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    Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins Jan. 27, 2023

    Disneyland Park guests will be able to step into a cartoon world and join Mickey and his friends on Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, coming to Mickey's Toontown Jan. 27, 2023. This first major Mickey-themed ride-through attraction at Disneyland park will put guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where anything can happen. Once guests step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, they will board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. 
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    Disneyland Park guests will be able to step into a cartoon world and join Mickey and his friends on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, coming to Mickey’s Toontown Jan. 27, 2023. This first major Mickey-themed ride-through attraction at Disneyland park will put guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where anything can happen. Once guests step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, they will board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Disneyland Resort)

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    In time for spring 2023, the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade will come to life at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., during The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. The parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)

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    Beginning Jan. 27, 2023, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., will celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder – the largest cross-company global celebration in the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Parks around the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary, with the heart of the celebration at Disneyland Resort. Throughout the resort, guests will enjoy special limited-time offerings taking place all year long, including new platinum-infused décor, two new nighttime spectaculars, new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

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    To celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary, an all-new nighttime spectacular will debut at Disney California Adventure park Jan. 27 2023. “World of Color – One” will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago and have an all-new inspiring story told through some of your favorite characters. Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100) will be the biggest celebration in the history of the company. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

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    Universal Orlando Resort Invites Guests to Amp Up the Awesome this Holiday Season

    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT INVITES GUESTS TO AMP UP THE AWESOME THIS
    HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FESTIVE ADD-ON EXPERIENCES LIKE UNIVERSAL’S HOLIDAY TOUR
    AND THE GRINCH & FRIENDS CHARACTER BREAKFAST DURING THE DESTINATION’S
    HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION FROM NOV. 12 THROUGH JAN. 1, 2023 
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    Guests can also Celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year with Special Experiences Across
    All Universal Orlando Resort Hotels 
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    ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2022) – Universal Orlando Resort guests can take the merriment of the destination’s Holidays celebration to the next level with additional festive experiences select dates from November 12 through January 1, 2023 – including embarking on an exclusive guided tour of this year’s event during Universal’s Holiday Tour and encountering the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, while enjoying a delicious breakfast during the popular The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast. Plus, guests can enjoy a spectacular slate of holiday festivities that include special dining, décor and entertainment across all eight Universal Orlando hotels.
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    See below for details about the one-of-a-kind experiences guests can add to their holiday getaway at Universal Orlando:

    Universal’s Holiday Tour
    On select dates, guests can enjoy a guided tour filled with unique experiences and special access to the beloved holiday entertainment taking place across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, such as:
    • Meeting the maven of mischief, the Grinch, and his faithful dog, Max, while enjoying a delicious hot cocoa bar with small bites and desserts at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
    • Access to reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
    • Enjoying a meet-and-greet and photo opp with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida (includes one digital download photo)
    • Capping off the night in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with an exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories brought to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle

    Universal’s Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 13 through January 1, 2023 and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays. Pricing starts at $79.99 (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket is required.

    Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-346-9350 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EDT daily or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Studios Florida. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.
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    The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
    The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, is back this year for Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration – allowing guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and appearances by some of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch. Guests also receive access to one digital download photo as a keepsake from their encounter with the Grinch during this special opportunity.

    The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure on select dates from November 12 through December 29, 2022 and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
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    Pricing for this experience is $41.99 (plus tax) for adults and $26.99 (plus tax) for children and separate theme park admission is required. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can take advantage of a 20% discount on the dining experience’s ticketed price when purchased in person at the front gate or a Guest Services location with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.
    The Holiday Festivities Continue at Universal’s Hotels
    The awesomest celebration of the season continues at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, complete with festive décor that perfectly complements each hotel’s individual theme, holiday feasts and special activities filled with holiday cheer for the whole family. Universal hotel guests can enjoy special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays, menorah lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts for kids and more. Plus, select hotels offer additional holiday entertainment that includes Christmas tree lightings, strolling carolers and more.

    Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration kicks off Saturday, November 12 and runs daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023, and features an amazing collection of festivities that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and live concerts by Mannheim Steamroller (on select nights). Guests can now take advantage of incredible offers to experience all the fun, including getting four days of theme park thrills for the price of a two-day ticket with the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” offer or saving 30% on a special vacation package that includes five-night accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel, five days of access to Universal Orlando’s theme parks and exclusive hotel benefits.

    For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
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    Let Yourself Woah at Universal Orlando Resort
    When you’re ready to Let Yourself Woah, the place to go is Universal Orlando Resort.

    For more than 30 years, Universal Orlando has immersed guests in amazing “woah” moments that free them from the stress of their worlds. Across the award-winning destination, they can let go and live in the moment with those they care about most as they embark on incredible theme park adventures, like causing mischief with the Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” coming face-to-face with ferocious dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, walking the corridors of Hogwarts castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and so much more.

    Universal Orlando is home to three epic theme parks that feature some of the world’s most exciting and innovative experiences, including Universal’s Islands of Adventure – named the #1 Amusement Park in the World for five years in a row by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice; Universal Studios Florida – home to the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, The Bourne Stuntacular; and Universal’s Volcano Bay - a tropical oasis like no other that features an actual beach right in the middle of Orlando.    
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    Universal Orlando’s hotels are destinations unto themselves and include the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. And Universal’s entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers immersive dining and entertainment for every member of the family. 
  • Published on

    Walt Disney World Resort Offers Magical Holiday Experiences for the Entire Family

    LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) – It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and holiday cheer is already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This yuletide season, guests can celebrate in the merriest way with festive sights and experiences, and jolly new flavors, plus the return of fan-favorite events. 

    Here is an overview of all that is merry and bright this holiday season across Walt Disney World: 

    Holiday Festivities Come Ringing in with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  
    Holiday cheer will fill Magic Kingdom Park as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on 24 select nights Nov. 8-Dec. 22, 2022. The separately ticketed event will invite guests to an evening of unforgettable merriment.  
    • Mickey Mouse and his pals appear on Cinderella Castle stage for a Christmas extravaganza – “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” The show features singers, dancers and surprises all choreographed to nostalgic and modern medleys of holiday music.   
    • Minnie Mouse orchestrates a sparkling nighttime spectacular with dazzling fireworks, castle projections and seasonal songs in “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”  
    • Santa Claus joins Mickey Mouse and friends in the must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” 
    • Partygoers can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout Magic Kingdom.   
    • Select Magic Kingdom attractions get a jolly holiday overlay with Jungle Cruise transforming into Jingle Cruise, and special holiday makeovers of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party.  
    • Guests can join Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch for the out-of-this-world holiday stage show, “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” on the Rockettower Plaza Stage. 
    • New to this year’s party, attendees have three jolly new Disney PhotoPass opportunities and they will receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake themed to the holidays.   
    • New sweet treats this year include Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue and Candied Pecans found at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café to go along with returning favorites like the Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll with White Icing and Holiday Sprinkles at Main Street Bakery.  
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    Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased on the Walt Disney World website with prices ranging from $149 – $199 per person. Event dates are:
    • November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29  
    • December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22   
    Joyous Holiday Traditions Return to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth 

    Wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season are in store when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022. 

    To the delight of guests, EPCOT will welcome back “Candlelight Processional,” a Disney Parks tradition. This heartwarming production takes place nightly at America Gardens Theatre and features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and glorious massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members and Central Florida community groups. 

