegant feel that Cordelia created for everyone who ordered her famous chicken dinners at their restaurant. Accents will nod to the inspiration and ingenuity that led to the creation of the Knott Family’s famous berry farm.
The theme will carry over to a newly updated and conceptualized restaurant that makes guests feel like they are dining in modern farmhouse-style. This open-concept restaurant will feature historical details and elegant accents perfect for those looking to celebrate big moments or enjoy a meal with loved ones.
“It is a privilege to welcome those visiting the Orange County area from near and far to stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel,” said Don Prescott, general manager of the hotel, “and this project will significantly enhance and elevate the experience for all guests by seamlessly complementing the theming of the park located only steps away.”
The renovation project will officially begin later this year and be completed in 2023. The fully redesigned space will give future guests visiting the Buena Park area an opportunity to experience a new level of hospitality. In the meantime, the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel will remain open during its remodel. For reservations and special theme park packages, please visit knotts.com.
The national touring company of “The Prom” coming to Center Theatre Group / The Ahmanson Theatre August 9 to September 11, 2022.
Photo Credit: Deen van Meer
If I am to describe the show in one word, it would be: polarizing. The Prom musical is an enjoyable uplifting musical with fancy dance numbers carrying an important message about acceptance. At the same time attention is pulled away from the backbone of the show to slide in celebrity awareness.
The script is doing what it says it shouldn’t, so it’s self-aware in its irony? If so, it’s a tug of war resulting in whiplash and crossing eyes. There’s a respectable goal in mind, but the show doesn’t quite stick to the landing. Feels as though comic relief characters incidentally found their way from another musical into the one I that I was here to watch. T
he self-referential Broadway humor was cute, but unnecessary. I felt like I sat down for the wrong show in the beginning. The story of Emma being rejected for wanting to bring a person of the same sex to prom nearly feels like a side story in her own show.
Every time the Broadway stars come on stage, I want them to take a step back so I can see the show I came here for with Emma and the cancelled high school prom. But the Broadway celebrities just keep getting more stage time and bogs down the potential progressiveness. Eventually it does relate back to the civil rights case of the parents canceling prom and the student body resentfully placing the blame on Emma.
The national touring company of “The Prom” coming to Center Theatre Group / The Ahmanson Theatre August 9 to September 11, 2022. Photo Credit: Deen van Meer
The “compromise” of having a secret prom unbeknownst to our protagonist is based on a real life event that occurred in 2010. Making this resemble a modern day take of “Footloose”. Not much time is spent on Emma and her secret relationship or Alyssa coming out to her mother. Alyssa’s mother replies with “we’ll talk”, is too much of an open end to consider it any sort of conclusion.
The Prom is still an important story to share with enough to rock your body to the beat of the dance numbers. “Dance with You” is engaging as the song that shows what Emma wants more than anything in the world. “Tonight Belongs to You” is a catchy dance anthem with choreography to boost, until you get to the context of the story and the dual scenes it carries. “Love Thy Neighbor” cuts deep into a community claiming to follow a particular faith despite their shortcomings.
L-R: Kaden Kearney and Kalyn West in the national tour of “The Prom” coming to Center Theatre Group / The Ahmanson Theatre August 9 to September 11, 2022. Photo Credit: Deen van Meer
A satisfying retrospective that ends with a gospel finale. “Unruly Heart” is an emotional tearjerker that will bring individuals with similar heartbreaking stories together. “It’s Time to Dance” brings the moment we’ve all been waiting for to see the lead characters finally making it to prom, dancing the night away, and sharing an intimate kiss on the dance floor in public view. Courtney Balan and Patrick Wetzel respectfully played their characters of Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman to prestigious excellence.
The show caters to those happy enough to have any LGBTQ representation, whether it be good or not enough, and to fanatics of Broadway musical references. A balance that doesn’t quite mesh as well one would hope here. But what it lacks, is made up for in the quality of the performances, energetic dance choreography, and message of embracing people of different backgrounds. The last of which is the most important piece of the puzzle. The Prom invites you to stay true to your heart honoring essential acceptance and unselfish actions.
L-R: Courtney Balan, Patrick Wetzel, Bud Weber and Emily Borromeo in the national tour of “The Prom” coming to Center Theatre Group / The Ahmanson Theatre August 9 to September 11, 2022. Photo Credit: Deen van Meer
Now playing until September 11, 2022 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.
Hadestown is the most significant contemporary musical to get you back for a live theatrical experience. If you prefer your Broadway musical theatre to be a blend between jazz and mythological folk tale over rap and American history, then this is the hot ticket you’ve been waiting for. This is a timeless tale made even more timeless. The show doesn’t have actors playing characters on stage. Actors bring themselves taking on the roles onstage to play out what is more important: the story. Like revealing the puppeteers behind the puppets. Everything from the jazz orchestration, depression-era clothing, industrial setting, all has a significant piece to play that complements one another.
