The Topps Company, Inc., a division of Fanatics Collectibles, a next-gen physical and digital trading card company, announced a weeklong celebration taking place in the Disney Collect! by Topps digital collectibles app in conjunction with Disney’s World Princess Week. From Monday, Aug. 22 through Monday, Aug. 29, Toppswill surprise Disney fans everywhere with a wide-range of brand new digital collectible content featuring Disney Princesses, heroines, featured films, guests of honor, and more!
“We’re grateful to be working with Disney to celebrate such iconic characters through new digital collectibles and community engagement programs,” said Tobin Lent, VP & Global General Manager of Topps Digital. “This event shines a light on characters that continue to bring joy and delight to fans around the world, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to participate in Disney’s World Princess Week by releasing unique Topps collectable content.”
Collections featuring some of Disney’s most beloved princesses, such as Belle, Mulan, Tiana and more will be released each day in the Disney Collect! by Topps app. These new collections will bring fan favorite princesses to life in a whole new way through digital collectibles featuring animations, parallax effects, and even opportunities to dress up princesses in a variety of outfits.
Topps will release new digital collectibles each day from Monday, Aug. 22 through Monday, Aug. 29, complete with two in-app Watch Party Events to kick-off the weekend’s festivities. The current schedule of releases include:
Kingdom Keepsakes Collection (8/22)
Collect iconic items representing each of the Disney Princesses to earn their commemorative Ultimate Princess Celebration Cards.
Princess in Action Collection (8/22)
Get ready for action with this exciting collection highlighting the adventurous side of your favorite Disney Princesses, including Parallax “Hometown Heroes” Cards.
Disney Princess – Dress & Play Collection (8/23)
This unique experience allows users to build their very own Collectibles by combining costumes and backgrounds to create complete Cards featuring their favorite Disney Princesses.
Frozen Fantasy Collection (8/24)
Guests of honor Elsa and Anna, as well as their lovable friends, join the celebration with a special Frozen Collection!
Royal Visions Collection (8/26)
Imaginative interpretations of your favorite Disney Princesses can be found in this beautiful illustrated Collection!
[videopress ZA7kXyrr]
Living Posters – Sleeping Beauty (8/26)
Posters from the animated classic film come to life in this animated Collection of motion Cards.
Brave – 10th Anniversary Celebration & Watch Party (8/27)
Celebrate 10 years of Brave with the Disney Collect community by joining our Watch Party for your chance to earn free Coins and Cards commemorating the anniversary of the beloved animated film.
Aladdin 30th Collection & Watch Party (8/28)
The celebrations continue on Sunday where the Disney Collect community commemorates the 30th anniversary of Aladdin, including a Watch Party for your chance to earn free Coins and Cards!
[videopress D2cRVN7C]
Raya and the Last Dragon – Kumandra Adventures Collection (8/29)
World Princess Week concludes with another guest of honor: Raya, from Raya and the Last Dragon! Collect Cards featuring the titular protagonist, as well as fan-favorites Sisu, Boun, Tong, and more!
D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® will kick off Friday, September 9, with a fantastic spectacle that includes the Disney Legends Awards ceremony and an early look at Disney 100 Years of Wonder—an extraordinary celebration 100 years in the making. The opening ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Hall D23 inside the Anaheim Convention Center.
“For nearly a century, Disney has been entertaining and inspiring people around the world,” said Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “I can’t wait to give fans a first look at what we have in store for our hundredth anniversary, and how we’re using this occasion to celebrate all the fans and families who have welcomed Disney into their lives.”
The incredible opening event, which will be streamed as part of D23 Expo [LIVE], will feature musical performances, special guests, and surprises for the audience, including a special performance by cast members from Disney On Broadway’s productions of Aladdinand The Lion King, and The North American Tour of Frozen.
The Disney Legends Award is given to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Disney legacy, and this year’s honorees include Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Emmy® Award winner Tamron Hall will host, bringing her signature warmth and humor to the fan-favorite ceremony.
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 35-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23 Expo.
The 2022 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
Anthony Anderson grew up in Los Angeles. While pursuing his acting career, he continued his education by attending the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards. His performance, along with a dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. Anthony has appeared in more than 20 films, and his performance on Law & Orderearned him four consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. He starred in and executive produced ABC’s Emmy-nominated sitcom black-ish, winning seven NAACP Image Awards and earning seven Emmy and three Golden Globe®nominations for his role as Andre “Dre” Johnson in the series. He also executive produced and appeared in the black-ish spinoff series grown-ish and mixed-ish. His recent credits include ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (2019), host of ABC’s game show To Tell the Truth (2016–), and Detective Kevin Bernard in Law & Order. In 2020 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Kristen Bell is an award-winning actor, author, and producer, who landed her first role with Disney by lending her voice to Hiromi in the Studio Ghibli classic The Cat Returns, for the U.S. DVD release in 2005. Her voice-acting expertise would soon come in handy once again, for the two highest-grossing animated features of all time, Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2(2019). Anna, the optimistic, comical, fearless princess (who became Queen) of Arendelle, was a spot-on role for the seasoned actor, whose singing talents and personality effortlessly shines through her performance of the character. Kristen reprised the role in Frozen Fever (2015), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017),Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Once Upon a Snowman (2020), along with numerous video games, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Kristen also voiced Priscilla the sloth in 2016’s Oscar®-winning Zootopia and in the upcoming Disney+ series Zootopia+. She has also starred in several Disney live-action films, such as When in Rome (2010) and You Again (2010), TV specials such as Lady Gaga & The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular (2013) andMickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and myriad series from 20th Century Fox, including The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Chadwick Boseman was fueled by purpose and sought to fulfill that through writing, directing, acting, and activism. His breakout performance came playing Jackie Robinson in42, followed by his next role as James Brown inGet On Up. He then starred in the title role ofMarshall, which followed a young Thurgood Marshall. Boseman joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the African Super Hero Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War before bringing the character to the forefront of his own solo film, Black Panther, which received critical acclaim, broke global box office records, and had a social and cultural impact felt globally. The film received seven Academy Award®nominations, including Marvel’s first-ever Best Picture nomination. Boseman won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture alongside the film’s ensemble. In 2019, Boseman starred in 21 Bridges. In 2020, he appeared in Da 5 Bloods, directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, his captivating performance as “Levee” garnered an Academy Award nomination, and he won the NAACP Image Award and the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards, among numerous others. On television, he most recently received an Emmy nomination for his work in the Disney+ animated series What If…?
