LONG BEACH, CA – Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention returns to Southern California July 31 - August 2 for three days of Halloween thrills and horrific chills as the fan-favorite convention celebrates its 5th Anniversary at the Long Beach Convention Center.

The ticket pre-sale for Midsummer Scream 2020 begins Friday, March 6 at MidsummerScream.org, with 40% off General Admission Single Day and Weekend passes with discount code MSS2020. In addition, this Friday only, admission to Midsummer Scream After Dark - the official Saturday night party - is only $10 (regular price $25) with any ticket purchase!

Guests can also opt for the popular limited-edition Gold Bat Weekend Pass, which enables guests into Midsummer Scream an hour early on Saturday and Sunday before the convention opens to the general public; front of line priority access to panel presentations and attractions throughout the venue; a collectible lanyard and credential; a Gold Bat 2020 enamel pin; and admission to Midsummer Scream After Dark.

The underlying theme of Midsummer Scream 2020 is “Vintage Trick or Treating”, and all of the imagery, pageantry, and ghoulish good fun that comes with memories of October in years gone by. Halloween of yesteryear will be showcased throughout the weekend in multiple panel presentations, merchandise, and more.

With an estimated 40,000 attendees flocking to Southern California to participate in this year’s event, the decision was made to add a third day to the mix - a Friday night preview that will give fans access to all of the vendors on the convention’s sprawling show floor, unique limited-engagement programming specifically for that evening only, and a chance for Gold Bat and weekend passholders to pick up their credentials early.

“Last year, our continued growth dictated that we take over the entirety of the Long Beach Convention Center,” says David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream. “For our Fifth Anniversary celebration, the team agreed that it is time to make this a three-day event, which is exactly what we’ve done for 2020.”

Midsummer Scream is proud to announce the return of Southern California’s largest haunt events to the show for a weekend of world-class presentations, surprises, and major announcements.

These industry leaders include Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, LA Haunted Hayride, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, and Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest.

The iconic dark zone, Hall of Shadows, returns with the theme of Trick or Treat Forever! featuring
approximately 20 haunted attractions and displays, daily exhibitions by the Decayed Brigade slider team, and the largest experience CalHauntS has ever designed for Midsummer Scream, “Trick or Treat Lane” - a fully functional neighborhood adorned with vintage Halloween decorations where surprises and interactive fun abound!

With more than 300 artisans and exhibitors, Midsummer Scream’s show floor has become a shopping destination for fans of all ages, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork, props, Halloween accessories, clothing, and makeup supplies. This year’s powerhouse lineup of favorite vendors includes Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, Trick or Treat Studios, BlackCraft, Chicken Lips, and Immortal Masks. Also found on the show floor will be the beloved Paranormal Pixie’s Pumpkin Patch where kids and parents can participate in live entertainment and crafts throughout the weekend with the likes of Buster Balloon, as well as a performance stage where Mudd the Magnificent and others will mesmerize and entertain passersby!

Live entertainment abounds at Midsummer Scream, from the show floor to Theatre Macabre on the upper level of the convention center’s main concourse. Returning again to thrill guests are Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, Force of Nature Productions, and more!

Midsummer Scream’s own film festival, The Screaming Room presented by HorrorBuzz, screens a variety of horror short film blocks throughout the weekend.

This is Midsummer Scream’s fifth year partnering with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles in presenting the Black Cat Lounge, where guests can mix and mingle with adorable felines roaming freely through a decorated play space. The Black Cat Lounge gives guests looking to adopt a pet the perfect opportunity to bond with their new little friends and give them furever homes.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 6 at MidsummerScream.org. More news and information regarding
Midsummer Scream 2020 will be announced in the weeks and months ahead!

About Midsummer Scream
Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Executive Director), Gary Baker (Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Supervising Producer), and Rick West (Creative Director). Its goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror community as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking and non-stop spooky fun! Be sure to follow Midsummer Scream on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for breaking updates and information.

Me: My kids are grown, I avoided ever getting a mini van!
Disneyland: Hold our Moof Juice. 

Our first stop in the morning was to get the Indy pop. I have to be 100% honest, I didn't realize it was a big one. When we walked into Wunderland Gallery in Downtown Disney to get ours I was shocked, as you can see below. 

Before taking Indy back to the car for the day, had to take him around the park a bit. 

After getting our Rise boarding group (18 FTW) I had to actually leave to run an errand. We made it to Rise with 5 minutes to spare. 

