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    Preview of Reign of Terror Haunted House

    Reign Of Terror
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    Earlier this week we got an amazing preview of Reign of Terror in Thousand Oaks, CA. This is always one of our favorite haunts of the year and we were able to walk through and take pictures with show lightning and no talent. 
    I will say that even without the talent, it was still rather creepy and awesome. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Before we get started we wanted to let you know we are planning an event at Reign of Terror on Saturday October 22. We don't have a final price yet (as that depends on how many people we have) but it will be a significant discount from their normal door price. 

    Be sure to click on our event and let us know if you will be able to make it. As soon as we have a price we will start selling tickets. 
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    At Reign of Terror even the waiting area is amazing 
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    The haunt features 8 different themes. The haunt is so long it would be equivalent to 4 or 5 mazes at any other haunt. So be prepared. =) 
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    Each year some of the themes stay intact but there is always something new and exciting to see. 
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    Hidden Mickey? 
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    What would a Haunted House attraction be without an actual Haunted House theme? 
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    Obviously we don't want to share EVERYTHING about the event, but we hope these are enough to get you excited for this amazing haunt. 
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    The detail here is amazing, I spent a good 45 minutes inside the attraction during our preview
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    New stuff ... don't even know how they got a truck in here. 
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    Not a good sign ... 
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    The Fun House theme was new last year and was probably one of our favorite sections of any maze at any event. 
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    We'll share the rest of our pictures when we review the entire event, but needless to say this is one of the can't miss events this Halloween season (and every season for that matter). 

    For more information about Reign of Terror be sure to check out their website. If you can't join us for our Park Journey night be sure to get tickets for one of the other nights. We suggest getting the VIP tickets or getting to the event early. 
    ​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. ​​​​
  • Published on

    RD and Randy in the Smoky Mountains

    Ober Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge
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    Today we're taking a bit of a break from Halloween stuff to bring you part two of RD's report from the Smoky Mountains as he and RD spent one of their days in tourist trap america. 

    Be sure to check out their day as they ride some Alpine Coasters, see some bears and have a ton of fun. 
    Written by R.D. Sussmann-Dewberry
    ​Day 2: Investigating the mother of all tourist traps...
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    The morning again had us awake to Tennessee's finest weather it could provide - for a desert rat such as myself, the idea of highs in the low 80s was perfect, almost winter-like weather (OK, ok... I can hear the bitching now. We pay for our lovely desert winters by our 120 degree summers.) Today would be a day to investigate the other side of Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg - the mecca of tourist traps. With our friend Catie along for the ride, lunch was the first order of the day, and Big Daddy's pizza did not disappoint. Though pricy, it was tasty - and certainly filling to start our adventures. ​
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    Pigeon Forge itself is only one of the three big areas that form Sevier County's tourist traps. Sevierville itself is the primary residential/bedroom community, with strip malls & tacky outlet malls a-plenty on all sides. If you can't find an outlet you like in Sevier County... you're just not trying hard enough.

    Though we would be bypassing these enterprises, it is amusing to see the sheer number of these types of stores along the main drag of Pigeon Forge - the Parkway. Among the countless dinner theater adventures (Two of which are operated by Dolly's parent company itself - Herschend Entertainment) you can find anything you're looking for - from burly, hairy, bearded folks in Dolly's Lumberjack Adventure to ones featuring has-been entertainers, even ones that tell you the REAL & TRUE story of the Christian faith, complete with obscene ticket prices to match.

