Online voters said “Bon appetite” and selected “Mask-a-Raid,” a Scare Zone concept based on a hoard of blood thirsty cannibals masquerading as French aristocrats, in the first-ever Universal Studios Hollywood “Halloween Horror Nights” Choose Your Scare online voting competition. The winning Scare Zone concept will materialize in disturbingly real detail at the terrifyingly popular event in Fall 2014.

“We are always listening closely to what our fans want, but this was the first time ever that we actually went out and put the power completely in their hands to determine part of ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ content,” said John Murdy, Creative Director, Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “The avalanche of votes we received confirmed our fans’ desire to be part of the process, and we are happy to give them exactly what they want.”

The new Scare Zone, staged in the theme park’s French Street location, will transport guests to a time when masquerade balls were a staple of the social calendar in pre-Revolutionary War France. However, visitors will soon learn that behind the elaborate, jeweled masks of powdered and perfumed party-goers are members of a blood-thirsty cannibal cult.

In addition to the new Scare Zone, and after rave reviews from fans, Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Halloween Horror Nights” is bringing back AMC’s “The Walking Dead” for an unprecedented third consecutive year. A terrifying maze – “Walking Dead: End of the Line” – and “Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead” will be inspired by Season 4 of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television.

This year’s bone-chilling maze will place guests at the heart of a harrowing journey to seek sanctuary at Terminus, an elusive destination that promises community for all. Meanwhile, “Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead” will send guests on the road to Terminus, interspersed with landmarks and walkers from Season 4, including the “burned moonshine cabin,” “charred walkers” and “mud walkers.”

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Out in front of the park you are greeted with the Six Flags bag checks, no surprise here. I felt the bag check went pretty well at the park and I didn't have any issues with the new biometric scanners. 

Upon entering the park the inside reminded me a little bit of Six Flags Over Georgia's entrance, but instead of a "main street" it was just a wall of shops. 

Like some other parks, Hurricane Harbor has an entrance directly from inside the park. I wish Magic Mtn. would reopen the entrance directly between the two parks. As somebody who likes to park-hop between the parks it'd be nice. 

A couple of Hurricane Harbor shots provided by the park. 

Heading into the park, I thought the front area with all of the shops was really well done. 

Where have I seen this before? =)

After checking out the shops I headed directly for the Flash Pass office. I'll admit, I couldn't find it at first and had to ask an employee where it was. 
But seriously, I LOVE the Flash Pass. if you only have a few hours to visit a park or it's going to be a long time between visits I couldn't recommend one more. I think the only Six Flags park I haven't used the Flash Pass at is SFMM (because it's my local park). 
I know there is a lot of controversy about these passes as "Cutting the line" devices but the way I look at it is that it gave me more time to enjoy the park and ride some things multiple times vs. waiting in line. 

Let's head into the park a bit and figure out how many times I got turned around and lost (a lot). 

Any park that has an awesome train is great in my book. 

Ferris Wheel ... I didn't get a chance to ride it on my visit, but I certainly took note to do so next time. Maybe I could have navigated the park a little better if I had. =)

I headed first to Mr. Freeze Reverse Blast. 

I had ridden the one in Texas about 10 years ago, but it was a very different experience backwards. Really packed a punch and just proves how good Premier Coasters are. 

Thunder River looked like a great rapids ride, but I didn't get a chance to ride. Again, next time!! 

Sorry for the water spot, got a little bit of rain. 

I thought it was kind of odd that Batman: The Ride and Mr. Freeze are pretty much at opposite ends of the park, but they did put some Justice League stuff near Mr. Freeze so I guess that's ok. 

Although right next door is Scooby Doo, not sure if the Scooby gang is in the Justice League or not. =)

JB's BBQ is here too!! 

Pandemonium, a lot of fun, seemed to be a slightly different layout than the one that was at SFDK. I'm pretty sure it's a clone though. Probably just because it wasn't at the edge of the park. 

This was also when I first encountered the parks locker policy. Unlike other parks in the chain, the "Locker Policy" is STRICTLY enforced in St. Louis. I don't personally have a problem with the policy, but because I had a Flash Pass I didn't see many of the signs and missed the lockers on a few rides. 

Pandemonium in action. 

The Boss was a coaster I hadn't heard much about, but I absolutely LOVED it. Other than Mr. Freeze I think it was my favorite coaster in the park. I rode it in the Front, Back and Middle and it delivered a great ride each time. 

This was also the ride where I experienced the worst of the Locker Policy on. The queue/exit line is VERY long yet when I got to the station I was told that I had to put my camera bag in a locker, at the front. Being that the Fast Pass line is through the exit, I missed the locker sign. 
I've ridden with my camera bag on a LOT of coasters, LOTS. I was told that I had to tie the bag around my waist in order to ride, which seemed odd since that is where the restraint goes. 
I did end up purchasing the all-day locker pass for future rides, but I really wish the park would have more signs for the policy. More kiosks are also needed as many rides only had 1 and those ended up being the longest lines I waited in all day. 

