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    Knott's Scary Farm opening night 2016

    Cedar Fair Ghost Town Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Scary Farm
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    Last week was the opening of Knott's Scary Farm 2016 which features 2 new mazes, 4 new Skeleton Key Rooms, an all new Hanging, a new scare zone and a revamped Infected that makes it much easier for fans to experience the attraction. 

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    This is the first of a few updates we'll be having from Scary Farm as we outline the mazes and share our videos. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Welcome to Knott's Scary Farm 2016
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    This year in lieu of an opening ceremony they had the headless horsemen come out which totally fit The Hollow scare zone. 
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    After a short wait, the gates were opened and the monsters unleashed. 
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    Our first stop was Infected which is much improved and much easier to experience this year
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    We decided to try a "Gun POV" of the experience and think it turned out pretty awesome. Be sure to check it out. 
    Due to time we didn't get a chance to see Elvira on opening night but we'll be sure we do on a future visit. 
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    Carnevil is always amazing ... more on that below. 
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    One of the new mazes for 2016 is Shadowlands and like Paranormal Inc last year it includes an awesome pre-show, amazing sets and a unique story that we haven't seen at any haunt. 
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    Highlights of Shadowlands ... we say highlights because this doesn't include the entire maze. We're going about our maze videos a bit different this year so were still working out the bugs, and unfortunately the two new mazes are the ones we had issues on. Go figure. 

    We do have the bugs worked out (we think) for future events this season. 
    Usually Dia De Los Muertos is kind of a quiet scare zone, but not this year. There was so much talent here it was incredibly awesome. 
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    One of our favorite returning mazes is Trick or Treat 
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    For some reason Voodoo never had a line on opening night which is great because the maze is always incredible. 

    Because there were no Skeleton Key rooms attached to the mazes they've incorporated the previous ones into the mazes which is awesome. 
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    Toothfairy is always disturbing, especially when you need to get your wisdom teeth removed ... so this was kind of painful. 

    Unfortunately the video was way too dark to get any kind of good footage in this maze, but it wouldn't be surprising if this was the last year for this particular maze. 
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    Last years breakout maze Paranormal Inc is back and with a few added changes that we noticed and you may too in our video below. 
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    No Haunted experience on the Calico Mine Train this year, but the outside always looks amazing. 
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    Last year was the first year for Dead of Winter ... and it was met with mixed results. It was great because it was Air Conditioned but it wasn't particularly scary. 

    Fast forward to this year and they've "gored" it up a bit which makes it a bit more scary. They've also recycled some old props from some long ago mazes that work well in the maze, does that make it better? We're not sure. 
    Always love walking through Ghost Town during Scary Farm 
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    The other new maze this year is The Red Barn and it's kind of a throwback to some other mazes that used to be at Scary Farm. 
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    A couple of pictures of the awesome clowns in Carnevil. 
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    Lastly, we had a great spot for the final show of the Hanging on opening night. The show really works well on the new stage and we're sure there will be some tweaking (there always is) as the run goes on. 

    Below are some pictures of The Hanging in "slideshow" mode ... but they do contain some spoilers. 
    Overall this is another amazing year for Knott's Scary Farm, the new stuff is great and is already in mid-season form which is awesome.

    Some of the returning mazes like Toothfairy are probably nearing their last days while other returning mazes like Paranormal Inc, Voodoo and Gunslingers Grave are hitting on all cylinders. 

    We'll have much more from Scary Farm in the days and weeks to come. 

    Have you experienced Knott's Scary Farm 2016? Vote in our poll and let us know what was your favorite maze of 2016 
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    Sea World Orlando announces attractions for 2017

    2017 Attractions Aquatica Discovery Point Dolphin Nursery Explorers Reef Kraken VR SeaWorld SeaWorld Orlando
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    SEAWORLD® ORLANDO UNVEILS NEW ATTRACTION LINEUP FOR 2017
    Only virtual reality experience in Florida, expanded culinary events, up-close
    with dolphin calves and exclusive Pass Member benefits just some of the highlight
    Orlando, Fla. (September 27, 2016) – Today SeaWorld Orlando announced its lineup of new attractions, shows and events for 2017, delivering meaningful and fun vacation options for guests.
     
    “We look forward to introducing many new experiences to SeaWorld Orlando in 2017,” said Donnie Mills, Park President, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Orlando. “We are constantly looking at ways to inspire our guests with up-close animal encounters and thrilling attractions. Now, with so many new additions our guests and pass members have more reasons to visit again and again.”
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    These experiences include:
     
    Kraken® Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster- Summer 2017
    SeaWorld Orlando will debut its first digitally enhanced ride experience as the legendary Kraken roller coaster is transformed into a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster experience.  Using new technology, this thrill ride will be the only VR coaster experience in Florida.
     
