Topic: Blog

Announcing Our Event at Coney Island Luna Park

Posted on May 8, 2019 by - Blog

We here at In The Loop are excited to announce a event we are hosting with Zamperla, Cornell TPEG and others at Coney Island’s Luna Park.

The Event will be on Sunday June 2nd with a schedule that looks like:
9:30 Meet by Cyclone
9:35 Backstage Tour – maintenance & lift room of Cyclone
10:00 Extra Ride Time of Cyclone
12:00 Stage Show / Awards presentation Hosted by our own Clint Novak – Place to Beach

Use the discount code “ZAMP25” at the following link to get discount tickets https://lunaparknyc.com/buy-luna-pass/

Announcing Our FreeRT Event At Kennywood

Posted on May 7, 2019 by - Blog

On Friday June 28 2019 all of us here at In The Loop are proud to host our first ever FreeRT event at Kennywood outside of Pittsburgh, PA. This event is our way of saying thanks to everyone that watches the videos, listens to the podcast and has helped build In The Loop into what it has become.

The event will feature free beer, free food and a free ERT session on the parks new Steel Curtain roller coaster after park closure (**in the sad event that Steel Curtain isn’t open by June 28th, we all cry….. and get ERT on Phantom’s Revenge instead).

Now we do only have 50 spots available for the event, so you can enter to get in by sending us an e-mail at intheloopstaff@inthelooppodcast.com and in that e-mail be sure to include:
– Names & Ages of everyone you would like to bring to the event
– Why we would pick you for FreeRT?
(Be creative, tell us favorite video or podcast moments, toss out a fantasy football punishment, a good story or joke. We are doing this section to insure that our biggest fans get into the event)

Please keep in mind that FreeRT includes beer, food, and ERT, it does not include admission to Kennywood, you will be responsible for getting yourself into the park.

Last day to enter to get in is May 20th. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us on social media or e-mail us at intheloopstaff@inthelooppodcast.com

See a bunch of you at Kennywood on June 28th

Watch this video for more details

Hallween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood Opening Night

Posted on September 21, 2015 by - Blog, News, Uncategorized

Universal Studios Hollywood Rolls Out the Red Carpet to Celebrate

“Halloween Horror Nights,” Kicking Off Today and Continuing on Select Nights

Through November 1, 2015

Universal City, CA, September 18, 2015 – Universal Studios Hollywood marked the opening of the highly anticipated “Halloween Horror Nights” with a celebrity-laden red carpet premiere, as Southern California’s most extreme horror event brought together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror.  “Halloween Horror Nights” continues on select nights through November 1, 2015.

Attending celebrity guests included actors Tyrese Gibson, David Arquette, Barry Bostwick, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Frankie Grande, Tara Reid, Dylan Minnette and Ty Simpkins as well as recording artist Travis Barker, who were joined by Insidious cast members Leigh Whannell, Lin Shaye and Stefanie Scott, and members from the award-winning hip hop-dance crew Jabbawockeez, who will debut an all-original show as part of this year’s event.

“Halloween Horror Nights” 2015 features a slate of new mazes, an exciting hip-hop dance show, a new cutthroat Terror Tram experience and terrifying Scare Zones, including “Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness,” inspired by the visionary filmmaker who directed, co-wrote and produced the upcoming Legendary and Universal Pictures feature film; “The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far,” inspired by season 5 of AMC’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television series; “This is the End 3D,” the first-ever 3D horror-comedy maze, based on the hit movie starring James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill; “Insidious: Return to the Further,” based on the bone-chilling Insidious film trilogy; “Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home,” inspired by the original classic slasher film, Halloween, directed by renowned horror filmmaker John Carpenter; “AVP: Alien vs. Predator,” back by popular demand and inspired by Twentieth Century Fox cult sci-fi franchise; and an all-new backlot experience “Terror Tram: Survive the Purge,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ popular franchise film series. An electrifying all-new show featuring the highly-accomplished, hip hop dance group, Jabbawockeez, universally recognized as America’s best dance crew also debuts.