The mythological tale of Orpheus and Eurydice is the classic and tragic Greek love story all can expect not to have a happy ending. Yet the story is told over and over again despite producing the same outcome. Hermes reminds the listeners what to expect, yet we are still blown away. What matters is the lessons the audience can take away from this warning of life as well as the way the story is recounted. Some character traits have been modified to fit a linear storyline, but doesn’t take away, only enhances the message of love.
The love story between Orpheus and Eurydice parallels that of Hades and Persephone. Orpheus gets closer to his goal of completing a song to brighten the world only with the love and energy of Eurydice in each other’s embrace. The Fates and Hades tempt Eurydice to the Underworld where Orpheus must go on a hero’s journey putting his faith and doubt to the test. Hermes bookends the conclusion, just as he did in the opening, that this cautionary tale does not have a happy ending.
Yet storytellers retell and the audience consumes like it was revealed for the first time. The audience is given the opportunity to find the take away and apply the lessons to our own lives with or without action. Levi Kreis (Hermes) brings is Tony Award-winning appeal to the stage. Kevyn Morrow (Hades) carrys a Keith David-like magnetism and suave. Kimberly Marable (Persephone) is a powerhouse from the original Broadway company of Hadestown.
The musicians not only play their instruments live, but live on stage with the actors. They are just as important to the story brought to life as the actors. The small piece band includes the cello, violin, guitar, trombone, glockenspiel, double bass, drums, and piano.
The simple yet powerful technical features enhances the stellar performances. The turntable in center stage signifying the endless cycle to the burned out workers and infinite journey to Hell and back. Sweeping choreography of swinging lights that light the darkness, dodging obstacles, and descent to the Underworld. The static set morphs into the Underworld with blinding awe.
Hadestown Ticket info:
Hadestown is a masterpiece in telling a timeless story. The kind of story you’ll want to relive again and again. Inspires hope to the hopeless. An empowering musical for the young and old. Don’t wait for this non-stop trip to the deepest depths of the heart and soul. Now playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa until August 21, 2022.
Knott’s Berry Farm and the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel are proud to announce major changes debuting in 2023. Inside the park, Fiesta Village is being refreshed to further celebrate all the Hispanic cultural influences present in Southern California. The unveiling of the new Fiesta Village includes a reimagined Montezooma’s Revenge. The historic coaster will be renamed MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress, with an immersive storyline and new surprise thrills for its riders. And next door to the park, every aspect of the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel — from the front desk and lobby to the guest rooms and hotel restaurant — will be transformed with brand new theming based on the theme park and its founders.
The New Fiesta Village
The new Fiesta Village will reopen in Summer 2023, showcasing enhanced themes and beautiful décor across three new zones in the area. Walking down El Camino Real and entering Fiesta Village, guests will step into brand-new food locations, an updated stage and a redesigned marketplace. The Fiesta Plaza stage will be refreshed to an even grander scale, with theming to match the attached restaurant and new bar. Casa California will be transformed into a completely different dining location with a menu featuring Mexican food items such as made-to-order tacos and burritos.
Across from the brand-new eatery is Papas Mexicana, where guests can enjoy fan favorites like carne asada fries and other delicious offerings. The former La Papa Loca location will become Cantina Del Sur, a one-stop shop for specialty beverages. Also in this new zone will be an open street market inspired by the likes of Los Angeles’ Olvera Street. At Fiesta Mercado, guests will find an assortment of merchants and retailers selling items perfect for guests to commemorate their visit to the new Fiesta Village. \
As guests leave Boardwalk and head into Fiesta Village, they will enter a zone filled with magical alebrijes. These brightly colored mythical creatures will take over the landscape and transport guests to a dream world inspired by Mexican folklore. While enjoying the scenery, guests can also fulfill their Mexican street food craving at the new taco stand-influenced location Taqueria Fiesta.
Montezooma’s Revenge Reimagination
Opening in 1978, Montezooma’s Revenge was the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world and the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location. Montezooma’s Revenge has launched millions of guests through Fiesta Village into a gravity-defying single loop track and back again. For 2023, Montezooma’s Revenge is being reimagined and rethemed with exciting new thrills added to this coaster classic. New updates allow guests to be completely surprised by the direction the train will take them at the start of each ride.
The randomized launch sequence will make it impossible for anyone to know their destiny until it is too late to escape the clutches of Montezooma. To reach the station and try to escape with Montezuma’s gold, guests will find their way through the fortress protecting the treasure but must beware of the countless boobytraps within. The grounds leading to the temple will resemble a macabre history exhibit as treasure hunters’ remains from throughout the ages line the walls. Now that the traps leading to the gold have been cleared, only those brave enough can make it through the final challenge and find themselves at the home of the hidden Aztec treasure in MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress.
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel Renovation
Steps away from the thrills of the theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel offers accommodations perfect for families ready to unwind after a full day of fun at the park. In 2023, the property will be unveiling a major renovation. The multi-million-dollar investment will incorporate all-new theming with a storyline centered around the park’s founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott. The theme park continues its extensive theming to the resort hotel by creating a space that will honor the love story of the family and their historic roots in the community.