    Guests will embark on a deep sea mission alongside sea creatures inspired by extinct and legendary animals of the past, including the mighty Kraken.  A custom digital overlay with uniquely designed headsets, fully integrated both mechanically and electronically into the coaster train delivers a new one-of-a-kind adventure.  The addition of VR to this fan-favorite brings a new level of excitement and interest in Kraken, giving guests the opportunity to experience the coaster in a completely new way.
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    ​Dolphin Nursery - Summer 2017
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    SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Nursery will become more interactive in 2017, giving guests the opportunity to get up close to mother and baby dolphins in all new ways. 
    Large-scale acrylic windows will offer up close viewing, including multiple levels to give kids a face-to-face perspective with dolphin calves. New slide out areas and lifting floor will also allow for easier access to mom and baby for the veterinary and animal care teams.
    The next generation of multi-purpose digital displays will allow SeaWorld educators to share information about dolphin behavior, biology and conservation with our guests by interacting with video from the team’s educational and animal care content.
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    ​Seven Seas Festival - Starting February 2017
    SeaWorld Orlando’s popular music and food events will expand to a total of 14 weekends in 2017 as part of the Seven Seas Festival.  Inspired by street food from Asia, the Caribbean, South America and the Mediterranean, this expanded festival will bring new culinary offerings to guests throughout the park. Plus, guests will be able to indulge in a variety of international, local and seasonal craft brews on tap giving their taste buds a worldly delight.
    Flamecraft Bar - Summer 2017
    Continuing the park’s food and beverage focus, a new dining location adjacent to the SeaFire Grill along the waterfront area will provide a great place to pause for a drink in a casual atmosphere. The Flamecraft Bar will feature 16 seasonal craft brews and a new menu to tempt the taste buds.
     
    Electric Ocean- Summer 2017
    Electric Ocean will debut next summer at SeaWorld Orlando as a brand new, end-of-day spectacle event. As the sun goes down, the lights and energy go up, offering guests a different kind of fun after dark. The ocean comes to life with bioluminescent lighting, music and pathway entertainment, immersing guests in a glowing sea of wonder.  
    Nautilus Theatre - Summer 2017
    Continuing the park’s focus on entertainment, events and shows, an entirely new experience is coming to the Nautilus Theatre. The dedicated summer show will debut Memorial Day weekend. 
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    ​Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion – Spring 2017
    As part of SeaWorld’s ongoing commitment to Annual Pass Members, the Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion will open just in time for spring break. The exclusive pavilion will feature concierge service, complimentary sunscreen, a private entrance to Banana Beach, private animal encounters and additional offers.
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    Rudolph The Red-Nosed ReindeerTM & Friends, SeaWorld Orlando - 2016 Christmas Celebration, continuing in 2017
     
    Beloved Christmas character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, including Clarice, Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster and Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph themed attractions will be making their debut as part of the 2016 Christmas Celebration™ at SeaWorld Orlando.
     
    Rudolph & Friends will return for the 2017 season, with additional Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed experiences for families to enjoy the Christmas spirit even more. 
     
    The best way for guests to visit SeaWorld Orlando is with an Annual Pass or Fun Card and by purchasing a pass now, guests can get three months free.  Also available now is the brand new Transferrable Pass allowing Pass Members to bring a different guest each time they visit SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Orlando.
     
     Visit www.seaworldorlando.com for more information.    ​
    About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
    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, 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 28,000 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 of over 800 species of animals. 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.
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter and Instagram. 

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    Sea World San Antonio announces Wave Breaker for 2017

    2017 Attractions SeaWorld SeaWorld San Antonio Wave Breaker
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    Wave Breaker: The Rescue CoasterTM Jets into SeaWorld® San Antonio
     
    Double-launch, jet ski-inspired coaster based on marine animal rescue missions will be the first of its kind in North America, Debuting Summer 2017
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    ​SAN ANTONIO (September 27, 2016) — Race into action on a new generation of coaster that combines the thrill of the sea with the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster in ways never before seen or experienced.  Coming to SeaWorld San Antonio in summer 2017, Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will enable riders to feel what it’s like to race alongside SeaWorld’s heroic animal care team and veterinarians as they spring into action at a moment’s notice to help rescue animals in distress.
     
    “The new coaster promises a ride of a lifetime that’s also unique to SeaWorld’s mission,” said SeaWorld San Antonio Park President Carl Lum.  “Replicating an adventure limited to only a few trained professionals, Wave Breaker will launch riders into an exhilarating experience similar to going on an animal rescue mission.  The coaster is sure to thrill, but also brings awareness to the brave efforts of our animal teams as they join forces with organizations around the world to help ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned animals.”
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    Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster boasts a variety of features inspired by the reality of jet skiing across a body of water. The unique jet ski-style car design is the first such coaster design in North America and engages riders in a straddled seating position. The design will allow riders to lean into a series of banked and serpentine turns, and grip the handle bars as they race over air time humps and a pair of high acceleration launches.  Reaching heights of up to 61-feet, the majority of the coaster’s 2,600-foot track will be directly over water, creating the sensation that riders are racing across the park’s Ski Lake. With a minimum height requirement of 48”, Wave Breaker promises to be a dynamic coaster experience for the whole family.
     