Adding to the event’s intrigue, Universal’s most popular rides and attractions also will be open to guests, including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “Jurassic Park–In the Dark,” “The Simpsons Ride” and “Revenge of the Mummy–The Ride.”

A unique element to the this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” is the premiere of the demonic short film One Night in Hell, featuring an original soundtrack by Brian May, legendary guitarist and songwriter for rock group Queen. The video will be screened for guests in the queue lines as they await entry to the mazes.

Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood, including a Front of Line ticket option that enables guests to enjoy priority access at each “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, Terror Tram and theme park attraction.  Advance purchase is recommended as event nights will sell out.

For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.  Join the “Halloween Horror Nights” conversation using #UniversalHHN on Facebook at Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood and Instagram; Twitter and Periscope @HorrorNights.  Add username HorrorNights on Snapchat for nightly live content, and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

“Halloween Horror Nights” dates are: September 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, October 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and November 1, 2015.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue. World-class rides and attractions include the renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour featuring the intense “King Kong 360 3-D” attraction and the all-new “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” thrill ride as the Studio Tour’s grand finale.  Other popular rides include the 3D-HD adventure, “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and immersive “Super Silly Fun Land,” the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the MummySM—The Ride,” “Jurassic Park® —The Ride” and “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM” and the “Nighttime Studio Tour” which runs on select evenings.

Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood 2015 Review

Posted on September 19, 2015 by - Blog

 

Yesterday we visited Universal Studios to once again visit Halloween Horror Nights. This year boasting 6 mazes, 4 scare zones and a Jabbawockeez show, it was bound to be a great night ahead. The crowds for the evening were absolutely massive with the inevitability of them only getting longer as we progress closer to Halloween. Most mazes were between 80-110 minutes most of the evening. If visiting prepare yourself for a lot of hanging out with your friends in line.

There was some improvement from last year as far as the heavy amount of walking that took place last year. They had added a tram to the back lot where Alien Vs Predator and Crimson Peak is now located. This helped take the walking out of the event a little bit. There was also no shortage of walking for the Purge Terror Tram either. Bring comfortable shoes, something to stay hydrated, and be prepared to hoof it again this year, but not as much as last year fortunately.

Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home

This maze was located in the upper lot by Mels Diner. You enter into the Halloween house and then wind your way through the Halloween story. This maze was of course well done as far as sets and costumes go. Michael looked as Michael as ever and also even had some appearances of the ghostly costume Michael wore for part of the film as well. there are some fairly graphic scenes in here and will satisfy those looking to feel they are being hunted by Michael himself. I have never been a fan of the Universal Studios trick where they hit a button, a sound effect and strobe light goes off, followed by the talent jumping out at you. This maze had a lot of those but to my surprise had some legitimate scares with out the gimmick. There is also a semi finale with a maze room full of Michaels which is surely going to fool most of the maze visitors. Overall I give this maze a Solid 9 out of 10. 

Insidious: Return To the Further

This maze was created and inspired by the Insidious 3 film. I am not personally familiar with the 3rd film but I am a big fan of the first film. This maze definilitly had the creepy vibe of the movies. This maze even possesed one of my favorite maze scenes I have ever seen involving a long dark hallway, a creepy speaking topless over weight man speaking in a not so welcoming voice. Sure to give most visitors a good chill, or to horror fans, a huge smile in appreciation of how great this paticular part came together. There was a really smelly room (Universal loves this gimmick) with what I believe was an our door dirt scene. The smell will absolutely choke you. Its dreadful. There are some great jump scares and a violent disturbing scene involving choking and violently thrashing around the victim. Not for the weak at heart. There once again were alot of those Push button scares with minimal non strobe light sound effect scares. Over all I give this maze a Generous 8 our of 10

This Is The End: 3D

This maze was inspired by the the film, This Is the End, a Horror Comedy film. Now when this was announced everyone’s initila reaction what “how in the world is this going to work”? I stayed optimistic to see a maze that was thinking out of the box. When I arrived to the maze I was greated by a Michael Cera skewered to a street light and asking “Who took my F&*#$@ cell phone man”. They had played real audio tracks from the movie. Once I saw this I got pretty excited and knew that this was going to be fantastic. What I forgetting is this maze is going to be in 3D. This is where I think it went wrong for them. The maze looked like pretty much every single 3D clown maze we have seen before, and was lightly themed to This is the End. I was delighted to see that in deed do a great scene with the posession of Jonah Hill. Sad to see there was not a Backstreet Boys finale though. I was told by the Creative Director, John Murdy, that this was due to Copyright Restrictions. I will not give away anymore spoilers but this maze to myself was a bit of a disaster. I see what they were trying to do and it would of worked MUCH better without the 3d gimmick and all the florescent paint. I am sad to report I give this maze a 6 out of 10.