Every aspect of the hotel will be transformed, from common areas including the lobby and the pool area to conference rooms and a newly refurbished outdoor event space designated to elevate the experience for both corporate and leisure groups alike. The renovation is set to commence later this year, starting with a complete transformation of all 322 guest rooms.
2023 Seasons of Fun and Season Passes
Throughout 2023, guests can experience everything new that Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel have to offer, along with the park’s entertaining Seasons of Fun events. It all starts with the return of Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration, a fun-filled event dedicated to the beloved PEANUTS characters. Guests are invited to step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strip as the characters take over the entire park daily from late January through February 2023.
In spring, the much-anticipated Knott’s Boysenberry Festival returns with countless one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired food and drink offerings created by the Knott’s culinary team. Unique entertainment and an array of artisan crafters round out the festival from mid-March through April 2023. Summer brings the completion of the New Fiesta Village, plus the return of the award-winning immersive western adventure Ghost Town Alive!, with a new storyline set in the town of Calico unraveling for guests.
The summer adventure continues long after the sun goes down, with a nighttime summer party that will liven up the evening. Knott’s Summer Nights offers exciting ways to enjoy the nighttime festivities that fill Knott’s midway from Calico Park to Charleston Circle with live music and DJs. Summertime at Knott’s wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, where guests can catch a ride down 23 different speed, tube and body slides or take a relaxing trip down one of the longest lazy rivers in the country.
For fall, the spooktacular family-friendly daytime Halloween event, Knott’s Spooky Farm, will invite families with little ghouls to celebrate the spooky season. Knott’s Spooky Farm will offer little ones delightfully wicked Halloween-themed activities, live entertainment and much more. As winter rolls in, guests can find the spirit of the season at Knott’s Merry Farm, where joy will be spread throughout the park. Knott’s Merry Farm will host holiday cheer for parkgoers as they create new holiday memories set to the backdrop of a true classic Christmas.
A 2023 Season Pass is the best way to experience the new Fiesta Village, including the thrilling MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress and an entire year of seasonal fun. With a 2023 Season Pass, guests can enjoy all of Knott’s Seasons of Fun events next year, plus free admission for the remainder of 2022.
A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are now available at the lowest price of the year at $130 and Gold Passes are only $170. These offers are available for a limited time. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Pricing and payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
Grab your costumes and get ready to “boo-gie” down! This Halloween season LEGO® Monsters are running wild at LEGOLAND® California Resort as Brick-or-Treat presents the all-new Monster Party. Every Saturday beginning September 17th through October 29th, the Park transforms into the ultimate family Halloween celebration, complete with treat stations, new LEGO® Monster characters, new family-friendly entertainment, and the premiere of the new, thrilling 4D movie: “The Great Monster Chase!”
The frighteningly-fun Monster Party begins the moment guests enter the Park with Instagrammable photo spots, LEGO Monster Character Meet & Greets, a scavenger hunt and the Monster Security Checkpoint Street Performers checking that only “real monsters” are entering the party! Treat stations themed to each spooky zone featuring an assortment of candy can be found throughout the Park, with friendly ghoulish stilt walkers passing through to say “Boo!”
Along the way, guests can collect themed pop badges and a commemorative Brick-or-Treat brick. All guests are encouraged to join the festivities in costume and get ready for a howling fun time.
All new bewitching entertainment is popping up throughout the Park, including the new 4D movie: “The Great Monster Chase!” Kids and families will be on the edge of their seats as they watch to see what happens when tweens crash a Monsters-only party. The not-so-spooky flick features exciting special effects which include wind, bubbles, water and more. The fun doesn’t stop there as guests get a chance to meet some of the film’s stars, members of the LEGO Monsters of Rock, as they roam through the Park. New characters include Monster Rocker (guitarist), Zombie Cheerleader (keyboardist), Tiger Woman (bassist) and Wolf Guy (drummer).
It wouldn’t be Brick-or-Treat without new shows and entertainment which include:
• V.I.M. (Very Important Monster) Costume Party hosted by Lord Vampyre. Everyone is invited to compete in the thrilling costume contest and Party. Make sure you’re wearing your best monster costume and be ready to dance your skeletons off!
• Zombie Cheer Crew, where you can witness the monsterous moves of the Zombie Cheer Leaders!
• Operation Monster Squad, where little monsters can be recruited for the official Brick-or-Treat Monster Squad
• The Monster Rock Off, a live concert where our favorite monsters will be rocking out
and playing incredible guitar riffs!
For more electrifying excitement, the Park’s signature roller coaster, Dragon Coaster, has been transformed into the Disco Dragon Coaster, with festive new decorations, a groovy monster soundtrack and an illuminating party atmosphere.