    “Inspired by our guests’ ongoing requests to learn more about how they can help support animal rescue efforts, each ride begins by telling the story of a rescue mission and invites guests to become personally involved in helping to protect animals,” adds Lum.  “Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster will definitely be a thrilling ride, but we also hope it brings riders on a journey of discovery, as together we work to protect the wild wonders of our world.”
     
    Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster marks a major addition to SeaWorld San Antonio’s coaster portfolio.  With the addition of Wave Breaker, SeaWorld San Antonio will feature four coaster experiences, spanning a range of ages and thrills Wave Breaker joins:
    • The Great White® - a floorless steel rollercoaster challenges riders to 360-degree flips, breathtaking loops, corkscrews and thrilling curves at speeds of up to 50 mph
    • Steel Eel® - a true hypercoaster featuring a 15-story vertical drop, followed by a series of camelbacks giving riders periods of weightlessness
    • Shamu Express® - a junior-sized coaster perfect for families with younger children
     
    Share your excitement for Wave Breaker using #SeaWorldWaveBreaker and follow SeaWorld on Facebook (/seaworld), Twitter (@seaworldtexas), Instagram (@seaworldtexas) and Snapchat (@seaworldtx) to learn about promotions and insider information first.
    About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
    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, 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 28,000 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 of over 800 species of animals. 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.
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter and Instagram. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below. ​​​​
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    Opening night at Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa 

    Busch Gardens Tampa Cobra's Curse Evil Encore Howl O Scream
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    Last week was the opening night for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa and they were kind enough to invite us out for their VIP night. So of course we sent Renée and Morgan out to take in the night, and if their night is any indication, it's going to be an amazing year for this highly rated event. 
    Written by Renée Girard 
    (Click on any of the pictures below to see a larger version)
    Time for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa
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    We spent some time with a few creepy friends before heading out on our adventure
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    ​Getting some night rides on Cobra's Curse and Cheetah Hunt before attacking the houses
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    ​And if drinking a yard of beer is your thing, you can also do that at Howl O Scream!
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    First house of the night at Howl O Scream is Death Water Bayou. Got some great scares! ​
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    ​Unearthed is a great returning house from last year that uses the former Gwazi queue and structure.
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    Circus of Superstition is the returning 3D house at Howl O Scream . Beware if you're afraid of clowns.
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    Club Karver has music and dancing, if you need a break from the scares. ​
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    Motel Hell is new to Howl O Scream this year, and is sure to be a favorite, with its retro motel theme.
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    I love how the Howl O Scream scare zones are spread out throughout the park, and are always full of surprises.
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    The Black Spot is another new Howl O Scream house this year, and who doesn't love a house with ghost pirates?
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    Ever want to ride bumper cars with zombies? Dreams come true at Howl O Scream
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    Night rides on Falcon's Fury! Yes please! ​
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    Zombie Mortuary was our final house of the night at Howl O Scream , a returning favorite.
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    ​The Fiends stage show plays 4 times nightly, and of course takes some jabs at the 2016 election
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    Lots of great scares and houses all around this year at Howl O Scream! Thanks for a fun night!
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    From the Mind of the Editor - Does Disney REALLY care about your business?

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    Does Disney actually value their Annual Passholders? Do they value any kind of loyalty to their parks that have over a million people shelling out up to $1200 per year for their parks (at Disneyland)? Or is each person who walks through that turnstile just another dollar sign that Disney can tout to it's shareholders? We'll try and figure that out. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Like so many of these opinion pieces this came about through an interaction on Twitter, so shout out to Matthew Gottula (@DLThings on Twitter) for starting off this great conversation. 

    And the way this came about was a new Disney survey that asks about "would having blackout days around the opening of new attractions impact you getting an Annual Pass". 

    An obvious reaction to the Frozen debacle at EPCOT earlier this year, but possibly more for the potential opening of the new Guardians of the Galaxy Tower of Terror and Avatarland (whenever that actually opens). 

    But to be fair, with the amount of online anger surrounding Frozen at EPCOT (and now surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy) you could probably forgive Disney for being surprised that so many people who hated the idea showed up to ride it on opening day. 