    ​Being more secular (or unholy depending on who you ask) we continued past the innumerate fast food outlets, gas stations, motels, hotels, and other such operations a debacle the size of Pigeon Forge offers. Mind you, this provides the masses the entertainment they crave, and are in fact a huge part of what makes Pigeon Forge... well... Pigeon Forge. Even with this level of tackiness and commercialism it is still a wonder to behold - despite the obscene level of traffic that the area gets, especially on labor day weekend. And in fact, the crowds and masses came a plenty from all over. While stuck in traffic trying to enter Gatlinburg, we passed plates of cars from as far away as Nebraska, Missouri & Pennsylvania, all drawn to the region where Dolly is Queen - and rightly so.
    The trip down to Gatlinburg - a rougly 25 mile drive - took a little over 90 minutes due to the endless miles of tourists & cars trying to get to the moonshine capital of Tennessee; in fact, one can (or COULD...) get completely wasted while visiting Gatlinburg without passing a single dollar.

    ​[Author's note: This is too changing; in fact, many of the hooch houses in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge will soon have a 'tasting fee' in their operations.]  Though the traffic was incredible, so was the scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains - which themselves are the primary driver of the tourist trade therein. You cannot find a level of natural beauty like this anywhere in the USA, let alone the world. If you've not visited this region, do so - you will have a greater appreciation of nature and it's own shows more than any theme park on earth.
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    Upon reaching Gatlinburg, we decided on visiting one of the oldest tourist sites therein - Ober Gatlinburg. During the winter, this facility doubles as a ski resort and facilities for both tourists and locals. Among their offerings are a sky-lift type cable car system between Gatlinburg proper and the Ober Gatlinburg 'base camp village.' As I suffer from a tremendous (and paralyzing) fear of heights, we chose to drive up the mountain road to Ober Gatlinburg's main facilities... 

    If Arrow had the foresight to develop a suspended coaster down this road, it would have been the best steel coaster ever developed by man. Numerous steep dips, tight turns, airtime bumps, tighter radius corners, and plenty of trees made sure it was a thrill ride in itself - and one that provided thrills for all. After depositing $5.00 for parking, we rolled into the lot to see the cable car outlet for the Ober Gatlinburg base camp. ​
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    Entering their facility, one gets the feeling of the true purpose for this building is to separate tourists from their money as quickly as possible. In fact, it does it well, offering indoor skating, an old arcade with many 80s classic video games in it, numerous overpriced food outlets and snack bars, and plenty of touristy-type shops to find that perfect something for everybody to enjoy. We walked through the facility in its entirety, and the design is definitely that of a base ski camp building - with ski school and snow shops interdispersed in the various wings.

    ​However, this was not our intent - for us, it was their new Mountain Coaster. 
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    The outdoor portion of the Ober Gatlinburg area features several ski lifts and snow fields, as well as a weird combination of waterslides, alpine slides, fairground rides & the new Mountain Coaster. An outdoor maze facility also provides entertainment for the summer crowds. Hiking up to the base of the Mountain Coaster, you enter the small building and deposit 15.00 per person per ride for the experience, followed by 5.00 for the locker (No personal items allowed on board.) Again, more stairs (No elevator either) to the loading dock, you are weighed before boarding your chariot to the top. ​
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    Admittedly, it's a fun ride - but SHORT. Most of the alpine coasters/mountain coasters have similar concepts - and layouts. It is fun, it is thrilling - it is... over? The majority of your time is actually spent on the lift hill (as is the case with any of these types of rides). Thrilling, fun... and overpriced really. But it is to be expected of Ober Gatliburg. 