Enjoying the fun throughout the Park is even sweeter with the special edition treats our monsters have hand-crafted exclusively for the party, including a Brick-or-Treat Monster Shake, monster-themed cookies and crepes and an exclusive Monster Party souvenir drinks cup.
Brick-or-Treat is included in a general admission ticket and select annual passes. The Halloween festivities begin Saturday, Sept. 17 and continue every Saturday through Oct. 29. For more information and to make reservations, visit:www.LEGOLAND.com/California.
After Hocus Pocus arrived in theaters in the summer of 1993, the film developed a massive following, and in the ensuing years, its stars would sometimes hint to eager fans that a sequel was a possibility. That possibility has become a reality with Hocus Pocus 2debuting on Disney+ September 30, and no one is more excited than the film’s original trio of spirited sorceresses: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. “Kathy, especially, acted as the keeper of the Black Flame Candle, forgive my pun,” Midler says when speaking exclusively to Disney twenty-three.
“She was adamant about what the fans would and wouldn’t accept, and we sort of followed her lead.” The stars and creative team break down the magic in store for viewers this fall, and the spellbinding cover was created exclusively for the publication.
The magic of Pinocchio has enchanted audiences since the animated film’s debut in 1940. Director Robert Zemeckis and stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Keegan-Michael Key discuss creating the dazzling, new live-action imagining of the film, which also stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto and arrives September 8 on Disney+.
Diego Luna talks about reprising his role as Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the new Disney+ series Andor. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star Tatiana Maslany reveals what it took to get green for her hilarious new Marvel Studios series coming to Disney+. And Larry the Cable Guy takes readers on a cross-country trip, unveiling the freewheeling adventures in store for Mater and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) in Pixar’s new series for Disney+, Cars on the Road.
Plus, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor-like stamina is put to the test in the new Disney+ series from National Geographic, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, which explores human endurance and longevity. And the unofficial “Queen of Disney+”—Yvette Nicole Brown—takes us on a ride through her Disney favorites in a story shot by our photo editor, Derek Lee, at Disneyland Park for Disney twenty-three.
The new issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking film TRON with stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner as well as the original film’s writer-director, Steven Lisberger.
Also in the Fall 2022 Hocus Pocus issue of Disney twenty-three:
The sky-high journey of Walt Disney’s private plane, which will be on display and an exhibit presented by Amazon this September at D23 Expo in Anaheim, California
Four decades of EPCOT—from Walt’s initial vision to the astounding achievement it is today
A sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ documentary Mickey: The Story of a Mouse,which chronicles the adventures of one of the world’s most recognizable icons
Regular features including By the Numbers, D Society, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives
Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of August.
Midsummer Scream has risen with vengeance to the Long Beach Convention Center dragging with it an onslaught of treats. Basking in the gory of horror decor of mementos, haunts, fashion, make-up appliances, booze, parties, art, and special announcements, this bigger-than-afterlife Halloween convention celebrates all manners of the spooky season in the middle of a sweltering July summer. And the fanatics couldn’t be happier.
Exhibitors plotted their graves with everything from stickers, patches, banners, figurines, masks, clothing, planters, skulls, pumpkins, collectibles, and meet and greets with favorite film/TV actors and music composers.
Exhibitors Photo Gallery
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The art gallery hung with despair original creations and throwback to a bygone but nostalgic era. Cosplayers put on their best for the special occasion. Specialty stages were constructed for fashion shows, puppeteers, balloon artists, storytellers, and more.
Art Gallery, Cosplays, and Shows Photo Gallery
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The Hall of Shadows conjured up the supernatural in a dark and foggy realm of displays and condensed scare mazes to whet your appetite of sinister mayhem. Clever mashups such as “Trick ‘r Treat” and “Halloween III” abound.
Hall of Shadows Photo Gallery
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Universal Studios Hollywood returns with new announcements for the Halloween Horror Nights 2022. An exclusive first look premiere that attracts the most crowds for this popular panel. A reimagining of an Orlando haunted house, this new and original scare maze takes inspiration from the The Dust Bowl during the Great Depression of the 1930s. A mysterious force transforms anyone still left behind in a rundown community of lowly farmers into scarecrows.
John Murdy, Creative Director of the event, was especially keen on sharing a room designed with bird droppings in mind to scare the pants off guests. A tease for a new maze based on Hollywood glitz and galmor was hinted with a series of newspaper headlines. A Halloween Horror Nights panel would not be complete without a special guest, that being lead guitarist Slash of American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. John and Slash spoke about their collaboration of Slash providing original music for original Universal Studios Hollywood scare mazes from Clowns 3D and classic Universal monsters.
All in attendance were also treated to listening to sound baits of music soundtracks from those previous mazes. 2022 will be no exception as Slash’s music style will be incorporated into Universal Monsters: Legends Collide. The story brings together for the first time Dracula, The Mummy, and the Wolf Man in a battle to end their respective curses. The feud is huge that it will span between Orlando and Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. Orlando will design their setting in Egypt while Hollywood will take place in London.