The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far

I was not impressed with last years The Walking Dead maze at all so I did not have much faith in this years. It seems as though they have once again learned from their past mistakes and brought them back into this maze. I believe they said this is their largest and most monster filled maze. There were zombies in every corner waiting to pounce. there was a mix of Push button scares and real life jump scares. I was really impressed with this years. The zombies looked like zombies as they always do, but there were some really well put together scenes that were impressive. Particularly a woman that appeared to be a pile of goo, cadavers hanging on hooks, feeding frenzies, and creepy. Of all the mazes this was my favorite maze. This is the highlight of the mazes this year and I urge you to brave this new maze. You will not be disappointed.I give this maze a Celebratory 10 out of 10. 

Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness

This maze was inspired by the new movie from Guillermo Del Toro. This movie has not yet been released. This was great because the only thing we have seen of this movie has just been movie trailers. Its pretty much the freshest, non familiar IP that the park had this year. This maze was a haunting, creepy, Gothic maze filled with creepy characters I would only assume to be from the first film. There were bloody covered women in dresses, a spooky/creepy lady that was murdered in a bath tub that will give you the eebie jeebies. I don’t want to give away to much about this maze but it is a great addition to this years event and is a well themed maze. I give this maze a Creepy 8 out of 10.

Alien Vs Predator

This maze is themed based on the film. This is a returning Maze from last year. It is a highly themed maze with Predator costumes that are almost dead on and some pretty good Alien creatures. I was really happy with this maze last year with this year being no exception. Great maze as always all though again, I cant stand the boring button push scares. I think there is only a small hand full of scares that is 100 percent the character in the maze. With that said its still a fun maze for fans of the film. I give this maze an 8 out of 10

Terror Tram: Survive The Purge

This was maybe the worst thing at the park. Its a misleading attraction. This has always been true. I wish they would do something with the actual Tram. They stick everyone in the Tram, take you back to the Bates Motel, drop you off, and then you find yourself on what seems like a 2 mile foot long trek. There are LOTS of dead spots on this walk where absolutely nothing is going on. Its just too much out in the open. This was almost exactly the same as The Walking Dead Terror Tram from last year. Even some of the props were reused.  It doesn’t feel scary, or spooky. It just feels almost like a waste of time. I really really really hope they do something about this attraction at some point. Overall I give this a 5 out of 10

 

Scare Zones

This year Universal had 4 themed Scare Zones. The best zone of them all is again Dark Christmas , followed up by the Purge Scare Zone. The other Zones this year were Corpz and Exterminatorz. The problem I have always had with Universal Scare zones is they just are way to small. They call them Zones when infact they just be called “Scare Spots”. They are really short and do not really spread over a far distance with the exception of The Purge. The Purge you must walk through to get to the lower mazes. This was the longest of the mazes and the best Scare Zone of the 4 that they had this year. Dark Christmas is a twisted evil Christmas Scare Zone, the Exterminatorz Scare Zone is like bugs gone bad. Humanoid bugs roaming the area by the front of the park with flame throwers over head as you enter the park. Corpz looked as though it is a themed military area with dead mutant soldiers running around.

Coprz 6 out of 10

Exterminatorz 7 out of 10

The Purge 8 out of 10

Dark Christmas 9 out of 10

 

Jabbawockeez

The Jabbawockeez have joined Halloween Horror Nights this year. The excitement of having the dance group at the park was definitely heard through out the park. The show was a fun show that was a Dream Sequence of one of the dancers who goes on a journey through some random and odd adventures who inevitably returns back to where he started from. The dancing was great, entertaining and worth the wait, I just think that it does not fit a Halloween themed event at all. Fun show but its a bit out of its element at this event. 8 out of 10. 