    Exiting the ride, and recovering our possessions, we headed down to the grotto of various attractions and such. Several large waterslides are positioned underneath the cable car lift to the top of the mountain, as well as a larger slide in the middle of the snowfield. A handful of carnival rides and the alpine slides round out the experience that if you should choose to separate yourself from 35.00 plus tax you may enjoy as often as you like. Preferring not to leave 35.00 there, we headed back into the facility, wandering around before making our way down the thrill-ride road into Gatlinburg. Another 90 minutes, and we had crossed back into Sevierville. ​
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    Later that evening, my better half & I headed out for the Island at Pigeon Forge, and to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster nearby there. For those unfamiliar with the Island, it too is a tourist trap of sorts, but one that exudes a bit more class & effort; a water fountain/light show provides some of the entertainment, as does a giant Ferris wheel and an over-ground ropes course.
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    ​​Many different tourist-trade restaurants & bars ring the complex, along with small tourist-driven shops; the Jimmy Buffett run Margaritaville hotel & dive bar form one side of the outlet; Paula Deen & her Southern kitchen form another building; Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine even has an outpost there as well. A large centered fountain show regularly gives the thrashing mobs entertainment while waiting to experience liquid lightning in glass jars next door. Of course, you will also find some pretty major brand names of stuff along the way. In fact, we found the Build-A-Bear workshop, easily located next to the same said facility of hooch being handed out. Being two proud parents of Build-A-Bear, it was natural that we'd look for something interesting for our 'kids'; and again, success was at hand. In fact, many of the BAB workshops have merchandise that is only available in certain locations: Here is the result... a bear wearing a t-shirt with a bear on it. (Yes, you may take insulin now if you need it...)
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    ​One thing this area provides is plenty of color, locals & such. You find hen parties & stag parties abounding on the weekends, families out for dysfunctional family time throughout the area, couples either just getting started with their relationship...and a few that would soon be on the rocks. All propelled by the power of moonshine & endless light displays. Admittedly, it was a fun part of our evening - despite the parking problems and such getting into the Island. [Author's note: It's much better to experience the Island without the crowds & dense overpopulation of locals & semi-locals, though the colors of the various light shows, entertainment & plain ol' fashioned people watching make up for it at night]

    We left the island, and began the short jaunt over to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. I'd already experienced the thrill and fun of one of the longest Alpine Coasters in the USA. And for the price, you get a good value. The parking lot was mostly full - as was the ride queue - but as usual, their operations are top-notch.
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    ​And then... the ticket fairy was on my shoulder. Normally, rides are around 15.00 per person - but scoring a discount, the price for us was 8.00 each! Combine that with a $5.00 re-ride price meant two rides for LESS than the price of one normal ticket - WINNING! We entered the queue building (Now housed under a large light-show type structure, and within 30 minutes we were on our way up the mountain. 

    I have to say this: Of all the alpine coasters I've been on, this one is by far the best of the best of the best. They have invested to keep their Wiegand ride in tip-top shape, keeping up with the times and plussing it along the way, including adding the covered loading area (Smoky Mountain Alpine coaster operate in Snow, sleet, ice & rain). What is most impressive is the light package they've added throughout the course - including the lift hills & trackway to the top. It is over-the-top all the way down. And worth every single minute you wait for it. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster hit it out of the park with the first installation in the Sevier county area, and it shows so brightly that they care about their operation. This is one of the few must-see attractions in the area, and is an experience that should NOT be missed.
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    As the temps began their plunge into the cool darkness of evening, we returned to our home for the stay, satisfied in the fun & experiences of the day. I can say that spending it with two awesome people made it that much more wonderful, and again memories were made for a lifetime. 

    And as we tucked in for the night, I thought of the adventures that were to unfold on the third and final day of our trip... as I also felt a rather disqueting rumble from within me....

    R.D. Sussmann-Dewberry
    9/22/16
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    Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain is back and better than ever 

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    The last few years Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain has been improving by leaps and bounds. Gone are the "paint on black walls" mazes that dominated the event in the 90's and early 00's and they have been replaced with fully immersive environments and the best make-up effects at any haunt in Southern California. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Pictures and Video by Matthew Nelson and Gregg Condon
    Welcome to Fright Fest 2016! 
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    Unlike other theme park haunts, Fright Fest doesn't close prior to the scary stuff starting and instead a maze pass is needed to go through all of the mazes. 
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    Due to a couple of events and the last day for "Bring a Friend Free" the park was crazy busy. 
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    Praise on the Mountain and Fright Fest ... a match made in, well, somewhere. 
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    A few years ago, SFMM didn't really do events for Fright Fest. The first kind of "media" event they did was a few years ago (2011) when my son and I got walked through the then all new Aftermath with a member of their PR department (this was back in the MiceChat days). 
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    Throwback to October 9, 2011

