Halloween Horror Nights is Getting Closer!

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

 Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is just a few weeks away. At Universal Orlando, they will by having 7 new scary houses. Here is what they are all about.
 

The Walking Dead: Dead Inside- "As the city is crawling with hordes of “walkers,” the issue of your becoming one of them is not a question of if, but when."- Halloween Horror Nights

Silent Hill- "In the eerie and desolate town of Silent Hill, ash falls from the sky and the physical laws of nature no longer apply. If you dare to venture into this alternate dimension, there is only one law of nature with which you must concern yourself: survival."- Halloween Horror Nights

 

Alice Cooper: Welcome To My Nightmare- "Journey into legendary rocker Alice Cooper’s twisted mind and witness the natural melding of horror and Cooper’s four decades-long career. Here you will follow Steven, the iconic character from many of Cooper’s works, as you come face to face with a myriad of tormentors who threaten an already-decaying sense of sanity."- Halloween Horror Nights

 

Penn & Teller New(kd) Las Vegas- "World-renowned magicians Penn & Teller have accidentally nuked Las Vegas, but don’t worry, it’s nothing a fresh coat of paint and a truckload of BS can’t fix! Come on down to New Vegas, where all that glitters isn’t gold, and in fact probably has fatal levels of radioactivity."- Halloween Horror Nights

 Gothic- "The Catedral de Caementum Animus is, by day, undergoing a building-wide architectural refurbishment. By night, the many stone gargoyles that keep watchful eye over the sanctuary come to life with the mission of protecting this sacred place against intrusion."- Halloween Horror Nights

 

Dead End- "If enough people believe in something, perception can become reality. In Carey, Ohio, the perception was that countless horrific acts had occurred in the old Hartford Mansion. The reality was that the curse which befell the house was far worse than any story ever told."-Halloween Horror Nights

Universal’s House of Horrors - "This is no remake. No sequel. These are Universal’s classic monsters of fear, who have terrified audiences from the Silver Screen. They have been waiting within silver celluloid to be resurrected. The flash of a lightning strike cuts the darkness that surrounds, and terror’s true faces take back what is theirs… and their time is now!"- Halloween Horror Nights

 

Well, those are the 7 of the houses. But that is not it. They have live shows and street experiences. Be sure to purchase your tickets today.

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Please note that all the houses we talked about our directly from www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando.  Photos by Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. 

D23 Expo vs. Comic Con

Two great conventions to go to are Comic Con and the D23 Expo!

The D23 Expo is a convention for all Disney fans. Comic Con is a convention for lots of people into different things.

The crowds at Comic Con are huge. Everywhere you go, you are flooded with people all around you. Even outside the convention center it is packed! The crowds at the D23 Expo can get a little big. In the morning before it opens a lot of people are outside. After everyone gets in, no one is ever outside. Sometimes only a few people.

Everyone is outside because Comic Con puts a lot of stuff out there. It is called Lawn-Con and this year they had all of the Bat-mobiles from every live movie and television show. The D23 Expo does not have much inside, but sometimes a few things are on display.

Comic Con is every year. The D23 Expo is every other year.

So what do you think. They are two great conventions.


GO COMIC-CON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Magic: the Gathering

                                     

By Mr. Moneybag$

Recently all my co-workers have been playing the card game Magic with each other. I have known about this game for a while and used to think it was stupid. But one of my friends convinced me to buy a deck, so I went out and bought the "Monstous Surprise" and I have to say that this specific card game is very exciting. It tops Poke'mon, Yu-Gi-Yo, Beyblade (let it rip is an expression used to tell someone to fart by the way), and Bakugan any day.

My Short and Quick Review: Paranorman

Photo from Paranorman Wikipedia Page.

By Dr.Pan¡c

Note: This will be the first of a bunch of short reviews. The point is a one paragraph review of a movie or video game so you don't have to read like 20 paragraphs.

    I walk all the way to the back of the theater with one bucket of large popcorn in one hand and a medium coke in the other. As I find my way to the seat I look around and notice, "Hey there isn't that many kids here. Only Adults." It was true. In the whole theater, there were mostly adults or teenagers. Now this movie isn't exactly as scary as I hoped it would be. It has tons of clicked moments like walking through a dark empty spooky house, not knowing what will come pop out. This movie isn't as scary nor as creepy as Coraline. Instead it's more of a family movie for kids 9 and older. The plot is about a boy named Norman (but his Mom called him Robin once) who can interact with the dead. His insane uncle tells him of a witches curse where zombies come to life. Now the problem with this movie is that these zombies aren't scary but actually quite funny. The only thing that may scare you in this movie is when it transitions to a scene with a loud noise. (for example lighting would be loud and be used to scare the audience). For adults, I'd say this is a letdown and there's better movies to watch if you want to be scared. For kids, this may be a good movie. The comedy is kind of cheesy. For example.