Out side of all of the main attractions one big complaint I have about this event is there just is a lot of walking in the park. Nothing going on. No monsters, No themeing. Just dubstep and heavy metal playing. I am a fan of this music so its not the music that is the problem. It is the lack of Halloween going on. Lots and lots of walking around in empty unthemed areas of the park.

Over all I Give this event a 7.5 out of 10 this year. I do enjoy this event and I think it is a must due to anyone who is a fan of Halloween Events, I just feel this year was not their year.

 

-B

 

Knotts Berry Farm: 2015 Announcements

Posted on August 27, 2015 by - Blog, News

 

NEW EVIL RISES AT KNOTT’S SCARY FARM THIS HALLOWEEN SEASON
Whatever You’re Imagining, It’s Here…Including All-New Mazes And The Return Of Elvira

BUENA PARK, Calif. (2015) – The 43rd annual world renowned event, Knott’s Scary Farm, returns for 24 horrifying nights September 24 – October 31 and conjures up never before seen experiences and show-stopping entertainment including three new bloodcurdling mazes, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in an all-new stage show and the return of the groundbreaking Special Ops: Infected – Patient Zero.
Three new terrifying attractions will debut this year, with more astounding special effects and richer back stories than ever, including:
PARANORMAL, INC. – Case #1 – The Haunting of Hayden Hill (New for 2015): Featuring high flying aerial stunts and scares, in the groundbreaking new maze, guests investigate a haunted hospital where the patients were tortured for decades by deranged doctors and nurses. Demonic spirits of the murdered victims have been detected throughout the mysterious halls, while evil medical staff hunt for new patients to torture.
My Bloody Clementine (New for 2015): There is no tale more vicious and vengeful than that of My Bloody Clementine. Take a grim ride through the Calico Mine where Clementine and her father were brutally murdered centuries ago. Their wretched spirits roam the tunnels in search of those who killed them. This year the ride through maze will feature live monsters out for revenge at the train track’s every turn.
The Dead of Winter (New for 2015): Escape the icy grasp of the chilling Snow Queen in the all new maze. Backed by with a ravenous beastly army of resurrected Viking warriors, she is hell bent on avenging her beloved family’s murder, and preys upon any unsuspecting visitors who enter the borders of her icy domain. Guests with a Skeleton Key will have the opportunity to unlock a bone chilling surprise.
(New for 2015) Prowling the darkest corners of Knott’s midways and scare zones, the Green Witch and her Deadly 7 is a sadistic crew guilty of more terror than meets the eye. Each of the monsters represent one of the seven deadly sins and make terrifying surprise appearances throughout the park each night.