    In just a few short years, 2 has grown into 96 and we couldn't be more happy for the attention this event is getting. 
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    They've figured out how to pack their event with Theme Park Bloggers ... food!! =) 
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    Beware of Zombies ... 
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    Our first stop was the all new Suicide Squad scare zone 
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    The way the scare zone is set up is the actual "Suicide Squad" are set up more like photo ops and the "underlings" are the actual scarers. This actually works very well as you can see how popular the Joker is. This was essentially as close as we got. 
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    The sliders in this area are always amazing
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    There is some incredible projection mapping on the DC Universe facade. We will be going back to Fright Fest on a slightly less busy night and will get video of the amazing effects. 
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    Be sure to check out the slideshow below for more pictures of this awesome scare zone
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    Next up was the awesome Aftermath 2 which we got a tour of last week. Be sure to check out that update if you missed it. 
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    Full walk through of Aftermath 
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    Two guesses who took these amazing pictures (hint, it was Matt) 
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    Magic Mountain was totally amazing with the media providing some escorts so we could take pictures and video in all the mazes and walking us through all of the amazing scare zones. 
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    Nightmares A Twisted Fantasy is always one of our favorite scare zones
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    The always great Demons Door has received some new effects this year 
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    Last year the amazing Terrortory Twisted debuted at Fright Fest and this year it once again doesn't disappoint. All the fog in this area drifts over to Scream and Twisted Colossus which provides some nice effects for both those rides. 
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    Reds Revenge which debuted a few years ago continues to improve every year and this year was no exception. 
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    Have to admit, the first few years of Vault 666 were "fun", but it was kind of overshadowed by Reds which debuted the same year. This year, there was easily double the talent of previous years and the maze was AWESOME. 
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    Be sure to check out our awesome video of this great maze 
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    Toyz of Terror 3D is amazing and one of the few remaining 3D mazes 
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    Hiding behind the short bus 
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    Thanks again to Magic Mountain for an amazing night at Fright Fest. We'll definitely be back this year and stay tuned for a potential surprise in a few weeks. 
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    For MUCH more amazing pictures of Fright Fest be sure to check out the slideshow below
    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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    Opening night at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

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    Last Friday was the grand kick-off of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood and we were there to experience the entire event and to get some great pics and video for you all to enjoy. 
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    Overall this is definitely one of the stronger years for Halloween Horror Nights and we've also included our maze and experience rankings below.

    Keep in mind our rankings (as with anybody's rankings) are purely subjective and only reflect our personal experience. Enjoy! 
    Pictures, Video and Written by Gregg Condon
    Additional Pictures by Richard M Johnson
    Welcome to Halloween Horror Nights (look closely and you may spot a celebrity) 
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    Overflow queue for The Walking Dead that they didn't need opening weekend. Will be interesting to see if this is still here this weekend. 
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    Our full walk-through and 360° video of The Walking Dead from the opening earlier this year. 

    We had heard from multiple people that there would be more talent in TWD than there is during the day, we didn't notice any additional people from normal park hours, and we did the walk-through twice. 
    Fire good 
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    If you read our Survival Guide you'll know that you should start your night on the backlot mazes. 
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    Mmmm ... Fog. 
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    This year there is no tram to the backlot mazes which means 3 mazes down there instead of 2. It's not a bad walk at all. 
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    Purge Tunnel 
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    Note to the girl in front of us ... after stopping and asking the 20th actor to take a picture with you and they don't, it's time to just give it up. =) 
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    Which leads into a Purge scarezone 
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    Video of the Purge tunnel, scarezone and Gauntlet of Fear (more on that below) 
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    Our first maze of the night was Krampus and it didn't disappoint at all. 