Norman: Did anyone get bitten?

Neil: I bit my tongue. Does that count?

No one in the theater laughed. Not even the kids. I give this movie a 8/10. The humor could have been better and if it was just as creepy as Coraline it just might've been the perfect movie. Hopefully, next time Laika will be able to make a more creepy, and less comedic movie. Coraline had the perfect amount of creepiness and had dark humor. If your an adult, I recommend a different movie. If you want to take your kids out to see a movie, I prefer The Odd Life of Timothy Green! (The ending of Timothy Green will most likely make you cry)

Neil Armstrong Passed Away

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Today was a sad day at NASA. The first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong passed away earlier today. The day was July 20, 1969, when he made his big leap on the moon. Because of what Armstrong did, he will be legendary. 

R.I.P.

Neil Armstrong 1930-2012

'Celebrate the Magic'

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

'The Magic, The Memories and You' is a fun show at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The show is where photos that taken by Disney's Photo Pass photographers will appear on Cinderella's Castle and 'It's a Small World'. Just announced, the show will be replaced by 'Celebrate the Magic'.

  The new show will feature lots of new things, but no Photo Pass photos will be projected. September 3 is the last night to see 'The Magic, The Memories and You'. To check out a video of 'The Magic, The Memories and You' click here. The show will not be at Disneyland, because 'Its a Small World Holiday' show will have Christmas projections.

 

 

Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House!

Sketch by Disney

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Just a month away, until Disneyland is transformed into 'Halloween Time'! Some of this includes Mickey's Halloween Party, Disney characters in Halloween costumes, new photo opportunities, and much more. I also forgot to mention that the Haunted Mansion gets transformed into the Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Jack Skellington (Nightmare Before Christmas) takes over the mansion decorating it for Christmas in his own way. The mansion changes in many ways. One of the coolest things is the real gingerbread house in the ballroom scene.

Each year, the gingerbread house is different. This year's house is going to be very exciting and scary. For the 2012 gingerbread house, it will be on the top of a tall, skinny mountain. Now, this is not a normal gingerbread house. For one thing, this years gingerbread masterpiece is nine feet tall.

 This annual tradition takes a lot of work. Like we said, this gingerbread house is real. It takes many people from the designers to the bakers, who create this work of art every year. We got to tell you, every year, it gets better and better. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is from September 14 through October 31.

Avengers 2 Release Date

By Dr.Pan¡c

The Avengers 2 is supposed to come out on May 1, 2015.  I can wait 3 more years for the next movie. Speaking of superheros, Iron Man 3 will feature the extremis virus, a virus that is supposed to turn a average human into a super soldier, and firepower, an enemy of Iron Man who is supposed to a suit similar to those we saw in the 2nd film. Iron Man 3 is supposed to have "real time villains". Let's hope this doesn't ruin the movie. Now Marvel, don't forget what Bill Cosby said:

"I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone."

Best Western Hotel Review

  By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

If you ever need a good place to stay on a road trip, or traveling, try Best Western. They have great, clean, nice, and affordable rooms. We recently stayed at one for a night after visiting Hearst Castle. The rooms are very good. At the one we stayed at, breakfast was included. Some of the food options were waffles, cereal, fruit and much more. Also, they had a nice swimming pool. This hotel is a very nice place. I am sure all the other Best Western hotels are the same. We had a great time and will return to one of there many hotels.

'Be Our Guest' Restaurant Reservations

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Announced a few months back was the menu for the 'Be Our Guest' restaurant. Here you can step into the movie with all the characters as they interact with you. Inside the restaurant, it looks like you are in the ballroom scene of the Disney classic 'Beauty and the Beast.' That is just one of the rooms, altogether seating about 500 people. This restaurant is for sure the place to eat  when you visit. You can start to make reservations on Monday August 20 at noon. The phone number to call is 407-WDW-DINE! The first day you can go is for dinner on November 19! This addition to the Magic Kingdom is all apart of the Fantasyland expansion.