Rob’t Coltrin joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1990 in the Show Set Design group and over time progressed through multiple disciplines—including show design, concept design, and art direction—before landing in his final role as an executive creative director. Early in his career he had a hand in the creation of several attractions that have delighted Disney fans for decades, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. More recently, he was a major creative force behind some of our most ambitious projects, including Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and recent expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort. In addition to his boundless creative talents, Rob’t is also well known for his passion to elevate the work of fellow Imagineers and help further their careers. Even following his retirement in 2019, he continues to keep in touch with and inspire many of his friends and colleagues at Imagineering.
Patrick Dempsey is a two-time Golden Globe®nominee and SAG Award® nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series. Early in his career he appeared in 1980s nostalgia films such as Touchstone’s Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and has since become a Hollywood star with numerous iconic television and film roles. Other Disney credits include an appearance on The Magical World of Disney as Kellin Taylor in A Fighting Choice (1986), the Hollywood Pictures film Run (1991), Touchstone’s Sweet Home Alabama (2002),Brother Bear 2 (2006) as the voice of Kenai,Enchanted (2007), and the upcoming Disney+ film Disenchanted (2022). He is perhaps best known to fans as Dr. Derek Shepherd in ABC’sGrey’s Anatomy, a role he portrayed for 11 seasons. Grey’s Anatomy won the 2007 Golden Globe for Best Television Series–Drama as well as the 2007 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. In addition to acting, Patrick is an avid racing enthusiast, participating in sports car events and produced the film The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). In 2008, with the intention of giving back to the community where he grew up and where his mother first received cancer treatment, Patrick founded the Dempsey Center to help make life better for people managing the impact of cancer.
Robert Price “Bob” Foster began his Disney career in 1956, joining the Walt Disney Productions legal department. He later served as a member of the Park Operations Committee for Disneyland and was promoted to Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel in 1958. Two years later, he was named Assistant Secretary, Walt Disney Productions, and Resident Counsel for Disneyland. In 1963, Walt and Roy O. Disney selected Bob to head the land search for their top-secret “Florida Project.” Bob took extraordinary measures to ensure that the identity of Walt Disney Productions remained classified while initiating and executing the property research and acquisition effort. He acquired 43 square miles of land for what would eventually become the Walt Disney World Resort. Bob was later named Vice President (Legal), Secretary, and General Counsel for the Walt Disney World Co. and in 1970 was promoted to President of the Buena Vista Land Company. In this role, Bob was responsible for overseeing development of the resort community of Lake Buena Vista. In 1974, Bob retired from Walt Disney Productions as Vice President, Real Estate.
Josh Gad is a Tony Award®-winning actor and singer who has warmed the hearts of countless viewers around the globe as Olaf, the loveable snowman from the 2013 box office hit Frozenand its popular follow-up, Frozen 2 (2019). To audiences’ delight, Gad has reprised the role numerous times, each time sharing more of the sun-loving character’s endearing personality and vivacious songs. Olaf has appeared in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO® Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure(2017), At Home with Olaf (2020), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and Olaf Presents (2021). Gad’s memorable performances in Frozen and Frozen 2 earned him two Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production. In 2017, Gad starred as LeFou, the memorable and iconic sidekick to Gaston, in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, and in 2020, he portrayed Mulch Diggums in Artemis Fowl. Some of his other notable Disney credits include Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), The Disney Family Singalong (2020), Murder on the Orient Express(2017), Modern Family (2011), and Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (2020). Gad’s Broadway talent is also showcased as both a creator and star of the Emmy-nominated 20th Television Animation musical series, Central Park (2020–).
Jonathan Groff has made memorable performances in theater, film, and television since his award-winning breakout performance in Broadway’s Spring Awakening (2006). Popular with Disney fans the world over, Jonathan voiced the character of Kristoff in both Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)—the top two highest-grossing animated films of all time—as well as in Frozen Fever (2015), LEGO Disney Frozen: Northern Lights (2016), Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017), Once Upon a Snowman (2020), and numerous video games, consumer products, and theme park experiences. He also appeared as Jesse St. James on the Emmy- and Golden Globe-award-winning television series Glee. Additional notable Disney television credits include The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic and Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. Groff originated the role of King George III in the Pulitzer Prize-winning production of Hamilton on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his performance, and was part of the featured cast immortalized in the Emmy-winning Disney+ Original release of the hit show. Groff also received an individual Emmy nomination for his performance in the filmed production.
