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    Knott's Scary Farm 2018 at Knott's Berry Farm

    2018 Attractions Cedar Fair Ghost Town Halloween Haunt Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Scary Farm
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    Last weekend was the opening of Knott's Scary Farm 2018 and we were privledged to be able to attend 2 of the first 3 nights of the event. And we can tell you, we're already looking forward to our next trip. It's simply amazing. 

    We got some great pictures both of the event and a couple of maze tours from the HorrorBuzz event thanks to Scott who attended. Enjoy!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Pics and Videos by Scott Linder and Gregg Condon
    Welcome to Knott's Scary Farm
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    We'll start off with a tour of our favorite maze of 2017, Dark Ride. 

    It's pretty amazing in 2018 as well. 
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    Be sure to check out all of our videos in this update, all in glorious 4k! 
    Slideshow of the tour
    Next up was a tour of Pumpkin Eater, another of our favorite mazes of 2017. Which is also pretty amazing in 2018. 
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    Ready for a tour of Pumpkin Eater with the one and only Daniel Miller!!
    Thanks to Norm and HorrorBuzz for the awesome tour!!! And to Scott for sending us the pics!! 
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    Not your typical red carpet 
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    The fog is coming
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    The coolest 
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    Our first maze of 2018 was the all new "The Depths" which is seriously so fun. And very fun to shoot pics and video in. (Just remember, don't disrupt the monsters, maze security or other patrons). 
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    As the sun goes down, the fog rolls in
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    Carnevil has always been one of our favorite scare zones, but this year it's just on another level. The addition of HangTime has really completed this area. 
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    Halloween Hootenanny is back, no monsters when we rode on Thursday, not sure if they will be back this year. 

    ​But a fun, fun time for all!!
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    Paranomal Inc is back with an all new ending, which is fantastic!! This maze has NEVER been better. 
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    Foggiesta Village 
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    Who else wishes this ride was open for Scary Farm? 
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    The Hollows is fantastic 
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    And Pumpkin Eater is the perfect fit for the scare zone
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    Gabe is ready for Trick or Treat Lights Out
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    Always one of our favorites, and was easily the longest wait all weekend. 
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    The hanging was also back this year. Always a fun look back on the past year. 

    I'll admit, I'm getting to the age where I don't get some of the references. Eek. 
    The last new maze for 2018 is Dark Entities. 

    You could tell from the first weekend they are still finding their way a bit.

    ​Like Pumpkin Eater last year, I get the feeling that as the weeks go on, the crew here is going to find their groove and this maze is going to be fantastic!! 
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    The effects and Lighting in Dark Entities are great!! 
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    Some pics from around the park 
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    Thanks Knott's for another great year of Scary Farm. We can't wait to get back soon!! 
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    SeaWorld Orlando Infinity Falls Preview and Opening Date Announcement

    2018 Attractions Infinity Falls SeaWorld SeaWorld Orlando
    SeaWorld Orlando has announced the opening date for Inifinity Falls. But before we get to that, we have a few pics from the Employee Preview last night!!! 
    ​Team member previews are happening today at SeaWorld Orlando for Infinity Falls. Finally!
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    ​You definitely get soaked on Infinity Falls. The elevator lift before the finale drop is very cool. A great addition to the already awesome lineup of rides at SeaWorld Orlando!
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    Check out even more pics below and the details of the Infinity Falls opening date!! 
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    SEAWORLD ORLANDO ANNOUNCED INFINITY FALLS
    GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 4
    Get ready to drop, scream and get soaked on the record setting thrill ride
    ​
    ​ORLANDO, Fla. (September 28, 2018) – Today, SeaWorld Orlando announced the Grand Opening of the world-class attraction, Infinity Falls, will take place on October 4 at 12:00 pm. Guests may be able to preview Infinity Falls September 28 through October 3 during the soft opening period.
     
    Infinity Falls features roaring rapids, soaking fountains and a record-setting 40-foot waterfall drop, all against the backdrop of a rainforest utopia. Guests will have the opportunity to take on the role of a conservationist on a journey through the rainforest and learn about the importance of freshwater conservation through interactive games and stories throughout the ride experience. 
     
    Mark Pauls, President of SeaWorld Orlando Parks said “From the excitement of the thrilling rapids, to the unique vertical lift element, Infinity Falls is an adventure that appeals to the entire family.”
     
    The opening of Infinity Falls is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken to the water flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Infinity Falls joins the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando. 
     
    – SeaWorld Orlando –
     
    SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
    SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, behavioral training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 33,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.
     
    The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
     
    SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more information.