Obligatory park Carousel shot. 

Walked through the parks Bugs Bunny World on my way to Screamin' Eagle and thought it was very well done. I didn't get too many pictures because I always feel weird taking pictures of kid's area's when I'm solo and don't have my kids. 

Screamin' Eagle was a lot of fun but was the only coaster I saw that didn't have Flash Pass (or I didn't see the entrance for it). Luckily the line wasn't too bad. Not sure why this one didn't have Flash pass. 

Boomerang ... luckily I had the credit from SFOT so I didn't need to ride. The paint job looks great and I remember not hating this one when I rode it in 2004. Lol

Aww, Moose Burger. =(

Heading over towards Batman, the Joker's ride is a dragon swing. 

I didn't notice until I rode Batman that it's a mirrored image of the one at SFMM. 

Ninja was pretty much a credit ride, not terrible. 

I thought the theater facade looked really nice. Overall, I felt the themeing in the park and the parks cleanliness was good. 

American Thunder, kind of a miss, but you can see where it has potential. 

Always a fan of Log Flume's, this one is quite unique in that it has two sides and four loading stations. The side I rode seemed like it was about 5 seconds long. LOL. 

Overall, I thought the park was fun, it has a great collection of coasters and flat rides and was themed well for an amusement park. Despite a confusing layout and the strict locker policy I had a really great time. 

Below is some information on the newest addition for 2014, the Tsunami Soaker. Below are some of our pictures and some from the park as well as the press release for the ride. 

The ride was a heck of a lot of fun, highly interactive without being annoying. I was actually surprised at how much the water rose and that the boats actually float. Very clever. Would LOVE to see this come to some other parks next year. 

Below are some pictures from the park as well as some B-Roll footage. 

Some great B-Roll footage provided by the park. 

EUREKA, MO — May 22, 2014 / PRNewswire / — The newest family thrill at Six Flags St. Louis, Tsunami Soaker, spun into action today. This spinning, spraying water adventure is the first of its kind in the park, bringing yet another unique experience to the Coaster Capital of Missouri. Guests aboard Tsunami Soaker will engage in a water battle of epic proportions while twisting and churning ‘round and ‘round.“Tsunami Soaker is the perfect complement to our lineup of thrills,” said Dave Roemer, Six Flags St. Louis park president. “Guests of all ages are going to have a blast on this ride spraying fellow riders and being sprayed. Adding to the fun, bystanders can arm themselves with water cannons from the sidelines and squirt riders as they go by. This really is an interactive experience for everyone!”

The floor of Tsunami Soaker spins in a clockwise direction, while nine boats individually rotate with a total of 54 riders equipped with giant water cannons launch streams of water at other boats and bystanders. The main floor of the ride disappears into the water once riders have been seated. As the floor descends, water fills and boats will actually float as they rotate.

On hand today for the preview of Tsunami Soaker was Olympic Swimmer David Tarwater. Tarwater grew up in Knoxville, TN and won a Gold Medal in the 2012 London Games for the 800m Free Relay and holds titles in many World Championship and U.S. National competitions.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation:
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 53 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

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We'll start off our report with a very detailed look at the exterior of the Mine Ride. 

The new rock work goes all the way around the mine. 

A look at one of the trains, beautifully renovated. 

Kaboom 

One of the trains going through the mine

Only open a few days, already some gold in the water. 

The ride features new air gates, they don't interfere with capacity or themeing at all.

Looking down at Ghost Town from the mine

We got to ride with Bill Reyes, who re-created the fantastic music inside the mine. It was truly a treat to ride with him and his family as it was their first time through the mine. 
Hopefully we'll have more from Bill soon. Stay Tuned!!! 

My review of the updated Calico Mine Ride: 
Truly amazing in every way. From the outside to the inside everything is fantastic. I was a bit worried about the new animated spiels, but they actually add to the ride and we were able to hear two of the three spiels. Looking forward to hearing the 3rd one on our next visit. 
The new finale is simply fantastic and your family will absolutely love it. 

The other new addition for 2014 are the Camp Snoopy enhancements for the 30th anniversary. This isn't just about the 3 new rides (although they are great) but the entire land has been redone and it looks amazing. Although my kids are no longer in the target Camp Snoopy age group, we had a great time exploring the land. 

All of the walkways in Camp Snoopy have also been redone

Every single ride side in Camp Snoopy has a new hand-painted sign and they look great!! 

Pig Pen's  Mud Buggies ... we had a blast on this!! 

Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer

Linus Launcher

We also took a ride on the updated Grand Sierra Railroad and we all loved it. The new spiel and Peanuts Characters really bring this ride back. 

Loved this tribute ... 

A look at some of the other great work that has been done in the area. There's lots to see. 

Chuck just rockin' out. 

I was tempted, but didn't want to be "that guy". =)

Really nice seating area. The new fresh fruit truck was added on Sunday (or we didn't see it on Saturday) and this looks like a really nice area to sit and have a snack. 