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Returning Favorites
Back by overwhelming demand, guests can enlist to fight the zombie apocalypse in an all-out war against the undead in the interactive experience, Special Ops: Infected – Patient Zero. In 2014, the ambitious new attraction was the first of its kind in North America and in 2015 continues to be the largest infestation of zombies nationwide. In 2015, the highly sought-after attraction will include more blood thirsty zombies, new missions, brand new high-tech laser guns, and more.
Special Ops: Infected – Patient Zero seamlessly integrates interactive gaming technology with an immersive mountainous landscape, delivering a breakthrough interactive haunted experience that is as terrifying as it is challenging. Missions lead by brave Squad Leaders will take guests through a variety of wilderness terrains, including the unpredictable barrel bridges across the rushing river, through the dark caverns, and through mysterious backwoods. Groups must work together to fend off zombies and complete various missions before time runs out. Six acres of the theme park is now home to mutinous, scream-inducing zombies, and the time has come for a harrowing Special Ops survival mission (limited spaces available).
Elvira, the legendary Mistress of the Dark, returns to Knott’s Scary Farm in a spectacular all new show, Elvira’s Asylum, featuring insane dance and comedy performances.
In honor of Elvira’s return to Knott’s Scary Farm, the Nautilus merchandise shop will temporarily become Elvira’s Boo-tique, where fans can purchase stylish apparel and sinfully fun products featuring and inspired by the Legendary Mistress of the Dark. Each night, a limited number of guests who spend at least $50 at Elvira’s Boo-tique during Knott’s Scary Farm will get a chance to meet Elvira between performances of Elvira’s Asylum and collect her signature on one of the purchased items. Knott’s Scary Farm is the only place Elvira can be seen this Halloween season, and Elvira’s Boo-tique offers fans a once in a lifetime meet and greet opportunity!
Black Magic: Houdini’s vengeful spirt continues to wreak havoc on the Faux Theater, where the veil between the living and the dead is severed. Houdini’s ghost comes alive and ushers a host of demonic illusions to play tricks on anyone who intrudes, only to finally meet Houdini in a show-stopping finale. Back for its third year, Black Magic is one of the most popular mazes at Scary Farm.
Forevermore: Follow the destruction of the “Forevermore Killer,” one haunting tale after another, as the slayer makes his way through one of the longest mazes ever created in Knott’s Scary Farm’s history. With a Skeleton Key, guests can witness the work of the Forevermore Killer firsthand.
The Gunslinger’s Grave: A Blood Moon Rises: Deadly howls and a full blood moon mark your impending doom as werewolves overrun the crime stricken old west town. Walk in the bloody footsteps of a betrayed and left for dead gunslinger on his path of retribution against the Skinwalkers.
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Pinocchio Unstrung: Years have passed since the blue fairy denied him his final wish, but Pinocchio has returned with an army of murderous marionettes intent on killing his former masters. Meander your way through the carnage-riddled village and an all new sinful Pleasure Island and Skeleton Key Room. Revenge comes with no strings attached.
The Tooth Fairy: This twisted tooth fairy steals more than just baby teeth as he drags his victims out their bedroom window and into a world of deranged dentistry. Unbelievable special effects include a blackout room through which guests must feel their way out, a disorienting x-ray strobe light room, and new this year, an all-new Skeleton Key room…says aahhh.
Trick-or-Treat: Take a brave step forward and ring the witch’s doorbell…trick or treat, which will it be? After surviving her grisly welcome, wander into the Green Witch’s never before seen potion room and bewitched attic. But don’t leave too soon; you’re the special guest at the Green Witch’s deadly dinner party where she and her menacing Tricksters await your arrival.
Voodoo – Order of the Serpent: The haunting legend of Papa Legba continues as guests follow him on his foreboding journey to conjure the serpent demon goddess in the outskirts of New Orleans. Trudge cautiously through the cursed swamps of the Deep South, where creatures search the murky bogs for their next bloody sacrifice and demons curse the innocent with Voodoo hexes. Guests who are brave enough to venture through the Skeleton Key room may fall prey to a defiled ritual.
The Hanging®: A live stage show in Calico Square irreverently looks back at the year’s pop culture with killer comedy. Notorious for its special effects, pyrotechnics and high-flying stunts, The Hanging is a no-holds-barred assault on pop culture’s most infamous moments of the past year. A must see parody!
160 Acres of 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.
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 startling sliders, who lunge from in every fog-filled corner of the land. Fiesta De Los Muertos fuses dance music, colorful costumes, and larger than life stilt walkers in a dance party scare zone. It’s the ultimate late night celebration of Dia de los Muertos. On the Boardwalk clowns crave your undying attention in the CarnEVIL scare zone.
More Ways to Scream This Season:
⦁ Selling out in its inaugural year, the Knott’s Scary Farm Pass returns in 2015 and offers unlimited visits to all 24 event nights. Current 2015 Knott’s Berry Farm Season

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Passholders can purchase the pass at the limited time price of $70, now through Sept. 20 (while supplies last, plus applicable fees); the general public can purchase the pass for $80 (while supplies last, plus fees). New for 2015, Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights.

⦁ Single night tickets are $39.99 – $49.99 depending on the event night when purchased online (plus applicable fees). Knott’s Season Passholders receive discounts on single night tickets when purchasing online. Tickets purchased at least 24 hours in advance at the theme park ticket booths are $49 for all nights, and day-of-event tickets purchased at the ticket booths are $69.