Attention to detail can be observed with glowing amulets, box chests, beating hearts, and hidden surprises and nods to the creative team of the monster world. We’re especially looking forward to the silt-walking Egyptian god Anubis with a wolf man head in place of a jackal. John Murdy also noted that many of the original Egyptian set pieces from the The Mummy movie film franchise will be reutilized for Universal Monsters: Legends Collide!
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13th Floor Entertainment Group returns with announcements for three of their upcoming immersive projects for the Halloween season. Delusion will provide their signature experience that has grown a cult following since its debut. And continues to grow with each passing year.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride cordially invites one and all to the town of Midnight Falls, circa 1985. Live performance from fan favorite Monte Revolta and his Band of the Living Dead rock out in the cemetery with their brand of undead humor and mischief.
The Trick-or-Treat scare maze returns permitting out-of-towners to ring the door bells of each monster house for a special trick or treat surprise. Bring out your dead as Midnight Mortuary: Evil Earth also returns awaiting another corpse. Replacing the roadside diner theme from the previous season, Laughter-house can’t wait to tear you from limb to limb.
Perhaps the most perplexing of the company’s lineup Shaqtoberfest. This all-new Halloween event takes over the former location of Queen Mary Dark Harbor. With it comes a family-friendly event during the day, but come night fall, the lights flicker on and the sounds turn eerie as scare actors roam free through the trick-or-treat trails transforming into an adult event.
Retired professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal is said to make appearances on most nights, is heavily involved with development, have play-on words with his name, and be video projected and playing audio recordings of himself throughout the event.
13th Floor Photo Gallery
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17th Door is known throughout as the scare maze so terrifying, that all in attendance has to sign a release form before entering the experience. And for good reason. Electric shocks, shaving heads, crawling through tunnels filling with water, surrounded by hissing cockroaches, suffocation via plastic bag and vacuum, and near misses from a speeding vehicle. Many will ask if they have gone too far. And yet at the same time, did it go far enough and still have a fun time.
After a brief conversation with a local news crew that was doing a story on their scare experience, an idea sparked to reluctantly create their own reality TV show that reflected the unique practice of scarring. Not only does 17th Door have their own brand and style, but they could also translate that to a reality TV show under their control. And that’s exactly what they did. Weaving through 6,500 hours of video footage, more than 6 months of hard work to plan, build, test, and operate a Halloween season, this low-budget production was able to complete a 14 episode season.
Each episode running 45-55 minutes. The team did it on their own with no professional video production background. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the 17th Door scare maze when Spook Show 17 airs September 28, 2022 on multiple platforms such as Amazon, Roku, iTunes, PlutoTV, TubiTV, and more.
Saturday night was capped off with an After Party in the Grand Ballroom. The dance floor was open with a live DJ playing favorite tunes, bars were open for drink orders, and games such as ping pong, air hockey, bean bag toss, and giant jenga were at the ready. A well attended social gathering.
To conclude the weekend event, the last major panel invited all your favorite music composers on stage to discuss their Halloween season stories and their experience creating horror for your ears. John Carpenter collaborator, Alan Howarth, gave a stunning live concert on the electric keyboard for those lucky enough to be in attendance. He was later joined by such other living legends like John Massari (Killwer Klownz from Outer Space), Richard Band (Re-Animator), and Chris Young (Hellraiser).
17th Door, Composers, and After Party Photo Gallery
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If you missed out on all the fun, no worries, you don’t have to wait another year to participate. From the team that brought you Midsummer Scream comes a new event later this winter. Season’s Screamings will be held December 2-4, 2022 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Let the frights commence!
Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and Disney has these great items making now the perfect time to check-off and upgrade your school supply list.
Whether you’re starting a new grade, entering a new school, or just want to replace a few missing essentials before your first day, here are some back-to-school essentials you might need with a hint of Disney magic, Marvel heroics and Star Wars excitement. No matter what you might need for the school year ahead, Disney has you covered.
A new school year is the perfect time to add some new staple pieces to mix and match with. For those wishing to add more sustainably-minded pieces to their wardrobes, try the National Geographic 100% Organic Cotton Graphic T-Shirt from Gap. Made from 100% organically grown cotton, this piece from the National Geographic collaboration is cute, stylish, and thoughtfully- crafted. For those looking for a fun staple piece to add to their wardrobe, try the Greetings from Far, Far Away Button Up from RSVLTS, allowing you to show off all your favorite places from a galaxy far, far away.
And while it may be warm outside at the beginning of the school year, we can’t forget about the colder months ahead! For those looking for a fashionable new hoodie, check out the Spidey Costume Zip Hoodie for Kids from shopDisney, made to resemble the wall-crawler’s familiar suit for heroic fun in cool conditions.