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    Halloween Horror Nights 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood

    2018 Attractions Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood
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    Last Sunday we headed out to Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood to take in the thrills and scares. 

    ​And we have no issues in telling you that this was one of the very best years for Halloween Horror Nights. Read on to find out why!! 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    For the first time in a few years we were not at opening night of HHN Hollywood. Opening/Media nights are usually rather stressful, between the red/black carpet arrivals, trying to get all of our footage/pictures done, having to wait for all of the other media sites and celebs going through the mazes it's always a long and exhausting (and don't get us wrong, incredibly fun night). 

    But this year we waited to go on the first Sunday, which Universal had NEVER done before. The crowds were light, the talent had a few days to get into the groove, and everything was simply fantastic. 

    We started off with Early Entry and headed straight to Stranger Things. Which was AMAZING!! 
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    IP's are nothing new at HHN, and until now, the one IP that seemed to be the biggest was probably The Walking Dead. 

    We feel safe in saying that TWD was NEVER as big as Stranger Things is. While many people would go to TWD for early entry, there were always some who would go to another maze. 

    Not the case here, EVERYBODY goes to Stranger Things. Luckily the park knows this and has set up an awesome queue that goes inside. The maze is inside a sound studio so no worries about light getting into the maze if you go to this one first. 

    ​Check out the highlights of this fantastic maze. 
    Next we headed to Trick r Treat, and I think we missed every single scare in this maze (thus no Highlight Video). We will have to do this one again when we head back to HHN. 

    I love this movie SO much, the sets were fantastic. It was still a bit bright when we went through so that probably contributed as well. 
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    We then headed down to the Backlot and did the three mazes down there. Poltergeist was fantastic, really had the feel of the movie, which I've loved for (well, don't want to age myself here). 
    The Purge and Blumhouse were fun, but because we hadn't seen The First Purge (yet) or the two Blumhouse movies, the plot was kind of lost on us. 

    Even with that we had a few good scares in each as you can see in our highlight videos. 
    The hidden gem of HHN 2018, and something we hope only expands in 2019 is Holidayz in Hell. We loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this. Did we mention we loved it? 

    So much so we tweeted @horrornights and told him the entire backlot should be this next year, and the mazes should be the individual holidays. ESPECIALLY Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!! 
    Back up top, Universal Monsters was simply amazing. Quite simply the best sets I think we've ever seen from HHN, and that's saying A LOT. 

    The soundtrack from Slash worked amazingly well. Unfortunately we had annoying people behind us so we didn't get too much video. But you can see some of our pics in the slideshow below. 
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    The Terror Tram was also pretty amazing this year. Hollywood Harry is back and it was definitely one of the highlights of our night. It's such a unique and amazing experience that only HHN can offer. 
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    Lastly, Halloween 4. We'd heard a lot of people from opening night saying that there was a lot in this maze from previous Halloween Mazes. There were, but that's not necessarily a bad thing AT ALL. I love the Halloween movies, yes, even 4 and I was excited to see this story told. 

    It's a fun maze and it's always nice to see what Michael is up to this time of year. =) 

    ​Oh, and go see Halloween when it comes out, we should all be supporting awesome Horror movies!! 
    We also took a LOT of pictures, which you can check out below. Some great pictures of Universal Monsters and the Scare Zones. 
    Universal Monsters is a must-do!!
    Did you know John Murdy plays Michael Myers here?
    Random Jurassic World update pic
    Smell my feet!!
    Communicating with Will
    Really liked how this one came out
    Creepy ass Easter Bunny
    Obey the rules!
    Really liked this pic for some reason
    Stranger Things has a partial indoor queue, which is nice as that means even if it's light outside, the maze isn't impacted
    Hey, who turned out the lights!
    Gobble Gobble
    We will definitely be shooting more of the scare zones and hopefully Universal Monsters without rude people on our next trip. 

    We hope you enjoyed!! For more information on Halloween  Horror Nights 2018 check out the full details here. We definitely recommend Express AND Early Entry to make the most out of your night. 
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2018

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    Last weekend was the kick-off of Fright Fest 2018 at Six Flags Magic Mountain. 

    With 3 new mazes, 2 new scare zones and of course, a brand new ride to show off, the event was simply amazing. 