⦁ Fright Lane with Skeleton Key offers unlimited priority access to all mazes and unlocks five Skeleton Key rooms filled with unnerving terrors, interactive secrets and exclusive scenes. Guests will also receive a commemorative lanyard and collectible keychain. Fright Lane with Skeleton Key passes start at $70. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)

⦁ Combo Tickets, offering admission and Fright Lane with Skeleton Key are an especially great value offering savings of up to $34, versus purchasing each item separately at the ticket booths.

⦁ Fast Lane offers unlimited priority access to many of Knott’s world-class coasters for as little as $35.00 (when four or more are purchased online). Fast Lane is valid during regular Knott’s Berry Farm operation and for Knott’s Scary Farm operation on the date of intended use. (separate theme park admission required, and not included)
Hotel Packages are available at the Knott’s Hotel for Knott’s Scary Farm fans who wish to turn a night of thrills into a full-service weekend getaway.  All packages are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability.  Guests can purchase the special packages by visiting knottshotel.com or by calling the Knott’s Hotel at (866) 752-2444, please reference the package names below:
⦁ Bare Bones Packages (Starting at $179) includes hotel accommodations and tickets to Knott’s Scary Farm for all registered guests.
⦁ Haunted Dreams Packages (Starting at $279) includes hotel accommodations, Scary Farm tickets, buffet dinner at the hotel, all you can eat breakfast buffet, exclusive t-shirts, souvenir key cards, and early admission to Scary Farm for all registered guests.
⦁ Haunted Supreme Packages (Starting at $339) includes hotel accommodations, Scary Farm tickets, Knott’s Berry Farm tickets, buffet dinner at the hotel, all you can eat breakfast buffet, exclusive t-shirts, souvenir key cards, and early admission to Scary Farm for all registered guests.
⦁ Gruesome Package (Starting at $479) includes hotel accommodations, Scary Farm tickets, buffet dinner at the hotel, all you can eat breakfast buffet, exclusive t-shirts,

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souvenir key cards, early admission to Scary Farm, and Fright Lane with Skeleton Key for all registered guests.
Boo-fet dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse invites guests to feed the beast before Knott’s Scary Farm opens each night. Meals include a collectible 2015 souvenir cup, which includes unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $0.99 refills for the rest of the 2015 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet dinner is $26.99 +tax when purchased online and $32.99 +tax when purchased at the door. (Separate theme park admission required, and not included)
Knott’s Scary Farm parking is $20 per vehicle and can be purchased online (plus applicable taxes and fees) or at the parking booth upon arrival.
Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors over the past 42 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns September 24, 25, 26, October 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00pm – 1:00am Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 7:00pm – 2:00am Fridays and Saturdays. With more than 1,000 monsters roaming the park and lurking in the fog – whatever you’re imagining, it’s here…
For more information on Knott’s Berry Farm, including admission, park hours and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Debuts, Fast and the Furious: Supercharged

Posted on June 26, 2015 by - Blog, News

Fast and Furious debuted to the world this June 24th with mixed reviews. I personally was able to check out the attraction yesterday and I think its a great new finale to the tour. Its not anything to jump on a plane and fly across the country to see but definitely a cool thing to check out. I cant wait to see some of this technology they used in future attractions soon. Another good tip is to try to get in the front car as that seemed to be the best seat for finale. We don’t want to give away any spoilers as the ride just opened but until then enjoy some fun videos we put together for you guys. Ride reactions from Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriquez and an appearance by Jason Statham in the following videos.

 

 

-B

 

Video: Rewind Racer at Adventure City Construction Update

Posted on January 22, 2015 by - Blog

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Adventure City in Anaheim, California is adding a family boomerang coaster built by Gerstlauer. Riders will sit two across and will be lifted backwards up and out of the station. Once at the top they will race through the station around the track and up the second spike, where they will then fly backwards and complete the same course in reverse. In this video Braedon shows off the construction progress of this New For 2015 family attraction.