No matter what level they might be in their education, students need a practical bag to help them carry all the essentials on their school supply list. For classic Disney fans, look no further than shopDisney.com for all your backpack needs, including the Mickey Mouse and Friends Backpack where vintage-style Mickey Mouse artwork takes center stage. More of a DIY-er? Then this “Encanto” Design Your Own Bag Activity Set, also available on shopDisney, features a tote, brushes, stencils, thread, paint and more is a must-have for those wishing to show off their creativity and imagination. And found on Amazon, The Disney Princesses Backpack With Lunch Box Set is the perfect accessory for those looking to show off their inner princess this school year. Complete with a 16-inch backpack, insulated lunch tote, utility case, mini bottle, carabiner clip and keychain, this set is a must-have!
No student can begin their school year without their writing and planning supplies. Staying organized doesn’t have to be boring with the new Yoobi x Marvel Back to School Collection, featuring items like this Spider-Man Gadget Case. Complete with a side compartment that will perfectly fit airpods, erasers or a USB drive and interactive glitter and kawaii Spider-Man icons, your supplies never looked so good! What’s the best way to bring all of your belongings to and from school or work? Well, this Kids’ Standard Spider-Man Swing On Backpack of course! This durable black backpack from Marvel has swinging Spider-Man smacked in the center with contrasting black zipper and top handle details.
Lunch was always my favorite part of the school day and for those looking to show off their Disney style, shopDisney has once again got you covered! Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” the Lightyear Lunch Box is the perfect snack tote for those looking to take their school year to infinity and beyond. For those who need to feed their inner Panda, this Turning Red Bento Box, featuring screen art of Mei and her red panda form is both functional and cute. Protect your lunch through all your galactic travels with this new Star Wars Lunch Box featuring a stylish, comic version of everyone’s favorite droid, R2-D2.
To complete your back-to-school shopping, make sure to pick a water bottle that will keep you hydrated! Although it’s not fit for honey, the Winnie the Pooh Stainless Steel Water Bottle is perfect for quenching your thirst as you journey through The Hundred Acre Wood. And the Star Wars Action Figure Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a perfect accessory for those wishing to stay hydrated while showing off their love for a galaxy far, far away. More of a Marvel fan? No worries, we’ve got you covered with this Black Panther Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Built-In Straw that features “Wakanda Forever” text on the front and a screw top lid with a carrying handle for those always on the go.
From Star Wars to Marvel to classic Mickey, Disney has all the back-to-school essentials students can bring home to help start their school year off in style.
Hersheypark amusement park has announced the creation of the new Dark Nights frightfully immersive haunt experience that spreads its shadows over the Hersheypark landscape every evening during Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event. The four-acre addition of Dark Nights represents the largest investment to date for a seasonal event, with three new scare zones and four horrifying haunted houses as part of integrated thrill experiences guests can only find in Hersheypark.
EPICEntertainmentGrouphaspartnered with Hersheypark to conjure up scares and thrills for the frightfully immersive, all-new haunt experience: Dark Nights. Dark Nights is a four-acre expansion of the annual Hersheypark Halloween event, tempting guests to face their fears in four spine-tingling haunted houses and three spooky scare zones.
EPICEntertainmentGroup will leverage its decade of renowned haunt expertise to deliver an immersive, chilling haunted house experience, The Descent, and a captivating scare zone, Midway of Misery, located in the darkest corner of the park. As a Production Design Partner, EPICEntertainmentGroup is consulting in design, production, costume, make-up, and talent. As an Operating partner, EPIC will serve as boots on the ground in Production Stage Management, Technical Direction and Show Operations Management.
Hersheypark Halloween is a fun, family experience featuring everything guests know and love about the Halloween spin on the season previously called the Hersheypark In The Dark event, with add-on horrors of Dark Nights for guests seeking thrills and frights new in 2022.
Hersheypark Halloween will open more weekends than ever before for seven weekends from Sept. 17 through Oct. 30, 2022. Starting Sept. 17, hours for the event are 2-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 2-9 p.m. on Sundays. Hersheypark Halloween is also open on Fridays from 5-10 p.m. beginning Oct. 14. Dark Nights runs from 6-11 p.m. on Saturdays (and Fridays starting Oct. 14) and 6-10 p.m. on Sundays. Full details, tickets and hours are available at www.Hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/halloween.php and www.Hersheypark.com/darknights.
Dark Nights
During Dark Nights, once-familiar spaces mutate into chilling explorations of the unknown with four horrifying haunted houses, including:
Haunted Coal Mine – For too long, unsettling cries of miners lost in these coal shafts have tormented the living. Take a daring trek through the abandoned mine, which suddenly becomes an explosive encounter.
The Descent – Who prowls the dark underground tunnels beneath Hersheypark? Follow her into the depths of decay where the only way out is down…
Creature Chaos – Join Professor Darkstone as he pits you against Pennsylvania’s most fearful and deadly creatures. Don’t worry, they’re in their cages…for now.
Twisted Darkness – Dare to have your tarot read by our twisted fortune teller and be forced into a never-ending carnival of nightmares. Was it real or was it all in your mind?