Don Hahn joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1976 in the Art Props Morgue. His animation career took off when he worked as an inbetweener on Pete’s Dragon (1977), and later as assistant director on The Fox and the Hound(1981). He was Production Manager of The Black Cauldron (1985) and TheGreat Mouse Detective (1986), then turned to producing on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Lion King (1994). His other credits include TheHunchback of Notre Dame (1996), TheEmperor’s New Groove (2000), Maleficent (2014), and the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017). He executive produced the Disneynature films Earth (2009), Oceans (2010), African Cats(2011), and Chimpanzee (2012). Don is also the author of several Disney Editions books, including The Alchemy of Animation, Before Ever After, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century. As director, Don has helmed such acclaimed documentaries as Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010) and Howard(2020). His most recent Disney credits include hosting the documentary Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020).
Doris Hardoon joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1979 as a junior designer, then quickly rose through the ranks to lead designer, art director, and producer on a variety of groundbreaking projects around the globe. Included were EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney entertainment centers nationwide. She additionally served as executive art director, producer, and creative portfolio lead for projects including Hong Kong Disneyland, the proposed-but-never-built WESTCOT Center in Anaheim, and the unbuilt DisneySea in Long Beach. Doris left the Company in 2000 to pursue other innovative projects but returned in 2009 to help conceive, design, and build Shanghai Disney Resort. In her role as executive director and producer, Doris provided overall creative direction to her design and production teams, while establishing culturally relevant, “authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese” elements in all aspects of her assignments. Doris is the 2022 recipient of the THEA Buzz Price Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements Award.
Idina Menzel is an accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, who rose to fame on the Broadway stage. Winning a Tony Award in 2004 for her legendary performance as Elphaba in Wicked, she famously went on to voice Queen Elsa in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen (2013) and reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Frozen 2(2019), along with numerous animated shorts, theme park experiences, and consumer products. Idina’s performance of the Oscar- and Grammy®-winning song “Let It Go” became an international phenomenon, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and helped launch Frozen and Frozen 2 on their way to becoming the two highest-grossing animated movies of all time. Idina also appeared as Nancy Tremaine inEnchanted (2007) and is soon to reprise the role in the Disney+ sequel, Disenchanted. As a songwriter, Idina’s original song “Dream Girl” (from 2021’s Cinderella) made it to the Academy Awards’ Best Original Song short list. Some of her notable Disney TV credits include Lisa King in ABC Studios’ Private Practice (2009), Disneyland 60: The Wonderful World of Disney(2015), Mickey’s 90th Spectacular (2018), and The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II (2020), as well as the recurring role of Shelby Corcoran in Glee for 20th Century Television.
Chris Montan joined The Walt Disney Company in 1984, and within three years was named vice president of music for motion pictures and television. In 1997, Variety named him “musical supervisor of the decade” after he oversaw such classic and best-selling film soundtracks as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pretty Woman, Sister Act, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules. Chris was named President of Walt Disney Music in 1999 and was responsible for overseeing music for Disney and Pixar animated feature films, Disney Theatrical stage productions, and Disney Parks and Resorts, worldwide. He served as executive music producer for all of the Studios’ animated features during his tenure, working closely in the story development process as well as helping to select musical talent. His work has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning Best Original Cast Recording for Aida and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for Frozen, with additional films receiving 45 musical Academy Award nominations and 16 Academy Awards in the Best Original Song and Best Original Score categories.
Ellen Pompeo leads the longest-running primetime medical drama in television history, Grey’s Anatomy. As one of television’s most beloved actresses, Ellen’s turn in the title role continues to help elevate the series as ABC’s highest-rated drama and earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination in 2007. Audiences remain glued to screens week after week watching Dr. Meredith Grey and her colleagues face relatable and emotional hardships. In real life, Ellen similarly confronts adversity and works for positive change both on and off the screen. Whether it is encouraging women to pursue their dream careers—medical or otherwise—or advocating for normalizing gender and racial equality in the workplace, the actress has inspired generations. Some of Ellen’s other notable credits include Moonlight Mile (2002), Old School (2003), and Daredevil (2003). Next up, Ellen will star in and executive produce an eight-episode Hulu Original limited series currently titled Untitled Orphan Project through her production banner Calamity Jane, which she launched in 2011.
Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the groundbreaking ABC comedy series black-ish. The Emmy-winning show ran for eight seasons, during which she also served as a producer and director. For her role as Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, Tracee was nominated five times for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, Tracee was honored and acknowledged at the 2016 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, receiving the Fierce and Fearless award. Her other Disney television credits include roles on grown-ish and mixed-ish—the latter of which she was both co-creator and executive producer—The Premise, and Private Practice. Tracee is the founder and CEO of PATTERN, a haircare brand that launched in 2019.
Honorees receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 Expo 2022.
Including this year’s honorees, a total of 304 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Robin Roberts, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams, among many others. Beginning with the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, thousands of Disney fans have been able to enjoy the Disney Legends Awards ceremony in-person.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 29th season of Fright Fest is back with 23 terrifying nights of monsters, ghouls, and creepy characters ready to strike fear in any one who crosses their path. The bone-chilling lineup of attractions features a daunting new haunted house, two new spine-tingling scare zones, an ominous new show, and a new haunted happy hour. Six Flags Magic Mountain leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver what guests want most—an all-out terrifying experience, on select nights September 10 through October 31.
Fright Fest, presented by Snickers®, boasts a grand total of 14 electrifying haunted houses and dare-to-enter scare zones with nightmarish zombies lurking around every corner. Six Flags Magic Mountain also adds a sinister element to some of the park’s monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in total darkness. And, for the little monsters, BooFest offers frightfully fun family activities during the day with a Trick-or-Treat Trail in Bugs Bunny World.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this legacy Halloween event back to the park. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest is upping the scare factor with an all-new haunted house, two new scare zones, an eerie new show, plus a new haunted happy hour and buffet,” said Park President Don McCoy. “Spooky season is back in Los Angeles, and Fright Fest is the scariest event in town!” added McCoy.