    ​One of the new mazes was definitely one of our favorites of the year so far. Let's head into the Mountain. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    We've been showing off our videos all week on social media, so instead let's look at some pictures first. We decided to put them in glorious slideshow mode to make it easier to view. =) 
    Welcome to Fright Fest 2018
    Demon's Door is always a great intro to Fright Fest
    One of our favorite scare zones at any event
    Poor Albert, he's getting attacked by Innocence, and all I can do is laugh
    100% one of the best characters at any event ... ever
    City Under Siege is back!!!
    Terrortory Twisted
    Hanging out with Tweak!!
    Witches Cauldron
    Aftermath 2 ... unfortunately our video of this didn't turn out too great. Maybe next trip
    Nightmares in action
    Be sure to check out our video with Lorraine-Lurane below
    Willoughby's Haunted Mansion, always fun
    Sewer of Souls was fantastic!!!
    Red's Revenge was better than ever!!
    Condemned kept us guessing at every turn
    Awesome new merch!!
    This right here is probably one of our most favorite videos we've ever posted on the site. And with over 100 Halloween Videos and 100 POV videos, that's saying A LOT!! 

    ​Enjoy!!
    We'll be getting more scare zone action on repeat trips to Fright Fest, but they are always amazing here. 
    Reds Revenge was amazing, best it's ever been!! 
    The all new Condemned had twists and turns galore!! 
    And last but certainly not least, Sewer of Souls was fantastic!!

    Easily going to win the "Best year to year maze upgrade" award. (It's legit, we promise)
    And if that wasn't enough, we'll leave you with an all new West Coast Racers update. 
    Alright all, that's going to wrap it up for our first Fright Fest visit of 2018, it won't be our last!!! 
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    2018 Halloween Event Reviews, Updates and Info

    Candlelight Tour Dark Harbor Ghost Train Horror Made Here Motel 6 Feet Under Queen Mary Reign Of Terror WB Studio Tour Winchester Mystery House
    ​Looking for a review or information for a 2018 Halloween event? Well look no further. Below you will find reviews of Halloween events we have attended or are planning on attending and a list of all of the other events (scary and fun) that we've received information for. 

    ​We will be updating this as we receive information about additional events. ​
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    September 29th - Fright Fest - Six Flags Great Adventure
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    September 29th - Halloween Haunt - Canada's Wonderland
    Event InformationClick links to see event information
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    In My Opinion: Enthusiasses - R.D. Dewberry

    A word or two on being an enthusiast...or an enthusi-assholes.

    I'm writing this today after hearing and seeing some rather nasty behavior among our own community. In fact, having witnessed it in person, it is degrading to so many people - including yourselves who are doing it.

    Let me be clear here: The majority of our community are well behaved. They know not to do stupid shit such as 'selfies' on ride, or their own private POV videos for YouTube, etc. They're smart enough to figure out that they cannot jump over a fence to get their hat when it is dropped off on a ride.

    ​ Or are they?
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    Recently I've seen reports from close friends & other people that behavior at some of the enthusiast events is... deploring. No, I take that back, it's downright rude, arrogant and cruel. Of people getting pushed out of their way because somebody was racing to get on the waiting train FIRST. Even when broadcasts of "We're holding the train for you" were being heard, they still pushed somebody out of the way.

    And then rude, cruel comments on the operating crew of a particular ride for not moving fast enough for their own liking. Insulting operators, being belligerent towards them, and degrading them.

    ​Seriously, folks?
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    Believe it or not, those people are earning a reputation in the theme park/hospitality industry. They might think they're anonymous... they are not. And for those who think they're immune to the consequences: Wake up time. You're not.

    Let me be CRYSTAL CLEAR here: Ours is a secret society that has no secrets. Everybody in this business, from the park operators to the ride ops to the enthusiasts SEES AND HEARS EVERYTHING. There are no secrets. And names do get passed around. Your facebook comment about a park or their management? It's seen. It's passed around. It's shown to others.

    This isn't to mean there's a big, beautiful conspiracy going on, but let's face it: Gossip fuels the business. Whether it is a new coaster going up at (Choose your park here) or somebody is doing something at (Choose your park here), everybody hears the gossip by the time the "SEND" button is pressed on a mobile device. And it gets around like wildfire; entire websites are set up to discuss the latest rumors, gossip and such.

    And if you think for one second that a given person's rude criticism of a park or a ride isn't seen by management - you're wrong. Parks and their staff read up too. Every crack made at a park is watched (Even I've been hit with this shit stick before) and is discussed.

    ​Not to mention: Your name is attached to it - and is seen. Nothing is private in the digital age - nothing. You trash one enthusiast's view - odd are, people are watching. There is <ZERO> trust between media forms.
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    All of this bad behavior is getting around, it is seen, it is being discussed. Parks see the assinine behavior and attitude, and it is NOT working in our favor. In fact, it's putting a bad image in their heads. And as a whole, we will be the ones to suffer.

    We, the majority, are being punished by they, the minority.