UPDATE: Disney has changed the time to when reservations are available. You can reserve your party now at 7am on August 20.

'Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps Tour'

By D.Z.

If you want a fun tour at Disneyland, you got to do this tour. The 'Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps Tour' will educate you with Disney knowledge about Walt's vision of the park. This guided tour takes you places around Disneyland that most have never seen before. This tour has been available for awhile, but it has just got better.

This tour includes a look into Walt Disney's apartment on Main Street, a lunch on Main Street, a collectible pin, able to ride on two classic attractions, and a peek into the lobby of the members only club, called Club 33!

This tour is three hours long, theme park admission is required, and tour starts at 9:30am at the Disneyland Tour Gardens.

As you can tell, this tour is very cool. You can purchase your tickets by calling 714-781-TOUR! Your tour must be booked up to a month in advance. For more information visit Disneyland.com/tours. This is one tour to not miss! The new additions to the tour will begin September 9! Booking is avalible.

Reminder from Batman

                                     "I'm Batman, I want you to tell all your friends about me," Batman.

'My Yard Goes Disney' Creates Another Cool Backyard

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

On HGTV, we got to meet the Galloway Family. They had a great time at the Disney Fantasy, a new cruise ship apart of Disney Cruise Line. This backyard will make you jealous for sure. Inspired by the Fantasy, they have a Pixie Hollow area for the girls, a big pirate ship for the boys, a splash zone on a giant 12 foot lily pad, and much more. Galloway Hollow (Pixie Hollow) makes you feel like you have stepped in the Tinkerbell movies. The pirate ship makes you want to climb aboard and set sail. Inspired by the Aqua Lab and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutigue comes the big splash zone. You can tell that all the neighbors will be coming over for a long time. To learn more about this backyard, and many others, visit the Disney Parks Blog. Be sure to tune into 'My Yard Goes Disney' at 5:30 on Sundays.

Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies Book Review

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

One of Disney's imagineers wrote a book about the Haunted Mansion ride and movie. In this book, he talks about the history of the ride, shows you the differences of the Haunted Mansion's around the world, gives you a tour, and talks about Eddy Murphy's movie. This book is a must read for all Haunted Mansion fans. I thought I knew a lot about the ride before I read the book. Also, they have lots of great photos that include construction, concept art, photos tacken during the ride, and great shots tacken on set of the movie. You can purchase this book today on amazon.com! I would for sure give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

 

'Glow With the Show' Ears Working at Fantasmic

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

In Disney's California Adventures, guests have enjoyed the 'Glow With the Show' ears lighting up the audience at World of Color. The hats are synchronized so that it matches the same color as the show. On the Disney Parks Blog, they told us that soon the ears will work during Fantasmic. You can purchase these hats at the parks for $25! If you want a behind the scenes look at the ears, check out a this video released by Disney.

RED DAWN REMAKE!!!

By Dr.Pan¡c

  Yes that's right! A remake of the famous 80's movie Red Dawn is being remade! So far the only people I recognized from the trailer was Josh Hutcherson (Hunger Games), Josh Peck (Drake and Josh), and Connor Cruise (Tom Cruise's son). I saw the trailer for the movie and I must say, this will definetly do better than the other remakes that came out these last few years. It's great to see Josh Hutcherson in one of my most favorite movies of all time, the last time I saw Josh Peck was in Drake and Josh (one of my favorite TV shows of all time), and Connor Cruise, who I believe this is his first movie but I'm not sure. I can't wait till later this year to watch this movie! Please tell us what you think about the remake. Fail or EPIC WIN? Notice how I capitalized all the letters in EPIC WIN.

"Frankinweenie" Exhibit at Disneyland

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

From September 14- November 5, California Adventure guests will be able to experience the "Art of Frankinweenie Exhibition!" This is all to promote Tim Burton's new movie "Frankinweenie," coming to theatres October 5th. After seeing all this, you get to see a "extended sneak peek" of the movie. To see what it looks like, be sure to check out the Frankinweenie Exhibit video released by Disney. Actually, they had this exhibit at San Diego Comic Con. Lots enjoyed it. Also, during SDCC, in the Walt Disney Studio's Presentation, Tim Burton came out and talked a little about the movie. I am so excited for this exhibit to open at DCA!