Haunt Review: Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2014

Posted on December 9, 2014 by - Blog

HAUNT REVIEW: Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest (Presented By Snickers)

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This year I made it out to Magic Mountain to see if they have improved from their past less than amazing years of Halloween celebration. Lets take a recap of the Mazes scare zones and other highlights of the event. This year your annual pass gets you into the park and you can enjoy any of the rides but not the mazes. The mazes were a bracelet purchase. $20 for standard bracelets and $30 for VIP line access for non pass holders. $5 discount on any bracelet if your an annual pass holder. We chose the VIP to avoid standing in line all evening. The park is open from 10:30am to 1-am on weekends and 10:30am to 11pm on Sundays. The park offers a “No Boo” necklace to keep the monters away for an additional $5. It is just a glow stick that you wear with the worlds “No Boo”. This is an idea I have seen parks who do have guests who are just there to ride coasters and not do the mazes. I think though if you have a “No Boo” necklace you should not be allowed into any of the mazes. It can ruin the experience for the guests behind you. 20141024_202924

First thing I guess we can start to talk about is they advertise “Terror Track – Rides in the Dark”. This was not true as most of the coasters had lights on. Some had a lot of lights on. I would say no different than a normal operating evening. If you are planning to attend this event just for coasters in the dark I would just plan an evening at the park to experience the “darkness”.20141024_220734

X2: Area 19. This was an attempt to re theme x2 for Halloween. They say it is a Journey through an abandoned facility captured by aliens. This was very scarcely themed. They had a big alein on the first level of the station and don’tblink because you may miss it. They updated the video in the station with a space theme as well as changed the audio soundtrack on the ride itself. The sound track on the ride its self was the most significant update and was pretty cool when you could actually hear it.

As far as shows go they had the stage by Full Throttle hosting Voodoo Nights which was music being played by a DJ and a live drummer through out the evening. Guest would stop to watch or maybe dance a little bit. We did not make it to the High Sierra Hypnotist as we did not have enough time.

They do offer a few cool events for the kids during the day which include Witch HazelPumpkin Patch crafts, Looney Tunes trick or Treat Masquerade and Looney Tunes Character meet ups. These events are offered from 12-5 during the day which is pretty neat and gives the kids something to do. This event is free to attend and is included with our general admission ticket or annual pass.

Regular Show Fight Fest Zone II- This is a fun photo op booth setup over by the theatre. We stood in line FOREVER. well about 45 minutes….they would do 2 people ever 10 minutes or so. It was painfully slow of a line. We tried to get in there but our patience wore too thing and we jumped out of line. They play cartoons on a screen outside to entertain you which is what helped ease the pain of standing in line for what seemed like forever. We did get a cool pin out of the deal though.

SCARE ZONES. I am not going to break down each scare zone as there was not a lot of theming or very specific details to get into. They had a vey themed areas. They had a zombie themed area, The wastelands, and an area on top of the mountain by Garden of Darkness. The Garden of darkness area was the best of the bunch. It was dark and had the most talent running around. I did see one of the best uses of Stilts at any haunt ever. The actor would crouch way down over by a garbage can and wait for the guests to walk by. They would then spring up and stand over the guests and this monster of a Scharacter was now standing over you. Very cool effect. Bravo.

MAZES

The Willoughby’s Darden of Darkness: This maze was located at the top of the mountain in the old Sky bucket ride house. The entire maze was covered in green shredded material. You wondered your way through the maze wondering where everyone was. I kept looking for people to scare you but they were no where to be found. Finally towards the end of the maze you finally seen some talent inside to scare you. They were also covered in the green shredded material. I am not sure how this was suppose to be a garden. It was just green material all over the place. There were some good ideas of hiding people in the green material but you could obviously see them as a large bump in the wall (for those of us looking perhaps). Just wish it had more garden elements. It was the worst maze of the park so it only gets better from here on out. Over all rating: 4

Chupacabra: This maze was located up in the plaze by Panda Express. It was a mexican themed maze with the urban legend, Chupacabra. There were Scharacters dressed up as humanoid Chupacabras and there were even some small models of the Chupacabra in the maze as well. It was not covered by a roof and you were walking through walls mainly. It was not a total wreck of a maze but it was not very well done. The talent behind the scenes had good intentions but they hopefully over the years will get more practice and we will see something better from them in the coming years. Lets just hope this is something they will move on from.  Overall Rating is: 520141024_191945