    The movie is a LOT of fun and the maze is as well. Since the movie was made by Mike Dougherty (who made the classic Trick R Treat) hopefully that means we'll get that maze one of these years. 
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    Full walkthrough of the Krampus maze. 
    Beautiful tribute to the late Wes Craven 
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    Really loved the setting of Freddy vs Jason but we got stopped for about 4 minutes in one spot so decided not to post the video.

    Overall the crowd control was much better at HHN this year than previous years, this was the only maze we got stopped for a long time (other than Terror Tram ... more on that below)
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    Next up was American Horror Story. Now I'll freely admit that neither one of us were familiar with the show. I've tried getting into the show multiple times but somehow just haven't been able to. 

    ​That being said, we both enjoyed the maze much more than we thought we would. 

    Will add that as a non-fan, if the entire maze would have just been the "Freak Show" season we may have enjoyed it much more. That section was a lot of fun. 
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    Below is our full walkthrough of American Horror Story. 
    Those who know me know that the original Halloween maze back in 2009 is one of my favorite mazes ever, not just at Halloween Horror Nights, but at any event. It wasn't just based on a single movie but had lots of great stuff from multiple films. 

    Last year Michael Myers came back and it was just based on the original Halloween. And it was AMAZING. There were some liberties taken with the ending of the maze which was totally fine because it worked. 

    ​Fast forward to this year, and Michael Myers is back again, but this time the maze is based on Halloween 2. There are so many touches from the movie here and it's amazing. But again, there are some liberties taken with the last 1/4 of the maze and it simply WORKS. And works well. 
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    Below is our full walk through of Halloween ... maybe next year we'll get a Halloween 3 maze? (Guessing the fans of that one would be very small, but we'd love it)
    Our last maze on the lower lot was The Exorcist. 

    Now, I've been doing Halloween events for close to 30 years. My first memory of doing an event was at the old "Factory of Nightmares" that used to be at Devonshire Downs in the San Fernando Valley (aging myself here). So it takes a LOT for me to get scared in a maze. 
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    When I was about 10 I remember watching The Exorcist at a friends house, and I remember it scaring the crap out of me. So that certainly could have contributed to my anticipation/the amount of times I got freaked out in this maze. 
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    Safe to say, this was the most I've ever screamed in any maze ever. We decided not to edit this at all so you can enjoy all the screams that we got in this amazing maze. This was definitely our favorite of the night. 
    Next up was the Terror Tram. Because they hadn't tried to shoehorn an existing franchise into the area we were very much looking forward to it. 
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    A look down at the backlot mazes and Purge scare zone 
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    Some great talent as you head down the escalator 
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    As you head down to the Bates Motel you are treated to an amazing introductory video that sets up the story for you. And it's absolutely fabulous. 

    As you reach Whoville the theme starts to take shape and the first part of Terror Tram was pretty amazing. 
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    Unfortunately once you reach the Psycho house the amazing set up is forgotten due to some small area's where you are herded through the rest of the area like cattle. 

    We love the idea of having walk-through maze parts of the Terror Tram but the bottleneck here is so severe that it makes it hard to get scared through the entire 2nd half of the experience. 
    Overall, this is EASILY the best "theme" for Terror Tram ever, unfortunately the execution is a bit lacking in a few parts. Let's hope they figure out the crowd control and bottleneck issues before this weekend. Because we'd love to see it be successful. 

    Be sure to check out some great pictures below of the Terror Tram 
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    The Deer are the scariest part 
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    We didn't get a chance to check out Jabawockeez this year, but our good friend Richard did so be sure to check out the amazing pics below. 
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    Photos: Richard M. Johnson
    Note: The Purge isn't scary ... 

    That being said, the Gauntlet of Fear was probably one of the more pleasant surprises of the event. Again, not scary, but a great utilization of the area and something that they should definitely keep in mind for future years and different actual scary themes. 
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    Be sure to check out our slideshow of The Purge Gauntlet of Fear 
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Obvious movie cross promotion ... 
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    The entire park scare zone had one theme this year, and was all The Purge. Nothing really different here than previous years, lots of Chainsaws and fire and girls ... not like those are bad things AT ALL. 