Highlights of this year’s new Fright Fest lineup include:
Truth or Dare – A haunted facility that leaves guests questioning their every move, with never-before-done scares and effects in a warped game of Truth or Dare. Located near Full Throttle;
Devil’s Triangle – The deepest, darkest depths of the ocean haunted by the many souls lost to the Devil’s triangle, who prey on guests as they enter the park;
CarnivHELL – One of the largest scare zones in the park featuring the carnivorous band of carnies from a once-thriving circus. Located in Bugs BunnyWorld, step right up and enter if you dare;
The Rising – An ominous show set on the remains of a sunken pirate ship revealing the battle of good versus evil and the power of the demonic Devil’s Claw. Located in the Devil’s Triangle; and
Spirits with Spirits – An evening of monstertainment featuring music, spirits of both natures, and devilish treats located in the West Picnic Pavilion. Plus, don’t miss other ghoulish grub only available during Fright Fest at select locations around the park.
Popular returning haunted houses and mazes that incorporate state-of-the-art makeup, props, and special effects, include:
Willoughby’s Resurrected is where evil spirits roam the once-affluent Willoughby’s Family mansion;
Condemned – Forever Damned is full of horrific haunts of a dilapidated home where the walls are alive and the spirits of those who once lived there unleash their fury on anyone who dares enter;
Vault 666 Unlocked is where demonic relics are locked in a dark and sinister antique shop, casting spells and haunting those who try and steal them;
Sewer of Souls takes guests into an underground world of lost souls and terrifying tunnels where evil oozes; and
Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising is the region’s largest outdoor maze, covering more than 40,000 square feet where the spirits of the dead and the near-dead inhabit a post-apocalyptic city with larger-than-life props, fire, fog, and other special effects.
Additional scare zones around the park which leave guests nowhere to hide and screaming to get out unscathed include:
The Deadzone unleashes a renegade group of cyberpunk zombies that feed on unsuspecting visitors;
Terror Rising – Dark Developments haunts guests for all eternity as their worst nightmares rise up from the depths of hell and prey on the innocent who dare to enter this abandoned cemetery;
City Under Siege is full of clowns who are loose and running rampant through the streets;
TERRORtory Twisted is home to steam-spewing mechanical beasts who relentlessly hunt down their victims;
Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy is where childhood favorite bedtime stories take on a perverse twist; and
Exile Hill makes guests freak out when unimaginable sinister souls appear without warning.
More spooktacular shows include:
Unleashed located in City Under Siege, takes place at 7:00pm nightly when the monsters of Fright Fest break free;
VooDoo Nights returns where ghoul rock goes pop with today’s hits. Guests will want to dust off those thriller moves and join in the fun in the Full Throttle Plaza.
Fright Fest operating days include:
Fridays: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28
Saturdays: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sundays: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Six Flags Magic Mountain is currently hiring ghouls and scare actors for Fright Fest. Team Members receive in-park discounts, rewards and recognitions, exclusive Team Member events, and more. Applicants, age 16 and older, can apply online at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/jobs.
This year’s Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights iconic “Terror Tram” expands to include a cinematic twist on Jordan Peele’s blockbuster films in a crossover experience that reimagines Us, featuring The Tethered, a revolutionary army of vengeful doppelgangers, whose uprising invades the all-new Jupiter’s Claim set from the filmmaker’s latest pop nightmare, Nope, as part of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, which kicks off on Thursday, September 8.
The “Terror Tram” is unique to Universal Studios Hollywood, inviting guests to explore by foot parts of the famous movie studio backlot, home to some of the most notorious movie sets. Once guests disembark the Tram, the terror is unleashed. This year, the villainous Hollywood Harry unravels “Hollywood Harry’s Halloween,” a nightmarish spectacle with a demented cast of characters that winds past the iconic Psycho House then through Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds set.
As guests make their way through a choreographed massacre at the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope, they will encounter The Tethered from Us in a frightening finale of epic proportions. After the success of the 2019 “Us” house, this experience will feature all-new choreography by conceptual artist and choreographer Madeline Hollander.
The madness continues with thrilling haunted house experiences. The full line-up follows:
“The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” takes guests into the twisted mind of multi award-winning artist The Weeknd as they step into a surreal living nightmare filled with grotesque characters and themes inspired by his music and short films.
“Halloween” ventures back to where it all began in an eerily authentic haunted house that depicts the most chilling moments from the critically-acclaimed original film.
“The Horrors of Blumhouse” brings to life Blumhouse’s supernatural thriller The Black Phone and horror-comedy Freaky.
“Universal Monsters: Legends Collide” expands on the thrilling legacy from Universal Pictures as the most notorious horror icons, The Wolf Man, Dracula and The Mummy, come together for the first time ever in an epic battle.
MGM’s “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” traps guests in a frightening funhouse of murderous clown-like creatures.
“La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” features the legend of La Llorona who comes to life to terrorize the living as she mourns the children she murdered.
“Scarecrow: The Reaping” finds that Mother Nature’s retribution against the homesteaders for their sins of the past will be carried out by the farmland’s scarecrows who have remained mute witnesses – and are now guardians of destruction for anyone who crosses their path.
“Universal Horror Hotel” lives ups to its reputation as the original owner, who was executed years ago for his dastardly deeds, continues to haunt the place today – and guests must escape his vengeful spirit or risk becoming a permanent resident.