Also part of Dark Nights, midways transform from enchanting to unnerving with three Scare Zones, eerie to intense, included with a general admission ticket to Hersheypark Halloween:
Darkstone’s Hollow – Wander among Professor Darkstone’s showmen boasting his array of mythical creatures. Beyond the mesmerizing imagery, there’s more to the show than meets the eye.
Valley of Fear – Don’t find yourself alone in the murky mists along Spring Creek. The dreadful beings are watching and waiting deep within the shadows, and they know exactly when to strike.
Midway of Misery – Flames burst into the skies as guests are summoned through a sinister gateway into the darkest corner of Hersheypark…where no one can find you.
Guests must purchase a separate Dark Nights add-on ticket to experience unlimited access to all of the four haunted houses as many times as they dare during a single visit. Scare Zones are included with a general admission ticket to Hersheypark Halloween.
Hersheypark Halloween
With more dates than ever, families can enjoy thrills on 50 rides and attractions (weather permitting), lights-out coaster rides, Treatville trick-or-treat trail, Character Glow Dance Parties and the original Creatures Of The Night flashlight tour at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. The following experiences are included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket:
Rides: Coaster fans will enjoy the return of night rides on roller coasters, with lights-out rides on Candymonium hypercoaster, Laff Trakk indoor spinning coaster, Lightning Racer coaster and Comet coaster, plus a new seasonal flavor for Jolly Rancher Remix reimagined boomerang coaster new for 2022.
Treatville Trick-Or-Treat Trail: Children 12 and younger will be delighted by all the sweet stops from Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark area, where they will find their favorite Halloween candy, plus festive decorations and autumn surprises each operating evening through 8 p.m.
Creatures Of The Night Attraction: Starting Oct. 14, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is getting in on the action, with a special nighttime flashlight tour included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark Halloween when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Guests can see the wild and fascinating animal activity that only happens after the sun sets.
Hershey Characters Glow Dance Party: Guests can dance the night away with a variety of the most beloved Hershey Characters each operating night at 8:30 p.m. The Characters are all dressed up in their trick-or-treating finest, partying to the season’s classics under the spooky glowing Founder’s Way area lights.
New for 2022 Scare Zones: A taste of the terrors of Dark Nights, a general Hersheypark Halloween admission ticket grants guests access to the thrills of Darkstone’s Hollow, Valley of Fear and Midway of Misery. Younger ghosts and goblins can bypass these areas as desired after 6 p.m.
New Retail and Food Experiences
Dark Nights will feature event-exclusive branded merchandise available before and during the season. Dark Nights also brings all-new, limited-time food and drink to feed fears and quench frights, from dark chocolate creations to glowing cocktails available only during this fall event.
Ticket and Bundle Information
Tickets are on sale now for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights add-ons, with Ultimate Fear bundles for anytime visits, options specifically available for Fridays and Sundays and an all-season option for Season Pass Holders.
A general admission ticket to Hersheypark Halloween is required for entry throughout the fall season. Dark Nights haunted houses access is not included with a general Hersheypark admission ticket and must be purchased separately or as part of a bundle. Guests can get to the fear faster with Dark Nights Fast Track program, available to ensure unlimited access to the four new haunted houses on the date of visit.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner has partnered with the San Diego Zoo to offer special savings to Pacific Surfliner customers for a limited time. The Pacific Surfliner train connects popular destinations throughout Southern California, including San Diego, home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Pacific Surfliner customers can experience the adventure with two special offers:
20 percent off travel to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner
$7 savings on the San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass
“As we continue to welcome back customers on the Pacific Surfliner and support communities along the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, we are proud to build a partnership with the San Diego Zoo to offer special savings on both train travel and zoo admission,” said Jason Jewell, interim managing director of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency. “We invite everyone to join us in rediscovering the best of Southern California, starting with a scenic trip along the coast.”
Travelers can ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego from points throughout Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. From the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo is accessible by a bus, rideshare, or taxi connection to Balboa Park.
At the zoo, visitors can learn about nature, actively play, and encounter new species at the Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, which opened earlier this year and is included with general admission.
Visit PacificSurfliner.com/Zoo to book train travel to San Diego with a 20 percent discount, access the exclusive e-ticket store to purchase discounted tickets for the zoo, and more.
Disneyland Resort will once again transform into The Merriest Place on Earth for the holiday season, Nov. 11, 2022, through Jan. 8, 2023! We cannot wait for the return of so many treasured traditions – from the sparkling holiday décor, to “it’s a small world” Holiday, the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party and all the seasonal food and beverage offerings!
Read on for all the magical details on what Guests can expect around the resort for the upcoming holiday season!
Disney California Adventure Park
Over in Disney California Adventure Park, holiday décor will shine bright, with a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street and automotive holiday embellishment in Cars Land.
The nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” will bring holiday magic by fusing cherished holiday music with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films.
