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.
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!
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. during a special panel at San Diego Comic-Con unveiled an all-new dynamic lineup inspired by iconic franchises including Super Mario, The...
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.