Award-winning hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez brings an all-new, high-energy show nightly to this year’s event, featuring their gravity-defying dance moves, special effects and pulse-pounding music.
All-new scare zones will taunt and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one terrifying house to the next:
“El Pueblo del Terror” is an extension of “La Llorona: The Weeping Woman” as the horror continues once guests exit the haunted house and discover there is no escaping the frightening legend along with other supernatural characters from Latin America’s most frightening myths.
“Sideshow Slaughterhouse” turns New York Street into a battle zone as the performers and workers from a seedy carnival sideshow are on a murderous rampage.
“Clownsawz” features a demonic troop of clowns who band together to terrorize guests with chainsaws as they enter the park.
Guests also can revel at select theme park attractions open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride”
and “The Simpsons Ride™.”
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” will also be open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™.” For the first time ever, Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, will roam Hogsmeade™ village, looking to find others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.
Halloween Horror Nights tickets can be purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood front gate, providing guests with Early Event Admission to select houses, beginning at 6pm each night of the event (subject to change). Various ticket options are available for purchase; click here for more information, including terms and conditions:
R.I.P. Tour is a premium product, inviting guests to scare with a VIP treatment that includes an expert guided tour of the event with exclusive experiences along the way.
Universal Express includes one-time express to each haunted house, Terror Tram, ride and attraction. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time and does not apply to food and retail locations.
After 2 P.M. Day/Night
Popular passes: Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which allow guests to experience the scares again and again.
General Admission
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties. The event begins on Thursday, September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood with eight frightening haunted houses, and on Friday, September 2 at Universal Orlando Resort with 10 terrifying haunted houses. Both events will run select nights through Monday, October 31. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
The Experiential Supply Co., an innovative experiential productions and attractions company that drives high profile viral destination experiences, and Fever, the global entertainment discovery platform, today announced the return of their groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind Halloween experience: Haunt O’ Ween LA. The fully immersive spooktacular event will take place September 30th-October 31st, 2022 at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Woodland Hills, California. Hundreds of thousands of guests are expected to enjoy over 200,000 square feet of the most over-the-top, spooky fun, and authentic Halloween environments in the entire country. The state-of-the-art event also is expanding nationally this season with a new New Jersey location.
All Hallows Eve, by its very nature and origin, has always been communal – bringing people together for the shared escapade of turning fear into fun. Though the past two years have put a wrinkle in that, Haunt O’ Ween’s epic concept is one of the first in the country to put the entire holiday on display in one place – in one very vast and unique format.
Comprised of nine distinctive and wholly immersive worlds, Haunt O’ Ween LA lets guests adventure through the massive grounds with thousands of photo ops, over 25 live character performers that they can engage and interact with, face painting, rides, games, trick-or-treating, dancing, and more. Additionally, there is no time limit, so guests are welcome to stay for hours and enjoy all the ghoulish mayhem.
New attractions for 2022 include: Dance Domes in Beyond The Grave Rave, more rides, games, and even more candy. The organizers have spent almost $1,000,000 on candy this year – all to trick and treat the attendees. Live music, stunt performances, and pumpkin carving will also thrill guests this year.
“We’ve worked very hard this year to put on the country’s largest and most magical Halloween experience for all ages. Over 200,000 square feet of immersive thematics flooded with interactivity, all built on the foundation of Halloween – trick-or-treating, pumpkins, costumes, and spooky fun,” said Jasen Smith, Experiential Supply Founder & Chief Experience Officer. “We cannot wait to welcome thousands of families in the Southern Cal and New Jersey area this year to our massive creation. Make sure to bring your sweet tooth this year!”
Experiential Supply was born in the entertainment industry, putting on large scale experiences for film studios in Hollywood. From themed interactive screenings to multimillion-dollar micro theme parks to promote theatrical releases, the events were always free to attend and promotional in nature. Once the pandemic hit, the company began creating their own experiences – Haunt O’ Ween LA was born in October 2020. The original experience was designed as a drive-thru to make sure kids could still trick or treat. Cars would drive from house to house (that were built by the company) and candy was quite literally dumped into their cars. Similarly crafted events are their Christmas Wonderland and Sugar Rush – a candy-inspired Wonka-like world.
In 2021, Haunt O’ Ween LA transformed into an in-person format, focusing on the engaging nature of Halloween and immersing guests in a myriad of activities. Over 100,000 attendees received over 3,000,000 pieces of candy.
“This is about families having a safe and incredibly fun place to enjoy the holiday and there’s just nothing like it.” adds Smith.
There will be plenty of food and beverages available so that families can enjoy a full night out. Past sponsorships include FX – What We Do in The Shadows, Warner Bros. Pictures The Witches, KiwiCo, Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, Malibu Wines, and The Addams Family 2.
The Haunt O’ Ween LA experience is brought to you by Experiential Supply and Fever, two experts in their fields. Combining their decades of experience, the companies have partnered to curate this innovative production while they continue to conquer and elevate the immersive space together.
This year Crunchyroll brought anime back to San Jose for the first time since 2019, with the sold-out Crunchyroll Expo!
Over the three-day weekend, the purveyor of Japanese pop culture brought live performances and film premieres to a crowd hungry for all things anime. As in the past, the convention was organized with an overlay of New Crunchy City–a metropolis made up of various different areas of interests.
New Crunchy City
The Central Shopping District featured over 100 exhibitors selling merchandise and providing impressive photo opportunities for shows and games of all types, while the Arts District consisted of more than 150 artists displaying their wares. Whether it was a 9 foot x12.5 foot chalk mural of Genshin Impact, the Forger living room from Spy x Family, or a row of (mostly) inflated corgis, there was no shortage of things to see and experience.