Through energetic live entertainment, culinary delights and special traditions, Disney Festival of Holidays will highlight a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Festival marketplaces across the park will serve a hand-crafted menu of delectable foods and beverages. The fan-favorite Sip and Savor Pass* will return, allowing Guests to taste their way through eight food or non-alcoholic beverage selections from participating marketplaces and dining locations. As part of Disney Festival of Holidays, Guests may also enjoy a nightly holiday concert at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park.
The jolly lineup of holiday entertainment continues with “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” a procession of Disney and Pixar characters dancing and marching along to the upbeat rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party also returns, featuring Mickey and Minnie donning festive fiesta attire and accompanied by Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists and giant mojiganga puppets.
Returning this year to Paradise Gardens Park, Guests may also choose to visit with Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.” And Santa Claus will once again take residence at his rustic home in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Plus, the yuletide spirit will shift into high gear in Cars Land with two seasonal attraction transformations: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park will be adorned with festive holiday décor, including the iconic 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will enchant from day to night with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights.
In Town Square, Guests may encounter favorite Disney characters in their finest holiday attire, and some will be debuting all-new outfits!
Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen,” along with Mickey, Minnie, Santa and many other friends will celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, a daily musical procession of floats, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more.
In the evenings, the festivities will continue with the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, which features magical “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street, U.S.A., and the façade of “it’s a small world.” Families will also be able to dance along with characters such as Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale and others during nightly holiday dance parties at the Tomorrowland Terrace.
Two beloved Disneyland attractions will return with fan-favorite seasonal transformations. “it’s a small world” Holiday takes guests around the world as dolls and toys representing children enjoying the distinctive holiday traditions of their respective countries. And In New Orleans Square, Jack Skellington and his friends cause a collision between Christmas and Halloween to transform the Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday.**
Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
In the Downtown Disney District, Guests will get to discover dazzling décor and photo opportunities, festive musical entertainment and special offerings from shops and restaurants. With a breadth of boutiques to explore, Downtown Disney District will be an ideal destination for Guests to find holiday gifts for the whole family!
And all three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will display beautifully themed Christmas trees, feature performances from convivial carolers and visits from Santa Claus. The Disneyland Resort culinary team will also continue its annual gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa!
Get ready — the holiday season will kick off at Disneyland Resort Nov. 11!
*A Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass will expire on Jan. 8, 2023, and will not be valid at any other event or at any other time. Passes are nonrefundable, subject to restrictions, and not valid for Theme Park admission. Both valid theme park admission and park reservation required for park entry.
**Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Fans will be able to explore the Marvel Studios Pavilion on the show floor to experience an awesome costume display, exclusive giveaways, a photo activation, and other surprises. Elsewhere on the show floor, the shopDisney booth will spotlight exciting Marvel merchandise featuring the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, along with a variety of other products at retailer booths during the show.
Throughout the weekend at D23 Expo, fans won’t want to miss Marvel’s panels and stage events diving into what’s next for Marvel Studios, a celebration of 60 “Beyond Amazing” years of Spider-Man, an exciting current look at Marvel Games, and more! These include:
Marvel DRAW Live! Friday, September 9, 2–2:30 p.m. PT and Saturday, September 10, 1:30–2 p.m. PT |D23 Expo Live! Stage
Join Brian Crosby, Marvel’s Director of Themed Entertainment, for a real-time, step-by-step tutorial session on how to draw some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains!
Hall D23 Presentation Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. PT | Hall D23
As previously announced, filmmakers, celebrity talent, and surprise guests from Marvel Studios will join Lucasfilm and others onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials, and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works.
Marvel Comics: Celebrating 60 Years of the Amazing Spider-Man Saturday, September 10, 2–3 p.m. PT | Backlot stage
Celebrate sixty spectacular, sensational, web-slinging years of Spider-Man! From his humble debut in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, he wall-crawled his way to international super-stardom. Now, join Marvel’sExecutive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe and Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski as they team up to trace the comics history of the web-head across six decades—and BEYOND! Tantalizing trivia about the webbed wonder will be shared in this can’t-miss panel, so be sure to swing by! Fans attending will also receive a special exclusive giveaway (while supplies last), to be revealed in the coming weeks!
Signings with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Nick Lowe Saturday, September 10, 5:30–6:30 p.m. PT | Talent Central
Swing by Talent Central to meet Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe for a signing opportunity!
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Additional event details, including D23 Expo plans for Marvel Games, will be released in the coming weeks and made available on the D23 Expo app. Stay tuned to Marvel.com and D23Expo.com for more information!
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
The randomized launch sequence will make it impossible for anyone to know their destiny until it is too late to escape the clutches of Montezooma. To reach the station and try to escape with Montezuma’s gold, guests will find their way through the fortress protecting the treasure but must beware of the countless boobytraps within. The grounds leading to the temple will resemble a macabre history exhibit as treasure hunters’ remains from throughout the ages line the walls. Now that the traps leading to the gold have been cleared, only those brave enough can make it through the final challenge and find themselves at the home of the hidden Aztec treasure in MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress.