Grizzly Creek Lodge also received an extensive remodel. 

Looks great

Lastly, the clock has been rehabbed. Looks great. 

During Media Day, Knott's President Raffi Kaprelyan mentioned that a new Interactive Dark Ride is going to be coming to the Boardwalk in 2015. Other than the Boardwalk Ballroom (which is used a lot during the year) the logical place to put the ride is in the former location of Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. 

If the ride is going in this area and will have a Boardwalk theme would the Boardwalk area be extended to this area of the park? 

We'll have to see what is announced in the next few months. 

That's going to wrap it up for this update, we hope you enjoyed this look at the new Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy. If you have any comments please share them below!! 

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WHAT: Universal Studios Hollywood hosts the 2014 TRANSFORMERS FAN EXPERIENCE

When: Friday, June 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 | Phone: (800) 864- 8377

Cost:    $75, includes admission to all rides and attractions, in addition to the breakthrough thrill ride, “Transformers: The Ride—3D,” as well as after-hours access from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Tickets and more information: https://ushtix.com/Transformers |www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

The TRANSFORMERS Fan Experience to include:

• Exclusive after-hours access to Universal Studios Hollywood’s award-winning thrill ride, “Transformers: The Ride—3D”
  
• Panel and interactive workshops led by Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS brand team, including new inductions into the TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame
  
• Photo opportunities with popular TRANSFORMERS characters – Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee
  
• Musician Stan Bush (TRANSFORMERS: The Movie) live in concert
  
• Props from TRANSFORMERS: Age of Extinction, including the Optimus Prime movie vehicle from the new film
  
• Commemorative event lanyard, free limited edition memorabilia poster (while supplies last) and 10% off select merchandise
  

WHAT: “BotCon” 2014 TRANSFORMERS COLLECTORS CONVENTION – Pasadena Convention Center

When: Saturday, June 21, 2014 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 22, 2014 – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Pasadena Convention Center | 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California 91101

Cost:    Adults: $20; Children 5-12: $10; Children 4 and under: Free

Early Bird admittance is available for $60 on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Parking is available at the Paseo Colorado shopping center for a daily rate of $9

Tickets: Available on site. For more information: www.BotCon.com |questions@BotCon.com

The annual TRANSFORMERS Collectors’ Convention to include:

• Autograph session with TRANSFORMERS voice actors and special guests
  
• Opportunity to buy, sell or trade TRANSFORMERS merchandise from throughout the franchise’s 30-year history with hundreds of dealers
  
• Enthusiastic fans decked out in unique, homemade TRANSFORMERS costumes
  
• TRANSFORMERS Fan Film Extravaganza and TRANSFORMERS Custom Toy Contest and art contests as BotCon showcases the creativity of the fan community

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The 30 years of Camp Snoopy sign ... as well as a plethora of awesome coasters in the background. 

The event kicked off in Camp Snoopy where the Peanuts Gang welcomed us to the all new land!! 

Matt's review of the new Camp Snoopy: 
Camp Snoopy has been rejuvenated beautifully- it feels a lot more like I remember it when I was 9 and it was shiny and new. Kids and parents were having a blast on the new rides, and in the new 'park' area for the littlest ones, there's a nice gazebo and benches to relax a bit. 
It was amazing to see kids enjoying Camp Snoopy, much the way I did when it was new.

Let's take a look at the new Peanuts characters on the High Sierra RailRoad

We'll have lots more Camp Snoopy pictures for you soon, but in the meantime, here's a look at Linus' Launcher. 

Next, we'll move on over to the Calico Mine Ride, which has received an extensive rehab similar to what the Timber Mountain Log Ride received last year. 

Matt's Review: 
This has long been my favorite non-coaster attraction at Knott's. Yes, even though the wonderful Timber Mountain Log Ride is right across the way, I've always loved going into the dark old Mine Ride. When the Log Ride was lovingly redone last year, it gave many of us great hope that the Mine Ride would get a similiar treatment. I was shocked this morning to see for myself, that it actually got an even better redo than the Log Ride. THere's now a recorded spiel for the ride, actually a few different ones so there is some variety in that regard, and while I'm sure some purists will be upset at that, it allows the ride to have several miners in the ride speak up to the riders. The whole mine is just so alive now! 

The Mine Ride opening ceremony

Let's move inside the mine shall we ... 

As you can see, the ride looks more vibrant than ever. 

Inside the Glory Hole

The outside portion of the ride before the grand finale'. 

We hope to have some pictures and video of the finale' soon. 

Knott's also has a couple of shows for you to enjoy this summer. First up is Boomtown which is kind of a western Cirque show. 

Oooh La La ... 

And lastly, what would a summer be like without the Snoopy Ice Show? 

That's going to wrap it up for our Media Day coverage. We'll have MUCH more for you in the days ahead as we're headed back to Knott's tomorrow for the "official" re-opening of the Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy. 

We hope you enjoyed this update!!! Please Share!!!

Photo's by Matthew Nelson
Words by Gregg Condon

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