I also had to try out my new iPhone 11 Pro, rather impressed with the results. Check out a Rise of the Resistance Slide Show below. 

Video of the amazing ROTR Pre-Show and "transport"

Jake and I also had some fun and did a reverse POV

The extensive rehab for The Haunted Mansion is continuing 

Apparently some of these scrims have come down since Saturday

Over at DCA we took a quick look at the Food and Wine festival. Didn't try any treats, but we'll be back. 

Avengers Campus construction is continuing as well. 

As well as the admin building next to Luigi's. 

They're still claiming "Summer" for this to open. We'll see. 

There was some cone'struction going on in Cars Land

Back over at Disneyland, couldn't remember if we had a shot of this during our last update

And there was this thing. 

If you've followed our site for any length of time you'll know we are huge fans of single rider lines. That said, not sure it really works for Star Tours. I think our wait was pretty much the same as the stand-by line. 

No lie, I don't think I'd ridden "regular" Space Mountain since 2012. So yay!! 

​Wonder if they'll bring back the Dick Dale soundtrack for 90's night? That would be worth the admission alone. 

After saying goodbye to Jake (he had woof'ers to take care of) I went and did some other single rider things. Like Indy!! 

Look into my eyes 

Mark Twain ... Maaaaark Twaaaiiiin

It was a beautiful late afternoon, so decided to do a POV of the Mark Twain

Boop

Sunset over Galaxy's Edge 

Did single rider on the Falcon. I had only done this once before, as a pilot. I will say, there is definitely a difference between being a pilot and an engineer. The ride itself was still a ton of fun, more a difference in the movement of the cockpit. 

​Another slideshow, because why not. :) 

What a piece of junk 

There was some kind of lightsaber meet in Galaxy's Edge. This was super cool. These photos aren't watermarked so if you participated and want to use any of them, feel free to do so. :) 

I had never noticed all of the hidden mickey's before

Over in Fantasyland, some work going on with the Carousel and Snow White

It's going to look amazing when it's done 

Goodnight sweet Disneyland. We'll be back soon!! 

Written by Steve Burant

This ride is going to rape my face, and I'm going to love every second of it. ​

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All Hail Chicken Boo!! 

It was the second to last day of the Peanut's Festival. We're now in Diet Knott's until the Boysenberry Festival. 

Moo

Just love Knott's at night 

Hiya Walter!! 

So ready for this!! Get in mah' belly!! 

Work Continues on the all new Bear'y Tales

The walls extend pretty far out 

Snoopy!! 

Told ya it was going to be a quick update!! We'll be at Knott's for the opening of the Boysenberry Festival!  

Related Updates: ​

• Knott's Berry Farm Peanut's Celebration 2020 - January 27, 2020
• Winterfest 2019 at Canada's Wonderland - November 27, 2019
• Knott's Merry Farm 2019 at Knott's Berry Farm - November 24, 2019
• Bear-y Tales returns to Knott's Berry Farm in 2020 - November 7, 2019
• Knott's Scary Farm Opening Weekend - September 24, 2019

Today, (Tuesday Feb. 25, 2020) SeaWorld San Diego provided a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at some of the exciting features of the park’s new dive coaster, Emperor, and unveiled one of the ride cars for the first time.
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Emperor is a floorless dive coaster and will, in fact, be the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster on the West Coast, as well as the only floorless dive coaster. Named for the world’s largest penguin, Emperor will mimic this species’ amazing underwater diving ability. Fun fact: emperors can dive to a depth of 1,800 feet. Riders on the Emperor coaster will climb to 153 feet,  where they will be suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 143-foot facedown vertical drop accelerating to more than 60 miles per hour.

​The coaster will feature two floorless trains each holding 18 riders in three, six-person rows. The graphics on the nose plates of the coaster are purple/blue and yellow, an homage to the bright coloration of an emperor penguin. SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in the western hemisphere with an emperor colony and was the first zoological facility in the world to breed the species. While cueing up to ride Emperor, riders can learn important and inspiring conservation information about penguins in general, with a special focus on emperors.

This exciting new attraction will also highlight an important new animal-conservation partnership between SeaWorld and Penguins International, an organization dedicated to penguin conservation and research that will focus on penguin awareness and the conservation needs of this special aquatic bird. The partnership will include collaboration on educational elements that will be integrated into the attraction experience to educate guests on everything from penguin behavior and the effects of climate change on their habitats, to the work that SeaWorld and Penguins International are doing to help the species.