Happy Birthday Haunted Mansion

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Just 43 years ago on August 9, the firsts guests got spooked on the Haunted Mansion. This project back then was in the work for years, but some work stopped due to the World's Fair! Most people think that a trip is not complete without stepping in the Doom Buggies. As we step into the elevator we all get so excited. Great way to start it off. My favorite scene is the ballroom. There, they have all the ghosts dancing and having dinner, while it thunder and lightnings outside. Lots of Disney fans consider this ride their favorite like me. I am sure that it will be a fan favorite for the next 43 years.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco Review

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

If you want the best vacation, you need the best hotel. We were lucky to stay at the Grand Hyatt at Union Square. This hotel is really great. The rooms are wonderful. They are all clean, fresh and taken care of. The beds are comfy. The views in the hotel are outstanding. We had a great view of Union Square. Macy's was directly across from our room. If you have some questions about what to do, the concierge is more than helpful.

For some things, they can even get you a discount and book it for you. As you can tell, the Grand Hyatt they help you with everything. On the top floor, they even have a little restaurant, overlooking the bay. How great is that? I know where I am staying the next time I go to San Francisco!

"My Disney Experience" App

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Just a few days ago, Walt Disney World released a new app called "My Disney Experience." This free app provides lots and eventually will ink up to Disney's Nextgen Fastpass system. Nextgen is a new way of technology in proving trips to the parks. This app does include what Disney Mobile Magic has, showing wait times, maps, character meet and greets and much more. This new app allows wait times to be accessed from anywhere. The Mobile Magic app is still available, but My Disney Experience is just another step up. You can get this new app on iTunes and iPhone and iPad, but no android version is available. Please note that this app is just provided for Walt Disney World. The Mobile Magic app is for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks. Hopefully My Disney Experience will be braught to Disneyland soon. Photo from insidethemagic.net

Alcatraz Cruises Review

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist 

On the final day of our San Francisco trip, we went to Alcatraz. We had such a great time. You get to take a little boat ride to the prison. Then you get to go on a audio tour narrated by former guards and prisoner's. This tour is really great. They show you some of the guard offices, the kitchen, the cells, and much more. Also, it feels like they are with you. The guides give you enough time for photos and looking around too.

 This tour is mainly inside, but in one part, you get to go outside, with a great view of San Fransisco. If you feel like spending a few seconds in the dark, you can. You have the option to go in Solitary Confinement. But don't worry, you are not in long. Actually, some cells are open, where you can go in. Great photo opportunity. At the end of the tour, you get to go in a gift shop. This gift shop has lots of cool things. Some things include, Alcatraz coins, keys, books and much more. Actually, when I went, one of the prisoners was there at the gift shop. His name is Robert Luke, and now he has a book out. It is about him living on the rock. I had to get it. Really good book! As you can tell, Alcatraz is a really fun place to visit. Be sure to get your tickets early on alcatrazcruises.com! They do go fast!

Walt Disney Family Museum Review

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

 A trip to San Francisco is not complete without a few things. One of them is going to the Walt Disney Family Museum. This museum is tucked away, but very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. In the museum, you get to learn about Walt Disney's life, all the way up to his passing. Along the way, they have some fun games to play. For the theme park fans, they have a big area, with a model of Disneyland. Now, this museum is not really about the theme parks. It is about his movies, his life, his magic. This museum is very large. Each room is almost like a show. They have lights going, music playing and a audience watching. I am a big Disney fan, and I learned a lot about him that I never knew. They have lots of areas where you can listen to audio of Walt talking and even his friends. You could spend more than a day at this museum for sure. After you enter the last tour room, you find yourself at a gift shop. This gift shop has pins, books, shirts, and much more. Even if you are not that big of a Disney fan, you could walk out as one. For more information, visit http://waltdisney.com/

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch

By D.Z. Theme Park Specialist

Driving to Hearst Castle, we went through a bunch of farmland. Then all of a sudden, we spotted a gate. That gate reminded us that the king of pop has a house (MORE LIKE A AMUSEMENT PARK) in the area. We quickly pulled up the address on our phone and found that it is only 11 miles away. As our phones guide us, we finally find Neverland. What you can see is only a big gate. Behind the gate on the right is a big house that looks like a cottage. If Neverland was open, that would proablly be the ticket or parking booth. Because we were driving to Hearst Castle, a museum that used to be a house, it made me think that someday Neverland could be open to the public.  How cool would that be?