    ​But it would be nice if The Purge would get purged next year. We love the original scare zones they've had in years past and would love for those to come back. 

    Some more awesome pictures of The Purge scare zone on the upper lot 
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Photo: Richard M. Johnson
    Our last maze of the night was Texas Chainsaw Massacre which was located near Waterworld. 

    I'm not the biggest fan of TX Chainsaw Massacre but it was a decent maze. This one did suffer from "repeated scares syndrome". Hallway, Room, Chainsaw, Hallway, Room, Chainsaw ... but it's TX Chainsaw Massacre so ... 
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    Overall we had an amazing night at Halloween Horror Nights. The good definitely outweighs the "ok" (there is nothing really BAD this year) and are hoping we hear about some of the crowd control issues in Terror Tram being addressed soon. Because we really did love the theme of it. 
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    Below are our maze rankings 
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    #1 - Will admit that this maze greatly depends on "timing" and we hit ALL of it. Hands down the most "scares" I've ever had in a maze.

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    #4 - Despite not knowing the show this maze was really fun. If this was the "Freak Show" Season only it might have moved this up to #3.

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    #6 - Didn't notice any extra monsters but still fun and worth going through if you don't have a USH AP.

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    #8 - Despite "standing in one spot for 5 minutes" the maze was great. This maze is potentially great but we can only judge on our own experience.

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    #2 - If possible this version is even better than last year, and pumpkin spice brain is awesome

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    #3 - A fun fun movie makes a fun fun maze. Definitely not to be missed.

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    #5 - The best theme Terror Tram has EVER had. Addressing crowd control issues for 2nd half might move this up to #4.

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    #7 - Truly the one pleasant surprise of the night. While not "scary" we had a lot of fun in the "Gauntlet of Fear"

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    #9 - Not bad by any stretch, and it was opening weekend, but with so much good stuff, something had to be at the bottom.

    We want to thank Universal Studios for having us out to enjoy the event, we can't wait to hopefully get back towards the end of the season for another go-round. 

    Did you experience HHN over the weekend? Be sure to share your thoughts below. 
    ​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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    Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

    Halloween Horror Nights Universal Orlando Universal Studios Florida
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    It's finally here!!! Well actually, it feels like it came on faster than ever, but it's here!!! Halloween Season, where over the next month in a half we get to bring you all of the scary stuff we all love so much. 

    So what better way to kick off the season than with Renée at HHN 26 in Orlando. 
    ​Written by Renée Girard 
    ​Click any of the pictures below for a larger version
    Tonight we're checking out this year's Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort 
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    Airport style metal detectors are now at the entrance to CityWalk 
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    ​Crowds for #HHN26 are huge! Get here early. We're finally almost in!
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    Our first house of the night at #HHN26 is Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
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    The scare actors have lots of fun with guests entering the park
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    Academy of Villains: House of Fear is a stage show 4 times nightly
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    ​We are about to enter Tomb of the Ancients
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    There is no shortage of bars
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    Ready for a viewing of the #HHN26 signature show, Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure!
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    ​Love this shot every year
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    Wandering through some of the scare zones at #HHN26 . Vamp 55 is pretty cool. ​
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    Have we been naughty or nice? Let's find out in the Krampus house
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    The specialty merchandise store at #HHN26 offers lots of souvenirs as well as characters from their houses
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    You can get some cool photo ops in the #HHN26 store too
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    Really like the theme of the Dead Man's Wharf scare zone
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    Let's see what Michael Myers has in store for us in Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield
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    Definitely got some good scares in the Halloween house!
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    A Chance in Hell scare zone has some fun scenes set up
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    Survive or Die Apocalypse scare zone is very interactive! ​
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    Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch was really well done and one of our favorites!
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    Due to lack of time and exhaustion we're missing these 3 houses at #HHN26 but we've heard good things!
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    Time for our final house of the night, and the one we're most looking forward to, American Horror Story
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    They seemed to be prepared for long queues at the American Horror Story house
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    Our favorite house of the night was American Horror Story. If you're a fan of the show, you'll love it!
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    We had a blast at #HHN26 tonight! One of the best I've seen in years. Goodnight! ​
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    Legoland CA reveals plans for 2017 and beyond 