Reds Revenge: This wasa twist on the classic story Little Red Riding Hood. You had a pres how where youwere showing a bit of the history of Red and at the end are surprised by a loud explosion of air and rumble of subwoofers in the floor. The maze wonders through the woods of Werewolves and little villages. They had really stepped up their game here. Lots of great detail was put into this maze as well as the costumes. I was disappointed with the talent and they were not doing too great of a job of entertaining or scaring. There were a few good moments in this maze and was one of their best mazes of the evening. Overall rating 7.5

Toyz of Terror 3D: This maze was a 3d maze and guess what…..FREE GLASSES! Way to go six flags. This is your typical florescent black lit Halloween maze but this was with Toys. People dressed up as toys, dolls and decorated with toyz through out. It had one of my favorite elements of a fun house. The spinning room with the bridge. I love this effect. It gets me every time. They did had some creative uses with the paint and the 3d worked well here. Overall rating 720141024_192205

Vault 666: This was a maze based on an old abandoned facility that has recently been discovered with years or secrets. Lots of mutations and other type scharacters were through out this maze. I would almost say it has an Asylum feel. The girl in the beginning told us that they were doing human and animal experiments and I think that was part of the look of the scharacters inside as well. It had some great moments in this maze. I remember a guy running out of no where right into an electric fence and they had an actual electric shock effect fire up and shocked the guy coming at us. With a great pre show and great set design it was one of the better mazes in the park. Overall rating: 8

Willoughbys Resurrected: This is a big fancy scary mansion themed maze. It was well themed and was a fun little walk through. Did not see very many scharacters unfortunately when I had went through. There were bedrooms, libraries, and other types of rooms. It had a unique grey look through the whole maze which was different than most mazes I had seen before. I had a great experience in line for this maze. A creepy wet haired very short lady was moving EXTREMELY slow. She was stalking down a girl in front of us in line. She moved slow and with a creepy motion under the gates up around us for the line. She bent and contorted into strange positions. Very entertaining and very dedicted. Overall rating: 7.5

The Aftermath: This was a post Apocalyptic themed maze. It had a really nice entrance built up and you entered into a hallway full of fog and a light pointed right at you to blind the guests. This was perfect use of light and fog and wish who ever lit this did more work through out the park. This is how its done. The rest of the maze was placed right in the middle of the stunt show stage. It was wide open and you walked through old cars, storage bins and other wasteland type props. Zombies would jump out to scare you here and there but was very scarce. After the entrance with that awesome fog and light effect the rest of the maze fell flat to immerse you into darkness of into a scary environment. Was a bit of a let down. The whole maze had no roof so it is hard to immerse your guests and you must figure out another way to make that work. Just wish they had because It had all the right intentions. Overall Rating: 620141024_200330

Total Darkness: This maze is exactly what it sounds like. PITCH BLACK walk through. groups ofeight get in a line and are told to hold on to a rope. I had the pleasure of being the first one to lead everyone through the darkness. The maze twists and turns and you must find your way through. They have night vision on inside so they can monitor what guests are doing. They will whisper “this way” to help get you through. Pretty cool expierence. It even had one of my favorite maze elements, the inflatable claustrophobia hallway! I think this maze lacks a few things. Maybe some strange material on the walls that changes to freak out your guests as they work their way through the maze as well as some actual scares. Its such a strong concept I wish they would do just a little bit more with it.  Overall Rating 8

Reflecting back on this trip it was a pretty well done Halloween event in a few of the areas of the park. It is a large park and hard to put all your energy through out the park. I think over the years we can expect to see more from Magic Mountain as they have already proved to us that they are improving each year. Great Job you guys and keep up the improvements!

-B

IAAPA 2014: Honolulu Hot Dog Company

Posted on November 19, 2014 by - Blog

We always have to show off the latest and greatest food on the IAAPA trade show floor and this year our favorite has been Honolulu Hot Dog Company which features a very unique dog, bun and sauce combination