    And there will be 4-5 hour long waits when Guardians of the Galaxy opens at DCA as well ... don't let the online hate fool you. 
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    As a long time Annual Passholder (1998 to 2013) I always felt that I didn't need anything "extra" from Disneyland in order to make what I paid for my Annual Pass worth it. The joy of being able to go to Disneyland (and later DCA) was all I needed. But our first AP cost $199, and that pass had zero blackout days. And there was probably under 100,000 of us at the time. 

    That was a different time, a different social environment, a different Disneyland. ​
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    Not to say that Disneyland was better or worse, that's a topic for an entirely different article, but it was different. You could go on the first Sunday in November and have the park pretty much to yourself. The year at Disneyland wasn't filled with special event after special event designed to get people to use their AP's and more importantly, spend their money. 

    You came to the park, you rode some attractions, had a meal or two, maybe bought some beanie babies and then headed home. 

    Today's Disney designs events specifically geared towards AP's, which makes AP's expect more than they did even 10 years ago. And when Disney doesn't deliver on those things? Watch out Social media (which also didn't really exist 10 years ago). 
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    Here's the thing, Disney has tried everything it can think of to reduce the amount of Annual Passholders over the past few years.
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    Raising prices. Check.
    Taking away AP privileges. Check.
    Increasing blackout days. Check. 
    ​Taking away fan favorite rides. Check.

    The problem? It hasn't helped. Because people can defer their AP's by using payment plans it makes it easier for people to justify keeping their AP's even though they've seen benefits change and even though they take to social media to make their displeasure known. 

    It hasn't helped so much that in a big slap in the face to many Annual Passholders they've thrown in the towel and brought back the Southern California AP which will once again make Sunday's pretty much unbearable. 

    You aren't going to hurt Disney by going on Social Media and bad mouthing a change. Their fanbase is too large!!

    ​You see Disneyland post a video about Tower of Terror closing or the band leaving ... you go on that status and complain about the change or you make an "angry" face instead of liking it. Guess what ... Disney doesn't care. Why? Because you've already given them your money, and you are continuing to do so. 
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    Going to tell a sad truth here: 

    Disney, as it exists today, doesn't value your patronage. They don't value the "casual" visitor either, so we're both screwed.

    ​Sure, they value your money, but you are a faceless Annual Pass number. They are in the business of making money. They don't need to add anything new. They don't need to give you any extra benefit for your patronage. They've already got your money. 

    And look, I'm not saying I don't love Disney, I'm not saying I don't love visiting once every few years (been almost 2 years since we've been to Disneyland as of this writing) and I'm not saying I'm not going to enjoy spending time at WDW when we go next year. I'm saying that the desire I once had to spend a significant amount of time at Disney Parks is gone. And it's not ALL me. 

    The ONLY way Disney is going to change is to see a SIGNIFICANT decrease in the amount of annual passholders. And by significant, we're probably talking half for it to make any difference and change the current model that Disney is using. 
    Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you can't complain if you have an AP, by all means, you have more right than I do since I don't give money to the mouse anymore. I'm saying that instead of complaining with your fingers on social media, complain with your wallet.

    ​And maybe then Disney will notice you. 
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    Preview of Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

    Fright Fest Six Flags Six Flags Fiesta Texas
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    Last week we were invited to a special preview of Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Mary and Hannah went out to check out the festivities. 

    Looks like another amazing year for Fiesta Texas and we can't wait to see more from their Fright Fest. 
    Written by Mary Noel Revel-DeLeon 
    The Fright Fest VIP event was frightfully fun. Starting with the yummy food spread and free beer. Who doesn't like beer!!!????

    The line up of haunted houses and scare zones was full of everything your nightmares are made of, from Chupacabras to Clowns and hitting everything in between. Scare Zones were all cool and all equally sarcastic.

    Now for the Haunted Houses. Slaughter House 6 was very intense and gruesome as was Buried Alive. The Actors were very scary and fun. Lots of drama or gore and very intense scenes, Not for the faint of heart.

    The Rockhill High School Haunted House was the longest one and had the most scares. Set up was pretty cool too, definitely not as gruesome as the first 2 .

    I have to say my favorite was the Fear House 3D. Which by the way shocked me because I hate clowns, hate with a passion!!! But I loved it! You couldn't tell where the curtains were vs where the walls were. So the scares were intense. The 3D effects were awesome and the clowns were so rad!

    ​If you only do one of the Haunted Houses go to this one. But I'd suggest all of them so you can decide which one is your favorite.
    Welcome to Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas 
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    Hannah is actually excited to be here 
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    Our passes and schedule for our night of fright
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    Some of the scare zones were open to welcome us 
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    Beware of monsters 
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    Yay for free food 
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    Entrance to Buried Alive 
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    The projection mapping on Aftermath looks amazing 
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    Love all the characters and props 
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    One last look at the awesome projection mapping 
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    Thanks to Fiesta Texas for having us out for the preview, we can't wait to get back out to the event for more scares. 
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

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