SPY X FAMILY Photo Op
The Art of Japanese Vegetable Carving by Okitsugu Kado
One of the big events of the weekend was the insanely popular New Crunchy City Music Fest which went on throughout all three days and provided high-energy performances from rock and J Pop artists like SiM, ATARASHII GAKKO! and Burnout Syndromes.
For people seeking a more interactive experience, there was also a Super Arcade that featured all-day gaming, both video and tabletop, and a manga library which provided a quiet place for people to read and decompress from all the excitement.
As usual however, the highlight of the expo was the Theater District, which played host to anime premieres and over 80 panel presentations.
ANIME INSIDERS panel at Crunchyroll Expo 2022. Lynzee Loveridge (Anime News Network), Megan Peters (Comicbook.com), Kambole Campbell (Freelance critic from the UK), Kate Sanchez (But Why Tho?), and Kyle Cardine (Crunchyroll News)
In Anime Insiders, a group of reporters on the anime beat came together to discuss some of the trends and issues significant to the current times. One of the biggest new topics they cover is VTubers–people who live-stream shows behind an anime avatar. This is a concept that really took off during the pandemic years, as people at home searched online for things to entertain them and make the world seem less bleak. They also discussed the problem of live-action adaptations that are so frequently disappointing from both critical and financial standpoints and felt that the people who raced to put them out often had no knowledge of the field and were just looking to quickly monetize something. They did have hope that as anime has become more popular, the people involved with future adaptations will approach them from a standpoint of genuine respect for them and pointed to Speed Racer and Alita as examples of they enjoyed.
As for upcoming shows, the whole panel was very enthusiastic about the upcoming Chainsaw Man, streaming on Crunchyroll in October.
Later in the weekend, Chainsaw Man had a chance to display its drawing power as a panel with MAPPA CEO/Producer Manabu Otsuka and MAPPA Executive director and Rights Management Director Makoto Kimura filled three rooms of fans excited to learn more about the upcoming show.
MAPPA CEO/Producer Manabu Otsuka and Executive Director and Rights Management Director of MAPPA/Producer Makoto Kimura at Crunchyroll Expo 2022
Along with discussing how enthusiastic the whole MAPPA team is about the project, the panelists brought a video from Chainsaw Man manga editor Shiehi Lin, who expressed how much the creator, Tatsuki Fujimoto, enjoyed the trailer that came out that weekend: “There was a lot of blood and I loved it!”
Both Aniplex of America and Crunchyroll had Industry panels where they ran through their large stable of current and coming soon shows at breakneck speed. From Aniplex, some of their featured shows were Lycoris Recoil, Engage Kiss, and Demon Slayer, Swordsmith Village Arc.
From Crunchyroll, the highlight shows included Fuuto PI, Mob Psycho 100 III, and Jujutsu Kaiden 0, which actually premiered during the expo.
One of the painful parts of any convention is trying to navigate a schedule that seemingly always puts everything you want to see at the same time. Of the several premieres during the weekend, I was able to catch two of them–Shinobi no Ittoki and Kaina of the Great Snow Sea World.
Shinobi no Ittoki follows Ittoki Sakuraba, a completely normal boy, who finds out after a hectic night of near-assassination that he is a pivotal point in the war between two ninja clans, and must become a master of ninja skills to have any hope of survival. I thought the first episode they showed us was pretty funny, and seiyuu Ryouta Oosaka does a fun job as the completely bewildered and out-of-his-depth Ittoki who has to confront not only certain death but the fact that everything he thought he knew about ninjas is wrong. Catch this show when it starts streaming on Crunchyroll October 4th.
The first four episodes of Kaina of the Great Snow Sea in contrast, were not particularly funny but did a lot of heavy lifting as far as world-building is considered. Kaina is a young adult in a small group of elderly folks who, we learn, are the last remaining people living up in the sky on what is known as “the canopy,” which may or may not turn out to be a metaphor for the ozone layer. Down below, war is brewing between different countries in an environment that is in both perpetual winter and a state of drought, all of which may be tied to the poor health of the enormous trees that span the two surfaces. The setup seems interesting and likely to be a cautionary tale about climate change, but the characters, at least in the few episodes I saw, didn’t seem particularly groundbreaking in personality or design. We’ll have to wait until its streaming debut in January 2023 to see how it develops.
In keeping with the new VTuber phenomenon, another large part of Crunchyroll Expo was the holoMeet Experience Zone, in which there were living photo opportunities featuring 24 prominent VTubers, and the holoMeet Showcase Theater where hololive production talent had made exclusive presentations just for convention attendees.
As a whole, Crunchyroll Expo continues to be one of the most well-run conventions on my annual slate. The fact that it’s generally a smaller convention than behemoths like SDCC helps to make it a much more chill experience. I was impressed that out of all the events I’ve been to this year, this one had the highest rate of mask compliance with almost everyone I saw wearing them correctly–likely a contributing factor to this also being the only event I’ve been to this year where I didn’t get a COVID exposure warning afterward.
Twisted Wonderland cosplay at Crunchyroll Expo 2022
Despite having over 60 guests, programming still felt a little light, as you might expect for this first year back for everyone. The majority of the panels with overseas talent were pre-recorded videos which was definitely a safer situation for them, but had the feel of the virtual conventions we’ve gotten a taste of these past two years. There is something about seeing live guests that really can’t be replicated through video, as their panels with IRL guests from Oddtaxi and Spy x Family demonstrated.