    2017 Attractions Legoland California Star Wars Star Wars Mini Land
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    LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA REVEALS MAJOR ADDITIONS FOR 2017 AND BEYOND!
    CARLSBAD, Calif. (September 15, 2016) – As 2016 finishes its last few months, LEGOLAND® California Resort’s General Manager Peter Ronchetti announced at today’s press conference that big plans are already in action for 2017 including: new LEGO®NINJAGO™ rooms at LEGOLAND® Hotel; an expansion at LEGOLAND® Water Park and a new addition to LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland!
     
    A familiar droid joined Ronchetti in announcing a new addition that’s sure to bring out the Force in all of the Resort’s guests in 2017: LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display.
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    "Right now, at our secret Model Shop in Carlsbad, Master Model Designer Nik Ehm of our Merlin’s Magic Making team is working on creating six scenes that represent the first 30 minutes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” said Ronchetti. “There are two primary focal points – the more traditional character-driven scenes on the planet of Jakku, and an enormous LEGO® model of the Star Destroyer Finalizer. At 16-feet long, it will be the longest LEGO Star Wars Miniland model ever created!”
     
    LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display will be in the center of LEGOStar Wars Miniland and will include these scenes: Kylo Ren’s capture of Poe at planet Jakku; Rey’s rescue of BB-8; Poe and Finn’s escape from the Star Destroyer Finalizer; The wreck of Finn and Poe’s TIE Fighter; Rey, Finn and BB-8’s escape from Niima Outpost; and the escape from the Starship Graveyard. Lights, sound effects and animation will further bring the scenes and characters to life from this blockbuster film.
     
    The new LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display opens to the public in March 2017 just in time for spring break and will kick off the fan-favorite LEGO® Star Wars™ Days on March 4 and 5 in 2017.  
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    A giant wave took center stage as LEGOLAND surfers announced little guests can ride their first wave in Surfer’s Bay opening in time for summer 2017! This competitive water raceway is designed for children to compete against each other by jumping on a mat and racing down one of six water slides in this California beach themed expansion of LEGOLAND Water Park. Surfer’s Bay includes a new “spray ground” with multiple water jets splashing on and off and plenty of new LEGO models to create a fun place to cool off next summer.
     
    “Surfer’s Bay is a winning combination of LEGO theming, water and, of course, healthy competition to inspire our guests,” said Ronchetti. “ We’re truly providing guests a family environment filled with fun, interactive experiences that create lasting memories!”
    ​Also opening in 2017: LEGO® NINJAGO™ rooms at LEGOLAND Hotel! Immersing hotel guests in the popular LEGO NINJAGO universe, they will be able to sleep in the company of Cole, Nya, Kai and Lloyd and other cool LEGO ninjas throughout 18 premium themed rooms and two premium themed suites. The NINJAGO rooms are replacing kingdom themed rooms in preparation of the new LEGO Castle themed hotel opening in 2018. Ronchetti presented a first look of the new premium themed 250-room hotel at the press conference revealing the entrance and pool area . The ground breaking is expected in early 2017 and the new hotel will feature a new restaurant, pool area and themed Castle décor throughout.  
     
    “At LEGOLAND California Resort, we pride ourselves in innovation, creativity and memorable experiences for our millions of guests we see each year and 2017 continues that tradition,” said Ronchetti. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens set records as the top-grossing film nationally of all time and we’re excited to bring it to life here in our popular LEGO Star Wars Miniland!” said Ronchetti.
     
    The LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. For ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).
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