    It's time to stop this. It is time to put the bad boys/girls out to pasture - and to let them know: Your bad attitude, bad behavior, and personality defects aren't welcome here. We're a community that goes for decades in any direction, and the misbehavior of some will not be tolerated by the majority.
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    • First rule: If you have nothing nice to say, shut the hell up. The parks know if a ride has problems. They did not build it for you, the jackass Enthusi-asses. They built it for their own needs, wants and desires. They do NOT need to hear your constant bitching about their rides, or how much better they would be if they'd gone with (Insert ride builder here). And for F***S SAKE, quit your bitching about whether a ride needs to be renovated by another company. The parks aren't blind. They know what they're doing. In many cases, they've been doing it since before you were even thought of.
    • Second rule: If a park gives you ERT, say thank you for it. Your complaints aren't warranted, desired nor needed. In short, if something isn't going right: SHUT THE F*** UP. You're not their boss. They're doing something for you. And that is above and beyond what the HAVE TO DO. It's a courtesy, not a right.
    • Third rule: YOU ARE ENTITLED TO NOT A GODDAMN THING: Just because being a theme park or coaster enthusiast grants you absolutely ZILCH among the parks. You make up an extremely small part of the theme park dollar. Thus, you are entitled to NOTHING. The parks do not owe their existence to you; you owe your existence to THEM. Stop acting like you are their most important client. Stop pretending like you're a big fish in a small pond. You're a minnow like the other minnows in the park.
    • Fourth rule: Treat other people with respect & dignity: Trashing one person because you don't like their opinion is not only cruel & mean, belittling them in public because you don't like what they think or speak? That makes you an asshole. The same goes for trashing others because they don't support your opinions over one park or ride company vs. another. Guess what? People see that shit. And they do pass it along. Ride companies & parks distance themselves from people like that for obvious reasons. They will not want to have ANYTHING to do with you for treating others badly.
    • Fifth rule: You are not a deity among us for your prowess at a game: Sorry, kid. Just because you're good at Planet Coaster or RCTII, or NoLimits/NoLimits II does NOT make you the next Alan Shilke. It doesn't mean that you have RMC knocking down your door to join them. MACK is not having you design the next coaster for Europa Park. S&S is not relying on your skills to build a new version of the Free Fly. In short: STOP LYING TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS. You are NOT the next builder the world bows down to. Why? It takes 20-30 years... YEARS... to build up a battery of knowledge, engineering skill, prowess and for that matter mistakes to be a designer of note. Notice that for the most part, every single coaster designer & builder is over the age of 40? It's not a coincidence. It's EXPERIENCE, something you do not have. And just because you went to a community college and got your pre-engineering degree does not mean you're going to be building coasters next year either. You still have a long way to go kid. Until the day you cut the ribbon on your own first coaster, you are not a coaster designer or engineer.
    • Sixth rule: Be honest about yourself - and about the coaster world: Stop lying to others that you know EVERYTHING - that somebody told you in confidence that YOU KNOW. YOU DO NOT KNOW. Sorry, kid. Again, you're lying to yourself and to others that YOU KNOW. And after a while, people will see this as your mistakes keep piling up and people will stop believing you. You will have a reputation for being a liar, and that's not good. Parks see this as well, and they will be sure NOT to hand you anything as they can see you're spreading around manure rather than keeping quiet. Confidentiality is something that people in the business know, and know who to talk to about. You, dear child, are not one of them. Stop acting like it.
    • Seventh rule: Your actions towards others in how you treat them will come back to haunt you: That guy you trashed on Facebook for their opinion? They know people. They know a LOT of people. And you never know WHO they know - or how well. Or how well connected they may be. Drunken ranting on somebody for their own thoughts? It can easily be copied, sent to a company anonymously... and follow you for the rest of your life. Attempting to try to be a big-shot when you're a have-not? They see that too. And they're watching. Remember: It is legal for a company to look at your resume as well as your facebook page (There's no existing law to stop them) and that shitty crack you made at somebody could mean your dream job just became working at a McDonalds someplace. In short: Be nice, be respectful... and you may find yourself in a better position than you were before.
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    ​We are a group of people who all love and cherish the same thing: Parks & their rides. It is what draws us together every year for our vacations, our rest, our relaxation. And for many events too - whether group led or park led. At the same time, a small group of enthusi-asses are jeopardizing our good times the parks give us. It's time to take a stand, tell these people to stop their bad behavior - and to distance ourselves from them. We do not need to lose what we have because of their asshole actions and thoughts towards parks - as well as towards our own community.
    ​
    R.D. Dewberry 9/13/18
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