ODDTAXI director Baku Kinoshita doing a Q&A along with a shikishi he brought as a giveaway at Crunchyroll Expo 2022English voice cast and staff of SPY x FAMILY featuring Natalie Van Sistine (Yor Forger), and Megan Shipman (Anya Forger) at Crunchyroll Expo 2022.
For people interested in going to an anime convention with a more intimate/less crowded feel than the large and mostly mask-avoidant ones we’ve had earlier this year, I can strongly recommend Crunchyroll Expo. I still have hope that as time goes by more of the programming from past years will return, such as the all-day anime viewing rooms and the Thursday night pre-convention reception, but this year was a nice step back towards business as usual, that felt safe and provided a lot of interesting content.
Folks interested in attending Crunchyroll Expo next year, August 4-6, 2023, should sign up for the newsletter at http://CrunchyrollExpo.com and keep an eye open on the website for information about ticket sales.
Live from D23 Expo presented by Visa, Disney is streaming the Disney & Marvel GAMES SHOWCASE to fans worldwide on Friday, September 9 at 1 p.m. PT. Tune in to the showcase, hosted by Kinda Funny’s Blessing Adeoye Jr.
The digital showcase will feature incredible new content from Disney & Pixar Games, Marvel Games, Lucasfilm Games, and 20th Century Games. In addition to all-new announcements, fans can expect new reveals from titles including Disney Dreamlight Valley, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and a sneak peek at the upcoming Marvel ensemble game from Skydance New Media.
The Disney & Marvel GAMES SHOWCASE will be streamed live from D23 Expo 2022 and available to watch on a variety of platforms, including:
Fans attending D23 Expo 2022 in person will be able to watch the showcase live on the Premiere Stage, with a presentation following the livestream featuring developer interviews, special guests, and exclusive giveaways.
On the D23 Expo show floor, fans can visit Aniplex’s Disney Twisted-Wonderland booth to learn more about the unique anime-style game inspired by iconic Disney Villains. Attendees will be able to discover the different dorms of Night Raven College with a fun photo opportunity and see Twisted-Wonderland characters at the Infinity Cube, an immersive experience featuring live 2D animation. While supplies last, everyone who visits the Disney Twisted-Wonderland booth will receive a hand-fan featuring Grim, a cat-like monster who aspires to be a great mage and your roommate in the game.
D23 Expo is sold out. The Disney & Marvel GAMES SHOWCASE and select additional presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! throughout the show, September 9 through 11. For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
The most immersive Halloween experience in Southern California, Knott’s Scary Farm, returns with unimaginable new scares and terrifying twists for its 49th frightful year. Every inch of the park transforms into everyone’s worst nightmare as the most horrendous monsters await around every corner ready to turn you into their next victim.
This year, guests will come face to face with their most horrifying fears as they brave through the park’s 17 haunted experiences, including five spine-chilling scare zones, nine monstrous mazes, and three sinister shows. Knott’s Scary Farm is back for 26 terrifying nights from September 22 – October 31.
There is nowhere to hide as hair-raising scares are looming around every turn, with the debut of our newest mysterious mazes and a gruesome lineup of new shows. These new haunting experiences add to the original scares that can’t be found anywhere else.
New Offerings
Bloodline 1842 (Maze) – Armed with the latest Bellatorian weaponry, you can choose to heed the call to action and embark on a perilous journey with the immortal Daybreakers. Travel through the busy city streets of Valdonia while hunting the bloodthirsty Valhymphri in an all-out war. Bring light into the darkness, survive the vicious onslaught of vampires, and bring honor to your order!
The Grimoire (Maze) – Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into a reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!
Beyond the Fog: A behind-the-scenes tour of Knott’s Scary Farm
Behind the scenes of Knott’s Scary Farm, an army of talented builders and creators work hard to make California’s original and most haunting Halloween event a success. For the first time, you can pull back the veil for a Lights On, Frights Off Tour. Join us for a 3-hour behind-the-scenes look at Knott’s Scary Farm where you’ll learn the history of Scary Farm and take part in a walking tour of multiple Knott’s Scary Farm mazes with the lights on! Grab your walking shoes for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go Beyond the Fog.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage
Step right up and walk into the mystique and darkness of the malevolent Le Magnifique Carnaval Du Grotesque. This reimagined show features a collection of death-defying feats and dangerous carnival acts to delight your darkest desires and fill your senses with terror.
Conjurers: Dark Magic (Show) – Bird Cage Theater
The fog in Calico is thick. The screams of the denizens of the night echo all around. The only safe place to take refuge is in The Bird Cage Theatre with this newest evolution of the Conjurers magic show. You know the place, right next to the Undertaker. It seems that with death no longer the end, the Undertaker has nearly been run out of business. Fortunately, in all his dealings with death and the afterlife, he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve. Tricks will come in handy as he crosses over to the other side to show our still-living guests what he’s learned.
Returning Mazes
Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind – Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. Give in and succumb to the hypnotist Mesmer and his sinister sideshow, as it preys on your hidden fears. Release your inner thoughts and descend into a world of madness, torture, and eerie enlightenment. There you will uncover the grotesque secrets hidden as you brave through the most terrifying show ever created.
Wax Works – Mysterious lights and strange noises have begun to emanate from the eerie abandoned wax museum. It’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard echoing through the halls of Wax Works as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax. The once prominent plastic surgeon, Dr. Augustus Scratch, has been seen tinkering at night and is now ready to show off his beautiful yet terrifying life-like masterpieces of hot molten wax and bloody flesh. Take a closer look at his gruesome works of art and try to escape his deadly grip or become the newest masterpiece to add to his collection.
Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft. All will be unveiled when the Green Witch rises and curses the townsfolk, transforming all who have accused her into a wicked horde of malicious creatures with an eternal quench for the living.
Pumpkin Eater – Watch your head as you navigate the twisted passages as you come face to face with the pumpkin monsters that lurk in the dark of the Pumpkin Eater maze. The notorious creature is on the prowl, hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. To escape the sinister Pumpkin Eater’s wrath, all who enter must go on a quest through the silent town of victims, face a cave of crawling insects and solve the labyrinth of thorns that blocks the way out. Enjoy one last slice of terror as this legendary journey through a colonial nightmare comes to a horrific end.
Dark Ride – Pull down that lap bar for one final spin through an abandoned carnival ride where cruel carnie folk still linger in the shadows in Dark Ride: Castle of Chaos. The carnival has become a refuge for freaks and carnies. Now those shunned performers have created a dark world of terror which they plan to unleash on those who enter.
Dark Ride will lead brave visitors through a treacherous path and into the bowels of a long-neglected attraction, as sinister shadows and horrifying scenes cast the gloom over the once pleasant ride. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, being helplessly trapped inside an abandoned carnival ride without a way out. Escape quickly, as the ol’ carnival ride is about to be shut down for good and with it any chance of ever getting out alive.
The Depths – A heavy fog drapes over an abandoned port village where ancient creatures lurk inside the pitch-black underground caves hidden below the seaside shores. The Nightwatch Mining Crew has mysteriously disappeared, and village rumors point to the eerie tunnels the town sits upon. But be warned, all who have entered have never resurfaced. Myths of the terrifying horrors that lurk within the cave have often been whispered but never confirmed. Did the crew meet their demise at the hand of vicious creatures that live within the cave? Journey into the ominous caverns to discover if the superstitions revolving around the cave are true or not.
Dark Entities – Teleport beyond earth into a realm where the darkness is absolute. In the depths of space, a lone station faces terror beyond all imagination. An extraterrestrial mutation has invaded the station, and it’s on the prowl for new hosts. The unearthly inhabitants’ force increases as it feeds on its unwilling victims. Escape the dark entities before their deadly force eliminates all living forms aboard the station. There’s nowhere to escape when time is running out!
Returning Scare Zones
Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.
Step back into the dark decadence of a by-gone era as the scare zone The Gore-ing 20’s terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. Here gangsters run illicit hooch for the ghostly revelers as the otherworldly musicians play the music of the damned. Tell the Bouncer the secret password, and you’ll have the time of your life for as long as it lasts.
Ghost Town Streets is the original and largest, most terrifying scare zone that started it all. Bands of half-human, half-animal monsters prowl the streets and inhabit the fog, and beware the notoriously stunning sliders, who lunge from fog-filled corners of the land.
On the Boardwalk, deviant clowns crave your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone.
Saddle up for one final ride through the bramble filled passageways of The Hollow scare zone. The treacherous Witches of the Hollow, and their armies of creatures have risen once again to battle with the Witch Hunter.
The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts preying on unsuspecting visitors, looking for victims to drag back to their watery graves.
Returning Favorites
Puppet Up! Uncensored – Walter Knott Theatre
Returning nightly to Knott’s Scary Farm for the 2022 season, Puppet Up! Uncensored is an outrageous, off-the-cuff live show featuring a combination of improvisational comedy and the magic of puppetry performed by a cast of world-class comedian puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company. Created by legendary puppeteer and award-winning director Brian Henson and directed by Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is no ordinary puppet show.
The content is driven by audience suggestions and participation in proper uncensored form, topped with the zany antics and naughty shenanigans of the colorful and brazen puppet cast. Puppet Up! – Uncensored will be performed three times each night at Knott’s Scary Farm and is intended for mature audiences.
Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny (Attraction Overlay) – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – The Factory Store
Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan. The show is home to a collection of original art by unique and talented artists from across the country. These artists have drawn inspiration from Knott’s Scary Farm’s rich 49-year history, and you’re sure to find an original or print you’ll want to take home with you. Along with the Scary Farm art show, you can find all sorts of souvenirs any Halloween fan will be dying to get their hands on.
Knott’s Scary Farm Admission
Single night tickets – Buy tickets at KnottsScaryFarm.com and save up to $50 off the regular main gate price of $109. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single-night tickets. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.
Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $135 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm park admission required and not included.
Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-Fet – Offered at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse. Meals include a 2022 souvenir bottle, which gives unlimited refills on the night of your first visit plus only $5 all-day refills each additional visit through 2022.”. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals.
Boo-fet early entry will be to the newest maze Bloodline 1942, Dark Entities, The Depths and Wax Works, and exclusive photo opportunities with the monsters. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner is $45 + applicable taxes and fees when purchased online. Separate theme park admission is required and not included.
All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights. Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for over 48 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns September 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 1:00 am, excluding Fridays and Saturdays, where the event will run 7:00 pm – 2:00 am. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13.
A chaperone policy is being implemented for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Under the policy, all general park guests ages 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to the park. The chaperone must present a valid photo ID with date of birth. One chaperone may accompany no more than four guests ages 17 or younger per day.
Chaperones must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests ages 17 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection.
In addition, a bag policy will be implemented for Knott’s Scary Farm. Guests will not be permitted to bring bags larger than 6.5” x 4.5” x 2” into the park, including purses, backpacks, or diaper bags during Scary Farm operation. All bags will be searched prior to entry.
For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours, and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone.
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.
In an exciting new collaboration with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the Winchester Mystery House is launching "Festival Fright Nights." This all-new Halloween event will...
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.