    This year’s lineup of award-winning actors, singers and TV personalities features several new celebrity narrators making their debut, including Gloria Estefan, Josh Gad, Simu Liu, Daymond John, Mariska Hargitay and Raúl Esparza, to name a few. They will join returning fan-favorite celebrity narrators, such as Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Marie Osmond, Angela Bassett and Edward James Olmos.  
    ​
    Other exciting festival offerings: 
    • “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a stirring and uplifting performance of music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, returns with multiple performances daily. 
    • Storytellers, musical acts and other performers will bring holiday traditions of the world to life around World Showcase. 
    • Holiday Kitchens will cook up treasured recipes and festive drinks from around the globe, as well as an eye-popping selection of treats to satisfy nearly any sweet tooth. 
    • New savory offerings include an Impossible™ Chorizo Tamale, a Plant-based Cotija Cheese and Spicy Red Chile Sauce found at Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen.  
    • Returning guest-favorites include the Maple Bûche de Noël found at Holiday Hearth Holiday Kitchen. This sweet treat features Maple Mousse and Cranberry rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake. 
    • The Holiday Cookie Stroll offers guests the opportunity to embark on a sweet scavenger hunt and visit different booths and purchase an array of cookies. Those who complete the scavenger hunt are rewarded with a completer cookie.  
    Delightful Holiday Decor Abounds  

    Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.  
    ​
    Decor highlights include:  
    • Jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.
    • Holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.
    • Animal-inspired décor, luminaries on Discovery Island and holiday cheer that expats from Earth have brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  
    • Dazzling international decor around World Showcase at EPCOT.  
    • Nightly snow flurries and Disney-themed Christmas trees at Disney Springs.
    • Iconic Gingerbread displays and embellishments at Disney Resort Hotels.
    • And Christmas trees seemingly everywhere – more than 1300 at last count, some towering 65 feet. 
    Experience Enchanting Entertainment This Holiday Season 

    As the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continues, select theme park icons will continue to transform into Beacons of Magic in between showings of glittering holiday-themed displays. Disney elves have gone above and beyond to bring guests a variety of yuletide entertainment experiences this holiday season.  
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom  
      • A Merry Menagerie of life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals bring Discovery Island to life as they interact with guests alongside serenading musicians. 
      • After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music. ​
    • EPCOT 
      • From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022, guests will find holiday magic throughout the entire park. 
      • Santa will be greeting with guests inside the Odyssey Pavilion as he gets ready for the big day. 
      • Heartwarming performances around World Showcase include Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance and holiday storytellers.  
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios  
      • Sunset Seasons Greetings brings holiday magic each evening as the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into myriad scenes including a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and more.  
      • The Santa Claus Merry Motorcade features jolly St. Nick himself cruising down Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible stuffed full of presents. 
      • Olaf stars in a festive finale to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” that delights guests with performances of celebratory songs of the holiday season.  
    • Magic Kingdom Park 
      • On nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is not held, Cinderella Castle transforms to take on a magical holiday look complete with special projection effects, festive colors and a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater, a jeweled castle look and more.  
    Holiday Magic Awaits Guests at Disney Springs 

    Guests can discover glad tidings at Disney Springs through specialty food & beverage options, decorations and entertainment to ring in the holiday season. 
    • A collection of elaborately decorated Disney trees is on display as part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Located throughout Disney Springs, these festively decorated trees are sure to spruce up the holiday atmosphere. Guests can even go on a scavenger hunt to find all the trees. Once completed, they can bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.  
    • Guests can walk in a winter wonderland, strolling through Town Center and the West Side as angelic flurries of snow add a touch of magic to holiday shopping.  
    • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into a Holiday Bar complete with jolly decorations to ring in the merry season. Guests can indulge in limited-time holiday-themed sips and snacks to get into the spirit of the season.  
    • Guests will find Santa at Once Upon a Toy where they can take photos and share holiday wishes with him.  
    • Enjoy new and returning festive food items throughout Disney Springs like the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise from The Ganachery. 

    Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly-day Merchandise 
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    Shopping for gifts doesn’t get any better than at Walt Disney World Resort. Anticipate arctic attire and festive keepsakes for the home, all of which are perfect for gifting to loved ones (or for yourself!) this holiday season. The cheerful Mickey’s Vintage Christmas collection features hues of red and green, snowfall and peppermint to celebrate the holiday season. Guests can also sport the cozy, plaid Homestead collection and a specially themed line to celebrate Hanukkah.  
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    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to Offer Free “Howl-O-Days" Family Photo Sessions Inside of Revamped Christmas Themed Haunted House

    • Create all-new family traditions at “The Residence: Home for The Holidays” haunted house where merriment suddenly turns murderous
    • Limited-time Howl-O-Days photo sessions offered Oct. 13 – 16 with complimentary digital photo download available as part of eerie experience
    • Brave souls looking to unwrap a new layer of horror can save up to 55% on Howl-O-Scream event admission when purchased online at HowlOScreamTampa.com
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    WHAT:                       
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay invites park guests to strike a pose and scream in fear during a limited-time “Howl-O-Days” family photo session at Howl-O-Scream’s The Residence: Home for the Holidays haunted house.

    To participate in this complimentary experience, guests are required to make an advance booking by visiting the park’s website. Daytime park admission is required to participate and is not included with the creation of a Howl-O-Days reservation.
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    Upon completion of the photo session, guests will be provided with a free digital download, and will have the opportunity to purchase additional prints at an adjacent photo location.

    WHEN:                        
    Oct. 13 – 16, 2022

    WHERE:                      
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa, Fla.

    ​ABOUT:                 
    Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
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    New Features Now Available on the Disneyland App

    The Disneyland app has intuitive planning tools and resources for guests visiting Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Viewing park maps and entertainment schedules, mobile ordering food and beverages, and car locator are just a few of the convenient features available on the app. Plus, the app continues to evolve, adding new capabilities and content to help enhance the guest experience.


    For more details, visit DisneyParksBlog.com. (Pictures: Winston Suk/Disneyland Resort)
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    Car Locator

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    Merchandise Mobile Checkout

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    Disney PhotoPass Lenses

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    Disney PhotoPass Lenses

    How to Access Disney PhotoPass Lenses in 3 Easy Steps

    Step 1: Purchase Disney Genie+ service before the day of your visit when you buy your ticket. Or, purchase it on the day of your visit, after entering a theme park (subject to availability).
    Step 2: Upon entering a park, open the Disneyland mobile app and tap on the “More” menu at the bottom of the home screen.
    Step 3: Tap on “Disney PhotoPass Lenses” to find a special AR (augmented reality) camera, which will give you access to the Lenses. Please note: you will need to allow access to your device’s camera and location.
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    Castle Dark 2022 at Castle Park Riverside

    Castle Dark Castle Park Riverside
    This past weekend we were invited out to Castle Dark at Castle Park in Riverside, California. 

    The event is at the absolutely charming Castle Park which we haven't visited in a few years, so it was not only great to see all of the Halloween fun, but also to get back to the park itself. 

    In addition to the ride park, Castle Park also features an amazing mini golf course which has special lighting during Castle Dark. All in all, the event is great for locals and definitely has the potential to grow in the years to come. 

    Let's head in and check out this fun event! 


    For information and Tickets to Castle Dark, check out the Castle Park website. 
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    Welcome to Castle Dark!

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    Like their sister park Kennywood, Castle Dark has implemented a Chaperone Policy. That didn't stop younger people from waiting around the entrance asking adults to chaperone them into the event.

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    We were thoroughly impressed with the lighting at the event.

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    The roaming characters were very awesome!

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    And some awesome props!

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    Our first maze was Morgana's Revenge. This maze is easily the longest of the 3 mazes at the event. Despite having a lot of black walls, there were actually a lot of quality scares in this maze!

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    More awesome lighting!

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    After checking out the arcade and mini-golf, it's back to the ride park!

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    Our second maze was The House Next Door!

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    We absolutely loved this maze, just wish it was a bit longer.

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    The third maze at the event was the Funhouse of Terror!

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    This was our favorite maze at the event, just a super fun classic clown maze.

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    Thanks for having us out Castle Park! We look forward to returning to the event in future Halloween seasons!

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