The partnership with SeaWorld will help advance Penguin International’s conservation programs. A portion of the proceeds from sales of penguin merchandise will also be donated to Penguins International to support their important conservation, education and research efforts.
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Built by Bolliger & Mabillard, Emperor is next to Journey to Atlantis on the east side of the park.

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2020) — In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line will sail a variety of itineraries around the world including a return to Greece – back by popular demand – and exciting and varied European destinations, Alaska ports and tropical locales. Plus, Disney Cruise Line will visit three first-time ports of call in Greece, Sweden and Norway.
Bookings open to the public on Feb. 28, 2020. More details can be found on the “Summer 2021 Itineraries” page of disneycruise.com.
Explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Beyond
In summer 2021, a new collection of itineraries is part of Disney Cruise Line’s grand tour of Europe. From May through July, the Disney Magic will visit captivating locales in the Mediterranean including the Greek Isles, Spain and the French Riviera. From late July through September, the ship will transport guests to bucket-list destinations in the British Isles, northern Europe, the Baltic, Iceland and Norwegian fjords.
The Disney Magic will return to the awe-inspiring beauty of Greece in summer 2021, where guests can marvel at the stunning landscapes and archeological wonders of the region, like Santorini with its iconic whitewashed cliffside dwellings and Mykonos with beautiful beaches along the azure Aegean Sea. Four special voyages will visit the Greek Isles, with cruises ranging from eight to 11 nights.
Each of these unique Mediterranean itineraries combines a selection of stops in Greece with visits to other notable cities in the region. Noteworthy ports of call in Greece include Katakolon near ancient Olympia – home to the first Olympic Games – and the gorgeous Greek island of Kefalonia, a first-time port of call for Disney Cruise Line.
One cruise features a stop at the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The walled medieval Old City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers spectacular seaside views and centuries-old cobblestoned lanes to explore.
Additional first-time ports of call for Disney Cruise Line include the medieval city of Visby, Sweden, considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia and the village of Eidfjord, Norway, home to geographic wonders and situated at the foot of Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest national park.
Adventures in Alaska
The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the 2021 summer season to explore the region’s breathtaking natural vistas, glaciers and wildlife.
Departing from Vancouver, Canada, seven-night itineraries will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Dawes Glacier. One nine-night Alaskan adventure will visit Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan. A special five-night cruise will travel to Dawes Glacier and Ketchikan.
Each Alaska sailing will offer adventure and fun in port and aboard the ship, with stunning scenery, exciting Port Adventures and special Disney Cruise Line touches that will bring the splendor and spirit of “The Last Frontier” to life onboard.
Tropical Vacations to the Caribbean and Bahamas
In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of vacation voyages to tropical destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Ranging from three- to nine-night sailings, the varied itineraries allow guests to experience charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
In addition to seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, and the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Fantasy will embark on an assortment of itineraries throughout the summer of 2021. These include a six-night sailing and an extended nine-night Caribbean cruise. Three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises round out the Disney Fantasy summer season – all including a stop at Castaway Cay. One special five-night cruise features two stops at Disney’s private island.
The Disney Dream will provide even more opportunities for guests to visit Castaway Cay in the summer of 2021 with all three- and four-night Bahamian cruises calling on the private island paradise.
Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney
In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their cruise vacation with a variety of add- on packages from Adventures by Disney, a leader in family guided group vacations. Highlights include a return to Alaska and popular packages in northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
With Adventures by Disney, guests can book the ultimate Disney cruise experience on select sailings in Alaska and Europe. Throughout the voyage, knowledgeable Adventure Guides provide dedicated service both onboard and in port, as they lead guests on specially curated excursions, interactive activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Onboard the ship, guests enjoy unique experiences and premium amenities exclusive to Adventures by Disney, such as an intimate talkback session with Walt Disney Theatre cast members followed by a behind-the-scenes costume and prop activity.
Adventures by Disney also offers popular pre-cruise vacations in London; Barcelona, Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. These two- to three-night Escapes feature unforgettable experiences in iconic cities. Plus, activities like flamenco dancing, mosaic making and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of each region.
Bookings for these Adventures by Disney offerings open to the public on Feb. 28, 2020. For more information, visit adventuresbydisney.com or contact a travel agent.
Disney Vacation Club Charter Cruise for 2021
Disney Vacation Club will host a members-only charter cruise in 2021, a five-night western Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy on June 12, 2021. Bookings open to Disney Vacation Club members on May 2, 2020.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.